11 Trials Temptations III
"Congratulations on passing the second exam!" Anko said, stepping forward. "You have proved your worth, I expected you to be single digits." She smiled. "But now, we move on." A few murmured their disbelief and exhaustion.
Hiruzen eyed the group in mild astonishment. 'No wonder they were nominated, this is quite an impressive bunch,' He mused.
Konoha teams 7, 8, 10, Gai, and Kabuto's team stood alongside the Suna team and Dosu's leaving 21 in total.
Sasuke scowled at the sound team as Dosu glared at them. "How are they alive?" Sakura whispered, Sasuke glanced at her and shrugged. "Naru your summon for sure killed the girl didn't it?"
"I thought, but maybe they were just unconscious?" She replied. "Either way they're here and so are we, maybe we'll face them again,"
"I will now turn this over to Hokage-sama," Anko said with a bow, he cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"First congratulations are in order," He said. "I wish to explain the real hidden meaning of these exams," They murmured in their confusion. "In the simplest of terms, this exam is to replace war between allies,"
"What do you mean?" Kiba asked.
"Years ago, the current allies now were enemies and fought one another, to prevent this, we made a stage for fights,"
"Why do we have to do this?"
"Let me finish," He motioned. "Yes these exams are a replacement war but they are also a way to help the village, in this coming final test there will be many influential people and leaders there, if the strength of a country is clear, the country will get more clients, this also sends a message to enemies staying 'we have powerful ninja so don't bother'," He chuckled.
"Why do we have to risk our necks?" Shikamaru asked.
"The strength of the country is the strength of its village, the strength of the village is the strength of the shinobi and the shinobi's true strength is born only through life-risking battles." He said.
"So what about the next test?" Gaara asked.
"Hokage-sama, I can take it from here," A jounin stepped forward coughing as he bowed and stood in front. "Hello everyone, I'm Hayate, before we get to the third test, we have something for you all to do, a preliminary exam, so we can decide who gets to participate in the main event." He said.
"Why!?" Shikamaru barked.
"Yeah!" Sakura said. "Why can't we all just participate?!" She asked.
"Because the first and second exams have been much too easy." He said earning a dirty look from Ibiki and Anko. "There are too many of you, and as Hokage-sama said, there will be many important people, and if we let you all continue it will take much too long." He said. "Now, I have something important to say, if any of you wish to quit now, you may do so." He said.
"What?" They murmured confused.
"Teams are no longer required from this point on, so if you wish to quit say so now," He said and paused.
"Sasuke-kun," Sakura whispered, he turned to her confused. "You should,"
"What?"
"You should back out, get that … thing looked at,"
"Don't even," He said.
"You don't know what that thing is or will do!"
"No Sakura, I'm staying just keep your mouth shut," He hissed.
"In that case, I'm spent," Kabuto raised his hand with a smile and nodded.
"Anyone else?" Hayate asked and was met with silence. "Let's move on, the following matches will be random, your name will appear on the screen behind me, you will do your battle and I will determine the victor, the matches will continue until either one or both are knocked out, unable to continue or if you die. I can jump in if it gets close to that point, we don't need that many bodies," He murmured. "Alright, the first match is…" He turned and watched the names rapidly blink through until stopping. "Sasuke Uchiha vs Yoroi Akado,"
"First up huh," Sasuke murmured and scoffed.
"Those named come forward, the rest of you move to the sides,"
As they moved to their spots Sasuke watched Itachi walk behind Hiruzen and winked at him.
"Sasuke," Kakashi said and paused behind him. "Don't push it, and if that shows up during the match I will be forced to intervene and you will be disqualified," He murmured, Sasuke let out a breath and nodded rubbing his neck.
"Are you both ready?"
"Yeah." Yoroi said.
"Yes." Sasuke said.
"Begin!" Hayate said and jumped back, Yoroi gripped his wrist and chakra shined over his hand, he pulled out a shuriken and threw it toward Sasuke who deflected them with a kunai. Sasuke turned a little lost his balance and hissed, he looked up to see Yoroi jumping at him, he spun to the side and Yoroi punched the ground, he shot towards Sasuke quickly, stabbed his kunai into the ground spun slightly, and got his one foot behind Yoroi's arm and kicked with the other foot, Yoroi cursed in pain and grunted as Sasuke grabbed his arm and slammed him to the ground with his leg pressed on Yoroi's neck and his arm pinned with his hands.
"Sasuke-kun!!" Sakura cheered.
Yoroi turned his hand in Sasuke's grip and pressed his hand on the boy's chest, he grunted confused, and panted as Yoroi's hand glowed with chakra.
'My strength … it's fading.' He thought as Yoroi brought his hand up and brought it down on Sasuke's stomach harshly, he coughed up blood and shook in pain as Yoroi got up and smirked.
'What happened to my strength? Where did it go?!' He thought, he heard Yoroi move and sat up in time for Yoroi to slam his hand down on Sasuke's head and slam him back to the ground, his hand glowed, and Sasuke pushed and struggled against his grip before he moaned and slumped.
"SASUKE-KUN!!" Sakura screamed out, Yoroi laughed looking at him struggling.
"M... my chakra.." Sasuke rasped. "You're taking my chakra." He said..
"You figured it out huh?" Yoroi said smiling.
On the other side of the room, the Sound team jounin smirked darkly watching. 'Exactly! Yoroi can absorb chakra, a wonderful jutsu that can allow him to suck his opponents physical and spiritual energy out just by a touch. And once your chakra has been devoured Sasuke-kun, you'll have to resort to the power of my curse mark. That's it! Open yourself up to that power.' He thought his golden eyes glittering.
Sasuke screamed out in pain and growled bringing his leg up and kicking Yoroi in the stomach knocking him off. "You son of a bitch!" He snarled and got up panting.
"Imagine a little vermin like you still having that much power left," Yoroi said and chuckled.
'That was too close. If he touches me again I won't have enough energy to move. It's his goal to keep me within reach, this is my last chance but what do I do?' Sasuke thought.
"Is this all he can do?" Gaara asked.
'Sasuke.' Lee thought, Sakura whimpered and looked away, and Naru rolled her eyes.
"From the Uchiha clan and is losing," Kiba said with a snicker, Naru glanced down to Itachi who watched closely, his hands gripping the bars.
"Go Sasuke-kun!" Ino cheered next. Sasuke huffed for air and looked at Itachi then towards Kakashi and Sakura before landing on Lee and perked up. 'That's it!' He thought
"You couldn't have picked a worse time to daydream!" Yoroi yelled running at Sasuke.
'Now I'll absorb all of his chakra, now!' He thought.
Kakashi grunted ready to jump along with Hayate, the Sound jounin watched with a smile.
Sasuke smirked as Yoroi got right to him, he kicked his jaw sending him up in the air, and Sasuke pushed up after him.
'That's my …' Lee thought in shock.
'What!?' Gai said in shock.
Yoroi soared in the air and grunted as Sasuke appeared behind him and smirked.
"After this, I'll limit the copying, from here it's original." He said, Yoroi grunted as Sasuke put two fingers on his back. "It's over." He said.
"Kage Buyo," Yoroi said.
"Take this!" Sasuke said and got ready to move but grunted in shock as a strong throb of pain shot through his body, he coughed up blood and his muscles stiffened as black flame marks began to spread along his body, the Sound jounin smirked evilly.
Anko gasped drawing their attention as the mark began to spread, Itachi growled low in his throat as they watched, Sasuke groaned and closed his eyes tight.
"Please. I'm worried about that thing." Sakura's voice echoed in his head.
'He's reached his limit.' Kakashi thought.
'NO!' Sasuke thought and opened his eyes, the mark moved back shocking everyone.
"Now," Sasuke said and swung and pushed from Yoroi's back and brought his leg over to nail his stomach but Yoroi blocked with his arm.
"Stupid amateur!" He said, Sasuke smirked and nailed Yoroi's jaw harshly, he cried out and began to fall, Sasuke spun some more and yelled. "Shishi rendan!!" He yelled and slammed his leg down on Yoroi's stomach slamming him into the concrete, Sasuke hit the ground and skidded panting harshly and slumped. Hayate walked up to Yoroi who had blood pouring from his mouth. 'I don't even have to check.' He thought and looked as Sasuke sat up panting.
"Winner Sasuke Uchiha," Hayate held his hand up, Sakura let out a relieved laugh and clapped, and Ino cheered her praise loudly.
Sasuke pushed up and huffed with a chuckle and wiped his sweaty face before his eyes rolled up in his head and he tipped forward.
Itachi appeared in front of him catching him in his arms. "Great job little brother," He whispered, hefting him up and walking out. Kakashi disappeared in a blink leaving both girls confused.
"Shino Aburame and Zaku, come down," Hayate called.
Naru sighed as she watched match after match continued calling one opponent a winner except in the case of the double knockout of Sakura and Ino's match.
"Naru Uzumaki and Kiba Inuzuka come down," She glanced at her opponent who jumped over the rails, she followed suit and waited for Hayate to call the start.
"You may have been good in the academy but I've come a long way!" Kiba announced, and Naru arched her brow.
"Have you now? I'm so scared," She drawled making him growl at her.
"Begin!"
"You can sit this one out Akamaru," Kiba said putting the puppy down. "I'll knock her out in a second," He said and shot forward, Naru blinked at the speed as he slammed into her and threw her back. She groaned as she hit the ground and sat up, blood ran down her chin.
"Stay down," He barked, Naru stood up wiping the blood away, and smirked.
"That'll be the last blood of mine that's spilled," She said.
"Yeah right!" He yanked out smoke bombs and threw them at her feet letting the smoke fill her vision. She cried out as Kiba hit her a few times, she moved from the smoke.
"NOW!" Kiba barked, Akamaru launched towards her, and she jolted back before chakra launched up blocking as Kiba threw a punch from the back.
Kiba blinked in shock as the chakra grabbed his wrist and flung him to the side as she grabbed the dog and threw the dog to the side.
"Akamaru!" Kiba called, the puppy yapped and ran to his master swallowing a small ball from Kiba's bag. The dog growled as his white fur turned red and his size grew, he growled low before launching at her. She focused letting two chakra tails swish behind her, Akamaru went to bite but missed as Kiba tackled her to the ground. Kiba gasped as she grabbed his jacket and threw him over her head but cried out as Akamaru bit her leg.
"Let go!" She snarled and kicked at the dog who dodged.
Naru focused creating four clones that ran around Kiba and the dog. "You got claws but so do I," She taunted and they launched forward swiping at Kiba and Akamaru drawing blood from them both.
"Alright Akamaru, now!" The dog barked and transformed into a copy of Kiba before they spun rapidly. "Fang over fang!" Naru watched the clones be destroyed instantly before they turned and slammed into her.
"Let's go again!" Kiba barked, both slammed towards her but she dodged letting them slam into the ground, she brought chakra up around her hands as one launched towards her again, she grabbed him stopping his spin, and kneed his stomach, he coughed and slumped over her knee until she dropped him.
Smoke enveloped him revealing to be Akamaru that whined in pain. "Akamaru!"
"You want your puppy?" She asked letting chakra pick up the dog, Kiba growled at him, and Naru threw the dog making Kiba jump to catch him. "And you!" She appeared and slammed her knee into his back making him cry out in pain as he fell. Naru bit her thumb running through the hand signs as a scythe appeared, she grabbed the chain and flung it towards Kiba who was crawling towards Akamaru. The blades slammed between the two, Naru jumped in the air landed on the blade, and smirked at Kiba who groaned.
"Get up puppy," She taunted.
"Screw you," He hissed, Naru stepped back creating a clone.
"Let's make it interesting neh?" The clone scooped up the dog who growled but couldn't do much else. "You beat me and you get your mutt back, I beat you, and well…" She shrugged, chakra encircled the puppy and squeezed making him cry out and Kiba stood on shaky legs.
"Passing fang!"
"Again?" She dodged the boy as he spun slamming past her and towards the clone. "Smart," She purred as Akamaru was freed.
She pulled the blade up and twirled it, the tails behind her swished grabbing the chain on the handle and twirled it. "I'm bored, it's time to end the fight," She said.
"Screw you," He hissed again laying the dog down and pulling out smoke bombs, Naru shot forward with great speed and knocked them from him, her hand latched onto his throat and squeezed as he struggled.
Hayate shifted forward ready as she threw the boy and a crack sounded, he yelped holding his hand that was swelling. 'Shit, my hand!' Kiba cursed and looked up as Naru stalked closer.
"Wind release air bullets!" Naru yelled taking in a deep breath and releasing it as bullets of solid air rained down making Kiba dodge before one hit his shoulder throwing him forward. Naru appeared in front and kicked his stomach throwing him in the air. He groaned as chakra encircled his body and threw him to the ground. He groaned struggling to stand but his legs gave out.
"Dammit," he hissed.
Naru walked up and put her foot on his back with a chuckle. "Seems you're not ready to play with the big dogs yet," She taunted and pressed, he growled at her. "Give up before I make this place your grave, you and the dog's,"
"I quit," he muttered.
"Naru Uzumaki is the winner," She turned on her heel and walked back up the stairs as Kiba was carried out with Akamaru on a stretcher.
"Naru," She paused as Hinata glanced down. "For your wounds," She held out a container.
"I heal fast, but thank you," she whispered, Hinata blushed and nodded.
"Neji Hyuuga and Hinata Hyuuga," Hayate called, she gasped dropping the container, Kurenai let out a curse as the boy jumped down the center and waited.
"Hinata," Naru said knowing the full hatred Neji had for his cousin.
"I… I can…" She whispered. "I have to,"
"Be careful," Naru said as Hinata walked down to the match.
Naru watched in anger as Neji brutally beat Hinata nearly killing her until the jounin intervened and rushed a dying Hinata out of the arena.
"Only a few left," Sakura whispered, Naru glanced at Gaara who stared at her.
"I feel sorry for the fool that fights him," She muttered.
"Is he that bad?"
"He's brutal that's for sure,"
"Rock Lee and Gaara,"
"Lee!" Sakura cried out turning to the boy who gave a thumbs up.
"I got this,"
"No, you don't-"
"I won't lose Sakura-chan! Simply cheer me on!" He jumped in the air and landed in a crouch.
"He's dead," Naru whispered.
"Naru!" Sakura hissed as Gaara walked down the stairs.
Naru sighed as Lee was nearly killed as well by the boy until his sensei intervened for him and he too was rushed out on death's door.
Once the final matches ended they explained a month-long break was to commence letting them practice and prepare before they were dismissed.
"Will you practice with Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura asked as they walked out.
"Probably not, not sure what I'll do," Naru said.
"Naru Uzumaki," A voice called, she turned finding an elderly man with bandages around the left side of his face and an X carved on his chin.
"Who are you?" She sneered.
"I am Danzo, one of the councilmen for the Hokage, I wish to speak with you, alone," He said pointedly.
"I'm… I'm gonna find Sasuke-kun, good luck Naru,"
"Follow me," Naru turned and followed the man as he walked away from the crowd and down a different hall, she scowled at his back as his cane clacked on the ground.
"If you want to talk then do it, stop leading me further from people," She warned, her hands twitching.
"You misunderstand, I'm not a threat to you, I'm here to offer you help,"
"Help?"
"Your match was easy and not at all a challenge that was easy to see, but it's also obvious you have many flaws and weaknesses," He said. "Do you know what I do?"
"No," She shrugged.
"I lead a group of special members that have no weakness, that hold the village up and protect it," She shook her head. "I know you're not a fan of the village and the Thirds policies am I right?" She shifted and refused to answer. "He forced you in prison then to the academy and a genin team, you have the makings of being an unstoppable force,"
"If I let you teach me right?" She drawled.
"My ninja can go toe to toe with any jounin in this village and not break a sweat,"
"And I'm to just take your word?"
"Give me this month, I will take you under my wing and you'll learn more than you ever have, the chunin exams will be a breeze, what do you say?"
"I-"
"She'll do no such thing!" Naru whirled around as Itachi stomped forward standing between them.
"Now Itachi I was simply-"
"Leaving while I allow you," He growled, his sharingan blazed and his fists tightened at his sides.
"She needs training and I -"
"Will never get your hands on her Danzo, now leave before we have a problem," Danzo sighed glancing at Naru before turning and disappearing down the hall.
"Geez Itachi, we were just talking it wasn't that big a deal, I think you need a vacation-"
"NARU!" He snarled whirling around to her, she gasped stepping back as his sharingan burned.
"I-"
"Why would you leave with him?!" He snarled grabbing her arms and shaking her. "Why would you talk to him or even give him a minute!?"
"He.. he was offering training and I... I … I - you're hurting me," She squeaked as tears welled in her eyes.
"Naru don't ever go near him again am I understood?" He growled his grip tightening on her arms.
"Itachi you're hurting me," She squeaked again.
"Am I understood?"
"Itachi!" She yelped, he blinked in shock as he felt her tremors and saw the tears slip down her cheeks.
"Oh no! No! Naru I'm sorry!" He pleaded and dropped to his knees pulling her into his arms and buried his face in her shoulder. "Forgive me, please," He said, she stared ahead feeling his shaking and hearing the quiver in his voice. "I'm so sorry, so sorry," he whispered and pulled away, his eyes watery. "I didn't mean to scare you or hurt you," he rubbed her arms. "Danzo is… is a bad man Naru, stay away from him, please understand and listen-"
"I gotta go," She squeaked and ran away from him, he held his hand out before cursing and punching the ground.