Naruto Fan Fiction / Crossover With Non-anime Series Fan Fiction / Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Fan Fiction ❯ The False Apocalypse ❯ The Great Shinobi Massacre ( Chapter 25 )

Disclaimer: See chapter 1


The following morning, the day of the Chuunin exams and the upcoming battle, the Jounin club was in utter chaos. The primary talk of the day was the mysterious death of a Suna genin here to watch the match of his comrade. Apparently someone had thrust a blade in through his stomach. If the rumors were correct it wasn’t a normal blade either. Most local blades left triangular puncture marks but these were clearly diamond shaped. Hayate had explained earlier that only a strait, double-edged sword with over a three-foot blade could have created the wound. It was most certainly a gruesome death.

The fifteen or so Jounin in the club discussed the horrible occurrence as they ate their breakfast, grateful for the day off of missions presented by the exams. Most were still oblivious to the war, aside from the few privy to the knowledge of the Zate. Not many paid the increased security any mind due to the exams and recent death.

“Ah Hatake san what can I get for you this morning?” A waitress asked Kakashi as he sat down at an empty table, weary of the coming battle.

“Huh?…Oh, Hmm…” He looked over the menu unsure of what to get but decided to go with, “I guess I’ll have orange juice and a ham and cheese omelet.”

“Alright I’ll have that right up.” Kakashi looked at the table contemplating the previous day’s events himself. ‘I just don’t get it, he was one of them and someone killed him… effortlessly according to the rumors. Well at least it’s an excuse for the upped security. Still what if it was Orochimaru, his Kusangani fits the wound description but there wasn’t any poison…hmm…’ Kakashi looked up as Zabuza walked in, looking for a place to sit. On a whim Kakashi decided to wave him over.

“Yo.” Kakashi said with an eye smile as Zabuza came over. The former missing nin smirked under his facial bandages.

“Cheerful as usual eh Kakashi?” Zabuza said, sitting down and waiting for a menu.

“Well, I guess if today turns out anything like last night I should try to enjoy every moment I can.”

“I hear you there. Ever since we got here that’s all Haku can do.”

“I’m glad to hear she’s happy here. Anything in particular making her so joyous?” Kakashi asked knowing there had to be something.

“Yea she’s been one of those Zate guys.”

“You joined them too you know.”

“Yea because she wants to, hell she’s my unofficial daughter. I can’t just leave her. Since I left mist she’s been the only thing I’ve actually cared about. I couldn’t bear losing her.”

“I guess you have a point there, if I had any children I wouldn’t let them go off into some organization I didn’t know much about.

“I just don’t get it, from what I’ve heard the guy’s a few hundred years old, hell at that he could be my great, great grandfather and still be old.” Kakashi laughed at that one a bit, a little freaked out by the thought of it but rationalized it because of their apparent age. Still he found it a little…odd.

“Well at least they’re strong so keeping her safe shouldn’t be a problem.”

“..Phhht, right that’s what I thought till last night.”

“Yea that’s just strange. I just can’t understand it. What could have been strong enough to take him down. It’s not like he was a captain or anything but his rank was well up there.”

“You’re telling me. You saw him fight in the preliminaries, his skill rivals mine and he took a sword through the chest, not the back or the side, the chest.”

“Your point?”

“Ibiki had me and Hayate confirm the autopsy. He was caught off guard from the front.”

“You think it was one of their own?”

“No, none of them use that kind of blade, save Nazomishi and you can only say that because he’s got so many of them. No, I only see two possibilities. Either someone was so fast he couldn’t sense it or he had some kind of Genjutsu used on him.”

“If anything I would say the latter. But even that has its problems” Kakashi added some of his wisdom from his years in Anbu.

“The problem with that is there wasn’t any foreign chakra residue.”

“Your kidding, that would mean…”

“Yea, it has to be the first but even that doesn’t work out.”

“Puncture wounds show it happened slowly?” Kakashi replied.

“Yea and it scares the hell out of me. If Haku faces the one who did this she’s dead, hell any of us would be.”

“Well with that new boyfriend of hers I think she will be fine. Which one was it anyway.”

“Blah, I don’t know, I was never one for names, you remember the one from the bridge with the ice powers…oh… that’s what she likes about him.”

“You mean Aoshi Shinomori? Well I didn’t see that one coming but I guess it makes sense. Their ice abilities do make them a unique couple.”

“I don’t care if I joined them, if she dies, I’m killing him personally.”



---Flashback---

Lord Hiashi the head of the Hyuuga clan sat at his desk as an Anbu materialized in front of him with a shunshin.

“Anbu san?”Hiashi asked calmly. It wasn’t often that Sarutobi sent messages at this time of night. It was nearly ten and dark had fallen quite some time ago. It had him rather curious.

“Lord Hiashi, I am here on orders from Lord Hokage. I am here to confirm your knowledge of tomorrow’s battle. Forgive the redundancy, he is sending us to all the clan heads.”

“Of course I know of the Chuunin exams, my nephew is participating. Why would Lord Hokage want to confirm my knowledge of that?” Yes, it was peculiar, Sarutobi had never done this before. Something had to be up.

“I see, then Neji did not inform you of the Hyuuga’s role in tomorrow’s war.” Hiashi slammed his hands on his desk in alarm, immediately standing from his seat. Alarm had set in the clan head’s mind and he feared the consequences of this late information.

“War! What war, I was not informed of any war. And why would Neji be the one to inform me of this. Aren’t Anbu normally supposed to deliver such information?”

“Because sir, your Daughter was injured in her battle with Neji and was thus uninformed of the discussion that took place during the preliminaries. Neji was instructed to inform you and her by extension of the roles that all Hyuuga and all Genin will play in this conflict. The Genin, unless otherwise instructed, are to leave the stadium immediately after the first move is made and assist in moving the civilians to the city bunker. The Hyuuga family needs to be stationed around the village and monitor enemy Shinobi as they enter the village.

“Who are we at war with, and why is it such a secret. What does this have to do with the exams?”

“Otogakure, Kirigakure, and Amegakure, sir. We have allied ourselves with Kumogakure, Sunagakure, Iwagakure and several minor villages. Kirigakure is split with its own internal revolution. Those loyal to our side will be wearing leaf bands on their right shoulders. Orochimaru planned to destroy Konoha with the help of Suna but Suna turned on them when they discovered that Orochimaru had assassinated and was impersonating their Kage.”

“So Suna was tricked into an alliance and have joined us in retribution.”

“Yes, we used their information on the attack plan to develop a counter to catch them off guard with their own strategy.”

“Then why are the others participating?”

“Orochimaru has joined up with Akasuki who are after the Jinchuuriki our allied villages have. Orochimaru wants Konoha destroyed and Akatsuki want Naruto Uzumaki. They are unaware that we have many of the other Jinchuuriki here to assist us, including Gaara of the Desert and the Jinchuuriki from Kumo. The enemy is currently unaware that Suna has betrayed them. Lord Hokage wants the Chuunin Hyuuga to monitor and report on enemy movement while the Jounin locate and take out any enemy force that breaks the village border defense.”

Hiashi began thinking to himself. ‘Why would Neji keep this information from me? It has to be the reason he attacked Hinata, but…”

“Thank you Anbu San, you are dismissed.”

“Lord Hiashi.” The Anbu asked one more time to gain the Hyuuga’s attention.

“Yes Anbu San?”

“Make a note to your Shinobi that the men in black cloaks are our allies, while men in black cloaks with red clouds have flee on sight orders on them.”

“Black cloaks?”

“I am sure you have met the Genin who joined after losing their caravan?”

“Yes I am familiar with the story.”

“They contacted each other and formed an organization continuing to band together though part of separate villages. They will be fighting on our side. The ones with the red clouds are Akatsuki, all S-rank criminals. Only Elite Jounin are permitted to engage.”

“I understand, thank you.”

“There is one last thing.” The Anbu pulled his right hand back into his sleeve and came out with a purple necklace with intricate engravings in it. “A friend of Hinata’s wishes her to have this. He has been training under Lord Jiraiya and wishes her safety. This can alert him if she is in danger and assist him in locating her.” Hiashi looked down at the object and widened his eyes recognizing the seals to the Hiraishin no Jutsu.

“Lord Jiraiya gave away Minato’s prized Jutsu.” Hiashi muttered under his breath. He clinched his fist in anger thinking that it had been given away to one unworthy of the technique. A few seconds passed and the anger passed away to relief that the boy wanted to protect his daughter, whoever it was.

“If I may, I have seen the boy battle, and it was in the fourth’s will for Jiraiya to pass down the technique to one lord Jiraiya found worthy if it. His ability is quite frightening, I have seen it myself.”

“Can I at least know who it is? I don’t want any boy I don’t trust having the ability to appear in Hinata’s room on a whim.”

“I am afraid that until the battle is over that information is classified. But I can assure you his honor is held in high regard by those who know him. It is not my place but were I in your position I would not fear anything dishonorable from him.”

“I understand, but can you relay word to him that if he touches one hair on my daughter’s head I will personally castrate him. Also, Neji will be dealt with properly, there’s no need for the Hokage to wet his hands with this matter.” The Anbu mentally gulped at the venom in the man’s words but was relieved that he didn’t intend to be on the receiving end of such a powerful Juuken. At the same time he felt sorry for Neji. It certainly wasn’t his idea to get him in trouble.

“Immediately, Lord Hiashi.” The Anbu knelt and vanished in a puff of smoke

“I assume you heard that Hinata?” Hiashi inquired noticing the ‘eep’ that came from behind the door to the study. “Now what are you doing up this late? It’s a big day tomarow and your still under orders to rest.” Hinata peeked around the door and slowly let herself in, closing the door behind her.

“A-ano, I…”

“Perhaps you can enlighten me about this boy the Anbu spoke of. You haven’t been dating anyone behind my back have you?” His hardened stare was legendary within the clan. Not only did it feel as if all of Konoha were staring at you, but he also made the poor victim feel as tiny as an ant at the foot of the Hokage monument. Hinata herself had felt this stare several times before but this was the hardest she had ever felt it. She gulped before attempting to answer the perturbed clan head.

“N-No sir.” Hinata answered, lowering her head just slightly.

“Do you have any Idea who this person could possibly be? I am currently unaware of anyone within this village worthy of the Hiraishin technique. He clearly likes you a lot to have such an expensive necklace made.” Hiashi dangled the crystal in front of his face, admiring the skill needed to engrave the seal inside the stone as opposed to the outside. It was quite an intricate piece of work.

“...I…” She wanted so much to say Naruto but in her mind but couldn’t bring herself to do it. Despite how much she knew her father loved her and wanted the best for her, she knew how picky he would be with suitors. He would never accept Naruto unless he became part of some major clan. Even at that she wasn’t entirely sure it was Naruto. The stone was just as her father said ‘expensive.’ How could someone outside of a noble clan afford such a thing?

“It’s clearly not the Inuzuka, he’s too crude to offer such an object. The odds of Jiraiya training him are even slimmer. The Aburame are far too practical to understand such fine objects. It simply wouldn’t be their style. Perhaps the Uzumaki, he did show much respect in visiting you at the hospital, but an orphan could never afford such a pure crystal, much less the gold chain. I guess Jiraiya could have given him a loan, still even if the boy were his student that simply wouldn’t be his style.” Part of him hoped it were so, the boy showed the most promise of any the potentials he had seen. But the other half of him would never accept the Jinchuuriki into the clan. It would look to bad on the clan with the majority opinion of the boy. He further rationalized that even if he were to accept the boy the clan would never go that far.

“I’m afraid I don’t know father.” She hung her head low, knowing he had solidified her suspicions. There was no way Naruto could have afforded such a thing. It was too bad she had forgotten the offhanded comment Naruto had made back in the hospital about who he was training with, remembering that little fact would have eased her mind significantly.

“I would suggest one of those caravan children but one is dating the other and I saw the third with the ice user that joined the village recently.” Hiashi sighed, he could see that Hinata didn’t know either and would have to resign himself to knowing later. “Listen Hinata, I don’t mean to be hard on you but you’re my daughter and I just want what’s best for you, and the clan.” He rolled his eyes a remembering his own time courting. “My father didn’t accept your mother at first so as much as I hate to admit it I know how you probably feel. For that reason whoever this is I am giving him one chance. I hope he makes good use of it.”

Hinata looked up at him with renewed hope in her eyes. Even if this wasn’t from Naruto, maybe she still had a chance to be with him. “You mean it?”Hinata asked with renewed hope and never before seen courage in her eyes.

“I thought you didn’t know who it was.”Hiashi said with a sly grin but decided not to push his luck too far. She was his daughter after all and he didn’t want to shun her any further than the council made him.

“I-I don’t I just…”

“Have someone in mind? For your sake I hope this is from the one you hope it is. Anyone with the money for this and Jiraiya’s backing can’t be all bad. He did train my best friend after all.” Hiashi, satisfied with Hinata’s happiness decided to retire, walking to the door, while leading her out of the study. ‘I can just hope he hasn’t developed his master’s lecherous ways…’ Hiashi thought, continuing his previous statement. “I do have one condition though. As soon as you know who gave you this, you are to tell me. I don’t think I will find a good night’s sleep till I find out.” Hiashi handed her the stone and patted her on the head before heading down to the branch house to meet a certain nephew who needed a little talking to.

Little did either of them know that the Anbu messenger was still running to get as far away from that compound as possible, for fear of being discovered. In actuality he was no Anbu he was…

“Out for a late night stroll?” The Anbu stumbled as he leaped from one house to another as a voice spoke to him from a nearby tree. Getting back up to look who spoke he noticed it was another man wearing all black, minus the Anbu mask of course.

“Have fun with Hiashi did you? I’m surprised you gave it to her that way.” He finally recognized the voice. The black figure leaped down from the tree, kneeling down to the fallen Anbu as he began removing his mask. It was Aoshi, sent to check up on the boy after requesting a mask from Nazomishi.

Naruto pulled his Anbu mask off and grinned at Aoshi, giving him thumbs up. “Yea well I guess I made tomorrow easier too. That teme Neji never told Hiashi or anyone about the war.”

“Well I didn’t see that one coming. Did he actually believe your disguise or did he just have mercy on you?” Aoshi asked with a slightly amused tone, trying to get under Naruto’s skin. Oh yea, he had spent way too much time around Nazomishi and Rei. When they weren’t obsessed with business they liked messing with people that way.

“Hey what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, nothing, I’m just surprised a klutz like you could pull off such an act.”

“Yea well you’re talking to the most unpredictable ninja in Konoha, and soon to be you’re superior.”

“In another division, perhaps in a few years. You still have a long ways to go to be captain material..”

“Yea right…”

“At any rate, Nazomishi wants the mask back. He doesn’t like the idea of you masquerading around as an Anbu forever.”

“Oh yea, sorry I forgot about that.”

“Go home and get some sleep, you’re going to need it for tomorrow.”

“See ya Aoshi.”

‘What is it with this organization and these crazy kids?’ Aoshi shook his head while asking himself mentally.

Obviously Naruto’s night had gone well but for his white eyed opponent things were going downhill rather quickly. He had been grilled on the topic of relaying information under orders and failing to do so. Had Sarutobi not been so watchful, Konoha would have lost a significant portion of its strength in fighting off its attackers, all thanks to Neji.

“Do you understand the ramifications of your actions Neji?”

“I assume you’re going to kill me now, Lord Hyuuga? That is the standing punishment for treason is it not?” Neji knew he was in deep shit, and even if he was Hiashi’s nephew; this was the man who ordered the execution of his own brother, to save his own life.

“Now what would ever give you that idea? So that is what all this is about. You’re blaming me for Hizashi’s death…damn it…” Hiashi walked away and looked out the window of Neji’s room looking at the sky. “What have I done…” Hiashi whispered to himself while bringing his left hand to his mouth and taking a deep breath between the cracks of his fingers.

“Neji killing my brother was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.”

“That’s bull shit, I saw the way you attacked him in that spar!”

“Neji…” Hiashi sighed and started to leave the room. “We will continue this conversation tomorrow. Good luck in your match. You are the greatest Genius our clan has birthed since my father. You proved that when you defeated Hinata. As such I must ask you to do one thing, not as the head of this clan, but as your uncle. Try not to judge too harshly until you see the truth. I need to find your father’s diary. There is still much you don’t know of those events.”

Hiashi left abruptly leaving a very dumbfounded Neji, wondering what the hell the clan head would pull this time. For now though, Neji needed to focus on the Uzumaki. Despite fate, he knew he would have to be on the top of his game to defeat this foe. Even if he was the son of the Yondaime, and a new member to those freaks from space, Neji knew that fate was on his side. What gave him the idea that Fate was on his side was up to sanity issues.

--- End Flashback---

The Exams were only an hour away when Hinata started making her way to the stadium, hopeful to see Naruto demonstrate his true strength. After thinking things over she knew Naruto had to be the one who sent her the stone. He did say that Jiraiya was training him. All the way there she had her hands at her neck clutching the precious stone. But how did he afford it? Maybe he got a loan from Jiraiya, the Sannin had to be filthy rich with those stupid books he was always making. Her father could be wrong about it not being his style after all.



All the combatants filed into the center of the stadium, pumped and ready to go. Everything was in place, Gaara and the other Jinchuuriki had been given Zate robes with special Anbu masks to protect them from immediate identification. Not that it actually helped much, between Gaara’s gourd and Kirabe’s swords it was rather obvious who they were to those who would know. It was part of what had gone into placing them on the outer wall of the city, unable to watch the upcoming matches in the view of hundreds.

Hayate Gekko stepped into the center of the arena and began talking to the combatants, quickly explaining the rules of the test to them.

“Do you understand the rules thoroughly?” Everyone nodded giving him everything needed to continue. “Then will everyone besides Neji Hyuuga and Naruto Uzumaki please leave the stadium.
As commanded all but Naruto and Neji left the arena, several gulping audibly at the slaughter that was likely to happen.

“Hey teme, remember what I told you last time?”

“I believe you made a vow that if I ever harmed one of your friends again you would make my death one of legend. A foolhardy claim to say the least, even if you are a Hanyou. You’re still the fool you have always been. I am fated to win this match.” A few people in the audience gasped at the calling of the blond a Hanyou. Many called him a demon but none had ever suggested calling him a Hanyou before. Some actually thought it was rather fitting. Hanyou would actually be more of an insult in the end, one despised by human and demon alike.

“Fated huh, tell me what force in heaven or hell told you this? Was it you?” Neji scoffed and moved into a Juuken position while Naruto stood there hardening his eyes.

“It’s no matter, I will win and you will lose, then no one will question the superiority of the Hyuuga.”

“Hey Hayate, can you give me your microphone for a moment.”

Up in the balcony Sarutobi called down to Naruto “Naruto what are you doing. A match is no time to make a speech.” The two other Kage in the box nodded their heads in agreement, wanting to get on with the matches while the ‘Kazekage’ was curious as to what the kid was going to say.


Cue: See Who I Am – Within Temptation

Naruto ignored Sarutobi in his entirety. “People of the Shinobi Nations, for far too long I have been kicked, scorned and beaten for something I hold. Many of you know I am the container for the Kyuubi no Yoko.” The spit-takes were numerous in the stadium while Sarutobi himself dropped back down into his seat knowing where Naruto was likely going with this. Yes, every ounce of security he had placed around Naruto was going down the drain like water.

“For those of you who have beaten me, have you ever taken into consideration that were I actually the fox I would have probably killed you already? Or did you think that I was simply regaining my strength after being sealed by the Yondaime? Before this match today I’m going to clear a few things up. These swords by my side are killing the Kyuubi, my prisoner, sentenced and imprisoned by the Yondaime.” The whispers and restlessness within the audience showed the apparent confusion at his words.

“Unfortunately the seals that are killing the Kyuubi have a cost. They force me to absorb the chakra of the Kyuubi, and are thus turning me as Neji said, Hanyou. A fate which has forced me to spend significant time training with Jiraiya of the Sanin.” Naruto formed a the release hand seal and released the Genjutsu holding back his monstrous form. Jaws gained slack, others turned pale in fear, while most were focusing within themselves trying to rationalize all this. It was unprecedented for a Jinchuuriki to come out and say that he is, especially to foreigners. Even more unprecedented was the fact that a Hanyou had come out and claimed himself as one.

“Such an intriguing boy you have there Hokage Dono.” The Kazekage said with intrigue as he watched the boy continue.

“Yes, but I can’t say I gave him permission to do this.” Sarutobi stated somewhat annoyed by Naruto’s outburst.

Down in the special Hyuuga box, Hiashi was shaking with anger. “So it was him! Never, not him, never! I will never permit such a lowly creature to date my daughter. A Jinchuuriki was bad enough but a damn Hanyou!” Hiashi was pissed; a demon was in love with his daughter and had instant access to her. How could Jiraiya have done such a thing?

Hiashi leapt from his seat in anger immediately taking off to Hinata’s location, causing quite a stir in the Hyuuga box. One Hyuuga council member insisted on going with him but was smashed into a wall with little effort. Nothing would stop him from protecting his daughter. But little did he know that Hinata was once again on the brink of feinting. Seeing her beloved in such a state was…frightening to say the least.

“I must inquire, where did he get swords capable of turning him Hanyou?” Back in the Kage box the Kazekage inquired trying to resist the need to curse his luck. If the boy was turning Hanyou then Akatsuki’s entire purpose for being here was NILL! That did not bode well for their plans.

“I think you will understand soon enough.” Sarutobi answered simply as he kept his eyes on the blond in the center of the arena.

“What do you…?” The Kazekage stopped his words as Naruto continued speaking, hoping not to miss another word.

“What most of you don’t know is one piece of information held back from you for my protection.” Sarutobi hung his head in defeat knowing the boy would reveal yet another secret that would keep him up for days on end.

“My real name is not Uzumaki Naruto. I am in actually Naruto Namikaze Son of Minato Namikaze the Yondaime Hokage!” Hiashi ran through the halls of the enormous complex as glass windows gave him a direct view of the battle that had yet to truly start. The boy’s words echoed through the building’s intercom system. At the mention of those words he stopped in his tracks. The Yondaime? …Minato… The thought had him horrified.

“No… no, that can’t be true…he-he’s lying. The fool is lying to the entire audience! If the Fourth had a son I would have know about it. I…I was his best friend I would have known about it. Kuchina…the Kyuubi killed her, his son …my god…she was an Uzumaki.” Hiashi was in a state of utter shock. He looked through the window in the quiet hallway, touching the glass as if he were trying to reach out to the poor boy. “My God….What have I done…” he whispered to himself as tears began to fill his eyes. He slid to the ground sobbing into his hands overcome by the grief of his actions. The mighty Hyuuga let his heart overflow. By his own pride he had betrayed his dearest friend.

The crowed started jeering and throwing all kinds of random shit at Naruto for making such a claim. He was lying they knew it. There was no way in hell that could be right… or could it?

The Hokage stood in an attempt to calm the rambunctious crowed.

“ENOUGH!” He screamed to get their attention, his powerful voice echoing through the stadium, providing some minor feedback from a microphone. “What Naruto speaks is the truth. I have purposely hidden this from you, from all of you. Nobody besides myself and the still loyal Sannin knew of this until recently. It was for his own safety. Despite the constant death threats he received, despite the threats from the council, I kept if from you. Because that I could deal with. I can stop a few rioters and quail the more radical members of the council. But I could never stop a foreign country from attacking the son of that man. With the power Naruto has gained recently I am happy, I can say that Naruto is more than capable of taking care of himself at this point; from any threat.”

The people of Konoha had mixed emotions. For some he was even more loathsome for becoming such an abomination. To them he has and always will be a demon. They were glad he was a Hanyou, a breed not accepted by either race. A few like Hiashi looked at themselves in shame for the way they had treated Naruto. Even if they hadn’t hated Naruto many regretted how they had looked down on him. The thought that they had considered him as a slightly lesser being for his burden started to sicken them. Though few, some people were so sickened with themselves, they began to regurgitate.

Sadly the latter was less common and chants began to rain from the civilian population “Kill him! Kill the Demon! Do it Hyuuga! Kill the Demon!” Neji didn’t flinch. He could tell Naruto wasn’t some creature to be loathed. In a way he was starting to see the link between themselves.

“Tell me Naruto, what are you? What do you consider yourself to be?” Neji asked somberly as he contemplated his own seal.

“I am human, a human being cursed to exile by his own father for the good of the village I love.” Naruto answered sternly, his eyes filled with neither with hate nor compassion. “Some things are done, not because we want to, but because we have no other choice. At least, not and remain truly human. In the end our mind is what makes us human not race, class, or heritage.” That one hit home with Neji who widened his eyes in contemplation. He was in a moment of realization and conflict, at war with his own beliefs and traditions.

‘No, he’s not the same. He may be burdened but we will never be the same. He has become a beast but he is free. I am a beast in a cage, fated to free myself of these bonds.’ He was right, Naruto was free, but there was one important part he had left out. He had freed himself.

"Then let’s let fate decide who is right. I will win and know that fate has chosen me as the one with the correct philosophy."

The two squared off, Naruto shaking his head in sadness at his opponent. Even without Shingan or the Force he could tell Neji was struggling inside, from what, he didn’t know. "Alright Neji, just remember that I have become far more powerful than the last time you saw me."

Neji's eyes narrowed to a close before he reopened them again, veins becoming visible around them as he fell into a Juuken stance. "Fate shall decide all."

"I feel sorry for you..." Naruto stated standing still as his clothes blew in the wind. A wisp of air sounded as Neji made the first move thrusting a right handed Juuken at Naruto who effortlessly moved to the side. Several more attacks fallowed up with Naruto dodging with fluid and majestic movement. One more strike went straight for Naruto’s head only for him to evaporate in a gust of wind. A tap found itself on Neji’s shoulder as he turned around for a strike, having seen Naruto just before being tapped on the shoulder. The strike made its way toward Naruto’s stomach but fell short as Naruto grabbed it, dispelling the entirety of the force from the strike into the ground beneath his feet.

“Whatever is hurting you, if it’s what made you hurt Hinata then I can only hope that beating you will make you understand.” Naruto said somberly as he summoned forth a massive reservoir of chakra. The energy was so vast that Neji was lifted off the ground with chakra generated gale force winds; the only thing keeping him from flying away was Naruto’s firm grip. The Yokai was so concentrated it burned his skin from being so close to it. Maybe it didn’t burn enough to cause any damage but one thing Neji knew was it stung like hell.

As Naruto stopped increasing his released chakra the gale force wind died down. He soon released Neji by wiping him around through the air and threw him at the stadium wall. Neji flew through the stadium and nearly went into the outer wall of the arena. Unfortunately for him his fate was far worse than a simple crash into a stone wall. In a blinding burst of speed Naruto appeared above him and delivered a mighty kick, sending Neji crashing into the ground. The ensuing crater, nearly five feet in diameter, cradled Neji’s body in the center.

The crowed had a mix of cheers and jeers as Naruto landed after utterly crushing the Hyuuga prodigy. He walked over to the edge of the crater and hopped in. Naruto bent over Neji’s motionless body and began speaking after noticing that he was just barely conscious. Several Jounin in the audience had noticed that Neji used a Kaiten at the last moment to dampen the impact of hitting the ground.

“Neji…when you hurt Hinata so badly I wanted to rip you apart, I wanted to take your body in my hands and leave it as a bloody stain on the wall. But you know what? The hate’s not worth it, anger will only lead to more anger and in the end you’re only hurting yourself. I can’t read your mind but after how much I’ve suffered I know when someone’s hurting. Just give it up, whatever it is it can’t be as bad as caging yourself in your misery.

End Cue

As Naruto wrapped up his speech Neji slipped into unconsciousness and Hayate called the match. Naruto had retracted his massive chakra before talking to Neji and was keeping it low as he started walking out of the stadium. On his way out he noticed someone in white clothing walking towards him. It was Hiashi Hyuuga.

In respect Naruto bowed to Hiashi as he drew closer. Hiashi wore a kind expression and placed his right hand on Naruto’s shoulder as he walked by. He stopped momentarily, next to Naruto smiling as he began to speak.

“Naruto.” Hiashi spoke with authority, gaining Naruto’s full attention.

“Yes Hiashi Sama?” Naruto replied politely not wanting to anger him for the future possibility of dating his daughter.

“You continue to amaze me. You show respect after being known for giving none. You are known as a demon but show compassion and loyalty at a level most are incapable of. You act the fool and turn out wise beyond your years. You’re known as loud and obnoxious, yet you can perfectly imitate an Anbu.” Hiashi’s grin widened as he noticed Naruto’s understanding of the last comment.

“When did you figure that one out?” Naruto said sheepishly, momentarily forgetting his manners.

“When you revealed yourself as the son of the Minato.” Hiashi lifted his hand from Naruto’s shoulder and took a knee bowing to Naruto before continuing. “Naruto I must ask you to forgive me. Despite your honor and strength my pride still wanted to see you as nothing more than a container. My own pride made me a traitor to my best friend. As his son I can only hope you find the mercy to forgive an old fool.” Hiashi rose looking at the speechless Namikaze with a stern face. “I leave Hinata’s protection to you, but remember this. If anything ever brings harm to her, neither Heaven nor Hell will stop me from killing you.” ‘The council will have my head for this… but without it true honor is forfit…”

Naruto blinked a few times trying to figure out what he meant by that one. ‘Did he just say what I think he means?’ “Assuming you think he just gave you permission to date Hinata, yes. But don’t push your luck. Rarely does Kami move mountains more than once.” ’I think I agree...’

While Naruto contemplated Hiashi’s words, the man at thought, himself walked away from Naruto and over to Neji where several medics had him on a stretcher. “I wish to accompany my nephew if you will permit it.”

“That is no problem Lord Hyuuga. His injuries, despite the look are minor. Some minor patch work and he should be awake in a few hours.” The medic commented as they prepared to leave the stadium.

“Thank you, please speed his recovery.” Hiashi conversed with the medics as they left the stadium and Naruto finally regained his composure. It didn’t take long for Naruto to leap back up into the stadium and the next battles to be called.

“The next match will be Yoda Minch Vs Sasuke Uchiha.” Hayate announced as the crowd erupted into cheers for the beloved Uchiha. The three Kage in the box above the arena watched intently as Sasuke and Yoda entered the arena, ready to do battle. Yoda was of course shrouded by his illusion to prevent any unnecessary complications. As requested they bowed and shook hands before heading to their respective starting points. Sasuke went into a well-grounded stance with his legs far apart and started charging a Chidori while Yoda drew his Lightsaber.

All the allied Shinobi watching the show smirked knowing the fun was about to begin. Sasuke was facing the Kage box while charging his jutsu. The electricity leaped every which way as he used every bit of his concentration to condense the volatile chakra. Yoda stood opposite him with his back to the box, entering a battle stance, ready to leap out of the way as soon as the Jutsu went off.

After nearly ten seconds of charging, Sasuke pulled his arms back; placing his left hand over his right arm and clenching his fist. That was the signal. With a light tap on the ground the Tsuchikage molded the Kage box into a stone prison around Orochimaru. The Kazekage’s eyes opened in shock as he became surrounded and trapped.

“What is the meaning of this!” The apparent Kazekage screamed as his body was bound in every direction, leaving only his head sticking out of the solidifying boulder. The audience was partly oblivious to the events in the Kage box but those who did notice, felt like they were in deep shit. If the Kage’s were fighting then this meant a war was about to break out.

“Your death, Orochimaru.” The Tsuchikage stated with a cold satisfaction as Sasuke thrust his palm forward, blasting a thunderbolt at the pale snake man. Orochimaru’s eyes widened knowing he had been caught as the thunderbolt struck through the stone. It flailed about distorted through the air, smashing into the stone and moving around, blasting the Kage box to pieces as the remaining Kage leapt away.

Nearly seventy Lightsabers lit up in the audience as the stadium itself began to glow with seals, frightening the hell out of the civilians who wondered what the hell was going on. All wondered who the men in black robes and beam swords were. Only moments later everything went dark in their world as the entire population of the stadium was summoned within the Hokage monument with only dim lights and Lightsabers, lighting the unending darkness.

The frightened citizens of various countries ducked to the ground, covering their heads in fear as the colorful lights moved through the simi-darkness, killing numerous Shinobi in their wake. It was in the simplest terms, a massacre.