Yo!
I'm back with the next chapter of Change in Winds. This is very fun chapter to write and long one as well as I felt since we are doing monthly updates, it would be enjoyable to have longer chapters.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Without further ado, let's get started.
Enjoy the chapter.
Change in Winds
Chapter 22
Molten Youth
Hiruzen straightened once more before delivering his final command: "Prepare yourselves—the first match begins now."
At Hiruzen's announcement, the tension became almost tangible. The genin teams, recovered and determined, exchanged glances before stepping aside to allow the first-match participants to take their positions. The Jōnin sensei, along with the remaining genin, ascended to the railings above, their vantage point offering a clear view of the arena below. A mix of anticipation and unease filled the air as they prepared to witness the first clash of the preliminaries.
Genma stepped forward from his position at the edge of the arena with practiced ease. The senbon rolling lazily between his teeth was a stark contrast to the sharpness in his gaze as he surveyed both sides of this impending clash. His bandana cast a shadow over his face, but it did little to obscure the intensity of his scrutiny.
Neji's eyes were unwavering as they locked onto Genma's face; Lee's fists clenched tightly at his sides, trembling from anticipation; Tenten adjusted her grip on her scrolls with a calm precision that belied her inner nerves.
His attention then shifted to Rōshi on the opposite side of the arena. He stood with an air of quiet confidence bordering on arrogance. His eyes flickered faintly in the dim light as he regarded Genma with disinterest. Deciding he got a good measure of their personalities, he announced his tone calm but firm. "This match is simple, Team 9's objective is to remain standing by the end of thirty minutes. There are no limits in this match—any technique or strategy is permitted."
He turned his gaze toward Team 9, his expression sharpening slightly as he continued. "I remind you that you signed waivers before entering the Second Stage of these exams. Those waivers release Konoha of any responsibility for what happens to you during these matches."
Neji's eyes narrowed slightly, his fists tightening as he gave a resolute nod. Beside him, Lee straightened his posture even further, his fists clenched tightly at his sides in anticipation. Tenten simply nodded.
Genma's attention shifted to Rōshi, who stood with an air of boredom as if this entire process was beneath him as he stared back at Genma with disinterest. "The same applies to you," Genma said evenly. "You signed the waiver before entering this stage."
Rōshi merely nodded once, his expression unchanged. The veteran shinobi exuded a quiet confidence that bordered on arrogance—a man who had seen countless battles and considered this one just another stepping stone.
Genma let out a small sigh before continuing. "Once I disappear from this arena, the timer will begin." He gestured toward the large display screen above them where a countdown clock sat idle at thirty minutes.
But before Genma could signal the start of the match, a sharp voice rang out from above.
"Release your weights!" Guy's voice boomed.
The sudden declaration caught everyone off guard—including several Jōnin observing from the railings. Kakashi raised an eyebrow in mild surprise while Zabuza let out an amused snort. Even Yugito's eyes flickered with curiosity as she glanced toward Guy's team.
Down in the arena, Lee's eyes widened briefly before he vanished from his spot in a blur of movement so fast it left an afterimage behind. In an instant, he reappeared beside Guy at the railing above and handed over his ankle weights with reverence.
"Understood, Guy-sensei!" Lee exclaimed enthusiastically before disappearing again in another burst of speed back to his position in the arena.
Tenten and Neji followed suit shortly after, each removing considerably smaller weights than Lee's but still significant enough to draw attention. The sound of heavy metal clanging against stone echoed through the chamber as they dropped their burdens to the side.
Rōshi raised an eyebrow at this development, his curiosity piqued despite himself. 'Interesting,' he thought silently as he observed Team 9's movements more closely now. 'They've been holding back until now?'
From above, Guy grinned broadly at his students' readiness and yelled once more: "Show him the power of your true youth!"
Lee nodded fervently while Neji and Tenten exchanged brief glances before returning their focus entirely to Rōshi. Their stances shifted subtly but noticeably—lighter now, faster—and their resolve seemed to burn even brighter under the warm glow of sunset.
Genma smirked faintly at Guy's theatrics but said nothing further as he gestured toward the display screen once more. The timer flickered to life: 30:00.
"Begin!" He declared sharply—and then disappeared from sight in an instant.
The moment Genma vanished into thin air, Rōshi moved—not with haste but with deliberate precision that spoke volumes about his experience. His body radiated heat as faint wisps of lava-like chakra began to emanate from him.
Lee didn't hesitate for even a second. He launched himself forward with explosive speed that left cracks in the stone where he had stood moments ago. In an instant, he closed the distance between himself and Rōshi, aiming a powerful kick directly at his opponent's midsection.
Rōshi raised an arm almost lazily to block it—but when Lee's kick connected, it sent a shockwave rippling through the arena floor.
'Fast,' Rōshi thought briefly before countering with a swift backhand aimed at Lee's chest—but Lee ducked under it effortlessly and retreated just as quickly as he had attacked.
Meanwhile, Tenten had already unsealed several weapons from her scrolls—shuriken and kunai flying toward Rōshi in rapid succession like a hailstorm aimed directly at him. Neji moved simultaneously alongside her attacks, activating his Byakugan and closing in on Rōshi with precise strikes aimed at key chakra points.
Rōshi smirked faintly as he raised both hands—and suddenly molten chakra erupted outward in all directions like a fiery shield surrounding him completely. The shuriken melted upon contact while Neji was forced to leap back to avoid being caught in its radius.
From above at the railings, Guy observed silently while Zabuza chuckled darkly near him. "Looks like your kids aren't afraid to get their hands dirty," Zabuza remarked casually.
Guy didn't reply immediately but allowed himself a small smile beneath his mask as he continued watching intently. 'They're holding their ground well—but this is only the beginning.'
With every passing second on that timer above them—
29:34…
29:33…
—the stakes grew higher and higher as Team 9 fought relentlessly against Rōshi's overwhelming presence…
Tenten wiped a bead of sweat from her brow, her fingers trembling slightly as she reached for another scroll. The heat from Rōshi's attacks had singed the edges of her sleeves, and the acrid smell of burnt fabric mingled with the metallic tang of her weapons. Her throat felt raw from the superheated air she was forced to breathe. With each passing second, a growing realization settled in her chest like a stone: they were facing perhaps the worst possible opponent.
"His lava release," she whispered to her teammates during a momentary reprieve, her voice hoarse. "It's neutralizing everything we throw at him."
Neji nodded grimly, the veins around his eyes pulsing prominently as his Byakugan strained to find any weakness in their opponent's defense. The usual cool confidence in his eyes was tempered now with something rarer. Rōshi's ability to coat his limbs in lava chakra had effectively created an impenetrable barrier against his Gentle Fist strikes. Each time Neji had attempted to seal a chakra point, the molten armor had forced him to pull back, his fingertips red and blistered from even the briefest contact.
"We can't penetrate his defense with conventional attacks," Neji murmured, his usually stoic voice carrying a faint tremor that only his teammates would recognize. "We need to adapt."
Lee glanced at his teammates briefly, his round eyes reflecting the fiery glow of Rōshi's chakra. His chest heaved with exertion, the bandages on his hands now frayed and blackened from repeated attempts to breach Rōshi's defenses. Despite the pain that shot through his limbs with each movement, his fists remained clenched so tightly that his knuckles blanched white beneath the dirt and burns.
"We can't back down," Lee's voice was barely above a whisper, yet it carried a steel that belied his youthful appearance. His heart thundered against his ribs like a war drum, each beat a reminder of his promise – to himself, to Guy-sensei, to prove that hard work could overcome genius. "We've trained for moments like this. This is our chance to show everyone what we're capable of."
As if bound by invisible threads of shared resolve, Neji and Tenten exchanged a quick glance with him, their expressions hardening into masks of determination. In that silent moment, years of training together, of pushing each other beyond their limits, of shared pain and triumph, culminated in a wordless understanding. They would not yield – not to fear, not to pain, and certainly not to defeat.
From his elevated position, Guy watched his students with an intensity that bordered on physical pain. His usual boisterous demeanor had given way to a stillness that few had ever witnessed in the Green Beast of Konoha. His powerful arms were crossed tightly across his chest, muscles tensed as though he were physically restraining himself from leaping into the arena. He had prepared them for this – had pushed them beyond what most considered reasonable or safe – yet seeing them now, facing a jinchūriki of Rōshi's caliber, sent a cold spike of fear through his heart that no amount of youthful enthusiasm could fully dispel.
"Come on," he whispered, the words a prayer more than encouragement. "Show him what you're made of."
Lee closed his eyes briefly, centering himself as he had done countless times during training. The sounds of the arena – the murmurs from above, Tenten's rapid breathing, the sizzle of Rōshi's chakra – all faded into a distant hum as he focused inward.
"Kaimon: Kai," (Gate of Opening... OPEN!)
"Kyūmon: Kai," (Gate of Healing… OPEN!)
"Seimon: Kai," (Gate of Life... OPEN!)
The words were barely audible, but their effect was immediate and dramatic. Chakra exploded outward from Lee's body in a visible surge of raw power, emerald energy whipping around him like a tempest. The stone beneath his feet cracked and cratered from the sheer pressure, dust and fragments spiraling upward as if caught in a miniature cyclone. His skin flushed a deep crimson, the color of fresh blood, as the floodgates of chakra opened within him, and his eyes glowed with an almost feverish light.
Gasps and exclamations erupted from the audience, the sound swelling like a wave crashing against the arena walls. Even konoha seasoned jōnin couldn't hide their shock at witnessing a genin – a child in their eyes – accessing such forbidden techniques.
Kakashi's visible eye widened perceptibly, his usual languid posture tensing as he straightened from his wall. "The Inner Gates..." he murmured, his voice a mixture of astonishment and concern. "Guy, have you lost your mind? Teaching genin to open multiple gates could—"
"That's right!" Guy interrupted, his booming voice returning with renewed vigor as pride overwhelmed caution. His teeth gleamed in a brilliant smile that seemed to generate its own light. "My youthful students have trained tirelessly to master what others deemed impossible! This is the power of youth and determination!"
Before Kakashi could respond, a new ripple of astonishment passed through the observers as Neji and Tenten moved in perfect synchronization. Their hands formed identical seals, movements flowing with practiced precision.
"Kaimon: Kai," (Gate of Opening... OPEN!)
"Kyūmon: Kai," (Gate of Healing... OPEN!") they called out in unison.
Their transformation was more subtle than Lee's explosive display, but no less remarkable. A soft luminescence enveloped their forms like liquid silver, their movements becoming more fluid, more precise. The change was evident in the way they carried themselves – shoulders straighter, stances lower, eyes sharper. Where Lee's power was a raging inferno, theirs was a controlled burn, enhancing rather than overwhelming their natural abilities.
Asuma let out a low whistle, the cigarette hanging forgotten between his lips. "Well, I'll be damned," he muttered. "Guy's actually turned his entire team into miniature versions of himself." he said, turning to the Jonin in question.
Down in the arena, Rōshi's weathered features revealed a flicker of genuine interest for the first time since the match began. The perpetual boredom that had clouded his eyes gave way to a sharp, evaluative gaze as he observed the transformation of Team 9. Decades of battle experience had taught him to recognize true potential when he saw it, and what stood before him now was something rare indeed.
'Interesting,' he thought, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. 'These kids are more than I expected. Much more.' For someone like Rōshi – a veteran of two great shinobi wars, a man who had faced legends and lived to tell the tale – genuine surprise was a rare commodity. Yet here he stood, facing three genin who had managed to pique his curiosity in a way few had in recent years.
His molten chakra pulsed and shifted around him like a living cloak, responding to his changing mood. The air temperature rose several more degrees, causing the stone beneath his feet to blacken and crack. 'I did well choosing these three,' he reflected with satisfaction.
This match would serve multiple purposes – gathering intelligence for Iwa's own genin team led by Tsuchikage's granddaughter Kurotsuchi, testing his own abilities against Konoha's new generation, and perhaps most intriguingly, measuring these prodigies against the rumors he'd heard of another Konoha genin.
The shift in atmosphere was palpable as Team 9 readied themselves, the air itself seeming to vibrate with their combined chakra. And then, like an arrow released from a bowstring, Lee vanished.
The sound of his departure was like thunder cracking in a clear sky – a boom that reverberated through the arena and sent dust spiraling upward from where he had stood. His movement left not one but several afterimages, translucent echoes of green and red that confused the eye and mind alike. Even those with trained shinobi reflexes struggled to track his path as he zigzagged across the arena with impossible speed.
In less than the space between heartbeats, Lee materialized directly before Rōshi, his right fist pulled back and glowing with concentrated layer of chakra. The air around his hand distorted from the sheer velocity, creating a visible vacuum that pulled at the edges of Rōshi's clothing.
"KONOHA DAISENPŪ!" Lee roared, his voice transformed by the gates into something almost primal.
The force behind Lee's attack was so immense that it created a gust of wind that swept across the arena floor, extinguishing several lights and causing spectators to shield their eyes from the resulting dust storm. The punch hadn't even connected yet, and already it was affecting the environment around them.
Rōshi's eyes narrowed slightly – the only outward sign of his heightened focus – as his molten-coated arm rose to intercept the blow. Where before he had moved with deliberate calmness, now his reactions were sharp and immediate, recognizing the increased threat level.
From the upper level, conversations ceased as all attention fixed on the imminent collision.
Zabuza leaned further over the railing, his bandaged face unable to conceal the gleam of bloodlust in his eyes. "That kid moves like lightning," he remarked, genuine appreciation coloring his usually sardonic tone. "Might actually live up to all that nonsense his sensei spouts."
Yugito observed with the calculated intensity of a predator. Her eyes, reminiscent of the Two-Tails sealed within her, narrowed to slits as she assessed Team 9's movements. "They're not just strong," she murmured, more to herself than to her companions. "They're functioning as a single unit. Their movements complement each other perfectly."
Even Baki, spared a moment to glance toward Guy before returning his attention to the arena. His expression remained impassive, but the slight inclination of his head spoke volumes about his professional assessment of Team 9's performance.
Meanwhile Lee's fist collided with Rōshi's defense with catastrophic force. The impact generated a shockwave that rippled visibly through the air, concentric circles of pressure expanding outward like ripples in a pond. The sound was deafening – a thunderclap contained within the arena walls that left ears ringing and hearts racing. Cracks spiderwebbed across the floor beneath them, radiating outward from the point of impact like lightning frozen in stone.
Rōshi grunted – a small sound that nonetheless revealed more than he intended. The blow had force behind it, real force that even his lava release couldn't entirely neutralize. For the first time since the match began, he had to plant his feet firmly to avoid being pushed backward.
But his molten armor held, sizzling angrily where Lee's fist connected, the extreme heat causing the air between them to waver and distort.
Lee didn't retreat in the face of this partial failure. Instead, his eyes burned with even greater determination as he launched into a series of attacks so rapid they blurred together into a storm of movement. Each strike was precisely aimed at a different point of Rōshi's defense, testing for weaknesses with a tactical awareness that belied his usual straightforward approach.
"Eight Strikes!" Lee shouted, his voice strained but unwavering. "Sixteen Strikes! Thirty-two Strikes!"
As Lee pressed his direct assault, Neji moved with the fluid grace of a shadow, circling around to Rōshi's blind side. The veins around his eyes pulsed with the intensity of his Byakugan's focus, seeing beyond the visible, beyond the chakra pathways, searching for the one thing that might give them an edge – the pattern of Rōshi's chakra flow before it manifested as lava release.
"There," Neji whispered, spotting a momentary fluctuation in the chakra circulation near Rōshi's left shoulder – a split-second delay in the armor's coverage as he focused on defending against Lee's frontal assault.
With precision born from hundreds of hours of practice, Neji struck at that exact point, his fingertips glowing with concentrated chakra. "Eight Trigrams: Precision Strike!"
Simultaneously, Tenten leapt high into the air, her scrolls unfurling around her like wings of parchment. Her hands moved in a blur, summoning and launching weapons not in her usual barrage pattern, but in a carefully calculated sequence timed to coincide with the rhythmic openings created by Lee and Neji's coordinated attack.
"Rising Twin Dragons!" she called out, but the technique had evolved from its original form. Instead of a general rain of weapons, each projectile was aimed with surgical precision at specific points where Rōshi's attention would be diverted by her teammates' assault.
Rōshi's expression shifted from interest to genuine respect as he recognized the sophistication of their combined strategy. 'These aren't just talented genin, he realized, they're a true team.'
His molten chakra flared brighter in response to the escalating threat, the temperature in the arena rising to nearly unbearable levels. Glass from one of the high windows cracked from the heat stress, the sound like a distant chime above the chaos of battle.
"You've earned this much," Rōshi spoke for the first time since the match began, his voice rough like gravel yet carrying a note of genuine acknowledgment. "Yōton: Yōkai no Jutsu!"
His chakra swirled and condensed, taking on a deeper, more viscous quality as the Four-Tails' influence became more pronounced. The lava coating his limbs expanded outward in controlled waves, forming patterns and shapes that responded to his will with fluid precision.
The clock above ticked steadily downward: 27:12… 27:11…
Team 9 pressed forward undaunted, their bodies pushed beyond normal human limits by the Gates, their spirits fortified by the bonds they shared. The battle had only just begun, but already it had transcended a simple exam match.
With Kurotsuchi
From one side of the railings, Kurotsuchi stood with her arms crossed, her sharp eyes fixed on the battle below. Her lips parted slightly in amazement as she watched Team 9 hold their ground against Rōshi—a feat she hadn't expected from a team without a Kekkei Genkai.
"Unbelievable," she muttered under her breath. "They're actually keeping up with him in Taijutsu."
Her teammates exchanged glances but said nothing, equally captivated by the spectacle. Kurotsuchi's mind raced as she analyzed their movements, particularly Lee's explosive speed and Neji's precise strikes. 'If they can push Rōshi this far…' she thought grimly, 'we'll need to be prepared if we face them.'
With Haku
Haku's soft eyes widened slightly as she observed Team 9's coordinated assault. She had always believed in precision and skill over brute force, and what she saw below resonated deeply with her.
"Lee…" Haku whispered to herself, watching his relentless attacks with admiration. "His technique is incredible."
Beside her, Zabuza snorted in amusement. "You impressed by those kids already?" he asked gruffly, though his tone carried a hint of approval.
Haku didn't reply immediately but continued to watch intently. 'They're not just strong—they're disciplined,' she thought. It wasn't just Lee; Neji's Kaiten and Tenten's weapon mastery added layers to their strategy that made them formidable opponents.
With Gaara
Gaara stood silently at the railings, his piercing eyes locked onto Rōshi as molten chakra erupted from his body in bursts that scorched the arena floor. His sand shifted restlessly around him as if mirroring his inner turmoil.
"They're strong," He muttered under his breath, his voice low but filled with a dangerous edge. "I want to fight them."
Temari glanced at him warily but said nothing, while Kankurō frowned slightly as he studied Rōshi's lava techniques.
Gaara clenched his fists tightly at his sides as frustration bubbled within him. 'My sand…' he thought bitterly, 'it would be useless against him.' The realization only fueled his desire to prove himself—to crush opponents who dared to challenge him.
With Shikamaru
Shikamaru leaned heavily against the railing, his expression one of utter disbelief as he watched molten chakra erupt across the arena floor like miniature volcanoes.
"That guy…" Shikamaru muttered incredulously, "…he's really using lava."
Beside him, Chōji nervously shoved another handful of chips into his mouth, chewing furiously as worry etched itself across his face. "Do you think we'd have to fight someone like that?" he asked between bites.
Ino couldn't help but feel amazed despite her apprehension. Her wide eyes followed Lee's movements closely as he darted around Rōshi with impossible speed. "They're monsters," she said softly—but there was a hint of admiration in her voice.
With Kabuto
Kabuto smirked from his position at the railings, his glasses glinting faintly in the torchlight as he observed the battle below with keen interest.
"What a display," he murmured to himself, his tone laced with amusement. The raw power being unleashed—Lee's gates, Neji's Kaiten, Rōshi's molten chakra—was a feast for someone like Kabuto who thrived on gathering information about potential enemies.
He adjusted his glasses slightly, turning to his 'sensei' who was watching the match with rapt interest. 'This could be interesting…' he thought with a knowing smirk.
With Naruto
Naruto leaned forward slightly against the railing, a smirk tugging at his lips as he watched Lee unleash the power of the Inner Gates along with Neji and Tenten with explosive force giving them a good defence against Rōshi's lava. The sheer determination on their faces made Naruto feel proud—proud that they had a weapon against even those with Kekkei Genkai and a Jinchuriki like Rōshi.
"Well done, guys," Naruto muttered under his breath with a grin before turning thoughtful. 'If I were in their place… would my Wind Armor protect me?' He weighed the possibilities carefully while mentally devising strategies for countering similar opponents.
Within him, the System buzzed furiously—scanning every movement in the arena to gather data on Rōshi's lava techniques and Team 9's responses.
Beside Naruto, Sasuke stared at the battle with narrowed eyes. His thoughts were sharp and focused: 'This is allowed?' He couldn't believe how far these matches were being pushed—lava bursts capable of outright killing someone—and yet it was all permitted under these rules. His mind raced as he wondered grimly if Team 7 could stand a chance against such overwhelming power.
Sakura stood frozen beside them, her wide green eyes glued to Rōshi as molten chakra erupted outward again in devastating bursts that scorched everything it touched. She couldn't think—couldn't process how anyone could survive such an opponent alone. 'If I had to face him…' she thought numbly before shaking her head slightly.
With Samui
Samui grimaced slightly as she watched as lava scorch yet another section of the arena floor below them. Her sharp eyes flickered toward Omoi briefly—who was already spiraling into one of his depressive monologues about how they'd never stand a chance against someone like Rōshi—and then toward Karui who was trying (unsuccessfully) to snap Omoi out of it.
"Yugito-sama," Samui said evenly without looking away from the battle below. "We need to strategize."
Yugito nodded once beside her—her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied both Rōshi and Team 9 carefully.
With Asuma
Asuma leaned against the railing, his fists tight as he watched Rōshi charge at Team 9 with unrelenting ferocity. Lava bursts erupted around Neji's Kaiten, sending molten rock flying in all directions, while Lee darted in and out of range, his fists glowing with chakra as he struck with incredible speed. Tenten provided cover from a distance, her weapons flying in precise arcs to exploit any openings.
Asuma's fingers brushed against the hilt of his trench knives as he exhaled sharply through his nose. His frustration was palpable as he gazed at the Hokage. 'Father… what were you thinking allowing this brutality?'
He glanced over at his own team—Shikamaru leaning lazily against the railing but clearly deep in thought, Ino watching with wide-eyed amazement, and Chōji nervously munching on chips. He sighed and turned to them, his voice firm but reassuring.
"Don't worry," Asuma said, gesturing toward the chaos below. "You're not going to face anyone like him. We're matched against a Konoha Jōnin, they'll be testing you—not trying to kill you." He jabbed a thumb toward Rōshi, who was currently swinging a molten-coated fist at Lee. "That guy? He's bloodthirsty."
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow but said nothing, though his expression betrayed skepticism. Ino nodded slowly, her amazement tempered by Asuma's words, while Chōji shoved another handful of chips into his mouth as if trying to calm himself.
With Yugito
Yugito stood with her arms crossed, her eyes narrowing slightly as she observed Rōshi's growing ferocity. The veteran shinobi moved like a predator now—his chakra flaring brighter and his attacks becoming more aggressive with each passing moment.
'This escalated quickly,' she thought grimly. She had expected a challenging match but not this level of bloodlust from Rōshi. His attacks weren't just tests of strength—they were meant to kill.
She turned slightly toward Samui intending to answer her question, as she stood beside her with her usual calm demeanor.
"Kakashi Hatake is your opponent." Her tone shifted slightly as she continued, adopting a more analytical edge. "As you might know, he's known as the Copy Ninja—he's seen almost every jutsu there is and can replicate them instantly with his Sharingan. He's also incredibly intelligent and dangerous in close combat."
Samui nodded thoughtfully, her sharp eyes flickering toward Kakashi briefly before returning to the battle below.
"Whatever Omoi is saying," Yugito added with a faint smirk, "won't happen. Trust me—he's not like Rōshi." She glanced back at the arena where molten chakra erupted once more around Neji's Kaiten. "But don't underestimate him either."
With Kakashi
Kakashi watched from above with quiet intensity as Team 9 continued their fight against Rōshi. His visible eye curved into a faint smile beneath his mask as he observed their movements—their coordination was flawless despite the overwhelming odds.
'They're doing well, Kakashi thought with pride. Really well.'
He glanced sideways at Guy, who was practically vibrating with excitement as he cheered on his students below. Kakashi couldn't help but feel happy for his friend—this fight alone would make Team 9 eligible for Chunin promotions regardless of their performance in the finals.
"I don't doubt they'll pass," Kakashi murmured softly to himself before turning back to his own team.
Naruto was leaning forward eagerly against the railing, a smirk tugging at his lips as he watched Team 9's explosive movements. Sasuke stood beside him, arms crossed and eyes narrowed in thought as he analyzed every detail of the fight below. Sakura looked pale but focused, her wide eyes glued to the chaos unfolding in the arena.
Kakashi gave them an eye smile before speaking casually. "Don't worry," he said lightly. "Yugito shouldn't act like Rōshi… theoretically." His tone carried just enough humor to lighten the mood before adding more seriously: "But I trust you three will do well regardless."
With Kirio
Kirio —or rather Orochimaru in disguise—watched the battle unfold with an unsettling calmness. His sharp eyes flickered between Rōshi and Team 9 before turning toward Kabuto beside him.
"Lose," he said simply, his voice low but commanding.
Kabuto adjusted his glasses slightly but nodded without hesitation. "Understood."
Orochimaru smirked faintly as he returned his attention to the arena below. 'These rookies… they're far more interesting than I expected.' He had plans for each of them—and this display of power only solidified their potential roles in what was to come.
With Zabuza
Zabuza leaned against the railing with his arms crossed, watching the chaos below with narrowed eyes. The chakra bursts scorching the arena floor reminded him of battles fought during Kiri's bloody civil war—a time when survival often meant unleashing everything you had without holding back.
"Konoha isn't acting like it's peacetime," Zabuza muttered darkly to Haku beside him. "Especially not with kids like this."
He smirked faintly before adding: "Good thing we're not fighting them."
With Baki
Baki stood silently at another section of the railings, his sharp gaze fixed on Rōshi's relentless assault below. The veteran shinobi moved like a force of nature—molten chakra flaring brighter as he swung at Lee and Neji with devastating precision.
'Thank Kami Gaara isn't facing them,' Baki thought grimly. He could only imagine what kind of monster Guy must be if he were to face Rōshi's students.
With Guy
Guy was practically glowing with pride as he leaned over the railing, cheering loudly for his students below.
"Yes! That's it! Shine like stars! Burn brightly with youth!" he yelled enthusiastically, pumping a fist into the air.
His grin widened even further as Lee released another burst of chakra from his gates while Neji deflected yet another lava burst with Kaiten and Tenten attacked with smoke bombs. 'This is what it means to embrace youth!' Guy thought joyfully.
With Rōshi
In the arena below, Rōshi grinned savagely as molten chakra continued to erupt from his body once more, scorching everything around him. His fists glowed red-hot as he swung at Lee again and again, each strike sending shockwaves rippling through the air.
'This… this is thrilling,' Rōshi thought as adrenaline coursed through him like fire in his veins.
He knew he had long since passed what could be considered a fair test for Chunin-level genin—but he didn't care anymore. The thrill of fighting these tree-huggers after so many years brought back memories of battles fought long ago—memories of Konoha's Yellow Flash tearing through their battalion like a storm made flesh.
His first choice had been Team 7—the blonde kid reminded him too much of that damned Minato Namikaze—but Son Gokū had warned him against it. 'That boy is Kyuubi's jinchūriki,' Son Gokū had said gravely. 'If you both lose control… it won't end well.'
The idea of taking down Kyuubi in a suicide attack had appealed to him briefly—but seeing Sarutobi present had made him reconsider. The Sandaime wouldn't allow such chaos under his watchful eye.
So instead… he had chosen this team—and he was enjoying every second of it.
The clock ticked steadily downward: 4:21 remaining…
Meanwhile
Shared Mindscape
Far beyond the battlefield, in the shared mindscape where the Tailed Beasts could communicate, Matatabi prowled through the ethereal space with purpose, her blue flames flickering softly as she moved. Her feline grace was tempered by a sense of urgency as she reached into Gaara's mindscape and dragged Shukaku—kicking and screaming—into the shared plane.
"Let me go, you oversized housecat!" Shukaku screeched, his sandy form writhing in protest. "I was busy!"
"You were muttering to yourself like a lunatic," Matatabi replied coolly, her glowing eyes narrowing at him. "I need your help."
Shukaku grumbled but fell silent under her piercing gaze. Matatabi turned her attention outward, her voice resonating through the mindscape. "Son Gokū! I know you're watching this match. Come out."
From within Rōshi's mindscape, Son Gokū—the Four-Tails—was indeed watching the battle unfold with amusement. His massive form lounged lazily against a rocky outcrop within his mental domain, his fiery mane flickering like molten lava. At Matatabi's call, he let out a deep sigh before answering.
"What do you want, Matatabi?" Son Gokū rumbled, his voice carrying both irritation and curiosity as he materialized in the shared space.
Matatabi flicked her tail impatiently. "It's been far too long since we've all met. I thought it was time."
Son Gokū huffed in annoyance but didn't argue further. "You dragged me here for a reunion? You're as sentimental as ever."
Matatabi's fiery form flickered gently, her voice softening as she regarded her sibling. "Since you are here," she began teasingly, though her tone grew warmer and more sincere, "tell me—how is Kokuō?"
Son Gokū huffed lightly, a sound that carried both amusement and fondness. "He is doing well," he replied gruffly, though his eyes softened noticeably at the mention of their gentle sibling. "Still as calm and patient as ever."
Matatabi's fiery form softened slightly at the mention of their gentle sibling and she replied warmly. "So is Gyūki—he's thriving with Bee."
Son Gokū chuckled at that. "Of course he is. Bee's probably the only human who could keep up with Gyūki's nonsense."
Matatabi nodded before continuing. "Gyūki was supposed to come here instead of me, but Raikage is overprotective of Bee and sent me instead."
Son Gokū grunted in acknowledgment but seemed satisfied with the explanation.
As Matatabi opened her mouth to speak again, she began to say, "Now let's call Kur—" but was abruptly cut off by a sudden shockwave of subtle chakra that rippled through the mindscape.
A low growl followed as a deep voice rumbled through the space: "Don't say that name."
The 3 Bijuu turned sharply toward the source of the voice as Kyuubi—the Nine-Tails—appeared in their midst. His massive form radiated power and authority as his eyes swept over them all with disdain.
Matatabi blinked in surprise, momentarily stunned by his sudden arrival. Son Gokū let out a low chuckle.
"Well," Son Gokū said dryly, "you're as blunt as ever, Ku-Kyuubi."
Kyuubi narrowed his eyes, but didn't respond immediately but simply sat back on his haunches with an air of indifference. His presence dominated the mindscape despite his silence.
Son Gokū tilted his head slightly and regarded Kyuubi with curiosity. "Out of all of us," he began thoughtfully, "you're the only one whose name none of your hosts have ever known." His tone grew more pointed as he added, "Is it because you despise Father so much that you forsook the name he lovingly gave you? Or… is there something else?"
Kyuubi's eyes narrowed slightly at that question, but he didn't answer directly. Instead, he let out a dismissive huff and replied simply: "Hmph."
Shukaku finally broke his silence, his voice filled with irritation as he asked loudly: "Hey! How'd you get so big?!"
Son Gokū rolled his eyes and answered before Kurama could: "He hasn't grown; he's always been this size."
Matatabi nodded in agreement before turning her gaze toward Shukaku. Her tone softened slightly as she asked gently: "Are you well?"
Kyuubi snorted derisively before Shukaku could respond. "Too late to ask him that," Kyuubi said bluntly. "He strayed long ago."
Shukaku growled in anger at Kyuubi's words but didn't deny them outright.
Kyuubi turned his attention back to Matatabi and Son Gokū then, his tone sharp as he asked: "Why did you summon me?"
Back in the Arena
Meanwhile, in the physical world, the battle had reached its climax. Rōshi charged forward relentlessly, his molten-coated fists slamming into Neji's Kaiten repeatedly in an attempt to break through its defenses. The arena floor was scorched and cracked from the heat of his attacks; steam rose into the air as molten rock cooled rapidly upon contact with stone.
Neji gritted his teeth as he maintained Kaiten despite the strain it placed on him. Sweat dripped down his face as he focused entirely on deflecting Rōshi's blows.
Lee darted around them like a blur of green light, delivering precise strikes whenever an opening presented itself—but even with his speed enhanced by multiple gates, Rōshi's chakra made it nearly impossible to land a decisive hit.
Tenten stood at a distance with her scrolls unfurled around her like wings; she launched weapon after weapon toward Rōshi in an effort to create openings for her teammates—but each projectile either melted upon contact or was deflected by Rōshi's sheer power.
The clock ticked down steadily: 0:10… 0:09…
Rōshi roared as he delivered one final barrage of punches against Neji's Kaiten—but just as it seemed like he might break through—
0:00
A sharp whistle cut through the chaos as Genma reappeared in the center of the arena.
"That's time!" Genma announced loudly.
Neji collapsed to one knee as Kaiten faded away; Lee staggered slightly but remained standing; Tenten lowered her scrolls with trembling hands—all three were utterly exhausted but still conscious.
Hiruzen clapped slowly from above, breaking the silence that followed Genma's announcement. His expression was one of approval as he addressed Team 9: "Well done."
Guy appeared between Rōshi and Team 9 in an instant—a protective barrier between his students and their opponent. Rōshi blinked once before realizing it was over; the lava chakra coating his limbs dissipated slowly as he stepped back with a faint smirk.
"Well fought," Rōshi muttered quietly before turning away.
Team 9 had passed—just barely—but they had proven themselves worthy under impossible odds.
"The first match of the preliminaries is concluded! Team 9 of Konoha advances to The Finals of the Chunin Exams!" Genma announced. A round of applause rippled through the arena at that, mainly from the Konoha teams.
"For the second match," He continued, his voice carrying across the chamber, "Team 33 from Iwagakure versus Might Guy."
The announcement sent a ripple through the audience. Kurotsuchi and her team exchanged glances before stepping forward from their position at the railings. Rōshi, who had rejoined them after his own match, placed a firm hand on Kurotsuchi's shoulder as they prepared to descend into the arena.
"Be careful," Rōshi said in a low voice, his molten eyes locking onto hers. "Do not underestimate him."
Kurotsuchi frowned slightly but nodded. "We won't," she replied confidently. Her teammates nodded as well, their expressions tense but determined.
Rōshi's gaze flickered toward Guy, who was standing proudly with his students near the opposite railing. 'This man…' Rōshi thought silently.
With Guy
As Kurotsuchi's team descended into the arena, Guy turned to face his own students. His usual exuberance was tempered by a rare moment of solemnity as he placed his hands on Lee's shoulders.
"You've done me proud," Guy said, his voice carrying both warmth and conviction. "All of you." He looked at Neji and Tenten in turn, his eyes shining with pride. "Rest well and recover your strength—you've earned it."
Lee's eyes shimmered with emotion as he nodded fervently. "Thank you, Guy-sensei! We'll cheer for you with all our youthful energy!"
Neji gave a small nod, his usually stoic expression softening slightly in acknowledgment. Tenten smiled faintly despite her exhaustion.
Guy straightened and gave them all a thumbs-up before leaping over the railing with effortless grace, landing in the center of the arena with a flourish that drew scattered gasps from those watching above.
Genma stepped forward once more, standing between Guy and Kurotsuchi's team as they took their positions on opposite sides of the arena. His tone was calm but firm as he repeated the rules.
"Begin!" Genma declared sharply before disappearing from sight.
The moment Genma vanished, Guy didn't hesitate—his chakra surged outward as he opened the First Gate, his body glowing faintly with energy as he entered a heightened state of speed and power. The ground beneath him cracked slightly as he launched himself forward in an instant.
Kurotsuchi reacted immediately, weaving hand seals at high speed. "Lava Release: Quicklime Scattershot!" she shouted as she unleashed a spray of molten quicklime toward Guy's trajectory.
Her teammates followed suit—one slamming his hands onto the ground to create jagged rock formations that jutted upward like spears while the other activated an Earth Style technique that coated his arms and legs in stone armor.
Guy twisted mid-air with incredible agility, dodging Kurotsuchi's quicklime attack while landing lightly atop one of the newly formed rock formations. His grin widened as he took in their coordinated response.
"Excellent teamwork!" Guy exclaimed brightly before vanishing again in a blur of speed.
The clock ticked steadily downward: 28:45… 28:44…
With Danzo
Far from the chaos of the arena, Danzo sat in his private chambers, a place devoid of warmth or sentiment. The room was dimly lit by a single lantern, its flickering flame casting long shadows across the cold stone walls. Scrolls and files were meticulously arranged on his desk, each one a piece of a larger puzzle only he could see.
His sharp eyes moved methodically over the reports laid out before him, his expression unreadable as he absorbed every detail. Each dossier represented a potential asset—or threat—to his vision for Konoha. His gaze lingered on one name in particular: Naruto Uzumaki. The boy's file was thicker than most, filled with observations, mission reports, and notes on his erratic yet undeniable growth. Danzo's fingers hovered over the file for a moment before he opened it with deliberate care.
The pages within detailed Uzumaki's recent exploits—the Forest of Death, his interactions with other genin, and his growing influence among his peers. But what truly intrigued Danzo was not Naruto's potential as a shinobi or even his status as the Kyūbi's jinchūriki. It was something far more personal: a connection that could be exploited.
Danzo's lips pressed into a thin line as he pulled out another file from beneath Uzumaki's—a smaller one but no less significant. The name on it read Karin Uzumaki. A red-haired girl with ties to Uzushio and an apparent connection to Naruto that had not gone unnoticed. Reports indicated she had been staying at Uzumaki's apartment. His sharp mind worked quickly, piecing together how this bond could be turned into leverage.
He tapped a finger against Karin's file thoughtfully, the sound echoing faintly in the otherwise silent room. His expression remained cold and calculating, but there was a glint in his eye—a spark of opportunity that only someone like he could see.
"There is a weakness," he said finally, his voice low and devoid of emotion as he handed Karin's file to one of his masked subordinates kneeling nearby. The operative remained utterly still, awaiting orders.
His gaze bore into the subordinate as he continued, "Take her." His tone left no room for argument or hesitation. "Quietly."
The masked figure bowed low, their movements fluid and precise, before vanishing into the shadows without so much as a whisper. The air seemed to grow colder in their absence, the weight of his command lingering like an invisible presence in the room.
Leaning back in his chair, he allowed himself a faint smirk—an expression that barely touched his lips but spoke volumes about his confidence in this plan. His fingers steepled before him as he stared at Uzumaki's file once more.
"Let us see how you handle this… Uzumaki," he murmured to himself, his voice carrying an edge of both challenge and disdain.
The lantern flickered again, its light casting distorted shadows across his face—a face carved by decades of sacrifice and ambition. To him, this was not cruelty but necessity. Every move he made was for Konoha's future as he envisioned it—a future where sentimentality had no place and strength ruled above all else.
As the distant sounds of Konoha's nightlife began to stir outside Root's hidden walls, he remained unmoving in his chair, already planning his next move. For him, this was just another step in a long game—a game where every piece had its purpose, and every weakness could be turned into an advantage.
And Cut!
That's it for this chapter folks.
AN:
Let me know if you would like chapters to be this long. Coming to the chapter, it has quite many things, but the main focus was the 1st Prelims match. Speaking of Lee's attack calling them 'strikes', I hope you can understand its different from the Hyuga clan's one as this is more punches compared to the Hyuga's precise jabs to block the chakra points. Though all matches won't be this long, as I want to complete this soon and jump into the real final exam arc, so you'll mostly get 3-4 chapters at best of the prelims as I want to cover enough to show the changes while not too much as well.
That's the current plan, I have to see when writing to know what happens. Aside from that Danzo is making his move and all the Bijuu gathered in a shared mindscape, very interesting. Also what do you think is the reason for Hiruzen allowing this? Is he nuts and want to see some blood or is there an alternative motive here? Let me know!
As always, let me know in your reviews and do share your feedback and suggestions!
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Black Infinity 1289,
Ja Ne.