In Bloom and in Battle

by Privation

After an untimely death, a woman awakens in a world she knows only from manga and anime—Naruto. Reborn as Kimiko Yuhi, the younger sister of Kurenai, she must navigate her new life in the Hidden Leaf Village, grappling with the disorientation of infancy and the reality of a ninja's world.

26. Chapter 26: Third Exams (Naruto vs Neji)

A/N: Just to address a review.

1. Naruto is my favorite character.

2. No, Jiraiya insulting him isn't me 'laying it on thick' Jiraiya repeatedly called Naruto talentless in canon. And Naruto likely wouldn't care, not when he knows he's gotten that much stronger and he has a closer relationship with Kimiko and Sasuke. (Who, themselves, are not 'random genin')

3. Jiraiya 'didn't show any interest in training other genin save for Naruto' Well yes, because he never saw someone he wanted to train. And he never got the opportunity to see Sasuke. Do you think Jiraiya wouldn't jump at the chance to prevent Orochimaru from getting his hands on two people he marked and expressed an interest in, especially when one of them seems to actively want to avoid Orochimaru?

Chapter 26: Wildflower (Third Exams, Round 1: Uzumaki Naruto vs Hyuga Neji)

Kimiko sat in front of her vanity, her reflection staring back at her with startling clarity.

The polished surface of the table glinted faintly in the soft light, a delicate array of cosmetics spread neatly before her—pale pink powders, slender kohl pencils, and tiny pots of shimmering pigments. It was a ritual she had rarely indulged in recently. But today, for reasons she didn't entirely understand, she felt compelled to reconnect with a quieter, more feminine side of herself—perhaps as a small act of normalcy before the Chuunin Exams.

Maybe it was her mother's words that echoed faintly in her mind.You owe it not to anyone, but to yourself, to present yourself in the best light possible, especially on significant days where you'd be in the public eye.

The Chuunin Exams weren't just a test—they were an event, an opportunity to stand tall amidst peers and adversaries alike. And even knowing what she did about what would happen in this exam…

Yet even as her hands moved to uncork a pot of blush, a shadow of doubt lingered in her thoughts. Kimiko told herself the exams would not even make it to completion. They would be interrupted midway, devolving into chaos and war.

If Sasuke—and inevitably Naruto—pursued Gaara to the outskirts, she knew she would likely follow. Would the precision of her eyeliner or the softness of her blush matter in such moments?

Despite her rationalizations, she remained seated. Her hands were steady as she picked up the brush, as though a part of her refused to let go of this small comfort, this connection to something simpler and more personal.

She tucked a loose strand of her black hair behind her ear and leaned closer to the mirror. Crimson-ringed eyes stared back, their depths shadowed by the violence and bloodshed she had seen—and thrived in. But there was a softness now, a fleeting vulnerability that surfaced only in these private moments. A faint smile curved her lips as she dipped the brush into the blush, swirling it lightly until its bristles were kissed with pale pink.

Kimiko swept the color across her cheekbones with deliberate precision. A soft warmth bloomed against her fair skin, and with it came a memory: sitting by her mother's side as a child, watching Kaori prepare for formal dinners and festivals. Her hands had been so graceful, so deliberate as they moved across her face. She remembered how Kaori had insisted on teaching her the same techniques, ensuring that mother and daughter mirrored each other at every event.

The memory brought a small, genuine smile to her lips.

She reached for the kohl pencil next, tilting her chin upward as she drew a fine line along her lashes. The black pigment accentuated the natural sharpness of her gaze, but she softened the edges with a faint smudge, blending it into something elegant rather than severe. Turning her face slightly, she caught the play of light on her features, the lamp casting a soft glow across her skin.

"Not bad," she murmured to herself, a touch of pride in her voice. For just a moment, she allowed herself to admire the transformation.

Her attention shifted to a tiny jar of tinted balm. She uncapped it, dabbing a fingertip into the rosy tint before applying it to her lips. The color was subtle, natural—just enough to add life without being ostentatious. She blended it until the effect was effortless, the way her mother had taught her.

"...Kimiko?" a voice interrupted gently from behind.

She turned to see Kaori standing in the doorway, a bundle of shinobi attire folded neatly in her arms. Her mother's expression was unreadable, a mixture of surprise and something else Kimiko couldn't quite place.

"Oh, Mother," Kimiko greeted with a smile, gesturing for her to enter. "Forgive me. I was just… preparing for later. The Chuunin Exams."

"I see," Kaori replied, stepping into the room. Her gaze lingered on Kimiko, who had turned back to her vanity. She placed the bundle of clothing carefully on the bed but said nothing for a long moment.

After the silence stretched, Kaori spoke again, her voice quieter. "I didn't expect… that you still bothered with this."

Kimiko furrowed her brows, glancing at her mother's reflection in the mirror. "Why wouldn't I? You always told me that a woman's strength lies in her composure—and in how she wields her beauty against a world that seeks to diminish her because of it." She paused, her voice softening. "I could never forget your lessons in cosmetics. Or any of your other lessons."

Kaori's expression flickered with something close to pride. Without a word, she stepped forward, reaching for the ivory comb that sat overlooked on the vanity. Gently, she slid it through Kimiko's hair, the strokes deliberate and tender.

"…Your exams," Kaori said softly, her voice barely above a whisper as her fingers continued brushing through Kimiko's hair. "You're not in any sort of danger, right?"

Kimiko blinked, caught off guard by the question. She studied her mother's reflection in the mirror, her face lined with quiet concern. "Everything we do is a facet of danger," Kimiko replied carefully. "It's all meant to prepare us for what awaits outside the village."

She hesitated, her mind drifting to the storm she knew was coming.Not to mention that an attack on the village is imminent… and the counterattack will be fierce.

Kaori's hands faltered briefly before she resumed brushing. "Did you not just face death a month ago?" she asked quietly. "When that… Orochimaru assaulted your team? When you had to survive in that forest?"

Kimiko met her mother's eyes in the mirror, crimson reflecting amber. "Death is inevitable for a shinobi, Mother," she said softly but firmly. "The only way to avoid it is to grow strong enough that death always stays one step behind."

A silence fell between them, heavy yet familiar. Kaori sighed, gathering Kimiko's hair into a loose bun before letting it fall, the silky strands slipping through her fingers. She reached into a small box on the vanity, pulling out a delicate pin—a single red lotus flower—and slid it carefully into place at the side of Kimiko's hair.

"You should wear your hair loose," Kaori murmured, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "It's one of your best features. And I see you've kept it washed and smooth, even with all your training."

Kimiko offered a faint smile at the compliment, but Kaori's next words brought a shadow to her expression.

"I can never understand your way of life," Kaori said, her tone heavy with resignation. "Nor your sister's. Nor your father's. I've always feared for your lives, but you most of all. It feels like you keep throwing yourself to the wolves in this endless attempt to grow stronger—no matter how painful it is for you, or for us."

Kimiko's frown deepened as she looked at her mother. Kaori's gaze, however, remained fixed on the mirror, studying Kimiko's reflection with quiet intensity.

She really did look like her mother.

"…But," Kaori began again, her voice softening, "I see you. I see your friends. I hear the way people speak of you—not just for your beauty, but for your strength. And then I look at your face, this face which I love so much, and…" She trailed off, shaking her head before leaning forward to rest a hand over Kimiko's.

"I may not be able to understand it, but… I understand why you feel you need to do this," Kaori said, her voice steady now. "And I will do my best to support you."

Kimiko blinked, momentarily dumbfounded. She had always known her mother disapproved of their lives—especially hers and her sister's. Growing up in the capital, where traditions were slower to evolve, women weren't expected to take up arms. In Konoha, however, such conventions mattered little. As long as someone was willing, they could take the field. Shinobi were warriors above all else, and survival left no room for outdated notions of gender roles. This also meant that daughters were just as ready to face war and death as sons were.

"Thank you," Kimiko said slowly, a faint smile curving her lips. "It means a lot, Mother… to know you're willing to support me, even in pursuing something I know frightens you so."

Her words hung in the air, and Kaori gave her daughter a small, bittersweet smile. Before either could say more, a soft knock interrupted the quiet moment.

"Kimiko-chan? Are you in there?" Naruto's voice called from the other side, loud and unmistakably familiar.

Kimiko stifled a laugh, shaking her head. Of course, peace could only last so long. Rising from her seat, she cast one last glance at her reflection before turning toward the door. "Coming! I'm still getting dressed!" she called back, her tone light.

Her mother's smile grew as she moved toward the door. "Naruto-kun didn't get any sleep last night. He's either very excited or very nervous for today," Kaori remarked, her voice tinged with amusement.

Kimiko hadn't been surprised when her mother insisted Naruto stay with them for the night, though it had caught her off guard at first. Kaori wasn't typically one to embrace shinobi life, let alone take in someone like Naruto. Yet, she didn't complain—far from it.

Kaori reached for the door. "I'll usher him over to have breakfast. Go ahead and finish getting ready."

Kimiko smiled, bowing her head slightly. "Thank you so much, Mothe—Mom." She paused on the word, savoring its simplicity, her gaze meeting Kaori's. "And…"

For a moment, her thoughts wandered. Images of the impending chaos of the Chuunin Exams flashed through her mind—the Konoha Crush. She knew her sister and father wouldn't let anything happen to their mother. Kaori would be ushered into the underground bunkers with the other civilians. But still, the thought of her being in danger lingered in the back of Kimiko's mind, gnawing softly at her resolve.

"I love you, Mom," Kimiko said, her voice soft but firm.

Kaori's eyes widened briefly before her expression softened into something warm and tender. She stepped closer, resting a hand gently on Kimiko's cheek. "And I love you, Kimiko," she said, her voice filled with quiet conviction. "More than you'll ever know."

With that, Kaori slipped out of the room, leaving Kimiko to her thoughts and her preparations for the day ahead.

---

Konoha seemed to have transformed overnight. The influx of visitors and tourists pouring into the village for the Third Exam Tournament had turned it into a bustling, vibrant hub. Stalls lined the streets, their merchants eagerly hawking wares to the throngs of outsiders, many of whom had never set foot in a shinobi village before. The festive energy was palpable, almost suffocating, as people jostled through the streets, some chattering excitedly about their bets on the matches, others marveling at the sights.

Carabaos pulled palanquins bearing noblemen along the cobbled roads, their richly adorned carriages an odd contrast to the more humble vendors yelling out their offers. Children darted between the crowds, laughing, while street performers juggled or played music to draw attention—and coin.

Amid the chaos, Kimiko and Naruto walked side by side. The streets were alive with color and noise, but Naruto didn't seem to notice. He clutched the straps of his backpack tightly, his head bowed, gaze fixed on the ground as if it held answers to some invisible problem.

"You okay?" Kimiko asked, her eyes flicking toward him as she tilted her head. Her voice was casual, but her tone carried a quiet concern.

It took Naruto a moment to respond. He blinked, as though snapping out of a daze, and looked up at her. "Huh? Uh… yeah!" he said quickly, flashing her a smile—but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Kimiko frowned slightly. She had a feeling she knew what was bothering him. The weight of the upcoming matches was likely pressing hard on him. Facing Neji in the first round was no small challenge. Neji Hyuga—the prodigious genius of the Hyyga clan, one of the strongest genin the Leaf ever produced, and probably the most talented shinobi to have come from the Hyuga Clan.

And then there was Hinata. Naruto had grown closer to her recently, far quicker than Kimiko remembered from the anime. Watching Neji brutalize Hinata during the preliminaries had struck a nerve in him, one that was still raw. The thought of not being able to keep his word to avenge her—it would have been eating at him. Kimiko understood that kind of pressure all too well.

She stopped abruptly, reaching out to place a hand on his shoulder. Her grip was firm but comforting as she gave it a gentle squeeze. "Alright, something's bothering you," she said, her tone leaving no room for denial. "Do you want to go somewhere quieter? Clear your head? Crowded places like this can be overwhelming." She glanced around at the bustling streets. "We've still got an hour or two before our call time."

Naruto hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line as he seemed to genuinely consider her offer. "...Yeah, if you think it's okay. Do you think we can… maybe go back to the place where we first became genin?"

Kimiko tilted her head slightly. "The training grounds?"

Naruto nodded, his gaze softening just a fraction. "Yeah. I just… want a chance to breathe. Clear my head before the fight."

Kimiko nodded in understanding, angling her head to catch his gaze. With a small smile, she reached out to gently tilt his chin up. "Keep your chin up," she said, her voice calm but encouraging. "And yes, let's go."

Naruto blinked, startled by the gesture, before giving a small, genuine smile. "Thanks, Kimiko-chan."

The journey to the training grounds took them across the rooftops, the brisk wind tousling their hair as they leapt from building to building. From their elevated vantage point, Kimiko couldn't help but notice the hundreds of Konoha shinobi stationed at strategic points—rooftops, alleys, and key chokepoints throughout the village. Their presence was subtle but deliberate.

Kimiko already knew what it was: a calculated measure disguised as traffic control for the festival. These positions weren't just for managing crowds—they were likely part of Konoha's plan to evacuate the civilians once Konoha Crush was triggered by Orochimaru. Once the fighting started, these shinobi would direct civilians into safehouses under the pretense of orderly retreat. The thought lingered in her mind as she landed gracefully on the edge of a roof, her gaze flicking briefly to the distant Hokage monument.

Smart move,she thought.Prepared for both the festival and the disaster—whichever comes first.

Finally, they reached the last rooftop before the training grounds. Kimiko and Naruto leapt down together, landing lightly on the worn dirt road that led into the familiar clearing. The path ahead was quiet, the atmosphere distinctly different from the bustling streets they had just left. As they walked, Kimiko felt a familiar presence nearby—one she hadn't expected to sense here. Her eyes narrowed slightly, scanning the training grounds until she saw her.

Hinata.

Her best friend stood with her back to them, facing one of the wooden training poles that dotted the area. Her posture was relaxed yet focused, her hands resting at her sides as if lost in thought.

"Hinata-chan?" Naruto's voice was uncharacteristically gentle as he rushed past Kimiko, his steps kicking up faint trails of dust.

Hinata startled at the sound, spinning around quickly. The moment her pale eyes landed on Naruto, she froze. For a second, it seemed she might dart behind the training pole for cover, but her gaze shifted to Kimiko, and her presence alone seemed to still her. Instead, Hinata planted her feet, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks.

"H-Hi, Naruto-kun," she murmured shyly.

Kimiko approached with a warm smile, wrapping both arms around Hinata in a soft embrace and pressing a kiss to her cheek. The gesture, once something that would have left Hinata sputtering, now drew only a small blush as she hugged Kimiko back briefly before stepping away.

"Hina-chan," Kimiko greeted warmly before tilting her head slightly. "What are you doing here?"

Hinata's gaze shifted between them. "Oh. I was just…waiting for Kiba," She paused. "W-What are you two doing here, Kimiko-chan, Naruto-kun? The finals are today… right?"

Kimiko smirked, gesturing toward Naruto. "Ask him. It was his idea."

"Oh, it's just…" Naruto paused, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's nothing. I just felt like coming here, is all." His voice softened as he looked around the clearing. "This is actually the place where Kimiko-chan and I became genin, so…"

A nostalgic smile touched his lips as his gaze drifted upward to the sky. For a brief moment, his usual boisterousness was replaced by something quieter, more introspective.

"O-Oh," Hinata murmured, her blush deepening. "But… why are you here?"

Naruto shrugged, his hands buried in his pockets. "Oh, no real reason. It doesn't matter anyway." He hesitated, his gaze flicking to her for the briefest of moments before darting away. "But… I'm glad I got to see you, at least, Hinata-chan."

Kimiko's eyes didn't miss the slight blush creeping onto Naruto's face as he resolutely avoided meeting Hinata's gaze. Nor did she miss the way Hinata's cheeks turned an even darker shade of pink, her hands fidgeting nervously in front of her. The silent exchange between the two was almost too much to bear.

Kimiko pressed a hand to her painted lips, stifling the giggle threatening to escape. The two of them were so endearingly awkward that she couldn't help but find it amusing—and, in a way, heartwarming.

After a moment of quiet, Naruto broke the silence. "Say, Hinata-chan…" He glanced at her hesitantly. "Neji's your cousin, right?"

Hinata stiffened slightly, her gaze dropping to the ground. "Y-Yeah," she murmured, her voice tinged with pain, as though the memories of the preliminaries were still fresh.

Naruto's face fell as well, his usual energy dimmed. "...He really is strong, isn't he?"

Hinata nodded quietly, her pale eyes still fixed on the ground. "...Mhmm."

"Great," Naruto muttered, his shoulders sagging further.

Kimiko frowned, reaching over to ruffle his hair gently. "Hey, none of that, okay?" she said softly, her tone encouraging. But Naruto's expression didn't brighten.

"B-But," Hinata interjected suddenly, stepping forward despite the shyness in her movements, "I mean… you still might be able to win, Naruto-kun!"

Naruto turned to her, putting both hands behind his head in an exaggerated show of nonchalance. "Hahaha, yeah! I'm pretty strong too, after all!" he said, but the bravado fell flat. His tone wavered, and the fake smile he wore didn't quite hide the doubt in his eyes.

For a moment, the three of them stood in a pregnant silence.

To Kimiko's surprise, Hinata stepped forward again, looking up at Naruto despite the deep blush spreading across her face. "...I know you can win, Naruto," she said, her voice growing steadier with each word.

Naruto's blush deepened, but he didn't step back. "Huh?"

Hinata nodded, her gaze unwavering as she continued. "Remember? During the preliminaries, when you cheered for me… I felt like I could become stronger than I've ever been before. When the matches ended, I was finally able to like myself, even just a little."

Kimiko felt something stir in her chest, but she didn't interrupt. She tilted her head slightly, a small smile tugging at her lips as she watched Hinata glance down at Naruto's hands.

"To anyone else, it might look like nothing's changed about me. But I feel different—like I've become a better person," Hinata continued. She hesitated, her voice softening as she looked back up, meeting Naruto's eyes. "And… I think it's all thanks to you, Naruto."

Kimiko's smile grew, warm and knowing. She could have been jealous of Naruto for meaning that much to her best friend—if she didn't love both Naruto and Hinata in her own way. Instead, she allowed herself to bask in the quiet joy of watching this young love bloom.

Naruto's eyes widened, his gaze earnest as he looked down at Hinata. "...Hinata, do you really believe that's true?" he asked quietly, his voice raw.

Hinata tilted her head slightly, confusion flickering across her face as Naruto averted his eyes. "I… may look strong to you," Naruto said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And I have gotten stronger. But… all I ever do is mess things up."

The admission sent a pang through Kimiko's chest.Even in this timeline, where he's so much stronger than his canon counterpart,she thought,the seed of doubt still lingers in him.

Naruto's voice wavered as he continued. "I act tough because I'm so frustrated, but underneath it all, I just feel like I'm a huge failure."

Kimiko glanced away, her hand brushing against her painted lips as she tried to stop a tear from welling up. She didn't want to ruin her makeup, but the vulnerability in his words made her heart ache. "...Naruto," she murmured, frowning.

Before she could say more, Hinata stepped forward with sudden determination and grabbed both of Naruto's hands.

"That's not true!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling slightly but firm. "Even when you mess up, you're always… how can I say this…" She paused, her blush deepening as she glanced down at their joined hands. Naruto's face flushed as well, but he didn't pull away.

"A proud failure," Hinata said at last, her voice soft but certain. "From my point of view."

"Huh?" Naruto blinked, his hands still holding hers. Kimiko noticed the way his fingers subtly tightened around hers, almost as if seeking reassurance.

"When I look at you," Hinata began again, her voice growing steadier, "you fill me with so much admiration. I'm not saying you're perfect—no one is—but when you make a mistake, you always have the guts to pick yourself up and keep trying. That courage… to keep going no matter what—that's what real strength is."

She paused, her pale eyes locking onto Naruto's as she spoke her final words. "I just think… you're an incredibly strong person, Naruto."

Naruto stared at her, dumbfounded, his mouth slightly open as though he didn't know how to respond. Kimiko, watching the scene unfold, felt her chest tighten with emotion.

They're meant for each other,she thought. Naruto had the power to inspire others to become the best versions of themselves, to draw out courage even from the most timid hearts. He could make the most jaded person believe in the light once again, and she knew that in the near future, hewouldbe the light in the Shinobi World.

And Hinata… Hinata had the strength to make Naruto see that in himself. Had the strength to pick Naruto back up when even he doubted himself.

"...Thanks, Hinata. I needed that," Naruto said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. The gesture made Hinata's blush deepen, her cheeks glowing a delicate shade of pink.

"Even though I'm completely used to being the underdog, I guess this time I was just really feeling the strain," Naruto admitted, scratching the back of his head with his free hand. "I was really down, which isn't like me at all. But now…" He looked at her, his grin widening. "I feel a hundred percent better!"

"I'm glad you do," Hinata murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Naruto hesitated, his gaze flicking away for a moment as though gathering his courage. Then, with a small, awkward smile, he turned back to her. "...And it's all because of you, you know that?"

Hinata's eyes widened slightly, and her lips parted, but she didn't speak. Naruto's voice carried a rare vulnerability as he continued.

"...Hinata-chan," he said, almost stumbling over the words. "I always thought you were…"

Hinata tilted her head slightly, her voice soft with anticipation. "What…?"

"Gloomy," Naruto said bluntly. "Timid, always terrified, and basically completely weird."

Hinata's expression fell, her shoulders tensing as though the words had struck her physically. Kimiko, watching nearby, had to bite her tongue to stop herself from scolding him on the spot.Naruto, you absolute idiot…she thought. But then, she noticed something else. Naruto still hadn't let go of Hinata's hand. If anything, his grip had tightened slightly, grounding her in place.

"But you know what?" Naruto said quickly, his voice softening. "I actually like…" He trailed off, his blush deepening until his face was as red as Hinata's. "People like you."

Hinata's eyes widened again, the faintest hint of hope flickering in their pale depths. Her blush deepened as well, as if the idea of Naruto liking people like her was just as good as hearing him say he liked her directly.

And then, as though driven by a force even he didn't fully understand, Naruto shook his head. "No," he said firmly, his voice trembling slightly. "I… like you. You're a really pretty and special girl, Hinata-chan."

Hinata's lips parted in surprise, and Kimiko, standing just behind them, felt a warm pang in her chest as she watched the scene unfold. It wasn't often Naruto showed this kind of earnestness—this kind of raw sincerity.

"And…" Naruto continued, his voice quieter now, "I'm not just fighting Neji to prove to him that failures like me can defy fate. I'm fighting because… I want to fight for you. And I want to make you proud… of me."

The silence that followed was heavy with emotion. Hinata stared at him, her cheeks flushed, her eyes wide and shimmering. For a moment, it seemed like she might speak, but no words came out. Instead, she simply nodded, her fingers curling slightly against his hand as if to reassure him.

Kimiko smiled to herself, her heart swelling at the sight.Naruto,she thought,you may not realize it yet, but you just gave her more courage than any training or technique ever could.

"Alright, time's up, lovebirds," Kimiko said dryly, her arms crossed as she leaned against a nearby wooden pole. Her words sliced through the tension between Naruto and Hinata, shattering the loving spell that had them gazing into each other's eyes.

They pulled away almost simultaneously, both of them blushing furiously.

"Ki-Kimiko-chan!" Hinata stammered, her voice barely above a squeak, while Naruto rubbed the back of his head furiously, muttering something incoherent about how he couldn't believe he'd just done that.

"Yeah, yeah," Kimiko said, waving her hand dismissively. "Come on, Naruto. Let's get going." She turned to Hinata with a sly smile. "Oh, and Hina-chan? If Naruto embarrasses himself and loses to Neji…" She clicked her tongue, letting the implication hang in the air. "I'll pick up his slack and win the tournament for you."

"Yeah, right!" Naruto shot back, his bluster returning as he straightened his back. "I'm gonna beat that jerk Neji, and then I'll take you down, then Sasuke, too!"

"...You probably can," Kimiko said simply, her voice calm and sincere.

Naruto blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected vote of confidence. "Huh?"

Kimiko stepped closer, ruffling his hair with a warm smile. "It's not just Hinata who believes in you, Naruto. You know that, right?" She let her hand linger on his head for a moment before stepping back. "At this point, it's basically my life's mission to make sure you become Hokage. I'm your sister—in spirit, if not in blood. And your dream is something I'll fight for, too."

Naruto's blush deepened, but this time it wasn't out of embarrassment. His usual wide grin returned, this time softer and more heartfelt. "Kimiko-chan… thanks."

Kimiko shrugged, her smile turning playful. "Don't mention it. Just don't embarrass me, okay?"

Hinata giggled softly, her shyness momentarily forgotten as she watched the exchange. "Naruto-kun… you have so many people cheering for you. I know you can do it."

With a renewed sense of determination, Naruto nodded firmly, the weight of his earlier doubts beginning to lift. "Yeah! I'll prove to everyone that failures like me can win!"

Kimiko grinned. "That's more like it. Now come on, let's get moving before you make us late."

"Yeah!" Said Naruto, before turning back to Hinata with a huge grin as the two of them walked back to Konoha proper. "Don't forget to come watch the tournament, Hinata-chan! I'll be blowing your cousin Neji away!"

---

They arrived at the arena just in time—a massive stadium built to accommodate thousands of spectators. The sheer size of it was staggering, and the roar of the crowd inside was already deafening, reverberating through the stone walls as they approached the entrance.

A chuunin greeted them, quickly guiding them toward the competitors' entrance. The passage was narrow and dimly lit, the air thick with anticipation. As they emerged into the heart of the stadium, the sudden brightness was almost blinding. The arena floor stretched out before them, an expanse of carefully packed dirt surrounded by towering stands.

At the center of it all stood the competitors and their new proctor, replacing her injured senpai: Genma Shiranui. He exuded an air of nonchalance, his forehead protector tied like a bandana around his forehead and a senbon lazily perched between his lips. His sharp, half-lidded eyes swept over them as they entered.

"Took you two long enough. Yuhi," he drawled, pointing with the senbon. "You're to the right of Aburame. Uzumaki, next to Nara."

Kimiko nodded silently and moved to her spot without comment. As she walked, she noticed the eyes of the other competitors turning toward her. There was no mistaking the flash of irritation on Temari's face, though Kimiko chose to ignore it. Her gaze swept across the lineup, taking mental notes of everyone present—everyone, except Sasuke.

Her heart sank slightly. Sasuke's absence was glaring. In the anime, she remembered, he had arrived with Kakashi just in the nick of time, narrowly avoiding disqualification. The common theory was that Kakashi had planned it that way, not wanting Sasuke to face Gaara unprepared. But in this timeline, things were different. Kakashi had pulled Sasuke out of his secretive training, even bringing him to attend dinner at Kimiko's home. Did that mean Kakashi still felt that Sasuke was ill-prepared to face Gaara?

No use dwelling on it now,Kimiko thought.Focus on your match, and what's bound to happen after.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Genma's voice cut through the noise. "Hey, knock it off." His gaze shifted to Naruto and Shikamaru, standing beside each other and speaking about something she didn't hear. "Quit your fidgeting, you two. Stand up straight and present yourselves proudly to the spectators."

Kimiko glanced at Naruto and saw him immediately stiffen, his hands flying to his sides. Shikamaru sighed dramatically but obeyed, shifting his posture just enough to avoid further reprimand.

Then, it hit her.

Thousands of people were watching them.

The noise from the crowd swelled to a thunderous cheer, rolling over the stadium like a wave. Kimiko's eyes flicked upward, scanning the three massive viewing boxes overlooking the arena. Each one had a traditional Japanese-style roof, providing shade for the higher-ranking spectators. Her gaze lingered on the central box, where the Third Hokage sat, his aged features calm but watchful as he looked down at them. An empty chair sat to his right, and Kimiko felt her stomach twist.That chair is for the Kazekage. Or rather, Orochimaru…

The crowd's energy was palpable, their cheers rising to a near riotous crescendo. Kimiko could feel the ground beneath her feet vibrate faintly with the force of it.

"You guys are the heroes of this final competition," Genma's voice rang out, calm and steady amidst the chaos.

Kimiko felt… excited.

It wasn't nerves, not the trembling anticipation or fear she'd heard others describe before stepping into a moment like this. No, this was something deeper, something primal. A stirring in her chest that made her heart beat a little faster, her breath quicken. The thought of thousands of people cheering for her fight, of being acknowledged by this crowd, of making a name for herself—it all sent a thrill through her.

A small smile crossed her lips as she glanced at the sea of people. Their cheers were deafening, a chaotic roar of excitement and energy that filled the arena. For a moment, she allowed herself to bask in it.

And then, she felt it.

The air shifted, subtle but distinct. Her eyes flicked instinctively toward the central box again. The Third Hokage stood, his robes billowing slightly in the breeze, but Kimiko's attention was drawn to the man beside him—the Kazekage, flanked by two silent bodyguards.

Except it wasn't the Kazekage.

Kimiko's breath hitched, her crimson eyes narrowing. Sheknewwho it was. Orochimaru. The man who had killed the real Kazekage and taken his place to further his plans—plans to manipulate Sunagakure, to destroy Konoha, and to kill Hiruzen Sarutobi.

She clenched her fists briefly before forcing herself to relax.Stay calm,she told herself.This isn't a surprise. We prepared for this.

In this timeline, her warning—and Hayate's survival—meant that Konoha was fully aware of Sunagakure's alliance with Orochimaru. The village had taken precautions. Sheknewthat. But still, a part of her couldn't help but wonder:Will it be enough? Will Konoha avoid the devastation it suffered in canon?

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted as the Third Hokage moved to the edge of the central box. His voice rang out, cutting through the din of the crowd with practiced authority.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Hiruzen began, his tone warm and steady, "we welcome you all and extend our deepest thanks for coming here to Konohagakure for the Chuunin Selection Exams!"

Applause erupted, filling the stadium with a thunderous roar. Kimiko's gaze shifted briefly back to the crowd, taking in their excited faces before returning to the Hokage.

"We will now begin the matches of the final round between the nine candidates who advanced in the preliminaries!" Hiruzen continued, his voice carrying effortlessly over the cheers. "Please sit back and enjoy!"

The applause swelled even louder, nearly riotous in its enthusiasm. Hiruzen stepped back to his seat, settling beside the Kazekage—or rather, Orochimaru. Kimiko's eyes caught the faintest flicker of movement as the disguised snake muttered something to the Hokage.

Kimiko's attention shifted as Genma stepped forward, his laid-back demeanor contrasting sharply with the rising tension in the air. "Alright, so before anything else, I need—what is it?" he asked, cutting himself off as Naruto began waving his arms animatedly.

Kimiko didn't need to guess. She knew exactly what he was about to ask.

"I, uh, was just wondering what would happen to Sasuke—I mean, if he doesn't show up?" Naruto asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and concern. His gaze darted around the arena as if Sasuke might suddenly appear.

"If the candidate is not here in the arena at the time his name is called," Genma replied flatly, his senbon shifting slightly between his lips, "he forfeits the match."

Kimiko noticed the color drain from Naruto's face at the statement, but she kept her expression neutral.Kakashi knows what he's doing,she thought.And so does Sasuke.

Genma continued as though the interruption hadn't happened. "Anyway. The terrain is different, but the rules remain the same as before—that is, there are no rules." He paused, flicking the senbon lazily. "The match continues until one candidate acknowledges defeat… or dies."

Naruto's audible gulp broke the silence, and Kimiko bit back a smile.

"That being said," Genma added, his tone sharpening, "if I determine the match is over, I can step in and stop it at any time. No arguments permitted. Understood?"

When no one spoke up, he nodded slightly. "Good. Now, the opponents for the first match: Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuga Neji. Those two stay. The rest of you can head to the waiting area."

The Sand siblings were the first to move, Gaara's unblinking gaze lingering on Naruto for a moment before he turned to follow his siblings. Shikamaru and Shino followed shortly after, their expressions unreadable.

Kimiko lingered, stepping closer to Naruto. She reached out and gave his wrist a reassuring squeeze, grounding him in the moment. Then, without a word, she leaned in and grabbed the back of his head, pulling him close until their foreheads almost touched.

"Good luck, alright?" she said softly. "I'll be cheering for you."

Naruto blinked, startled by the gesture. His mouth opened as if to respond, but then he simply nodded, his lips curving into a small, determined smile. "Thanks, Kimiko-chan."

Kimiko stepped back, giving his shoulder a light pat before turning and walking toward the waiting area. As she left, her eyes briefly flicked to Neji, whose expression remained calm, unreadable—yet something about his posture suggested he had heard every word.

You've got this, Naruto,Kimiko thought as she joined the others, her eyes glancing back toward the arena one last time.

Another chuunin awaited them at the entrance to the viewing area, leading the competitors up a flight of steps to a platform that offered a clear, 360-degree view of the arena below. Kimiko was among the first to step forward, quickly moving to the railing to peer down at the arena. The noise of the crowd swelled around her even louder, but her attention was drawn elsewhere.

Her passive sensory abilities tingled, a faint prickle that made her pause. She closed her eyes briefly, filtering through the myriad chakra signatures in the crowd until she pinpointed them. Dozens of ANBU Black Ops, their presences carefully masked but still detectable to someone as attuned as her, surrounded the arena. Blended into the throng of spectators, they weren't just there for show. Their presence was heavy with intent—security, yes, but also preparation. For what, Kimiko already knew.

"You okay?" Shikamaru's voice pulled her from her thoughts. He slid in beside her, leaning casually on the railing, his eyes flicking to her face.

"Yes, sorry. Just distracted," Kimiko replied quietly, her gaze dropping back to the arena floor.

Shino, positioned on her other side, spoke next, "That is understandable. Why? Because nerves are a natural response to an event of this scale. Particularly when the first match involves your teammate against a prodigy like Hyuga Neji."

Kimiko smiled faintly, her expression softening. "I'm not worried about him. If anyone can win against Neji, it's Naruto. Or me. Or Sasuke."

"Very humble," Shikamaru said dryly, rolling his eyes. But Kimiko only giggled, the sound light and unbothered. Behind her, she heard a sharp scoff—probably Temari—but she ignored it. Her focus remained on the center of the arena.

Below, Naruto and Neji stood facing each other, the tension between them palpable even from this distance.

"You have anything to say to me?" Neji asked, his tone calm yet cutting as his pale eyes bore into Naruto. His voice carried easily across the arena, sharp enough to silence even the roaring crowd.

Naruto, trembling with barely contained energy, raised a fist in front of him. His glare burned with intensity. "Only what I told you the last time," he snarled. "I vow to WIN!"

Neji's eyes closed briefly, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he opened them again. Even from the viewing platform, Kimiko could see the veins bulging near his temples as he activated his Byakugan. His gaze lingered on Naruto, studying him as he effortlessly settled into the Gentle Fist stance.

"So much better for me," Neji replied, his voice cold and unflinching. "I can't wait to see the look of despair on your face when you learn that your foolish vow… is impossible to keep."

Naruto's chakra flared brightly, vibrant and untamed, like a golden wildfire stirring beneath his skin. "Are we going to stand here talking all day?!" he barked, his hands dropping to his sides in frustration. "Let's get going! Show me what you've got!"

Neji's chakra began to stir as well, calmer and more controlled, but no less potent. Its deep, steady blue was like the bright, empty sky, ready to overwhelm.

Kimiko gripped the railing tightly, her manicured nails tapping on the steel as she watched the two square off. The energy between them crackled, almost visible to her trained senses. Both were poised, ready to strike, their intense stares locking as they prepared to pounce.

This was no longer about just passing an exam. This was a clash of ideals, a test of willpower as much as strength. Kimiko's heart raced as the crowd roared louder, the tension reaching a fever pitch.

Come on, Naruto,she thought, her grip tightening even further.Show him what you're made of.

"Alright," Genma called out, his voice cutting through the anticipation. "Let the first match… begin!"

For a moment, the arena was silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade. Then, Naruto broke the stillness.

With a sharp motion, his hand blurred as he unleashed a flurry of shuriken, the weapons slicing through the air toward Neji. The Hyuga prodigy moved with practiced ease, striking each shuriken out of the air with precise palm movements. But Naruto was already on the move, charging at Neji with a fist cocked, aiming straight for his face.

"Idiot," Shikamaru muttered, "A frontal attack against a Hyuga?"

Kimiko frowned but said nothing, her eyes locked on the fight below.

Neji intercepted with a fluid motion, placing his palm on Naruto's forearm mid-punch and redirecting his momentum, sending him crashing into the ground behind him. But Naruto's reflexes were sharp—he caught himself with his free hand, using it to break his fall and transition into a smooth flip, landing in a crouch.

Before Neji could fully turn, Naruto was already lunging again, another punch aimed straight at Neji's face.

Neji smirked, tilting his head just enough to let Naruto's fist pass harmlessly by his cheek.

Naruto didn't let up, launching into a flurry of strikes. His punches and kicks came in rapid succession, each one precise and forceful. Yet Neji's palms moved just as quickly, deflecting and redirecting each blow with little effort. The arena seemed to echo with the sharp snaps of their movements.

One hard parry from Neji sent Naruto off balance, his swing redirected with enough force to spin him around. Naruto used the momentum to leap into a spinning jump kick, his leg slicing through the air toward Neji's head.

"Neji's got him right where he wants him," Shikamaru murmured, eyes narrowing.

Neji ducked smoothly under the kick, his movements fluid and effortless. As Naruto landed, he immediately lunged again, another punch aimed at Neji's chest.

This time, Neji didn't evade or parry. Instead, he outsped Naruto entirely, closing the distance between them in a flash, slipping inside Naruto's guard. With an open-palm strike, he drove his hand into the center of Naruto's chest. A burst of blue chakra erupted from the contact, the sheer force sending Naruto stumbling back with a wince of pain.

Neji didn't stop. He lunged forward, his palm striking Naruto's shoulder with pinpoint precision. Naruto managed to roll backward, landing on his feet to put distance between them.

"Do you understand now?" Neji said, his voice cold and composed. "You have no way of beating m—"

But Neji's words were cut short when the Naruto before him smirked—and suddenly vanished into a puff of white smoke.

Neji's eyes narrowed, the veins around his Byakugan bulging as he scanned the arena. From behind one of the trees lining the arena's edge, the real Naruto stepped out, his wide grin as vibrant as ever. "Heh, get real," Naruto taunted. "I was just checking you out. Looks like you had a lot of fun fighting a clone."

Neji's expression darkened, his calm facade faltering slightly.

"He used a shadow clone to test Neji's offense and reaction time," Shino observed from the viewing platform, his monotone voice carrying a hint of approval.

"Yeah," Shikamaru added, his gaze sharp. "Since the Byakugan can only see chakra points, and shadow clones are made entirely of chakra that perfectly replicates the user, there's no way Neji could tell it wasn't the real Naruto."

Kimiko smiled, pride swelling in her chest. "That's Naruto for you,"

"Okay, now that we're warmed up, we can get started!" Naruto called out, grinning widely as he formed a hand seal.

In an instant, the air was filled withpoofsof smoke as a dozen identical Narutos appeared around him. The clones stared at Neji with identical determination, their presence making the arena seem suddenly much smaller.

"No matter," Neji said, his calm, measured voice cutting through the noise. "You can't hide for long."

"We'll just see about that!" the Narutos replied in unison, their voices a defiant chorus.

"If you're coming, then come on," Neji said, his stance unshaken.

"Hey!" the Narutos shouted again, pointing dramatically. "Don't ever, and I meanever,count me out!"

With that, the clones charged forward, spreading out to surround Neji like a coordinated assault team. Their movements were erratic but purposeful, each clone aiming to test Neji's defenses from a different angle. Yet the Hyūga remained utterly composed, his pale eyes tracking their movements effortlessly.

Two Narutos came at him first, each wielding a kunai. They ducked low, trying to flank him, but Neji placed his hands on their heads mid-charge, using them as leverage to push himself into a graceful front flip. He landed behind them without so much as a wobble.

Before the first two could recover, another pair of Narutos attacked from his left and right. Neji didn't hesitate, striking each with a single palm to their chests. The clones burst into white smoke on impact.

The two clones he'd vaulted over finally recovered and moved to strike him from behind with kunai aimed at the back of his head. Neji spun sharply, his hands darting out to jab their necks with surgical precision. Both clones vanished in a puff of smoke before they could land a blow.

A single Naruto launched himself into a spinning kick aimed squarely at Neji's jaw. The crowd gasped as the kick closed in, but Neji suddenly propelled himself upward, flipping gracefully into the air of his own volition, avoiding the attack entirely.

"Did he get him?" Shikamaru asked, his brow furrowed.

"No," Kimiko said, frowning. Her eyes followed Neji's movements intently.

Below, Neji landed lightly on his feet, the same calm expression on his face. His poise seemed almost unshakable. In front of him, Naruto was standing, dumbfounded.

"...This person's insanely strong," murmured Shikamaru.

Naruto clenched his fists, glaring. "Not bad, but let's see you do that again!" he shouted, his clones reforming their ranks and charging once more.

The eight remaining Narutos attacked in unison, converging on Neji from all sides. Two approached his flanks first, but Neji leapt into the air again, this time crossing his arms in front of his chest. With a sudden spin, both of his feet shot out, striking the clones square in their faces. They vanished into smoke before they even hit the ground.

As he landed, two more Narutos lunged at him from behind, kunai glinting in their hands. Neji's hands shot backward with impossible precision, grabbing their wrists and yanking them downward. Their heads collided painfully with his elbows before he spun around and struck each of them in the chest with a palm strike. The force dispelled them both.

Four clones remained. They rushed at him simultaneously, closing the distance too quickly for him to dodge.

But Neji didn't dodge. He didn't even flinch.

Instead, he thrust both palms outward. "Eight Trigrams: Vacuum Palm!"

A pressurized wave of chakra burst from his hands, slamming into the Narutos with enough force to send them flying. They dissipated into smoke mid-air, leaving only silence in their wake.

"...He's a monster," murmured Shino.

Kimiko's mind raced as she observed the fight. Her eyes flicked toward Neji as the realization hit her.Wait. Vacuum Palm?she thought.Neji didn't know that jutsu at this point in the anime…

Then it dawned on her.

Yes, Naruto was stronger in this timeline—far stronger than his canon counterpart.

But so was Neji.

He had adapted. Seeing Naruto crush Kiba so effortlessly must have forced Neji to reevaluate him as a threat. He hadn't underestimated Naruto. Instead, he had trained harder, pushed himself further, and even learned new techniques to ensure his victory.

The world isn't static. It reacts to changes. And with Naruto stronger than ever, Neji became stronger, too.

She gripped the railing tighter, her nails tapping onto the metal. For the first time, Kimiko felt a flicker of doubt.

Can he still win?

Shocked faces dotted the crowd as the dust settled. In the arena, only one Naruto remained, his fists clenched tightly, glaring at Neji.

"This guy…" Naruto snarled, his voice low but furious. "He must have eyes on the back of his head!"

Neji tilted his head slightly, his expression calm but condescending. "You thought you could be Hokage?" He smirked, the air around him seeming colder. "It's absurd. Never."

Naruto's scowl deepened, but Neji continued, "These eyes of mine show me many things. One thing they've always shown me is that people's limitations are fixed, unchangeable. Only a fool wastes his time trying to become something he can never be."

Naruto was seething now, his teeth clenched as his rage simmered just beneath the surface. "A fool, huh? Not this crap again. Who are you to judge what a person can or can't be?"

Neji let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "Do you think anyone can become Hokage? That all it takes is a little hard work?" He chuckled again, the sound laced with derision. "Open your eyes, Naruto. Of all the shinobi in all the world, how many ever become Hokage? A handful. A chosen few. They were born destined for it. It's not something you achieve through will alone."

His voice dropped, softer but no less venomous. "Each person is given their own path to follow. And they must follow it obediently... to the end."

Neji's eyes darkened, his tone turning grim. "There is only one destiny we all share equally. Death."

The crowd's cheers dwindled to silence, a heavy tension settling over the arena. Above, Kimiko's eyes never left the scene below. The weight of Neji's words pressed on the atmosphere, but Naruto refused to let them take root.

Finally, Naruto spoke, his voice sharp and defiant. "Yeah? So what?" He spat on the ground, his gaze fiery. "You can think that way if you want." He raised his fist and pointed it at Neji, who frowned slightly. "People always tell me I just don't know when to give up."

With a sharp hand seal, Naruto shouted, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

In an instant, more than thirty identical Narutos materialized, surrounding Neji in a sea of yellow hair and orange jumpsuits.

"If he keeps using that, he's going to run out of chakra soon," Shikamaru muttered from beside Kimiko, crossing his arms.

Kimiko didn't respond, her focus locked on the unfolding chaos below. The clones charged as one, swarming Neji in another coordinated assault. But Neji was unshaken. His movements were fluid, graceful, and precise, every strike of his palms dispelling a clone with minimal effort. He dodged punches, slid beneath kicks, and retaliated with a calm precision that bordered on terrifying.

Neji's eyes flicked to one Naruto, standing at the rear of the swarm, seemingly hesitant to engage. His Byakugan locked onto him, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

"He's identified him," Shino murmured, his voice even but tense.

Neji moved like lightning, a streak of white and blue that closed the distance in an instant. The lone Naruto didn't even have time to react as Neji's fingers struck him square in the chest.

"You're the one keeping out of range, afraid of me striking your tenketsu. Like this." Neji's fingers dug deeper, and Naruto winced, blood spilling from his mouth.

"The more the others attack, the more you stand out for holding back." Neji's smirk widened. "You're the real one, aren't you?"

The other clones dispersed in a puff of smoke, leaving the battered Naruto kneeling before Neji.

"The match is over," Shikamaru said grimly, his voice low.

Neji stepped back, his expression unreadable. "I told you it was pointless," he said, watching as Naruto collapsed forward, his body trembling.

But instead of despair, laughter spilled from Naruto's lips. "Heh heh… Oh yeah?" he chuckled, his voice hoarse but defiant. "I told you it was a mistake to count me out."

Before Neji could react, the Naruto before him vanished in a cloud of white smoke.

"What?!" Neji barked, his composure cracking. "But how?!"

From behind him, four identical Narutos leapt into the air, their fists cocked back and wreathed in spiraling gales of wind.

"He purposely made Neji think that way," Kimiko explained from above, her voice steady. "By holding one of his clones back, Naruto baited Neji into dropping his guard. The real Naruto isn't afraid to charge head-on, even at the risk of taking a hit."

"Think I'd be too much of a chicken to attack you myself?" Naruto snarled mid-leap, his voice echoing across the arena. "Take this! Quadruple Gale Fist Barrage!"

The four Narutos struck Neji simultaneously, their wind-enhanced punches slamming into him with enough force to shake the ground. The attack should have been devastating—enough to pulverize any genin. But Neji stood unmoving, unyielding.

Kimiko's eyes narrowed. She felt it the moment it happened. Neji expelled chakra from his body—specifically, from the tenketsu nearest to where the attacks landed.

Neji smirked as Naruto's attack faltered. Before the clones could react, Neji began to spin. A sphere of blue chakra erupted around him, expanding rapidly and throwing the Narutos back with violent force.

"What the hell was that?" Shikamaru demanded, his tone incredulous.

Kimiko's expression was grave as she answered. "Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation."

Shino and Shikamaru turned to her, while even the Sand siblings seemed intrigued. Kimiko continued, her voice calm but firm. "It's a technique unique to the Hyuga. By using the Byakugan's near-360-degree vision, the user can detect attacks the moment they're launched. They then expel large amounts of chakra from their tenketsu while rotating, creating a barrier that both blocks and repels all incoming strikes."

"But…" Kankuro interrupted, only for Kimiko to raise a hand.

"I know what you're thinking. Emitting chakra from multiple points is incredibly difficult, even for jonin-level shinobi. Most can only expel chakra from a single point, like their hands or feet. But Neji…" She gestured toward the arena. "Neji's mastery of the Gentle Fist is so advanced that he can emit chakra from multiple tenketsu at once, countering attacks from all directions."

She paused, her gaze sharp. "It's an ultimate defense."

Gaara's eyes flicked toward her briefly, but Kimiko ignored him.

"You know the most impressive part?" she added, her tone thoughtful.

"What?" Shikamaru and Kankurō asked simultaneously.

"That technique is taught only to the main branch of the Hyuga Clan. Neji learned it through observation alone."

Kimiko's voice lowered, her respect clear. "Neji's a genius. No… he's the undisputed greatest genius of the Hyuga Clan."

"If you, Hinata's closest friend, say so," Shino said evenly, "then it must be true. Why? Because you wouldn't offend your friend by claiming such unless you were certain."

Below, another wave of Narutos was repelled by Neji's rotation. The real Naruto crouched on the ground, glaring at Neji with frustration written across his face.

But Kimiko knew the fight was far from over.

"Give it up," Neji said coldly, his voice carrying across the arena. "You're finished. You're in range, and you can't escape my Eight Trigrams."

"Huh?" Naruto blinked, his confusion evident as he struggled to make sense of Neji's words.

Neji smirked, lowering his stance. One palm hovered just above the ground, while the other extended behind him, his arms positioned like propeller blades ready to strike.

"Crap," Kimiko muttered, her fingers tightening on the railing. "Naruto's done if he doesn't get out of range."

But before anyone could react, Neji shot forward with a burst of speed, closing the distance between them in an instant. His strikes began, precise and devastating.

"Two Palms!" Neji's voice rang out as he struck Naruto twice in the chest.

"Four Palms!"

Naruto staggered, but Neji was relentless, his strikes accelerating.

"Eight Palms! Sixteen Palms!"

Each strike sent shockwaves through Naruto's body, and Kimiko's eyes could barely keep track of Neji's movements.

"Thirty-Two Palms!"

The final sequence came like a hurricane, Neji's hands moving as blurs.

"SIXTY-FOUR PALMS!"

The last strike hit with such force that Naruto was sent flying backward, blood splattering from his lips as he crashed into the ground. The crowd gasped, the stadium hushed by the ferocity of the assault.

Neji straightened, his breathing calm and measured. He cocked his right fist to his side, his palm facing outward as if ready to deliver another blow. "I have now struck sixty-four of your tenketsu," he said idly, watching Naruto's unmoving form. "You're lucky to even still be breathing."

Naruto twitched, his fingers curling against the dirt as he tried to rise. "Come… on…" he murmured, his voice barely audible.

"It must be frustrating," Neji continued, stepping closer. His voice dripped with superiority. "To realize how utterly hopeless it all was—this little dream of yours. You thought you could succeed on hard work alone. But that's just an illusion."

Naruto remained motionless, and for a moment, it seemed as though Neji's words had crushed him entirely. The crowd murmured, anticipation thick in the air.

And then, the body on the ground disappeared in a cloud of white smoke.

"What?!" Neji's composure cracked as an orange blur slammed into his side, a fist connecting with his cheek. The force sent him stumbling, too surprised to activate his Rotation.

When the dust settled, Naruto stood before him, his fist still extended and a triumphant grin plastered across his face. "Gotcha!"

Neji clutched his cheek, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Impossible! When did you…"

Naruto grinned wider, thumbing his chest. "When you first used your Rotation, I switched myself with a clone before I hit the ground. So, yeah—you didn't blockanyof my points."

"Tch." Neji scowled, sliding back into his stance. "It doesn't matter. You're still bound to lose. Those cheap tricks of yours won't grant you victory."

"Heh, you're right," Naruto said, his determination blazing in his eyes. "I can't beat you using my old tricks. But…" He paused, running through hand seals with practiced precision. "You're not the only one who's learned something new."

Biting his thumb, Naruto slammed his hand onto the ground. "Summoning Jutsu!"

Neji's eyes widened as he dashed forward, trying to stop Naruto before the technique could finish. But before he reached him, the arena was engulfed in a massive cloud of white smoke.

When the smoke cleared, the crowd collectively gasped.

Standing in front of Naruto was a massive blue toad, its height towering over both Naruto and Neji. It wore a sleeveless yellow gi and blocked Neji's outstretched hand with a single palm.

"What?!" Shikamaru exclaimed from the stands, his jaw dropping. " Summoning Jutsu?! Where did Naruto learn such an advanced jutsu? And how does he still have chakra for it after all those Shadow Clones?!"

"His chakra reserves have expanded significantly," Kimiko said, her eyes narrowing.

More of the Nine Tail's chakra must have leaked through the seal, increasing his chakra reserves even further.

Below, Naruto grinned as he patted the toad's back. "I knew I needed help to deal with your Taijutsu, so I asked for backup," Said Naruto. "Thanks for answering my call, Gamaseki-san!"

The toad croaked deeply, its voice carrying an air of pride. "Hmph. I shall show this youth the power of Mount Myōboku!"

Neji leapt back, his Byakugan tracking every movement as the massive toad sprang into the air. Its raised leg loomed like a falling meteor, threatening to crush Neji beneath its sheer size. At the last moment, Neji slid out of range, the toad's foot slamming into the ground with a deafening crash that sent tremors through the arena. The impact left a crater where the toad landed.

Naruto leapt onto Gamaseki's back, standing tall as he pointed down at Neji. "Alright! Time to get serious!"

Neji glared up at him, his stance unyielding despite the destruction around him. "You'll regret this," he growled, but the confidence in his voice had faltered ever so slightly.

Above, Kimiko couldn't help but smile.That's Naruto for you,she thought.Always full of surprises.

Naruto and Neji met in the middle of the arena, the tension between them crackling like a storm. Naruto stood atop Gamaseki's broad back, while Neji remained firmly grounded, his Byakugan never leaving the Toad. Each strike Neji aimed at the toad was met blow for blow, the impacts reverberating through the arena like thunderclaps. Dust and debris scattered with every exchange of palm against frog hands, the sheer power of their clashes shaking the spectators.

Naruto crouched slightly on the toad's back, his eyes watching Neji, calculating. He was poised, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Neji lunged with a powerful open-palm strike, aimed at Gamaseki's chest. But the toad suddenly skipped into the air, spinning mid-leap and delivering a devastating back kick. Neji crossed his arms in a tight guard just in time, but the impact sent him skidding across the arena floor, his heels digging deep trenches in the dirt.

Naruto seized the moment, leaping from Gamaseki's back. As he soared through the air, he began weaving hand seals with practiced precision.

"Wind Style: Air Bullets!"

Shino's voice cut through the din. "More jutsu? He's managed to learn a second technique beyond the Summoning Jutsu? Just what sort of training did he undergo?"

Kimiko smirked, her eyes gleaming with pride.This is what he learned with Jiraiya-sensei, huh?

Naruto inhaled deeply, drawing in air until his chest expanded. Then, with a sharp exhale, he released a barrage of wind bullets. The compressed air shot from his mouth like cannonballs, exploding upon impact with the ground around Neji. Each blast sent dirt and dust flying into the air, cratering the arena floor.

Neji moved with his characteristic grace, dodging the bullets with fluid precision. But one bullet came dangerously close, grazing his right cheek and leaving a thin line of crimson in its wake.

"Enough!" Neji snarled, his voice cutting through the chaos as Naruto landed, already inhaling for another round. His hands flashed through seals, preparing to unleash another volley.

The moment Naruto expelled his second barrage, Neji braced himself, holding both palms out toward the incoming projectiles. "Eight Trigrams: Air Palm!"

A powerful blast of chakra erupted from Neji's palms, meeting the wind bullets head-on. The collision triggered a massive explosion of energy, sending shockwaves rippling through the arena. Dust and debris erupted in a swirling vortex, forcing Kimiko to shield her face with her arm as the viewing platform was battered by the aftershock.

When the dust began to settle, Naruto had already recovered. Gamaseki leapt into the air, allowing Naruto to flip gracefully onto the toad's back. From the toad's massive form, Naruto steadied himself, his hand placed firmly on Gamaseki's back.

Kimiko's eyes widened.Wait… it can't be…

Below, Neji watched warily as Gamaseki's belly began to expand. Naruto's grin was fierce, his voice ringing out with Gamaseki's in perfect unison.

"Wind and Water Cooperation Style: Toad Gun!"

The spectators gasped as Naruto's wind chakra merged with Gamaseki's water chakra. The toad unleashed a spiraling blast of pressurized water, surrounded by a razor-sharp vortex of wind. The sheer force of the combined jutsu caused the air around it to ripple violently as it roared toward Neji.

Neji's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't panic. Instead, he expelled chakra from every tenketsu in his body and began to rotate. "Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation!"

The blue sphere of spinning chakra enveloped Neji, colliding with the wind-infused water jutsu in a clash of raw power. The two techniques warred against each other, the spinning barrier and spiraling blast locked in an intense struggle. Kimiko's sharp senses caught the subtle shifts as Neji's rotation strained against the overwhelming force of the attack.

For a moment, it seemed as though the Toad Gun would overpower Neji's defense. But with a final surge of chakra, Neji's rotation matched the intensity of the combined jutsu, forcing it to detonate in a massive explosion. Water and wind cascaded across the arena, raining down in a torrential spray. The ground was left soaked and scarred, steam rising from the sheer energy of the impact.

"Impressive…" murmured Shino, his voice tinged with respect. "Naruto has learned the Summoning Jutsu, another Wind Release jutsu, and even how to execute combination ninjutsu with his summon. All in the span of a month. He's grown remarkably strong."

"Yes," Kimiko replied, her tone measured. "If he were facing anyone other than Neji, he would have won this match already. He's skill- and power-wise at Chunin level without question. But Neji…"

Her eyes locked onto Neji, who stood unshaken amidst the drenched battlefield. "Neji's a genius for a reason. He's had an answer for every jutsu Naruto's thrown at him. He's beyond a genin now too, undoubtedly."

Neji's pale eyes flicked up toward Naruto and Gamaseki, unyielding. Naruto glared back, determination blazing in his eyes. The rain from their clash soaked them both, but neither seemed to notice. The crowd erupted into cheers, captivated by the battle between these two young shinobi with immense power for their age.

Gamaseki lunged forward, his massive hand descending in a thunderous chop aimed at Neji's head. The toad's speed belied his size, but Neji moved with the grace of a dancer, darting to the side as the chop struck the ground with an impact that sent cracks radiating through the arena floor.

As Gamaseki turned to follow through, Neji was already moving, his hands flying up into position.

"Eight Trigrams: Double Air Palm!"

Two blasts of compressed chakra erupted from Neji's palms, slamming into Gamaseki's chest with unrelenting force. The toad was sent flying across the arena, his enormous form crashing into the wall with an earth-shaking impact, cratering the stone. Naruto leapt off Gamaseki's back mid-flight, landing in a crouch on the ground below.

But Naruto wasn't idle. As Gamaseki struggled to recover, Naruto capitalized on the distraction. Wind began to coil around his right fist, spinning faster and faster, forming a sharp vortex. His eyes locked onto Neji's unguarded back, his target clear.

"Wind Style: Gale Palm Fi—!"

Naruto's battle cry was cut short as Neji whirled to face him, moving with a speed that made it impossible for Naruto to react. And then, he hit him.

"Two Palms!" Neji's voice rang out as his strike connected with Naruto's chest, forcing the wind chakra to dissipate from his fist.

"Four Palms!" The rhythm was precise, deadly, and relentless.

"Eight Palms!"

"Sixteen Palms!"

"Thirty-Two Palms!"

"Sixty Four Palms!"

Each strike was a blur, almost too fast for the spectators to follow. By the time Neji's final strike hit, Naruto's body was already faltering, threatening to collapse under the sheer force of the assault.

Kimiko's frown deepened, her eyes locked on Naruto's battered form. She saw Neji's Sixty-Four Palms once already—this should have been the moment he fell.

But then she noticed something. Neji's stance hadn't reset. His hands hadn't lowered. The rhythm of his movements hadn't stopped.

"Oh no," Kimiko murmured, her eyes widening. "Oh no, no, no."

Her reaction caught the attention of the other competitors, confusion written across their faces. Shikamaru was the first to understand, his mind piecing it together.

"Wait…" he said, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Is hecontinuinghis attack? That's insane! How is Neji that fast?!"

Neji's hands became blurs of motion, striking Naruto with an overwhelming ferocity. The sheer speed of his assault sent shockwaves rippling across the arena, each strike hitting harder and faster than the last.

"One Hundred and Twenty-Eight Palms!"

The final blow launched Naruto like a missile, his body slamming into the opposite wall with an ear-splittingcrack. The impact cratered the stone, sending shards flying as Naruto's form fell limp to the ground.

Neji stood in the center of the arena, his chest heaving from exertion. His outstretched palm still smoked faintly, the residual chakra dissipating into the air. For a moment, silence reigned, the crowd too stunned to react.

"Eight Trigrams: One Hundred and Twenty-Eight Palms," Neji declared, his voice even but carrying a weight that chilled the air.

Kimiko's breath caught in her throat. Fear gripped her for the first time.This isn't possible,she thought, her mind racing.That technique… Neji didn't know it during the Chuunin Exams in the anime. He only learned it later, when he fought against Kidomaru.

But now, here it was—an attack far beyond what Neji should have mastered at this point. Kimiko's heart sank as realization struck.His intensified training… of course. it made him stronger, faster. He's evolved far beyond what I anticipated. He learned this jutsu this early…he really is a genius.

Her hands shivered against the railing. Naruto lay motionless against the wall, and for a terrifying moment, she wasn't sure if he would stand again.

"Hm," Neji murmured, his voice calm but heavy with disdain as he began to approach Naruto's prone form. "I admit, you have grown stronger. Much stronger. But this only proves that you cannot fight against fate."

Genma walked over to Naruto, crouching beside him to check his condition. Naruto remained still, his body battered and motionless. Genma stood, brushing off his hands.

"All right," he said, his tone flat. "The winner of this match is—"

"D-Don't you dare…" came Naruto's voice, weak but defiant. His body stirred, trembling as he forced himself to stand. His legs shook violently under the strain, his form slumped, yet his will burned brightly.

"Impossible," Neji said, his calm exterior again cracking with disbelief. "I blocked a hundred and twenty-eight of your tenketsu. How are you still standing?"

Kimiko's eyes locked onto Naruto, her heart pounding. Even now, after being struck by what was possibly the most lethal technique Neji had ever mastered, he stood. Her heart clenched as she realized something profound: Naruto in this timeline had endured twice the punishment his canon counterpart had—and yet, here he was, refusing to fall.

"I… told… you," Naruto rasped, forcing a bloodied grin onto his face. His chest heaved, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. "I just don't know when to give up."

Neji stared, dumbstruck. "Stop this madness," he said, his tone harder now. "I acknowledge your strength. You've grown, but continuing this will only bring more of the same. I have nothing against you personally."

"Heh," Naruto chuckled weakly. "That's touching. You're going to make me cry." His voice gained a sharp edge. "But I've got plenty of grudges against you."

Neji's face twitched in irritation. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"And here I thought you were Mister Know-it-All," Naruto snarled, his anger bubbling to the surface. "You don't remember what you did to Hinata-chan? The way you tore her down, using your stupid mind games, even when she worked so hard to be here?"

Neji's expression hardened. "That doesn't concern you," he said flatly.

Naruto's fists clenched, his voice rising. "You mocked her! Called her a failure! All that crap about the great Hyuga clan!" His voice cracked with raw emotion. "Main Branch, Cadet Branch—it's all garbage! It doesn't give you the right to decide who's a failure. That's what I've got against you!"

For the briefest moment, Neji's face twisted with something—pain, perhaps—but it passed quickly. He exhaled sharply, crossing his arms. "Very well. Since you're so interested, I'll tell you about it."

His gaze flicked toward the viewing platform, his pale eyes locking onto Kimiko. "Maybe your friend," he said bitterly, "should learn what she did when she insulted my dead father."

Kimiko's brow furrowed, her arms crossing as she stared back at him.

Neji turned his attention back to Naruto, his expression darkening. "The Hyuga clan's heritage of hatred."

"For generations, the Main Branch of the Hyuga clan has practiced a secret ninjutsu—a Curse Mark Jutsu."

"Curse Mark Jutsu?" Naruto repeated, his brows furrowing in confusion.

Neji closed his eyes for a moment, his face pained, before speaking again. "The Curse Mark is a symbol. A bird locked in its cage," he said softly. "It's the mark of those bound to a destiny they cannot escape."

He reached up, untying the headband from around his forehead. The fabric fell to the ground, and Naruto's face twisted in horror as he stared at the mark etched into Neji's skin. A green X, with curling hooks extending from either end, scarred the center of his forehead.

"Is… is that…" Naruto stammered. "The cursed mark?"

"I was four years old when they branded this symbol onto my forehead with the Curse Mark Jutsu," Neji said, his voice trembling with restrained fury. "On that same day, there was a grand celebration in Konoha. After years of war, a peace agreement had finally been reached with Kumogakure. Their Head Ninja came to sign the treaty and join the festivities. Everyone was there—every genin, chuunin, and jonin in the village."

He paused, his expression growing bitter. "Except for one clan. The Hyuga. Because that was the day the heir to the Main Branch turned three. Lady Hinata's third birthday."

The competitors on the platform leaned in, drawn into Neji's story. Even Kimiko, who already knew the broad strokes, found herself captivated by the raw emotion in his voice.

"My father, Hizashi, and her father, Hiashi, are twins," Neji continued, his tone turning venomous. "But because Hiashi was born first, he inherited the family headship. My father was banished to the lesser branch."

Kimiko's eyes tracked every nuance of his expression. His pain wasn't just bitterness—it was the culmination of years of resentment and heartbreak.

"It was on that day," Neji said, his voice quieter now, "when the heir of the Main Branch turned three, that my uncle placed this cursed mark on my forehead and made me a bird in a cage."

Naruto's fists shook, his anger mixing with something else—pity. "You and this clan of yours," he demanded, his voice trembling, "what's the point of it all? Why have a Main Branch and a Cadet Branch? And this weird curse mark—what's it even mean?"

Neji's eyes met Naruto's, colder than ever. "I can assure you of one thing," he said bitterly. "It's not merely for decoration."

Neji's pale eyes seemed to glaze over, distant and haunted, as if reliving a nightmare he could never escape. His voice, steady but laden with bitterness, cut through the oppressive silence of the arena.

"You see," he began, his tone low, almost resigned, "this is more than just a mark we wear. It is also the instrument by which they keep us in our place." His hand brushed across the scarred symbol on his forehead, his fingers trembling for just a moment. "We live with the constant fear that they will use this curse mark to turn our brains to jelly at their whim. Fear. That is what we live with. Every day. Only in death are we freed from it."

The crowd was silent, his words heavy as lead, sinking into the ears of all who listened. Even from the viewing platform, Kimiko felt the weight of his confession.

"This," Neji continued, "is how the power of the Byakugan is kept sealed away. The Hyuga possess the secret of this unique Kekkei Genkai, and of course, there are many who would steal it from us." His voice grew colder, sharper. "That is why we exist. The Cadet Branch—my branch—is tasked with defending that secret. And we serve the keepers of the secret—the Main Branch—obediently and without question… for eternity. That is our destiny."

He paused, his shoulders trembling slightly. "Or… itwas.Until that dreadful night. The night they went too far. The night theymurderedmy father."

His words rang out like a bell tolling for the dead. The weight of his grief and fury seemed to fill the arena, pressing down on everyone who heard him. The crowd was utterly silent, their collective breath stolen by his story.

Kimiko's eyes remained locked on Neji. She had heard this story before, knew the pain behind his words, yet it hit her differently now. This wasn't the aloof genius of the anime speaking—this was a boy broken by a system that crushed him from birth.

And yet…

Kimiko's jaw tightened as she recalled the preliminaries. The coldness in Neji's eyes as he struck Hinata down without mercy. The hatred that drove him to nearly kill her best friend. That was no mere clan duty; it was personal. Hewantedto kill Hinata. The memory of it lit a fire in Kimiko's chest, burning away any lingering pity.

Should I feel bad for what I said to him?Kimiko thought, her lips pressing into a thin line.For telling him I'd send him to whatever hell his father was in?

She didn't. She made no apologies for her insult, nor for the readiness in her heart to kill Neji then and there if it had come to it. She knew his pain, understood it intimately. But it didn't excuse what he had done—or what he had tried to do to Hinata.

We all carry scars,Kimiko thought, as she continued to stare down at Neji.But they don't give us the right to destroy those that had nothing to do with our fate. Not when the person was likely just as horrified as you with what happened.

Neji continued, his voice tinged with bitterness that cut through the arena like a blade. "One night, someone entered the main household and abducted Lady Hinata," he said, pausing as the memory seemed to weigh heavily on him. "Hiashi-sama quickly caught and killed the intruder. And who was this shadow, stealing into the night, wearing a mask over his face?" His lips twisted into a bitter smile. "It was none other than the Head Ninja of Kumogakure—the man who had just signed a peace treaty with us."

The crowd stirred at the revelation, murmurs rippling like a tide. Neji let the noise wash over him for a moment before continuing, his voice now dripping with disdain. "It was obvious to everyone that he was after the secret of the Byakugan. But Kumogakure, ever the schemers, professedshockat the 'willful murder' of their ninja." He snorted mockingly. "They claimed Konoha was in violation of the peace treaty and demanded recompense."

Kimiko's eyes narrowed. She couldn't argue with Neji's recounting, though her mind lingered on the likely negotiations.The elders probably wouldn't have wanted to risk a treaty that took years to establish,she thought.And so, concessions were made. Still. I feel like it could have been handled better.

She stayed silent, though her lips tightened in frustration.

Neji's tone grew colder. "Things spiraled quickly. It seemed war would break out anew. Konoha, desperate to avoid another conflict, struck a deal."

"A deal?" Naruto asked, his voice sharp with curiosity.

Neji nodded grimly. "A life for a life. Kumogakure demanded the life of the man who had slain their ninja. If peace was to endure, Hiashi-sama had to die." His voice darkened. "And Konoha— in their desperation for peace—accepted."

A chill settled over the crowd. Kimiko remained motionless, her crimson eyes fixed on Neji.

Neji's voice tightened as his calm façade began to crack. "And so, to avoid war, a man was killed. But it wasn't Hiashi." His fists trembled as his rage began to seep into his words. "It was my father—Hizashi—his twin brother, who was killed in his place!" He roared, his body trembling with barely contained fury. "All to protect the Main Branch!"

Neji glanced at the forehead protector in his hand, his gaze burning with hatred. "Only in death was my father freed from the curse mark."

His voice softened momentarily, but it only made the weight of his next words hit harder. "They were so alike, twin brothers. But their destinies had been decided long ago—when one was born a few seconds after the other."

Naruto stared at Neji, wide-eyed and stricken. The depth of Neji's pain struck him, and for a moment, his defiance faltered as he took in the weight of the handsome Hyuga's tragic story. But Neji wasn't finished.

"And this match," Neji said, his voice returning to its icy certainty, "is no different. Your destiny was decided the moment I was chosen as your opponent."

"What a drag…" Shikamaru muttered beside Kimiko, though his tone carried a hint of sympathy.

Kimiko's gaze remained locked on Neji, her expression cold and calculating. Finally, she spoke, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "I think the fault lies with Kumogakure."

Her words drew the attention of everyone around her, even the other competitors on the platform. She crossed her arms, her tone almost casual despite the sharp edge to her words.

"Imagine sneaking into an allied village under the pretense of diplomacy, only to resort to trickery and betrayal." She tilted her head, her eyes flickering with imperious disdain. "To violate the sanctity of hospitality? That's the act of barbarians and savages."

Kimiko's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Cunning is one thing, but Kumogakure's actions were nothing more than those of uncultured swine who know only violence. Not worthy to be called a Ninja Village,"

"...Right," Shikamaru muttered, furrowing his brows at Kimiko's cutting commentary.

From the corner of her eye, Kimiko noticed Kankuro glaring at her, his fists clenching in fury. But before he could speak, Temari grabbed his arm, pulling him back with a firm shake of her head. Kimiko didn't flinch under Kankuro's hateful gaze. Instead, she met it head-on, her expression calm but unyielding.

Good,Kimiko thought, her smirk fading into a neutral expression.Let them simmer. They'll show their true colors soon enough. And I'll make sure to repay them twice in kind.

"It's your destiny to lose to me," Neji repeated, his voice cold and certain. "That's a fact. And that's it."

Naruto, battered and bloodied, panted heavily, struggling to stay upright. Yet his gaze never left Neji, defiance burning in his weary eyes. "Oh yeah?" Naruto spat, his voice ragged but unwavering. "Well, we won't know that until you beat me, will we?"

Neji watched as Naruto struggled to steady himself, his face unreadable. But as Naruto's breaths came harder, his injuries clearly weighing on him, Neji's lips curled into a faint smirk.

Naruto closed his eyes, gathering himself as Neji reached for his forehead protector, retying it with deliberate calm.

"Okay, so your father was killed a long time ago," Naruto said suddenly, "And yeah, it wasn't fair. Maybe you're upset about that. I get it." He paused, breathing hard. "But that's got nothing to do with destiny. If you think I'm buying that crap, you're dead wrong."

Neji's eyes narrowed, irritation flashing briefly before he composed himself. "You will never understand," he said.

He dropped back into his stance, his Byakugan flaring to life once more. In an instant, Neji dashed forward, striking Naruto square in the chest with an open palm. The force sent Naruto flying, his body rolling across the arena floor before coming to a stop.

"Proctor," Neji called over his shoulder, his voice calm. "It's over."

Naruto didn't move.

"Hmph," Neji snorted, turning away. "You're a failure, still." His gaze flicked to the competitors' platform, locking onto Kimiko. "Perhaps your teammates, either Sasuke or Kimiko, would prove to be better challengers."

With that, Neji turned his back on Naruto entirely, walking away.

But then, Naruto stirred.

From the dirt and rubble, the blond shinobi forced himself to his knees, trembling violently as he began to rise. "W-Wait…" Naruto croaked, his voice barely above a whisper. "D-Don't walk away from me."

Neji stopped, turning back with a frown. "You're still standing?"

"I'm not… done yet," Naruto panted, swaying but refusing to fall. He clutched his stomach with one arm, his eyes fierce despite the blood dripping from his mouth. "I don't… quit. And I don't… go back on my word." He straightened as much as he could, meeting Neji's glare. "That's my nindo. My ninja way."

For a moment, Neji's eyes flickered with recognition. A faint chuckle escaped his lips. "Heh. I've heard those words before."

"All this… destiny crap," Naruto continued, his legs shaking but holding firm. "If you really believe in it, then why are you the one walking away?!"

Neji's smirk faltered, his expression darkening. "You impudent little brat. Why waste my breath explaining it to you?" His hands curled into fists. "We are all given a destiny at birth. It is pointless to fight against it."

Neji's voice trembled, his stoic mask slipping as a memory surfaced unbidden. "You don't know what it's like," he growled, his voice rising, "to be branded with a mark that sets you apart. A mark that can never be wiped away!"

From the platform, Kimiko snorted softly.Uh-huh. Say that to the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki. Cry me a river, Hyuga.

Naruto's head hung low, his shoulders rising and falling as he took deep, measured breaths. His eyes were closed as if gathering his thoughts—memories flashing behind his lids. Then, with a sharp intake of breath, his eyes snapped open, locking onto Neji's.

"Oh yeah?" Naruto said, his voice low but steady. "I know what that's like. More than you could ever know."

The statement hit like a kunai. Neji froze, appalled, his Byakugan veins pulsing angrily. "You… worthless… little…"

Naruto straightened, still clutching his stomach, and took a shaky step forward. "Man, you think you've got troubles?" He gave a weak chuckle. "I've got news for you, Neji. You're not the only special one around here."

Neji's glare deepened, but Naruto pressed on, his voice growing stronger. "Did it ever cross your mind that Hinata is suffering just as much as you are? It's not her fault her father was born ahead of yours, but you resent her for it anyway." He paused, anger flashing in his eyes. "Youdisrespecther—even when she's working so hard to improve herself. All she wanted was your respect. That's what she was fighting for, even though it almost killed her!"

"And what was that all about, anyway?" Naruto's voice rose, a snarl in his tone. "I thought it was your destiny to serve the Main Branch—not beat it to a bloody pulp! Kimiko-chan was right about you. You're a hypocrite!"

Naruto spat blood onto the ground, his glare unwavering. "After all that crap about how you can't fight destiny, you don't really believe it, do you?"

Neji's breath hitched, his composure cracking under the weight of Naruto's words. He frowned deeply, glaring at Naruto as if searching for a retort, but found none.

Naruto stumbled, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. "You think that Byakugan of yours sees everything," he said, his voice ragged. "You think you know everyone's weakness, right?"

"That's right," Neji said coolly, regaining his composure. "And if you think you're the one to prove me wrong… be my guest."

"You got it," Naruto growled, dropping shakily into a fighting stance. His movements were sluggish, his legs trembling, but his determination was palpable.

From the platform, Kimiko's eyes narrowed as she studied Naruto. His form wavered, second-guessing himself for a moment before something seemed to click. His face shifted, his expression resolute.

Kimiko's heart sank.He's going to use it. He's going to draw on Kurama's chakra.

Naruto's head hung low, his body swaying as though it might collapse at any moment. Neji watched him for a moment before turning to Genma, his Byakugan deactivating.

"Proctor," Neji said coolly, "this has gone on long enough." He paused, his tone steady but sharp. "I suggest you end the match. If he's foolish enough to continue, I won't be responsible for what happens to him."

Genma sighed, his senbon shifting between his teeth. "Tch. Fine."

But before Genma could make his call, a guttural sound escaped Naruto's lips. His trembling hands rose, forming a single seal in front of him.

Neji frowned, his gaze snapping back to Naruto. "It's pointless," he said sharply. "I told you—"

A primal scream tore from Naruto's throat, silencing Neji mid-sentence. The sound was raw, filled with desperation and fury, as if Naruto was tearing apart the very limits of his body and soul.

Neji's eyes narrowed, a smirk playing on his lips. "Why bother? You have no chakra left to use."

Naruto ignored him, his scream building in intensity, his hands holding the seal as if his life depended on it.

Neji shook his head, his smirk widening. "Why fight a hopeless battle? You can't change your fate. You're wasting your energy trying to defy destiny."

Naruto's voice broke through the air, clear and unyielding. "Because people called me a failure." His eyes snapped open, filled with unrelenting determination. "And I'm going to prove them wrong."

Kimiko felt it before she saw it—the same malevolent chakra she had sensed before, during their fight with Zabuza, and later against Orochimaru. But this time, it was different. It was heavier, darker, more intense.

The air seemed to thrum with energy as swirling, vermillion chakra began to flow around Naruto's body. The ground beneath him cracked and cratered under the pressure of the chakra, tiny pebbles trembling before rising into the air. Genma instinctively stepped back, his normally composed face showing a flicker of unease. Even Neji's confident expression faltered, his eyes widening in disbelief as the oppressive energy radiated outward.

Kimiko leaned forward, her eyes locked on Naruto. From the corner of her vision, she noticed Gaara doing the same. His wide, unblinking eyes shimmered with recognition—and something akin to fear.

"W-What?" Shikamaru stammered, shielding his face from the swirling debris. "How is he doing that? He shouldn't even be able to use his—"

"You," Gaara said suddenly, his voice cutting through the chaos. His tone was low, almost reverent. He didn't turn to face Kimiko, but his words were meant for her.

"What?" she asked flatly, not taking her eyes off Naruto.

"Is this what he meant?" Gaara's voice trembled, his gaze fixed on the swirling cloak of chakra around Naruto. "When he said he had a demon inside him too?"

Kimiko's stomach tightened, but she answered without hesitation. "...Yes." Her voice was even, though a flicker of concern crossed her face. "I told you about the true nature of what's inside you. Well... this is Naruto's."

Gaara's eyes narrowed, his hands twitching at his sides as his siblings exchanged uneasy glances. None of them spoke, their attention riveted to the boy in the arena who now radiated a power they barely comprehended.

The malevolent chakra coalesced around Naruto, forming into a swirling, translucent vermillion cloak. Its edges licked at the air like flames, its tendrils pulsing with barely contained energy. The injuries that had covered Naruto's body moments ago were gone—completely healed by the overwhelming force of the Nine-Tails' power.

Pebbles and debris continued to rise, caught in the torrent of chakra that seemed to distort the very air around him. Neji raised his arms instinctively, shielding his face as the wind pressure and flying debris forced him to take a step back. His composure was gone, replaced with a mix of disbelief and wariness.

Naruto straightened, his eyes glowing faintly red through the chakra veil. A feral grin spread across his face, his renewed strength almost palpable. "Here I go!" he snarled, his voice carrying an edge that hadn't been there before.

In a blur of orange and vermillion, Naruto disappeared from Neji's sight.

The next moment, he reappeared behind Neji, his movements impossibly fast. Four shuriken gleamed in his hands, their sharp edges catching the light of the midday sun.

"Take this! My own personal jutsu!" Naruto roared as he flung the shuriken toward Neji. His hands blurred into a single seal. "Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

The four spinning shuriken multiplied mid-air, doubling, quadrupling, and continuing until the sky above the arena seemed filled with gleaming steel. A massive barrage—no fewer than fifty shuriken—hurtled toward Neji in a deadly rain.

"What?!" Kankuro exclaimed, his voice a mixture of disbelief and awe. "Another jutsu? Just how powerful did he get in a single month?!"

Kimiko's eyes flickered toward Naruto, her mind racing.Did Jiraiya-sensei teach him that? No…

Her gaze shifted to the Third Hokage, who now stood from his seat, his eyes wide, his face etched with shock. He recognized the technique—one of his own creations. Now used by Naruto.

Kimiko's breath hitched.No, Naruto didn't learn it from anyone.Her chest swelled with pride and astonishment.He figured it out on his own. He learned it by himself.

Below, Neji's Byakugan flared as he assessed the incoming storm of shuriken. His eyes narrowed, calculating every angle, every trajectory. "So much chakra," he murmured, his jaw tightening.

But Neji was no ordinary genin—he was still the Hyuuga prodigy.

His feet shifted, his hands rising into position. With a controlled exhale, Neji began to spin.

"Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation!"

A brilliant sphere of chakra erupted around Neji, spinning violently as it expanded. The shuriken collided with the barrier of pure chakra, clattering and ricocheting off in all directions. The sheer force of the clash sent shockwaves through the arena, the crowd erupting into screams and cheers as the display of skill surpassed their wildest expectations.

Kimiko's heart pounded as she analyzed the scene.Neji's rotation… it's bigger and stronger than before, but he's burning through chakra fast.Her eyes flicked to Naruto, who flipped through the air, landing on the wall which cratered at his landing.

And Naruto… he's not done yet.

Naruto bent his knees, his vermillion aura swirling around him like a storm. With a powerful leap, he propelled himself from the wall, rocketing toward Neji in a blur of orange and red.

Neji, still catching his breath from his rotation, snarled and reacted. "Take this!" he shouted, flinging a handful of shuriken he snatched in mid air toward Naruto. His hands flashed forward, palms open. "Eight Trigrams: Air Palm!"

The shuriken shot forward like missiles, propelled by the pressurized chakra from Neji's strike. The deadly projectiles whistled through the air, aimed directly at Naruto's trajectory.

But Naruto vanished.

"What?!" Neji exclaimed, his Byakugan flickering as he tracked the sudden shift. The enhanced shuriken slammed into the arena walls, embedding deep with smoking cracks but missing their target entirely.

Naruto reappeared behind Neji in a blur of motion, his fist cocked back for a devastating blow. Neji reacted instantly, sidestepping with the grace and perception his Byakugan afforded him. Naruto's punch skimmed past Neji's shoulder, but the force of it sent a shockwave through the air.

Neji leapt back, creating distance between them. His breath came faster now, but his focus never wavered. Across the field, Naruto's vermillion chakra flared brighter as he reached into his pouch, drawing a kunai.

Neji mirrored the movement, their actions eerily in sync.

Both boys flung their kunai at the exact same moment, the blades spinning through the air with deadly precision. They collided mid-air, the clash of steel sending sparks flying as the kunai ricocheted backward. Without hesitation, the two genin lunged forward, each moving to intercept their thrown weapons.

Their hands closed around the kunai simultaneously, and they continued their momentum, meeting in the center of the arena in a violent clash. Steel struck steel as their blades locked, the force of their impact sending vibrations through the ground.

They passed each other mid-air, exchanging positions in a blur of speed and precision. As they landed, the ground beneath their feet cracked and cratered under the force. Dust and debris rose around them, obscuring the arena for a moment as the crowd roared in excitement.

Kimiko gripped the railing tightly, her knuckles whitening.This isn't just a fight anymore—it's a spectacle. They're not just genin anymore. Both of them are fighting like Chunin… no, like true shinobi. Beyond even that.

The dust began to clear, revealing the two combatants standing on opposite sides of the battlefield, their eyes locked. Naruto's vermillion aura flickered and pulsed, his breath heavy but steady.

"Okay, you," Naruto growled, his grin sharp and feral as he tightened his grip on the kunai. The vermillion chakra around him flared, casting an eerie glow that flickered and danced like living fire. Neji glared back, his Byakugan pulsing with sharp intensity.

"So, I heard you like close combat, huh?"

Without waiting for a response, Naruto charged. The ground cracked beneath his feet with each powerful step, dust and debris exploding in his wake as his chakra pulsed with raw, untamed energy. His voice roared above the chaos, filled with defiance and fire.

"It may be the Hyuga way to cave in to destiny, but it's not mine!"

The crowd fell silent, the tension almost suffocating as Naruto closed the distance. Every eye in the arena was fixed on him, every breath hitched in anticipation. Neji's eyes widened at the words, his composure slipping as he realized the ferocity of Naruto's resolve.

"If you think it's futile to fight, then don't," Naruto snarled, his body coiled as he launched himself into the air. "Just stand there and take it!"

Neji's instincts flared, his chakra reserves already dwindling. His hands rose as he began to spin, building the momentum for a full rotation. But Naruto's vermillion cloak surged, growing brighter, denser, more furious, as if answering his unyielding will.

"I'll change the way of the Hyuga clan!" Naruto roared, his voice shaking the air as his chakra burned brighter.

Their clash came in an instant—Naruto's kunai-wielding fist meeting Neji's spinning barrier of chakra. The impact was cataclysmic. A shockwave rippled outward, shaking the arena to its core. The collision of red and blue chakra exploded in a blinding burst of energy, forcing Genma to leap back to avoid the onslaught.

Kimiko squinted against the brilliant light and dust, trying to make out the point where their opposing forces met. She could feel the overwhelming intensity of their chakra, distinct and clashing like two storms fighting for dominance. Even amidst the roar of the explosion, she heard Naruto's voice rise once more, clear and resolute.

"After I become Hokage!"

Then came the explosion. A massive blast of raw energy erupted from the center of their clash, expanding outward with devastating force. The ground beneath them tore apart as chunks of earth were flung into the air. Trees were uprooted and sent hurtling like leaves in a storm. The sheer power of it was felt even on the high platform, where Kimiko shielded her eyes against the pressure.

Shikamaru stared down at the arena, his jaw slack. Beside him, Temari and Kankurō were frozen in stunned silence, while Gaara's dilated pupils trembled as he watched the display of power with rapt fascination. Shino leaned heavily on the railing, his usual calm broken by the sheer magnitude of the fight.

As the smoke and dust began to settle, the battlefield came into view once more. Two deep craters scarred the earth, their edges still smoking and jagged.

"What happened?" Kankuro murmured, his voice unsteady.

"The clash was so powerful, the recoil sent them both flying," Shikamaru explained, his brow furrowed as he scanned the scene. "Both of them are buried in those craters."

Kimiko's eyes narrowed, her gaze drawn to the smoking gouges in the ground.

Come on, Naruto… show them.

Suddenly, from one of the craters, a hand shot upward, dirt and smoke trailing off its trembling form. Another hand followed, pushing against the edge of the pit, pulling a battered figure upward.

It was Neji.

Bruised, bloodied, and barely able to stand, he clawed his way out of the crater. His breaths came shallow and uneven, his body swaying with each unsteady step as he forced himself toward the second smoking crater.

And then, she saw it.

Naruto lay motionless in the other crater, his body sprawled lifelessly, dirt and debris coating his battered form. His chest barely rose and fell, a shallow rhythm that betrayed how much he had endured.

"Wow," Shikamaru murmured, his hands resting on the railing as he surveyed the scene. "Naruto lost, but still… I doubt they won't promote him to Chuunin after showing off that many tricks."

"Yes," Shino agreed, his tone even but impressed. "Why? Because Naruto has displayed the qualities required of a Chuunin—ingenuity, determination, and raw strength. In some ways, he has even surpassed those standards."

"Yeah… good for him. But Neji Hyuga's just that powerful," Shikamaru sighed, scratching the back of his head. "What a drag. If I somehow beat you or Temari, Kimiko, I'm gonna have to face that monster."

Kimiko didn't reply immediately. Instead, she smiled, her sharp senses honing in on something none of the others had noticed yet. She focused, her training with Jiraiya paying dividends as she filtered through the overwhelming chakra signatures around the battlefield.

And then, she sensed it—another chakra source. One that still burned strong.

Right beneath Neji.

"Oh, I don't know," Kimiko said, her voice lilting with amusement as she leaned casually against the railing. Her grin widened as her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Haven't you learned not to count Naruto out yet?"

Neji, still panting heavily and clutching his side, scoffed. "Sorry," he said, his voice laced with exhaustion and disdain as he gazed down at Naruto's unmoving form. "But this is reality. You're a failure." He staggered slightly, his balance wavering. "This match is ove—"

The ground beneath Neji exploded.

In an instant, a dirt-covered Naruto burst upward, his fist cocked back and cloaked in a spiraling vortex of wind chakra. Neji's eyes widened in shock as the realization struck him too late.

"TAKE THIS!" Naruto roared, his voice echoing through the arena. "WIND STYLE: GALE PALM FIST!"

The vortex of wind around Naruto's fist churned violently, its power tearing through the air as he aimed a devastating uppercut at Neji. Desperation flashed across Neji's face as he moved to step back, his body already beyond its limits, but still managing to force his body to shoot backwards.

And then, just as Neji moved, the ground behind him erupted once more. A familiar blue figure lunged forward—Gamaseki, someone Kimiko thought was out cold, was now back in action.

"You're not going anywhere, brat!" the toad growled, spinning in mid-air and delivering a crushing side chop to Neji's back. The impact sent a spray of blood from Neji's mouth as the force propelled him forward, back into the direct path of Naruto's strike.

With nowhere to escape, Neji took the full brunt of Naruto's uppercut. The gale-wrapped fist slammed into his chin, snapping his head back with bone-jarring force. The energy surrounding the punch exploded outward, a violent gust of wind expanding across the arena, tearing more dirt and debris from the ground.

The resulting blast sent both fighters flying in opposite directions. Naruto's body was flung through the air, but Gamaseki leapt after him, his large arms cradling the boy mid-flight.

"Got you, kid," the toad grumbled, his tone gruff but protective as he set Naruto down gently before vanishing in a puff of smoke.

Neji wasn't so fortunate. His body hurtled toward the arena wall, slamming into it with a deafening crash. The stone cracked and crumbled under the force, and Neji collapsed to the ground, face down. Blood dripped from his lips as he struggled to move, his trembling fingers grasping at the dirt.

To Kimiko's surprise, Neji was still conscious. His body shook as he rolled onto his back, his voice a strained whisper. "Can't… move…"

"What happened?!" Shikamaru asked, his voice rising with incredulity.

Kimiko smirked, gesturing toward the crater that Neji had stood over moments ago. "Look at the crater," she said, her tone almost teasing. "Naruto baited Neji into dropping his guard with a clone. When Neji thought he had him beat, Naruto used that moment to dig underground and plan his next move."

She straightened, her smile softening. "Naruto never stopped believing he could win. Even when the odds were stacked against him, even when everyone thought it was over, he kept thinking, kept fighting. That belief—" Kimiko's gaze flickered down to Naruto, who was slowly sitting up, a tired but triumphant grin on his face. "That belief is what makes him unstoppable."

Kimiko's voice grew quieter, almost reverent. "And that's why my teammate will become the Hokage."

Naruto, still panting heavily, began to walk toward Neji, his steps uneven but purposeful. The vermillion aura around him had faded, leaving only the battered boy underneath. His blue eyes, however, burned with determination as he approached Neji's prone form.

Neji lay on the ground, his breaths shallow, glaring up at Naruto. "I should have guessed," he snarled, his voice tinged with frustration and something else—perhaps respect. "You'd use that shadow clone jutsu. It's your specialty, after all. I was careless."

Naruto stopped a few feet away, his chest rising and falling as he struggled to catch his breath. "For the record," he began, his voice hoarse but steady, "I failed the graduation exams. Three times." His gaze dropped for a moment, then locked on Neji's. "Because there was this one jutsu that was always in the exam. It tripped me up every single time. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't master it."

Kimiko, leaning on the railing above, giggled softly, her crimson eyes alight with memory. She rested her elbow on the edge, propping her chin on her palm. "Oh, I remember those days. You too, Shikamaru? Shino?"

Shikamaru sighed, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, troublesome as it was. I still remember you dragging me, Naruto, and Choji out to train until we dropped."

Shino nodded, his usually impassive voice carrying a hint of fondness. "Indeed. Even back then, your bonds with Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata were evident."

Naruto didn't seem to hear them, his focus solely on Neji. "And that jutsu?" he continued, his voice breaking slightly from exertion. "It was the clone jutsu. The one I just couldn't get right. It made me feel like a failure every single time."

Neji's eyes widened slightly, the words cutting through the fog of his defeat.

"So don't come whining to me with this destiny stuff," Naruto said, his voice growing louder, more forceful. "And stop trying to tell me you can't change what you are." He pointed a trembling finger at Neji. "Because you can. You can do it too. Because unlike me?" Naruto paused, his lips curving into a small, triumphant smile. "You're not a failure."

For the first time, Neji's expression softened, the bitterness in his gaze giving way to something quieter—thoughtfulness, perhaps. He stared at Naruto, no words escaping his lips, as if he were grappling with the weight of what had just been said.

From the sidelines, Genma stepped forward, his voice breaking the tension. "The winner of this match is… Naruto Uzumaki!" He raised his arm before chopping it down decisively.

The arena erupted in riotous applause, the crowd roaring with approval and admiration. The deafening cheers echoed across the stadium, and Naruto, despite his exhaustion, looked up at the spectators. For a moment, he simply stood there, taking it all in.

Then, with a shaky but determined motion, he raised his fist into the air, a grin spreading across his face.