Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Sad Live Deserves More ❯ PRELIMS ( Chapter 13 )

Well hear it is! THE PRELIMS!!! It took a little creative thinking for some of the fight scenes but I trudged through it. I hope you all enjoy the prelims as I have written them and next chapter should be fun! Updates have been kind of on rapid fire lately, but I want to say it may slow down at one point or another. Now on to answering my reviews!

 

Cre A. Tor00x: I take it your referring to the Anko/Miko scene. I'll have to tell you that sort of thing was hard to write but it seemed like the perfect way for the two to do things. That's not to say they'll be doing it that way every time it just fit and I wanted to try and write it. I'm just glad people liked it.

 

Kage Husha: Thanks. As I told Cre the bondage scene was hard to write but it was something I wanted to try. Some people liked it while others didn't. I can't wait till I explore some other sexual things that aren't acceptable to the norm. There is one in particular that I'm expecting to get buried in 'OMFG' and "WTF'!

 

Death's Leprechaun: Thanks!

 

randoom reader: Hummm Shika is kind of on the fence on that one. I added him because he's my third favorite character. While he will be getting some loving it's just a matter of who.

 

youko-love: Thanks I try! Now it blanked out the site you mentioned. Did you mean A F F? or M M? If so then yes I am their. I'm not on T O N F A because they have rules about stuff along the lines of Anko/Naruto. You know the age thing. My next fic will be on all four, F F, A F F, M M, and T O N F A. As for Neji we'll see. I can tell you now Shika wont be paired with Neji. I'm not against Yaoi in any way, but if I do a Yaoi pairing in this it will be a certain two.

 

Anttolas: Thanks!

 

Dragon Man 180: I might do an extended scene one shot on the side for that like my alternate ritual one shot on A F F. I always see Anko being the dominate one so whated to do something differant. As for Hina vs Neji it's in this chapter so read and find out.

 

Sigtrygg: Well this chapter is my longest yet so there goes your new 'compliant'! You'll see some Hokage Vs Council in later chapters so don't worry! I'm glad you brought it up though, I had just been putting off the confrontation till later.

 

Brian Darksoul: Glad to see you this time! As for Sakura well you'll see. Hope you like the new chap!

 

jbj195: Thanks! I gots lots more to write!

 

Gavin McBaine: Thank you, I also really don't read the pointless sex stories. I mean if you read one of them it's like you read them all. The plot is very important to me so I try and focus on that but I won't shy away from a well placed lemon. It's a part of life and surprisingly fun to write when the plot makes it work. As for Beta's um I'm kind of hesitant on it but I might give in and start using one soon.

 

Spiritwolf30: Well I'm sorry you didn't like it that much but am glad you told me politely : ) As for Shika joining them, Miko wanted him for improving the actual clan, not her fun time. In this aspect she's showing that she is serious about reconstructing a strong clan and not just a family of debauchery, Although the debauchery is still fun!

 

darkness realm: Thanks I'm glad you like my story. And so you know I am on F F and I do have over 100 reviews there. I enjoy a well writen yao every now and then but am mostly looking for anything that's well written with Haku or Anko as main characters. I have yet to see a Haku/Anko fic and am tempted sorely to do it in my next fic after this!

 

Chaoswizkid: My goal is to match Training for the Job. It has to be one of the best Naruto epics I have ever read. I was truly saddened when the author stopped. I'm glad your on the band wagon know! We're in for one long trip!

 

Soul of the Phoenix: I know that sort of thing isn't everyones cup of tea. As for Temari you're really pushing for her to join aren't you! While Naru/Tam is one of my Fav pairings I'm not sure it'll fit. We'll see.

 

Anko stood their playing with her new accessory. Miko had gotten her a leather collar for during their fun time but Anko saw no real reason to remove it. The Hokage was going on and on about the will of fire or some such crap. She had heard this speech like a thousand times as the examiner of the second part. When her fingers passed a tattoo on her neck, she felt herself fill with a warm glow. When she had woken up the morning after their talk with the Hokage, Miko showed her the mark of their union and had explained that they had in essence just got married. After she got over her shock she decided they needed a honeymoon. They did not leave the apartment for the day. Some of the their time was spent talking or eating but eventually it lead back to other activities. The mark was a brilliant white snowflake surrounded in a purple and green flame. She couldn't believe the detail in it for something that appeared over night, and didn't think she could have chosen a better image. It signified them so well.

 

She then thought of what she had been doing the other two days. Miko had taught her the illusion to hide the fox features that Anko had developed even though she was tempted to just say fuck it. She was proud of her new heritage, she finally felt like she belonged. It has been so long since she has felt that way she had forgotten how good it felt. That and she loved the new appendages. The tail was just as flexible as her snakes had been if not more, and she had learned to use it to throw kunai! That thought reminded her about losing the snake contract, but surprisingly she didn't miss it. It was one less thing to tie her to Orochimaru. Her new ears also picked up way more sounds then her human ones ever did. It took a while to get use to since they were in the village and loud noises were abundant. Naruto and Haku were at Miko's sanctuary when they had to get use to it. Finally, she loved the color. Hers where purple with green tips.

 

Miko thought it curious that her aura had changed. Before Anko was aligned with the earth element but she really never used earth jutsu or earth manipulation, using snakes instead. Now Anko seemed to be aligned with something else Miko hadn't encountered before. Using a piece of elemental paper, it turned a sickly green before deteriorating. Miko had a clue but told Anko to feed her chakra into a nearby sapling. She was completely shocked when it wilted and died. She had killed something with just her chakra element. They concluded her new element was poison. Miko theorized that the poison in her system affected her during the ritual. Anko was ecstatic. She had a brand new element that no one else had to her knowledge and it happened to be one of her favorite ways to kill.

 

When Hayate started to talk she turned to Miko. "So how do you think they'll do?"

 

Miko grinned. "I think they'll do just fine."

 

Naruto was just itching for his turn. After listening to the old man go on about the purpose of the exams the near dead looking junin named Gekko Hayate explained the rules and asked if anyone wanted to bail out on the prelims. Naruto had found it exceedingly suspicious that Kabuto had chosen to quit since he was barely injured. Something didn't sit well with him when it came to Kabuto but for now he watched as Sasuke and one of Kabuto's teammates got ready to fight.

 

As Naruto watched the fight, he happened to be standing next to team Gai, and noticed Lee tense up when Sasuke used something called the Shishi Renden. In the middle of the move Naruto noticed black marks start to cover his body just like Anko said the curse seal did, but somehow he fought it back and finished the fight.

 

Looking at Lee again he could see Lee was agitated. "Hey Lee what's wrong? Did Sasuke fuck up the move because it seemed to go off well?"

 

Lee bowed his head. "No Naruto-san, Sasuke-san did the Kage Buyo just like it is suppose to be done. I'm just saddened that Sasuke-san would copy my move."

 

Naruto frowned. "When did he copy your move?"

 

Lee sighed. "I challenged him before the first exam. During the spar I used the Kage Buyo to try and finish him before Gai sensei stopped me."

 

Naruto looked down at Sasuke as Kakashi carried him off. "Too stoop so low as to copy an allies jutsu. He really is full of himself."

 

Gai nodded. "Yes, I agree with you Naruto-kun. Sasuke has dampened his Springtime of Youth by such an unyouthful action."

 

Everyone's attention was on the board as the names spun. Naruto sighed when it came up Shino vs. Zaku. "Who's this Zaku guy?"

 

Lee looked at him. "He is a most unyouthful sound ninja Naruto-san."

 

"You've seen him fight." Naruto was curious just for conversation sake.

 

"Yes Naruto-san, he uses air pressure to attack from a distance, but during a fight with Sasuke his arms were both dislocated and broken." Lee grimaced at the memory of Sasuke smiling while enjoying the pain he caused.

 

"It won't help him against Shino." Hinata had been standing next to Naruto and Haku. She said it with total confidence in her teammate.

 

"I'm glad you're confident he will win Hinata-chan." Naruto looked at the bowl cut boy. "And Lee, you don't have to call me Naruto-san."

 

Lee just gave him a nice guy pose with signature tooth ping. "Yosh! Thank you Naruto-kun! I feel we'll make great friends!"

 

Naruto smiled back at him. 'He may be crazy as Gai but he's a good guy at heart.' "I'd be glad to be your friend Lee."

 

Just then, a loud bang brought them out of their conversation. Looking down they saw Zaku kneeling on the ground staring at his two bloody stumps for arms in shock before passing out while Shino calmly waked back to his place onto the balcony.

 

Hayate coughed. "Winner Shino."

 

Once again, everyone's attention was on the electronic board. "Will Misumi Tsurugi and Kankuro of the Desert please come down?"

 

Naruto picked up his conversation with Lee while watching the fight. "So Lee, what's the deal with being Gai's mini-me?"

 

Lee looked at Naruto with a sad expression before burying it with his over exuberant nice guy pose. "Gai-sensei believed in me when no-one else did. He took me in and trained me in his personal taijutsu style. You see Naruto-kun my body barely produces enough chakra for me to live so I cannot use nin or gen jutsu like other ninja. Nevertheless, Gai-sensei saw my potential for taijutsu and gave me a chance. I owe him everything."

 

Naruto placed his hand on Lee's shoulder. "Then that must mean your taijutsu must be very impressive! I would love to have a spar after the exams are done!"

 

Lee gave Naruto one of his true smiles, not the silly nice guy pose but a true heartfelt smile. "Thank you Naruto-kun, I would love to spar with you as well. I have heard that you have mastered a junin class ninjutsu. I would love to see it!"

 

Naruto smiled. "You must be talking about Kage Bunshin. I'll show you it when we spar."

 

The fight down in the arena came to an end as Tsurugi found himself wrapped around a puppet that wrapped him up in return before spewing poison gas in his face. "Winner Kankuro of the Desert." After Kankuro made his way up to his team and Tsurugi was hauled off, the board once again spun the names. "Would Yamanaka Ino and Haruno Sakura please come to the arena?"

 

Naruto perked up at the names for this fight. Turning to Haku he smiled. "How bad do you think Ino will win?" If Naruto knew Sakura, she had probably barely trained while staring at Sasuke.

 

Haku smiled. "Ino has gotten pretty good since I helped her with her training. I swear her sensei Azuma did nothing for her."

 

Gai being the upstanding Gai he is had to defend his fellow junin. "I don't think you should be saying such things about Azuma-kun."

 

Haku just glared down the balcony at the lazy junin. "All he does is play shoji with Shika and give them D missions. I had to teach Ino tree climbing, water walking, and help her better her taijutsu. Before I helped her, she didn't even have a proper training schedule! She even had to threaten him to take them on a C rank mission just so they qualified for the exams!"

 

Now if there was anything Gai did not stand for it was slacking off in training the youth of Konoha. "While I can not condone your speaking of a junin so poorly I'd like to thank you for helping Ino-chan brighten her youthfulness! Your youth shines even brighter for helping your fellow ninja!"

 

The battle waged on for quite some time compared to the other fights so far but Ino had been dominating the match. When it finally came down to Ino connecting with her Shintenshin Naruto shouted. "You got her now Ino! Show her how it's done!"

 

Sakura heard Naruto cheering on Ino and that hurt her a little. 'Why is he cheering for Ino? We had been teammates for crying out load! He should be cheering me on!'

 

As Ino could hear her thoughts she decided to open the pink haired girls eyes. 'What have you done for him? All you ever did was hit him and call him an idiot or say he was useless!'

 

Sakura mentally gasped when she realized Ino could hear her thoughts, but quickly defended herself. 'I've been nice to him before!'

 

Ino just shook Sakura's head slightly. 'Prove it. From what he has told me you've been nothing but a bitch. So was I until I really got to know the real him! I bet you can't show me one memory where you were nice to him without having an ulterior motive.'

 

Inner Sakura defended her other self. 'Oh yeah! I'll show you!' Therefore, Sakura dug through her memories of her time with Naruto. As she dug and dug she couldn't find even one. She finally gave up. Ino was right. She had been a total bitch to Naruto just because she wanted to be with Sasuke alone most of the time. 'You're right Ino. I have been nothing but mean to him.' It was that moment of despair that Ino used Sakura's body to forfeit the match.

 

Returning to her body Ino stood up and walked over to Sakura. "You know it's not too late. You could make it up to him by trying to be his friend." Noticing Sakura was still lost in her thoughts, she dragged her once best friend back up onto the balcony. When they passed Naruto Sakura couldn't even look at him as he congratulated Ino, she just kept walking until she was by her remaining teammate and sat down.

 

Naruto barely registered that the names Tenten and Temari where called as Ino told him about the fight inside Sakura's mind. "I really think I might have gotten through to her Naruto, so if she comes to try and apologize please be nice to her. If not for her for me as a friend."

 

Naruto just gave her a small hug. "Don't worry Ino-chan, you know I'm not a mean person. If she really means it then I'll accept her apology."

 

Ino pecked him on the cheek quickly before stepping back. "Thanks Naruto, your a really nice guy. Haku is lucky she got to know you first you know." With a grin she walked over to her team as Shikamaru and Kin were called down to fight since Tenten and Temari's fight had ended while she talked with Naruto. As Ino walked by Shika she noticed he was about to quit so she bumped him just hard enough to send him over the railing.

 

Haku walked up behind Naruto and hugged him while she whispered in his ear. "You know she has a crush on you right?"

 

Naruto was shocked. "I thought she was still hung up on Sasuke."

 

Haku smiled. "He has never been the kind caring type, and mystery and intrigue only go so far. I think she would let you have her if I said it was ok."

 

Naruto frowned slightly. "But I don't feel the way I do for you and Hinata with her, and I wouldn't want to ruin our friendship over something like that. She needs to find someone that loves her the way she ought to be loved."

 

Haku couldn't help but grin. "You really are one of a kind Naruto, but I don't think it would ruin your friendship and she's been asking me what it's like. If it's not with you it will be with someone else that may only be using her."

 

Naruto smiled when he felt Haku against his back. "I think you should do it. She would be with someone who would treat her right and I know you want to." Naruto sensed what Haku was going to say before she said it. "Do you really think she would think less of you if she knew?"

 

"I, I don't know. She probably wouldn't, but there is the chance she would freak out." Haku's worst fear was her friends wouldn't accept what she was. Hinata took it well but that didn't mean Ino would.

 

"I don't think you give her enough credit. I think she will be your friend even after you tell her." Naruto knew he was right. Deep down he was always a good judge of character. It came from being able to tell when people meant to do him harm in his younger years.

 

Haku just hugged him tighter before letting go. "I'll think about it ok."

 

Nodding Naruto turned his attentions to the fight between Shika and Kin.

 

It looked like Shika was in a dire situation. Haku and Hinata were actually worried when Kin said the senbon were for an illusion not for damage. "Naruto, I don't think Shika's going to win."

 

Naruto smiled. "No Haku, he's already won. Shika castled." Seeing Haku's confusion he explained. "I've taught Shika one jutsu that I though he could use just as well as I do. You see, what Kin has in her trap is a Kage Bunshin."

 

Just as Naruto said that, the bunshin dissipated and Kin found herself unable to move. From behind her came the voice of Shikamaru as Shika's jutsu made her turn to face him. "This is checkmate, surrender."

 

Kin was pissed but also scared. "What are you doing to me? You can't hurt me without hurting yourself!"

 

"That is were you're wrong." As Shikamaru said this, a shadowy hand crept up her leg. She tried to break the hold but it was no use as the hand made its way up and surrounded her throat. "I'll ask you one more time, surrender."

 

Kin just spat at Shika. With a slight frown, he tightened the grip of his shadow and watched as she slowly lost consciousness.

 

As her body hit the floor Hayate called the match. "Winner Shikamaru."

 

As Shikamaru made his way back to his team, Naruto saw that he was almost out of chakra. "Nice job Shika! Using Kage Bunshin and Kage Kubi Shibari really took it out of you though."

 

Shika smiled at Naruto. "We all can't be chakra freaks like you Naruto."

 

Naruto just grinned. 'No, but if Miko-sensei gets her way you'll have more then enough power. I just hope you can handle her training.'

 

Anko looked at the smiling Miko. "And you said he would only get stronger?"

 

Miko could not be happier. Shikamaru showed much skill for his age. His affinity with the darkness was great enough that he was able to use Kage Bunshin using much less chakra then others would need. "His darkness will be all consuming once I'm done training him. Too bad my brother is gone. He would have been a great help since his elements were fire and darkness."

 

Anko shivered. She had seen what his father was capable of and Miko said Shika's power would be ten times greater if he joined. "You know they say he's a genius, that and great at making strategies on the fly."

 

Miko smile broadened. "I know, he acts lazy be he is constantly thinking. If I can get his body to be half as good as his mind I'll be happy."

 

Naruto was brought out of his thoughts as the names Haku and Kiba were called to the arena. Before Haku could jump down, he pulled her back to whisper to her. "Lead him on for a while. I want to see what his taijutsu style can do."

 

Haku nodded. Anko hadn't been able to get Hana to teach him their style because her mom forbid it but that didn't mean he couldn't watch it and compare it to the style he was developing. She smiled remembering the afternoon they spent watching nature documentaries on how pack animals hunt. While they had gotten some valuable info they kind of lost track halfway when one came one about mating habits.

 

Kiba took this time to yell up at Naruto and Haku. "Don't worry Naruto, I won't bust up your girlfriend too much!"

 

Naruto grinned at Haku. "When you take him down do it hard though!"

 

Haku matched his grin and jumped down. "Come little puppy it's time to play."

 

Kiba snarled and Akamaru growled. "I was going to be easy on you but now I think I'll beat the crap out of you."

 

Hayate just coughed. "Haku Vs. Inuzuka Kiba START!"

 

Kiba immediately sprang in to tackle Haku but she caught him mid leap with a brutal punch to the gut. "Get serious Kiba, I'll not wait for you to smarten up."

 

Kiba growled as he leapt back. "Akamaru come! Shikyaku" As Kiba's appearance took on a feral look Akamaru leapt onto Kiba's back and was tossed a soldier pill. "JUJIN BUNSHIN!" Suddenly standing were Akamaru used to be was another feral Kiba. Without waiting, they attacked in a pincer style approach.

 

"Good you're taking me seriously." Haku took out two glass bottles of water and smashed them in front of her. Using the water to make an ice wall, she blocked one of the Kiba's paths as she concentrated on the other. As Kiba took a swipe at Haku, she dodged and hit him hard on the back.

 

Jumping back to regroup with the other Kiba they both growled. Suddenly the one she hit grinned. With a cry of Gatsuga both of them became whirling tornados of death. Narrowly dodging the first assault while taking a nasty cut on her left arm she winced.

 

Naruto was very intrigued by the concept of the Gatsuga. 'I will have to get either Hana or Kiba to teach me that! Their style seems to be mostly based on the movement of the animal while mine is based on the way they hunt. If I could combine the two it would be brutally affective.' "That's enough Haku! Take him down!"

 

Haku smiled. Naruto had seen enough and judging by his voice, he liked what he saw. With a sad smile, she took out a scroll from her utility pouch. As both Kiba's took their next pass, she released a torrent of water from within the scroll and turned both Kiba's into ice sculptures that crashed to the ground.

 

Seeing there was no way Kiba was getting out of that Hayate called the fight. "Winner Haku."

 

After the fight was called, she immediately melted the ice surrounding the boy and his dog. Walking over she offered him a hand up. "That was a great fight Kiba, no hard feelings."

 

Kiba reluctantly took her hand but smiled at her. "Yeah but I want a rematch later!" Akamaru barked his agreement.

 

Haku smiled. "You got it Kiba. And your pretty good too Akamaru." Akamaru yipped happily at the praise as he jumped up into Kiba's arms as they made their way up to the balcony.

 

When they got to Naruto, he hugged Haku. "Good fight Haku, you too Kiba!"

 

Haku winced as she moved her arm to hug Naruto back. Hinata saw the cut and gasped before taking out some of her medical salve. "Haku your hurt please let me help you."

 

They were interrupted by Hayate's call for Hinata and Neji to enter the arena. She smiled at Hinata. "You know I'll be fine in a bit. Just get down there and do your best!"

 

Neji just calmly walked to Hinata. "Forfeit. You know you can't beat me. You were fated to lose from the beginning."

 

Hinata just looked at him and smiled. "I know but I'm at least going to try."

 

This just got on Neji's nerves. "Pathetic." With a grunt he walked down to the arena.

 

Naruto gave Hinata a quick hug. "Just do your best Hina-chan, that's all I ask."

 

Hinata smiled and nodded before following her cousin. When they stood in front of each other Neji gave her one last chance to back down. "I will not go easy on you Hinata. Forfeit now before you get hurt. You are too weak to stand a chance against me. It is your fate to lose this match."

 

Hinata just assumed her Juken stance. "Thank you for your concern Neji-nii-san but I must try."

 

Neji assumed his stance. "Then so be it."

 

Hayate looked to the two competitors and sighed. He felt sorry for Hinata but he had to start the match. "Hyuga Hinata Vs. Hyuga Neji START!"

 

Neither of them wasted any time and rushed into the deadly dance that is Juken. To anyone that didn't know about the power behind their blows they would think they were poking each other at high speed.

 

After the first couple of minutes they broke apart. Neji had his impartial face plastered on while Hinata was breathing heavy. She knew he had been closing the tenketsu in her arms, but needed him to strike her with a palm thrust.

 

Neji just looked at Hinata. "Your unable to continue, forfeit now. This will be your final warning." As an answer, Hinata assumed the Juken stance once again. "Very well you leave me no choice." He dashed at her with a blinding speed to strike her chest and rupture one of her lungs but at the last second Hinata rose up taking the hit to the stomach while she decked him across the face. He was so shocked at her movement he didn't realize that his attack had been blocked by her expelling just enough chakra to save her organs and activating a seal that was placed there by Miko.

 

Leaping away, she struggled to stay standing. Neji inwardly grinned. She had resorted to brute force, as a Hyuga that was most unbecoming, but then Hinata was not like the rest of them.

 

Naruto's voice interrupted them from the balcony. "That's enough Hinata! You hit him good!"

 

Hinata just smiled before dropping to her knees. The strike to her stomach had hurt a great deal and it had knocked the wind out of her. After gasping for breath, she turned to Hayate. "I, I forfeit Examiner-san."

 

Neji looked down on his cousin. He was wondering why she hadn't tried to use the seal against him when he noticed what his early attack had 'hit'. Bowing his head slightly he looked her in the eyes. "I'm sorry Hinata-san." What he saw was the chakra pathway around her ovaries had been destroyed. Damage like that couldn't be repaired. It would not threaten her life but she had lost her ability to conceive just to hit him.

 

Hinata knew he was talking about the 'damage' she had taken. She looked at him with a sad smile. "It's ok Neji-nii-san. You didn't do it on purpose. I took a gamble and lost." Bowing her head, she continued. "I just wonder what father will say."

 

Neji the stoic figure of impassiveness actually winced at this. He had most likely just doomed the one Hyuga that cared for the branch family to banishment. He was not fool enough to think Hiashi would let her rise to heir in her current state, and as first-born of the main family unless she died she was still the heir. No, she would be cast out and stripped of her name, never to be spoken of again.

 

Hinata smiled at him as she got to her feet slowly. He had actually showed he cared in that small facial expression. "I thank you for your concern Neji-nii-san but I will be alright."

 

Neji smiled sadly. He realized he had given her his ultimate dream but at the ultimate price. She was free from this family of bondage and hate, but would never have one of her own. The medic-nins where on her now, checking her for damage from the massive Juken blow. She actually let out a tear when they told her the extent of the 'damage'. What none of then knew was it was a tear of joy. Their plan had worked. By the end of the night she would be cast to the streets and never spoken of in the Hyuga compound ever again, and left to her own devices. Seeing as she was pretty much fine, she insisted on staying to see Naruto fight.

 

When she arrived on the balcony where Naruto and Haku waited for her Naruto looked her over once before hugging her lightly. "Are you sure your ok?"

 

Smiling she nodded. "Yes, I'm fine Naruto-kun."

 

A loud cheer interrupted them suddenly. "NARUTO-KUN! IT LOOKS LIKE WE WILL NOT HAVE TO WAIT TO HAVE THAT SPAR! IT IS OUR TURN TO SHOW OUR SPRINGTIME OF YOUTH!!!"

 

Naruto let go of Hinata with an earsplitting grin. If he was right, this match was going to be really fun. Hoping over the railing he shouted back to Lee. "OK LEE! LETS SHOW THEM HOW IT'S DONE!"

 

Let followed Naruto right over the rail. Before they took their places Naruto stepped up to Lee with his hand outstretched. "Lets promise to do our best."

 

Taking Naruto's hand with a firm shake Lee grinned. "Yes! We will let our youth shine brightly as an example to others!"

 

Hayate just looked at the two of them. This promised to be a good match. They were both considered to be huge stamina freaks and both had demanding sensei. "Uzumaki Naruto Vs. Rock Lee START!"

 

Naruto and Lee dashed at each other and commenced trading powerful blows. Naruto caught Lee in a brutal three hit combo by fainting high while nailing Lee in the stomach causing him to bend over slightly but the fist that went high grabbed him by back of his head and forced him into Naruto's rising knee. As Lee's head snapped back from the powerful blow Naruto quickly brought his raised leg back to the ground as his other leg came up and gave Lee a nasty straight kick sending him across the arena.

 

Getting up Lee wiped some blood from his face but he smiled. "Good hit Naruto-kun." Lee dashed right back into the fight. After trading a couple more blows he saw Naruto slip slightly on some broken glass that was left there after Haku and Kiba's fight and with cry of "KONOHA SENPU!" hit Naruto with his double aerial roundhouse kick sending the blonde flying.

 

After he got up Naruto shook his head quickly before grinning. "Your really good Lee! We should spar more often."

 

Lee grinned back. "I would enjoy that greatly Naruto-kun."

 

Naruto's grin widened. "You wanted to see Kage Bunshin. Well here it is!" Making the hand seals as to not give away one of his ace's Naruto made five clones to surround Lee. Each of them then started their own hands seals and with six cries of "Heki Dageki" they closed in on him. Lee saw the first one aim high so he was surprised when he ducked and was hit hard in the side by a kick before the clone pooffed away to make room for the next one. This one looked to be making a downward kick to Lee's chest so he jumped but found he jumped right into a high kick hitting him in the head sending flying. The confusion continued as he tried to block a rising kick from a crouched clone only to be elbowed down from above. Seeing two clones make axe kicks down at him he rolled to the only side that was open but after one rotation he was stopped by a fist planted solidly in the chest as the two clones that tried to stomp him pooffed out of existence. The Naruto that hit him last jumped back and called out "Uzumaki Pakku Atakku" (Uzumaki Pack Attack)

 

Anko grinned. "His personal taijutsu style is truly ruthless! He even caught me in that once. You loose all sense of what's happening."

 

Miko nodded. "Yes the Hitorishibai Pakku Taijutsu (One Man Pack Taijutsu) is a masterpiece waiting to be finished. Once he's done it may be able to match my kenjutsu."

 

Rising slowly Lee looked at Naruto eyes full of respect and joy. "Naruto, it seems your not holding back." Looking up at Gai he asked, "Gai-sensei?"

 

Gai smiled. "Yes Lee. SHOW NARUTO YOUR YOUTHFULNESS!"

 

Naruto smiled. "What cha doing Lee?"

 

Bending down Lee started to remove his weights. "I have gotten permission to show you my best Naruto-kun."

 

When Miko saw the boy removing his weights she remembered what the Hokage had told her. With a smile she released the weights on Naruto. "Naruto! I have removed your weight as well! You and Lee show the others what real training does!"

 

Naruto's smile widened nearly splitting his face. He suddenly felt like a leaf in the wind. When Lee stood back up they both disappeared. None of the genin except Haku, Neji, and Hinata could see them move. They just saw when the two stopped after exchanging rather devastating attacks.

 

Naruto's heart was pumping like mad. He had never had a fight this good. But what worried him was Lee was slightly faster. Without even thinking he made four clones appear and used Heki Dageki to restrain Lee as he put all his power into one single punch crying out "Pakku Eidan" (Pack Judgment). The force of the blow destroyed the clones just by the kinetic energy transferred through Lee but their job was already finished.

 

Lee slowly rose to his feet but Naruto felt something was wrong. That is when he felt Lee open the first Gate. Miko had taught him and Haku about the Celestial Gates and how to tell when one was released. All of a sudden he found himself flying into the air from a vicious kick from below as Lee followed him up. He tried to move but he knew he was caught in the Kage Buyo. Gritting his teeth he waited for the attack to finish. Lee wrapped him in his bandages and spun as they plummeted back to the earth.

 

Shouting "Omote Renge" Lee jumped away. It wasn't till he landed that he realized what he had done. Falling to his knees he started to openly weep. "I'M SORRY NARUTO-KUN! I DIDN'T WANT TO KILL YOU!"

 

All the junin and genin were stunned as they stared at the dust cloud. Gai bowed his head. He didn't think Lee would do it so when it happened he was frozen in shock and unable to stop him.

 

Anko was livid. She shouted at Gai from the balcony she was on. "GAI! HOW COULD YOU TEACH A GENIN THAT?"

 

Miko let out a sigh. "Well that is a devastating move but Naruto's alive."

 

Everyone fell silent as the dust settled to show Naruto standing in a massive crater. He had twisted just enough to take most the blow to his shoulder instead of his head at the last second. As he walked over to where Lee was weeping into his hands he snapped his neck and left shoulder making it let out a sickening crack. Lee looked up at the noise to see Naruto standing in front of him rubbing his arm. Kneeling down Naruto whispered to Lee. "Lee, if I was anyone else that move would have killed. I know you didn't mean to do it. Just promise me you'll never use it on an ally again." Lee just nodded dumbly before embracing Naruto.

 

"I promise Naruto-kun. I will never use it on a friend again!" Lee couldn't stop crying. He didn't care how, he was just glad Naruto was alive.

 

After Lee had calmed down Naruto helped him up. The Initial Gate had taken a lot out of him. Before they headed to the balcony Lee turned to the examiner. "I forfeit the match for my most unyouthful actions against Naruto-kun."

 

Hayate nodded and called the match. "Winner Naruto."

 

When Naruto saw Gai heading to them most likely to berate Lee he motioned the junin to stop. "I have already talked to Lee and he has promised me he will never use it on a friend again. I forgave him for it so it's done."

 

Gai smiled down at Naruto. "Naruto-kun, your a shining example of what it is to be a Leaf Shinobi. Lee could learn allot from you. Feel free to join us in training at any time!"

 

Naruto smiled back. "Thanks, I just might take you up on that. I've heard your Konoha's leading taijutsu expert and I'm trying to create my own style. Maybe you and Lee could help me?"

 

Gai clapped Naruto on the back as the continued to walk to the rest of their group. "I'd be glad to help! We'll talk about it later, right now it looks like you both need to sit down."

 

When Naruto made it over to where his team was he suddenly found himself between both Haku and Hinata in a bone-crushing hug. "Haku, Hinata, I need to breath!" Letting go they both started to look him over. "Don't worry I'll be fine I just need to rest." Sitting down against the wall next to Lee he heard Choji's name called along with someone named Dosu. He cheered Choji on as he passed him on the way to the stairs.

 

The fight seemed to be in Choji's favor until the sound-nin used his gauntlet to send his deadly sound waves through Choji's body knocking him out. With a sigh he decided to try and help Choji with his training, but his thoughts were cut off as two names were called. "Would Gakusetsu Akaishatsu and Gaara of the Desert please come to the arena?"

 

Naruto grabbed Akai's hand. "Be careful Akai. Something's not right about him."

 

Akai just grinned. "Don't worry. I'll end the fight in a second."

 

Thus, Akai and Gaara faced off. As soon as Hayate said start Akai stunned Gaara with his Blood Limit and tried to stab Gaara in the heart. The kunai he used was stopped by Gaara's Suna no Yoroi but not before piercing Gaara's skin just a little, just enough for Gaara to feel the pain and to bleed a little.

 

Gaara had been sent into shock. No one had ever hurt him. While Gaara was lost in that thought the sand acted to defend its master on its own, encasing and crushing Akai before he could pull away or even blink.

 

Baki instantly jumped down and secretly placed a piece of paper with a seal written on it on Gaara while he was calming him down. The seal instantly suppressed Shikaku and Gaara regained control.

 

Hayate was stunned like the rest of the Konoha nin. Looking over Akai was clearly dead. "Winner Gaara."

 

Anko bowed her head. "The kid was an ass but I don't think he deserved that."

 

Miko looked at Gaara. "There's something wrong with Gaara. He seems to have two auras. That could only mean there is something sealed in him."

 

Anko frowned. "We'll have to tell the Hokage. If Gaara is a Jinchuriki it could be bad for Konoha."

 

Baki stepped away and they both went back up to the balcony without a word. Of course, Temari and Kankuro were still worried. Those seals were only a temporary help. They just hoped it worked long enough for Gaara to become mentally stable again.

 

Hayate coughed. "Now since we still have one more competitor Sai will be fighting one random person then another match will be chosen at random to bring us to ten competitors." Everyone gasped as the board came to a stop. "Would Sai and Gaara of the Desert please come down?"

 

Sai sighed. "I forfeit. There's no way in hell I'm fighting that." Nobody faulted Sai for his decision.

 

As the board flickered the names, everyone hoped they were not picked. "Would Yamanaka Ino and Aburame Shino please come down?"

 

Naruto cheered Ino on. "Come on Ino! Give it your best!"

 

As the two stared at each other, Ino got worried. Shino's first fight had been quick while Ino's had run for almost ten minutes. She was still tired from her fight but she could probably squeeze out another Shintenshin but she had to hit. "Yamanaka Ino Vs. Aburame Shino START!"

 

Ino took a gamble and tried a point blank Shintenshin but it wasn't to be. When she looked around she found she was in a bug that was part of a mass crawling on her body. Shino had used Mushi Bunshin. When her mind hit the bug clone it broke into a swarm.

 

Ino returned to her body and was barely able to move. "I can't fight. I forfeit."

 

Shino recalled his bugs and made his way to the balcony.

 

Hayate coughed. "Winner Shino."

 

Naruto jumped down and helped Ino up to her feet. "You tried Ino, that's all that matters."

 

Ino smiled. "Thanks Naruto, your a good friend."

 

Hayate coughed loudly. "Would all competitors that won their matches please come down to the arena."

 

Naruto scooped Ino up and jumped up on the balcony to set her down. "I got to go down there." Ino just nodded as she fought to keep down a blush.

 

As all ten competitors lined up they were told to take a tile from a box to determine the order. After they had all called out there number Hayate revealed the order. "First match will be Naruto Vs. Neji. Second match will be Sasuke Vs. Gaara. Third match will be Temari Vs. Shikamaru. Fourth match will be Shino Vs. Kankuro. And the fifth match will be Haku Vs. Dosu."

 

The Hokage went on about how the tournament will be different from the prelims because some have shown all there moves while some have shown little. Anko just ignored it while thinking of the best way to tease Naruto for carrying Ino from the arena. Teasing Naruto and Haku had quickly become one of her favorite past times. It was almost as good as nearly missing villagers with randomly thrown kunai. When the Hokage finished his speech Naruto and Haku came over to her and Miko.

 

Naruto smiled. "I can't wait to start training! Old man Hokage said he would try and get this Jiraiya person to help me."

 

Anko winced. If Jiraiya was in town she wouldn't be going to the bath house any time soon. "You sure it's training you want to start? It looked to me your trying to swoon little Ino into your group."

 

Naruto crossed his arms while he glared at her. "She was almost completely drained so I just wanted to help her out."

 

Anko snickered. "More like help her into your bed."

 

Miko smiled, the two of them tended to fight like siblings. It actually reminded her of how her and Kyuubi acted when they were young. "Now, now, calm down. Why don't we get out of here. I think we may have a celebration tonight seeing as you both made it to the tournament."

 

Before they left Naruto and Haku wished Hinata good luck. She would hopefully be at their house before nightfall if all went well. They had postponed their little get together since it wouldn't look good if they all spent the night in the room at the tower. As it was Naruto had sent a Bunshin to another room to 'sleep' every night to make it seem like Haku and Hinata were sharing a room. Since they were best friends this wasn't looked down upon. Then every morning Naruto's bunshin would come back and be dispelled as to continue the deception.

 

Before leaving Gai stopped Naruto. "Naruto-kun, I wanted to tell you we start our training at four a.m. at training ground nine. I hope you will join us sometime soon!"

 

Naruto smiled. "Depending on my training schedule with Jiraiya I'll see if I can join you. Oh and Lee, I'll be looking forward to own next spar!"

 

Lee hugged Naruto. "I too can not wait Naruto-kun!"

 

Anko quickly interrupted them before they went on one of their hugging fits. "Gai, if I see even a speck of green or spandex on Naruto you'll lose your claim to being a man got me?"

 

Gai gulped loudly at this. One time during one of their outings someone proceeded to continue to hit on Anko after on of such threats to find she actually would do it. "I wouldn't dream of it Anko-san."