Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Tail of Two Bijus ❯ The Main Matches ( Chapter 14 )

A/N: Hello again everyone! Sorry to pull a cliffhanger no jutsu on you last time, but I couldn't fit the month training and the entire Chunin main matches in.

 

This chapter's things you would never hear them say: 'SASUKE: [to kakashi] alright. hand over the book! *grabs it from him and walks away as he begins to read it*'

 

As always, I hope my creativity gives you some semblance of pleasure to read.

 

Legend:

 

'...Thoughts...'

 

“...Speaking...”

 

“...TWO PEOPLE CASTING THE SAME JUTSU...”

 

'...Biju Thoughts...'

 

“...Biju Talking...”

 

&&&&&&&&&...Scene Change...&&&&&&&&&&

 

A Tail of Two Bijus:

 

Chapter 13:

 

The Main Matches:

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&&&&&&&&

 

“Shall we?”

 

Neji just smirked.

 

“It looks like you have something you want to say.”

 

Naruto smiled and activated his 'Seal Eye'. Naruto held out a fist.

 

“I will win!”

 

Neji smiled faintly and lowered into his juken fighting stance, activating his own Bloodline Limit.

 

'His eyes tell me he's totally confident in himself.'

 

“This is what makes this fight worth while. I will enjoy seeing your discouraged eyes once you learn that you cannot defeat me.”

 

The referee brought down his hand to signal the start of the match.

 

“Now, the first match. Begin!”

 

Naruto noticed the seal on Neji's forhead and burst out laughing.

 

“What do you find so amusing?”

 

“This.”

 

Naruto formed a quick hand seal and gave a small burst of chakra before shutting it off. Neji stiffened and clutched his head, trying to stay upright.

 

“That is how easily I could end this match Neji. I could kill you with a small bit of chakra and a single hand seal. However, I'm a sporting guy, so I'll beat you the old fashioned way.”

 

“How... How can you, a person not of the Hyuga main house... activate my seal?”

 

Naruto just smirked.

 

“Let's just say he who invents it, knows how to prevent it.”

 

Neji opened his eyes wide in amazement.

 

“What are you claiming?”

 

“The Hyugas didn't invent that seal, we Uzumakis did. We gave it to your clan because you claimed it would be used on traitors to stop the secret of the Byakugan from falling into enemy hands. Seems like the main house had other ideas, eh?”

 

Neji just stared.

 

“I'll tell you what, Neji. Beat me, and I'll remove that seal from your forehead. I want to see why you've been called the Hyuga genius. If you do manage to beat me, I swear on my father's name that I will remove your seal.”

 

Neji was suddenly very interested.

 

“And if I lose?”

 

Naruto thought for a moment.

 

“Hmmm... If you lose, you give up on this fate crap. Deal?”

 

Neji smiled.

 

“Sounds good to me.”

 

“Very well.”

 

Naruto walked up to Neji and shook his hand before leeping back. Neji waited, obviously wanting Naruto to make the first move. Naruto smiled and launched three kunai at Neji, who deflected one away, caught the second, and used it to capture the third in the ring at the base of the handle. Naruto then ran in. Neji stood stock still until Naruto's hand was about three meters from his face. Neji then used his right hand to deflect the punch away from his face and push Naruto past him. Naruto jumped and span around in the air, landing in a crouching position. Naruto charged back at Neji, letting forth a flurry of punches. Neji calmly blocked every one of them. Neji finally had enough of this and deflected one of Naruto's hands, giving him an opening to land an attack. Neji aimed for one of Naruto's tenketsu in his shoulder. Naruto saw this and made a last second movement of his shoulder, making Neji miss. Neji smiled.

 

“Are you taking my abilities seriously, Naruto?”

 

“Probably not. I had to get an idea of what the Hyuga's juken could actually do. I'll hand it to you, it's a frightening style of fighting. I'm starting to think this will be a sufficient warm up for my fights with Lee and Gaara.”

 

“Hmpf. If you really think I'm a push over, then you will regret it.”

 

“That is true, however, I never suggested that I would understimate your abilites. I was stating that yours still pails in compairson to theirs.”

 

Neji stopped smiling.

 

“Well then, if you're going to take me seriously now, then show me you mean it.”

 

“Very well.”

 

Naruto formed a familiar hand seal.

 

“Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!”

 

Over thirty real copies formed infront of Naruto. People in the stands were shocked. This kid... A Genin, knew a Jounin level technique and had enough stamina to produce thirty of them as if it was just warm up? They were now very interested in this match. Neji was amused.

 

'Kage Bunshin? I see. If the chakra is divided up evenly amongst them, not even my Byakugan can figure out which one is the real one.'

 

“However, there is only one real one.”

 

The Naruto clones 'hmph'ed and smiled.

 

“Don't act so tough.”

 

“Come if you wish.”

 

The wall of Naruto clones charged, letting out a battlecry. Neji looked at the first one and prepared to deflect it. Neji put a hand into the clone's chest, holding his outstretched hand to use it as a lever to pick him up and throw him over his shoulder using the clone's own momentum.Neji turned back to the clones in time to see one try a punch to the face. Neji took this clone and began beating the crap out of it. Other clones tried to jump in and help their comrade, only to recive an attack from Neji before he turned to another and repeated the process. The clones were panting.

 

“You're one agile bastard.”

 

Neji smiled before setting his sights on a particular one that had caught his attention.

 

“The more the 29 or so other clones attacked, the more one stood out.”

 

Neji charged through the ranks of clones, looking to finish this quickly and be released from his seal. Neji arrived at one particular one and gave a yell before striking a tenketsu next to his heart.

 

The clones started poofing out of existance until just one was left. The one Neji had struck.

 

“The one that stood out was the one who feared that his tenketsu would be struck. You are the real Naruto.”

 

Neji removed his arm and stepped back. Naruto just burst out laughing.

 

“I fail to see what's so funny.”

 

“The fact that your Byakugan can't even tell that I'm a fake.”

 

The 'real' Naruto poofed out of existance. Forcing Neji to focus his almost 360 degree vision to scour the area for signs of the real Naruto. Neji finally spotted two figures coming at him from behind. Neji turned around to see the real Naruto and a clone sailing through the air.

 

“Come on Neji! Let's see what you've got!”

 

Neji leaned back, bracing for the punch Naruto was aiming at his face. Naruto's punch connected with Neji's face, or so he thought. In between Neji's face and Naruto's fist was a wall of blue chakra. Neji extended the chakra sheild to surround him, before spinning around like a top. Naruto and his clone were thrown back. The clone poofed out of existance, and the Naruto slowly got to his feet. Naruto smiled.

 

“Now that's what I'm talking about.”

 

“This is it.”

 

Naruto raised a brow questioningly.

 

“You are within range of my divination.”

 

Neji put his hands side by side, palms facing out in front of him.

 

“Juken move: Hakke Rokujuu Yonshou!”

 

Neji bent his knees and put one arm up in the air while the other was out in front of him. Neji charged in. Naruto leant back trying pittifully to dodge the move. Neji stepped up to Naruto and spun around gracefully, before slamming his middle and index finger of each hand into Naruto's body, beginning his deadly combo.

 

“Two Strikes!”

 

“Four Strikes!”

 

“Eight Strikes!”

 

“Sixteen Strikes!”

 

“Thirty Two Strikes!”

 

“Sixty Four Strikes!”

 

All through this combo, Naruto had been grunting in pain. When Neji finished pummeling Naruto, he sent Naruto flying back with a juken powered fist. Naruto collapsed on the floor. Neji smiled, glad to be free of his clan's fate of hatred.

 

“Examiner, it's over.”

 

“Is it? I'm still well and trully in this fight, Neji.”

 

Naruto slowly raised himself up. Neji marvelled at how quickly Naruto had gotten up after his devistating attack.

 

“Impossible!”

 

“No, it's very possible. I'll tell you now, that move was terrifing. I'm sure it would take care of any normal human. However, I'm far from a normall human.”

 

Naruto bent down on all fours, forming a very strang set of hand seals. Neji wanted to know what seals they were.

 

“What are those seals?”

 

“If you must know, these are demoinc hand seals known only to the Kitsunes. Observe why I am not considered a normal human! Demon Mimicry Technique, Full Body!”

 

Naruto's hair began to form a swaying mass of unruly blonde hair, his whisker marks elongated, widened and darkened. His fingernails and toenails lengthened into claws and his cainines grew. When he opened his eyes, Neji saw that the blue pupils and triangles were now crimson red. His pupil had also turned into an ellipse, spanning from the top to the bottom of his iris. When the people in the stands heard his voice, they froze in fear.

 

“Come on Neji, don't look so scared. What happened to your confidence from just a moment ago? Don't tell me you're having second thoughts? Let's go!”

 

With that, Naruto body flickered away from sight. Neji then saw Naruto out of the corner of his peripheral vision, he was flying though the air with several shuriken in his hand. He launched them at Neji, who used his signature defensive move.

 

“Kaiten!”

 

Neji picked the shuriken out of the air and added three of his own. Naruto touched the wall and lept off it, heading straight for Neji. Neji hurled the six shuriken at Naruto, who didn't make a move to block it. He simply charged right at the shuriken. They hit naruto's arua like it was made of solid titanium Neji just looked on in shock.

 

'He deflected them with his chakra? Who is Naruto really?'

 

Naruto was just about to reach Neji when he body flickered away. Neji once again converntraited on looking in his full field of vision for any sign of the blonde. Neji jumped to the right, dodging Naruto's punch. They both took out a kunai and launched it at each other. They then lept up into the air, grabbing their kunais and traded a mid air blow before they both landed. Naruto was the first to talk.

 

“You're... Confident about close combat, right?”

 

Neji opened his eyes in amazement. Naruto was charging straight for him on all fours. Neji knew this was bad.

 

'I have to start the Kaiten!'

 

“If you believe your clan's lies about fate, then don't do anything! After I become Hokage, I'll change the Hyuga for you!”

 

Naruto lept up and struck at Neji with his kunai. Neji had already started the Kaiten and heled out his kunai to counter Naruto's The auras of blue and red chakra reached each other and reacted violently. A huge explosion errupted from the center of the arena. Everyone gasped at the display of sheer power. When the smoke finally cleared, there was Naruto, standing over one Hyuga Neji.

 

“I'm sorry Neji, but I promised people I would fight them in the main matches, and I'm not about to break those promises. You did well to make me use my first demon form.”

 

Neji couldn't believe he'd just lost his only chance to have his seal removed. He looked up at the sky and let a tear roll down his cheek. Naruto's voice intteruped his thoughts.

 

“Oi, Neji. Remove your forhead protector.”

 

Neji wondered what Naruto was up to, but he did it. Naruto lent over Neji and formed a long complex chain of seals before slamming his fist into Neji's forehead.

 

“Chaged Bird Unseal!”

 

Neji screamed in pain holding his forehead as the pain racked through his body. After a moment, the pain subsided.

 

“What... did you just do?”

 

“Removed your seal.”

 

Neji looked up at Naruto in shock.

 

“But... I lost!”

 

“I don't care. You still made me get serious, and that alone makes me think you deserve better than being forced into subservience by the main house. You're free to live your life as you please. Good job, Neji.”

 

The referee smiled. He held up his hand.

 

“Winner, Uzumaki Naruto!”

 

The croud remained silent. Finally, Yukiko started clapping. Sasuke and Sakura stared soon after. Within a few seconds, the whole croud was clapping and cheering for Naruto. Naruto smiled and held up his fingers in a peace sign. Naruto then returned to the waiting room and Yukiko jumped onto him giving him a bear hug and a passionate kiss. Naruto smiled and looked at the other contestants who were looking at him in amazement. Naruto smiled and looked at Lee.

 

“I hope to see you next round Lee. Please don't dissapoint me.”

 

Lee smiled.

 

“I won't Naruto-Kun. And I think what you just did for Neji was the most wonderful thing anyone has ever done for him in his life. I think you just won yourself another fan.”

 

Naruto smiled.

 

“I just hope he learns to give up that fate crap and appologise to Hinata for the prelims. He's got a good heart deep down, he's just had it suppressed by his family from the moment he was born, so he never got to show it.”

 

Lee gave his nice guy pose.

 

“Your spirit of fire burns strong, Naruto-Kun!”

 

Naruto gave Lee an amused look. The referee chose that moment to announce the next match.

 

“The next match is between Kankuro and Rock Lee. Fighters, please step up.”

 

Kankuro knew this was bad. He didn't want to show off his abilities before the invasion.

 

“Examiner! I forfeit!”

 

People started booing and throwing things into the ring. Kankuro turned to Lee.

 

“I may be a puppet user, but a close combat fighter is the worst match up I could possibly ask for. I am almost garanteed to lose if I fight, so I'm saving myself the pain.”

 

Lee looked disheartedned. Naruto smiled brightly.

 

“Lee look at it this way. You get to fight me with your full strength!”

 

Lee suddenly brightened up.

 

“You are right Naruto-Kun. I will fight you with the power of youth at it's fullest!”

 

Everyone began to step away wearily from Lee as fires lit up in his eyes. Naruto just laughed.

 

“Good to hear, Lee.”

 

The referee then announced the next match.

 

“The third fight is between Yakushi Kabuto and Sabaku no Gaara. Fighters, please step up.”

 

Gaara warped down to the ring, while Kabuto jumped over the ledge. They stood opposite each other, waiting for the word to begin. The referee brought his hand down and jumped back.

 

“Please begin.”

 

Kabuto stared up a chakra scalpel, and charged at Gaara. Gaara stood stock still. As Kabuto came close, a wall of sand rose up. Kabuto stuck the wall of sand, slicing cleanly through it and aiming for Gaara's heart. Gaara jumped back, avoiding the chakra scalpel. Kabuto sighed, before biting his thumb, forming a set of hand seals before slamming his hand into the ground.

 

“Kuchiyose no Jutsu!”

 

Out of the smoke came a large snake.

 

“Fogive me, Gaara, but I'm going to end this quickly.”

 

Gaara smiled and shot a wave of sand at the snake. The snake dodged and brought it's head down to try and crush Gaara. The snake's head hit Gaara, sending smoke billowing throught the whole arena. When the smoke cleared, everyone saw Gaara hand turned his right arm into some monsterously disformed appendage that had very visable veins running down it. The hand was held up, skewering the snake's throat. The snake poofed out of existance, leaving a very wary Kabuto and a psychotic Gaara left in the ring.

 

“So that's the arm of the Shukaku? Interesting...”

 

Kabuto charged up a chakra scalpel again and charged at Gaara. He had only taken two steps when Gaara extended his arm and hit Kabuto in the chest, forcing him back into the stadium wall. Kabuto goraned and passed out, blood trickling out of the corner of his mouth. Yukiko screamed.

 

“NIISAN!”

 

Gaara wasn't finished yet, and he prepared for another attack. The referee stepped in front of Gaara.

 

“Gaara! This fight is over! If you continue, you will be disqualified!”

 

This seemed to stop Gaara. He returned his arm to normal and warped back up to the waiting stand with the others. Yukiko jumped over the railing and sprinted to Kabuto. Yukiko started healing him. Kabuto smiled at his younger sister weakly.

 

“He's very strong. Naruto-Kun's in big trouble.”

 

“Naruto-Kun will be fine, he can completely destroy Gaara. Personally I hope he kills him.”

 

“Yukiko-Chan, he may be evil, but even evil people deserve mercy sometimes.”

 

Yukiko hated to admit it, but Kabuto was right. Yukiko smiled.

 

“You're right, Niisan. Anyway, you're healed now. Take it easy, ok?”

 

“Thanks, Yukiko-Chan.”

 

Kabuto went to sleep. Yukiko stood up and let the medics carry Kabuto to the infirmary. She returned to the waiting room. The referee announced the next match.

 

“Fourth match: Uchiha Sasuke Vs Nara Shikamaru. Fighters step up.”

 

Naruto looked around. He just realised that he hadn't seen Sasuke.

 

“Oh man, don't tell me he's run off...”

 

The referee looked at the crouds, who were waiting patiently. He sighed. He began to announce that Sasuke was late for his match, and was therefore forced to forfeit, when the leaves on the ground swirled, and formed a pillar in the center of the stadium. Once the leaves cleared, everyone saw Copy Ninja Hatake Kakashi back to back with the Uchiha prodigy, Uchiha Sasuke. Kakashi turned to the referee.

 

“Yo. We're not too late, are we?”

 

The referee just smirked.

 

“No, he's just in time.”

 

Kakashi smiled and scratched the back of his head.

 

“I see! I'm glad.”

 

The examiner smiled again.

 

“It seems Team Seven know how to make flashy enterances. Your other students came on the heads of a two tailed black cat and a four tailed golden kitsune lead by none other than Jiraiya-Sama himself, who was on top of a black and orange frog. Naruto was less than a second from being disqualified for being late. Jiraiya-Sama's up there next to Hokage-Sama right now.”

 

Kakashi smiled.

 

“Well, they are my team after all.”

 

Sasuke looked up at the participants in the waiting booth. He saw Naruto and waved.

 

“You won your first match.”

 

It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

 

“Of course! I expect you to do the same, Sasuke!”

 

Sasuke smiled. Kakashi turned to his student before waving and body flickering up to the contestands box to say hi to his other students. Sasuke turned to his opponent and smiled. Shikamaru sighed. The examiner brought his hand down and jumped back.

 

“The fourth match, begin!”

 

Sasuke activated his Sharingan, and dissapeared in a blur of movement. Shikamaru looked around wildly for the Uchiha. He spotted him running down the wall of the stadium charging directly for Shikamaru with blinding speed. Shikamaru activated his clan's technique.

 

“Kagamane no Jutsu!”

 

Sasuke looked like he was about to be caught, but he body flickered away and reappeared behind Shikamaru. However, Shikamaru had been predicting this and habd already sent a second shadow out behind him. Sasuke dodged again and appeared at Shikamaru's side, punching him into the stadium wall. Sasuke stood up breathing heavily. Shikamaru shakily got to his feet and disspeared with the body flicker technique. Sasuke began looking around casually to see where he had gone. After a while, he gave up and ran up one of the stadium walls and formed three hand seals, making Kakashi's signature move.

 

“Chidori!”

 

Naruto whistled. That was one powerful technique. Sasuke charged down the wall, darging the Chidori down the wall. He could see Shikamaru's jacket sleeve behind a tree. He charged for the tree, slamming his hand into the it's trunk and out the other side where Shikamaru's head should have been. However he found that the jacket had been left there as a decoy. It was empty.

 

'Shit!'

 

“Kagemane no Jutsu!”

 

Shikamaru had done this from such close range that Sasuke didn't have a chance to dodge. Sasuke was caught in the Kagaemane no Jutsu. Naruto looked dissapointed. This was all Sasuke was capeable of?

 

Shikamaru raised his right hand, making Sasuke do it as well. Sasuke was sweating. Shikamaru looked Sasuke in the eye.

 

“I... Give up.”

 

The croud was dumbfounded. He had him in a position to win, why the hell had he given up?! People started booing. Shikamaru then explained why he gave up.

 

“Sasuke, although it looks like I'm winning now, my chakra will run out in about thirty seconds. I've thought through 34 different possible outcomes to this match, all of them ended up with me losing. I went with senario number 25, which was the closest thing I could get to a win.”

 

Sure enough, the Kagemane no Jutsu ran out just then. Sasuke slumped slightly as he regained control of his own body. The referee pointed to Sasuke.

 

“Winner, Uchiha Sasuke.”

 

No one cheered, it was an unexpected way of winning. Sasuke walked back up to the stands. Naruto patted him on the back.

 

“Don't worry Sasuke. Shikamaru may be lazy, but when he puts his mind to it, he's damn near impossible to beat.”

 

Sasuke didn't look any happier.

 

“At least you get to go on to the next match.”

 

“That's what I'm worried about.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“My next opponent is Yukiko.”

 

Naruto stopped being so happy. His best friend and his girlfriend fighting? He didn't like that one bit. Naruto decided to let it drop. The referee announced the next match.

 

“The fighters for the next battle are Yakushi Yukiko and Temari. Fighters please step up.”

 

Yukiko faced Temari and smiled. The referee brought his hand down and jumped back.

 

“The fifth fight, begin!”

 

Temari let forth a gust of wind from her fan. Yukiko didn't dodge, she just focused chakra to her hair, amking it grow and harden, forming a protective barrier around her.

 

“Ninpou, Hari Jizou.”

 

Temari looked dumbfounded. What kind of a technique was that? She snapped herself back to the task at hand. She jumped back and began forming hand seals. Yukiko was also forming hand seals. Yukiko was the first to announce her technique.

 

“Mokudon: Jyukai Koudan!”

 

The Hokage looked on in shock.

 

“That's Shodaime's-”

 

Jraiya laughed.

 

“She's the container for Nibi, the two tailed queen of the cats. Nibi's specialties are shamanism and necromancy. It's only natural Yukiko would posses some wood type techniques.”

 

The Hokage settled back down and looked on as the whole arena came alive with vines, which were all working their way towards Temari. Temari tried to use her fan to blow gusts of wind at the approaching roots, but they just kept coming. Eventually, Temari was foced to start beating them with her fan. This was quickly stopped however as her fan arm was entangled with roots. Her other limbs were quickly entangled as well. Yukiko smiled.

 

“It's over. If this was a real battle, I'd proabably use some of my death type techniques to drain you of your chakra. However that will not be necessary. There is nothing you can do.”

 

The examiner smiled.

 

“Winner, Yakushi Yukiko.”

 

Everyone cheered. Yukiko released the forest genisis technique and let Temari drop to the ground. Yukiko walked back up to the contestants box, closely followed behind by Temari. Naruto gave Yukiko a kiss and smiled at her. The examiner announced the next match.

 

“Now it's time for the first battle of the second round. The fighters are Uzumaki Naruto and Rock Lee. Fighters, please step up.”

 

Lee and Naruto jumped down and stood opposite each other. Lee smiled.

 

“I've been waiting for this fight for a long time, Naruto-Kun.”

 

“As have I, Lee. Before we start though, I know we are both capeable of opening five gates each. However, for the saftey of the people in the crowd, I suggest we place limiters on this match.”

 

“Limiters?”

 

“Let's say we reduce the number of gates we are allowed to open to three. That way, we can still put on a hell of a show, and the audience stays alive.”

 

“That sounds good to me Naruto-Kun. What happens if one of us opens the fourth gate?”

 

“They have to forfeit the match.”

 

“I agree with your terms.”

 

Lee walked forward and shook Naruto's hand before leaping back and getting into his Iron Fist style stance. Naruto stood stock still, waiting for the word to begin.

 

“Fighter's begin!”

 

The referee jumped back. Naruto charged at Lee, executing his father's trademark technique.

 

“Hiraishin no Jutsu!”

 

Lee looked up in suprise. He just managed to dodge it. He lept back and charged at Naruto. Naruto body flickered and appeared behind Lee, giving him a kick to the small of the back. Lee stumbled, but executed a flip to land on his feet. Lee waitied to see what Naruto would do. When he did nothing, Lee raised an eyebrow questioningly. Naruto wanted to take this to the next stage.

 

“Lee, take off your weights.”

 

Lee nodded, and bent down, removing his leg weights. He dropped them to the ground. They created small holes in the ground. Everyone in the audience looked scared. That kid had moved that fast with weights like THOSE on? How fast would he be now?

 

“You're turn, Lee.”

 

“Very well.”

 

Lee charged at Naruto, who didn't get time to block. Lee gave a swift kick to the chin, launching Naruto up into the air. Lee appeared behind him.

 

“Prepare yourself, Naruto-Kun.”

 

Naruto knew this was going to hurt, so he activated his first demonic form so it could lessen the severity of the injury and begin healing the injuries immediately. Lee wrapped the medical tape around Naruto and began spinning at high speed towards the ground.

 

“Omote Renge!”

 

they slammed into the ground, causing a fiarly large crater to form. Lee hopped to the side of the crater smiling. Naruto got up slowly and shook his head.

 

“Now I see why I decided to copy that move. Hot damn that was painful.”

 

Lee smiled.

 

“I knew it would take more than that to beat you, Naruto-Kun.”

 

“I'm glad someone has faith in me. Are you ready, Lee?”

 

“I guess.”

 

“Then here we go. The first Demonic Gate: The Armour Gate: KAI!”

 

Blood red goo like chakra began to leak out of Naruto's stomach. Naruto screamed as the pain of the chakra's initial burn reduced to a small tingling.

 

“I'll never get used to that pain. Anyway, please prepare yourself.”

 

Naruto formed four Kage Bunshins, who ran to the corners of the stadium. The real Naruto ran at Lee, who stood up, knowing what was coming next. Lee sighed and got ready to feel extreme pain.

 

“When ever you are ready, Naruto-Kun.”

 

“Here we go!”

 

Naruto ran out of his of his ring of dust and punched Lee into the wall, and charged in, slamming into the wall and dragging Lee around the entire staduim, before he got back to his starting point. He then lept into the air, passing Lee to the four Kage Bunshins who had jumped off the walls. The real Naruto jumped off the back of one of them and lept into the air as the Kage Bunshins began their massive punch-kick combo, before kicking Lee upwards to where the real Naruto was waiting. Naruto could sense incredible power coming from Lee and kew he was already activating the second gate just to survive the fall. Naruto grabbed Lee's middrift and locked his legs around Lee's neck.

 

“Omote Oni Renge Rendan!”

 

Naruto slammed Lee into the ground with such force that the entire stadium shook. Iruka looked outside when he felt the tremor. He returned after a moment to teaching his class. The smoke cloud from the impact rushed up into the stands, covering the audience in dust. Normally they would have been very angry, but this fight was scaring them so much that they just returned to watching the fight. As the dust settled, they saw both fighters standing panting heavily. Naruto smiled at Lee.

 

“Shall we get serious now?”

 

People gasped. Get serious NOW?! What the hell was all that before then? Lee also smiled.

 

“Very well, Naruto-Kun. The third Celesteal Gate: The Life Gate... Kai!”

 

Lee's body was giving off an incredible aura. Naruto smiled and began releasing his second and third gates.

 

“The second Demonic Gate: The Regeneration Gate... Kai!”

 

Naruto's wounds began healing and his chakra armour grew a second tail. The ground underneath the two was beginning to crack.

 

“The third Demonic Gate: The Intention Gate... Kai!”

 

Naruto's power level doubled. His chakra armour grew a third tail. Naruto let out a massive roar that caused the audience to cover their ears. The two fighters looked at each other and smiled. They charged forwards at incredible speeds, aiming to kick each other, both of their shins connecting. They jumped back and dissapeared. They appeared in the air, punching and kicking at each other furiously. They dissapeared and reappeared on the ground, both of them trying to land a hit on the other, neither of them succeeding. The battle went on for another three or so minutes, the audience looking at the two ninja in shock at the display of raw power. No wonder they decided to hold back. If they had gone full out, this staduim and half of Konoha would have been anihalated. Eventually Naruto and Lee returned to the ground panting. Lee fought to keep going. Naruto was only slightly better off. Lee gave Naruto a warm smile before he wispered just loud enough for Naruto and the Examiner to hear.

 

“Good match Naruto-Kun...”

 

With that said, Lee fell forward on his face. He was unconcious. The examiner went to check on Lee and found him unable to continue.

 

“Lee had fainted from exertion. Winner: Uzumaki Naruto.”

 

Everyone cheered. Naruto released his form and fell flat on his face too. He slowly got up and leaned against the wall. Naruto looked to the examiner.

 

“Can we please have a rest? I won't be able to compete with Gaara after that if I go into the next match straight away...”

 

The examiner considered this. He body flickered up to the Hokage.

 

“Hokage-Sama. Naruto has requested a break to be able to recover. What is your decision?”

 

The Hokage looked at the Kazekage.

 

“Would you mind? I'm sure after such a display of power it wouldn't be a bad idea.”

 

“I'm not opposed to it. Does four hours sound sufficient?”

 

“That will do. I will announce it.”

 

The Hokage got up and walked to the edge of the Kage box.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen. Our contestants have requested a break to replenish their energy. Kazekage and I have decided that a four hour break will be sufficient. Please feel free to take a walk around the village and return in four hours.”

 

The audience didn't complain. After a display of power like that, they'd want a break too. They got up and filed out the doors of the stadium. All talk was about the male blonde haired ninja.

 

“Wow, did you see Naruto's fight with Lee? That was amazing!”

 

“Yeah! And they said they were holding back! That was so sweet!”

 

“I can't wait till the match between Naruto and that Gaara guy!”

 

“Yeah!”

 

Yukiko had dropped down to pick up Naruto and take him to the infirmary. She had laid him on a spare bed and talked with him for about half an hour, before giving him a suppliment pill and letting him go to sleep. Three and a half hours later, Yukiko came in and woke Naruto up.

 

“Naruto-Kun, it's time for your match with Gaara.”

 

Naruto nodded and swung himself over the edge of the bed and hopped down. He hadn't totally recovered, only about 60 percent of his power had returned.

 

'Oh well, it should be enough to compete with Gaara.'

 

Naruto walked out into the ring to see everyone had returned to their seats. When Naruto came out, they cheered. Naruto smiled and waved at them before taking his positon opposite Gaara. The examiner brought down his hand and jumped back.

 

“Please begin.”

 

“I've been waiting for this moment, Uzumaki Naruto. You're the only one who can match my power. By defeating you, I can prove my existance.”

 

Naruto shook his head.

 

“Gaara, have you ever wondered what it would have been like if you had made friends during your childhood? One's that accepted who you were as a person, and not as the Shukaku?”

 

“What's your point, Uzumaki Naruto?”

 

“The reason that I'm so powerful is because I have people who are precious to me. I'm willing to sacrifice my life to protect them. That's why I'm different from you. I had people who acknowledged the fact that I'm a living human being that had a heart that felt all the human emotions. Love, hate, fear, joy and all the rest of them. My precious people realised that, and they acknowledged the fact that I was Uzumaki Naruto, and not the Kyubi not Kitsune. Gaara, if you want to become trully strong, you must learn to give people a chance to know you. I know you're a great guy, but I can see it in you're eyes. All your friends betrayed you, didn't they? Gaara, killing people to prove you exist is making a bad name for the rest of the demon containers like Yukiko-Chan and myself. Let people into your life and save you from that dark hell that I went through too.”

 

Gaara understood what this meant, however his mind refused to believe that was the reason Naruto was strong.

 

“You're wrong, Uzumaki Naruto. It's the pain of being alone and knowing your father could send an assassin to try and take your life at any time that makes you strong!”

 

“If you truly believe that, then show me if what you said is true. Beat me and I'll recoginse you as truly strong.”

 

“Then prepare to die, Uzumaki Naruto!”

 

Gaara's sand began to form a sphere around himself. Naruto rushed in and was about to puch the sphere when he felt a wave of killer intent rush over him and he pulled back in time to see the sand on the surface of the sphere shoot out and form a row of spikes where Naruto had just been. Naruto stood back and waited. Nothing seemed to happen, so Naruto decided to use another trademark technique of his fathers.

 

“Rasengan!”

 

The blue ball of swirling chakra formed in his hand. Naruto charged in and dodged the spikes before driving the Rasengan into the sand sphere. The Rasengan started eating away at the sand before it punctured through the wall. Naruto felt his hand touch something soft. His hand was suddenly covered with something warm and wet. Naruto realised that he was the first person to draw Gaara's blood. Gaara gasped and screamed.

 

“BLOOD!! MY OWN BLOOD!!!!”

 

Temari and Kankuro looked down in awe. Naruto had actually injured Gaara? Naruto grunnted, forming a second Rasengan to try and break free of the vice like grip that he was held in. He yanked his arm free and saw the Shukaku's hand come out of the hole and feel around for Naruto before being drawn back into the sphere The sphere suddenly burst open, revealing the fully formed Shukaku. He continued to grow, unti He dwarfed the stadium. Naruto knew this was bad, and he had to get Gaara away from here before he hurt anyone. He looked to the examiner and rushed over to explain his plan. The examiner nodded and Naruto yelled up to the Shukaku.

 

“Oi, Shukaku. I won't fight you here, but I will fight you away from these people. Head to the west into the forest if you want this to continue!”

 

“Very well, Uzumaki Naruto.”

 

Naruto jumped onto the west wall of the staduim. He turned to the auidence.

 

“Whatever you do, DO NOT follow us! We are settling this match in the forest. If you go outside, you will be able to see us fight.”

 

The people stared dumbly at Naruto. He was going to challenge that thing? Surely even he couldn't win against the Shukaku?

 

Naruto lept down the other side of the stadium's wall and ran off after the Shukaku. When he was away from the village, he concerntraited all of his power for a summon.

 

“Kuchiyose no Justsu!”

 

A huge cloud of smoke appeared, and when it cleared, everyone saw the Kyubi no Kitsune there, with Uzumaki Naruto atop it's head.

 

“Oi, kit, why'd you bring me out? I was enjoying watching this fight from the safety of my cage.”

 

“I need your help, Kyubi. We need to show the Shukaku who's the stronger demon.”

 

“Fine. It's been a while since I fought another demon lord in physical combat. You ready?”

 

Naruto nodded.

 

“Then let's go!”

 

The Kyubi ran at Shukaku who sucked in air for an attack.

 

“Fuuton: Renkuudan!”

 

The Shukaku slammed his fist into his stomach, releasing a ball of concerntraited air filled with chakra at the Kyubi. The Kyubi dodged to the left and continued his charge. Shukaku shot another airball at the Kyubi ,which he also dodged. The Kyubi latched onto the Shukaku and tried to rip his arm off with his fangs. The Shukaku grunted in pain as the Kyubi finally bit through it and severed it. Naruto looked at how much they had damaged the landscape already.

 

“Oi, Kyubi, we need to finish this quickly!”

 

“I know, Kit. Whatever happens, we can't let the meduim fall asleep. If he does, the real powers of the Shukaku will come out.”

 

Naruto didn't like the sound of that. Naruto saw at the top of the Shukaku's head, a human form appeared. It was Gaara. Gaara looked at Naruto.

 

“You've entertained me greatly, Uzumaki Naruto. Now, witness the true powers of the sand demon! Forced Sleep Technique!”

 

The Kyubi snarled.

 

“Shit! We're too late!”

 

The Shukaku was silent for a moment. Suddenly, the Shukaku's irises turned bright yellow, with four even brighter dots around the edge of the iris and the pupil was a black cross.

 

“Oh yeah! I'm finally free! And I found someone I want to kill right off the bat! Fuuton: Renkuudan!”

 

The Kyubi noticed this and tensed his back legs.

 

“Kit, we're jumping!”

 

The Kyubi lept into the air, narrowly avoiding the ball of air that went ripping through the forest where the Kyubi had just been standing. The Shukaku let off a volley of his air attacks at his target.

 

“Fire Type: Hell Fire!”

 

The Kyubi let forth a volley of fireballs to counter the air balls. They all cancelled one another out, except the Kyubi had made one to few fire balls.

 

“Oi, Kyubi, this is bad you missed-”

 

Naruto didn't get to finish his sentence, as the last ball of air impacted on the Kyubi and exploded.

 

“I did it! I did it! I killed the king of the demons!”

 

“Did you, you bastard? You pumped a lot of chakra into that air ball, and it hurt like hell!”

 

The Kyubi landed facing the Shukaku, badly hurt, but still in the fight. The Kyubi got readyt to charge again.

 

“Go wake up that damn medium so we can end this and go home.”

 

Kyubi charged at the Shukaku and bit into him, holding him still.

 

“Go! Now! This is probably our last chance so make it count!”

 

Naruto lept off the Kyubi's head and flew at the sleeping Gaara.

 

“Wake up you bastard!”

 

Naruto gave Gaara a punch to the head, waking him up. Naruto panted.

 

“The jutsu is being dispelled? Shit! I only just came out! SHIT!”

 

With that, the Shukaku was suppressed once again, and Naruto looked up to see Gaara waking up. Naruto charged at Gaara, attempting to end this. Gaara made the skin of the Shukaku under Naruto's feet into quicksand consistency. Gaara pulled some sand off other areas of the Shukaku to try and wrap around Naruto for a Sabaku Sousou. Kyubi managed to free one of his arms and put it over Naruto, protecting him. Gaara tried to make Naruto sink furtner into the Shukaku, but Naruto focussed and brought out the little bit of his regular chakra that he had left. He blew the sand away from his feet. The Kyubi took his hand away and Naruto charged at Gaara. Gaara tried desperatly to restrian Naruto, but Naruto used as much strength as he could to give Gaara a headbutt. It was all he needed, as the Shukaku began to crack and eventually shattered, leaving Naruto and Gaara to fall to the ground.

 

“Oi, Kit, I'm at my limit. I'm going back to my cage to rest. See you later.”

 

Kyubi poofed out of existance. Naruto and Gaara fell onto two branches and they looked at each other. They were both panting heavily.

 

“I'm at my limit, you are two right? How about we end this with one final blow?”

 

Naruto and Gaara lept at each other, before they traded punches. Naruto mamaged to block Gaara's while still punching him in the face. Gaara collapsed, and Naruto bent to one knee. He breathed heavily. Gaara looked up to see Naruto walking up to him.

 

“Don't.. Don't come any closer!”

 

Naruto looked at Gaara on the verge of tears.

 

“Being alone... Being incomplete... The pain of those feelings... I completely undestand them... However, if you threaten my friends, I will not heasitate to stop you!”

 

Gaara looked shocked. So it was true... Naruto really was fighting for others.

 

“So this whole time... You've been fighting for them, and not yourself?”

 

“Yeah, because the save me from the cold dark hell of being alone. They acknowledged that I exsited as a human being and not as a demon. That is why they are precious to me.”

 

At that moment, Sasuke and Yukiko appeared beside Naruto.

 

“Good job Naruto. Everyone's expecting you back at the stadium.”

 

“I see.”

 

Yukiko picked up Naruto and slung his arm over her shoulder. Sasuke walked over to Gaara and smiled.

 

“Here, I'll help you back to the stadium.”

 

“Thank you...”

 

“No problem.”

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&

 

Back at the Stadium:

 

Everyone was getting restless. Both of the giant demons had dissapeared and Yukiko and Sasuke had gone to check on the situation. Someone yelled out to everyone.

 

“They're back!”

 

Everyone turned to see Yukiko carrying Naruto and Sasuke carring Gaara. They ran down the walls of the stadium and stopped in front of the examiner. Naruto let go of Yukiko and Sasuke put the sleeping Gaara on the floor. The examiner declared the winner.

 

“Gaara is unable to continue fighting! Winner: Uzumaki Naruto!”

 

Everyone let out a roar of approval before Naruto just slumped to the ground. Yukiko smiled as the team of medics carried both Naruto and Gaara off the field. The examiner announced the next match.

 

“Could the fighters of the second fight of round two please step up?”

 

Sasuke and Yukiko came into the ring, looking very dispondent.

 

The examiner brought his hand down and jumped back.

 

“Please begin.”

 

Sasuke and Yukiko just stared at each other. Eventually, Sasuke turned his back.

 

“I can't do it, I forfeit.”

 

Everyone just looked on in shock.

 

“Why Sasuke-San?”

 

“My brother murdered my entire clan when I was seven. He left me alive, for what reason I don't know. Up until we formed Team Seven with Sakura and Naruto, I was hell bent on revenge. Now that I've found precious people once again, my view on life has changed. I've finally gained back the family I once had. Sure, you guys aren't blood family, but you're family none the less. You're too important for me to harm. I could never harm my sister and brother's girlfriend.”

 

“I see...”

 

The examiner sighed.

 

“Winner, Yakushi Yukiko.”

 

Sasuke walked back up to the contestants stand. This is the moment everyone had been waiting to see. The finals. Yukiko waited as Naruto came out and stood infront of her, also looking despondant. The examiner looked at both of them before questioning them.

 

“Do you guys want to say something?”

 

Naruto and Yukiko looked at each other and nodded.

 

“We forfiet.”

 

Now everyone was getting pissed off. They started booing, but others quieteined them, giving the two a chance to explain.

 

“Yukiko, remember what I said in the preliminaries when I was talking about us as a team?”

 

Yukiko nodded her head.

 

“You said you would rather quit the Chunin exam than harm us...”

 

“Yeah. Like Sasuke said, you guys are family to me. Unlike Sasuke, however, my mum and dad died the day I was born, leaving me to grow up without a parent's love. When I met you and got to know you, I felt like part of me that I didn't even know was missing complete itself. You're far too precious for me to touch in any way but in affection. Even if you had given up and Sasuke faced me, I would have done the same thing. I can't afford to have you, Sasuke, Sakura-Chan or Kakashi-Sensei harmed if I can help it. One of the skills a Chunin should have is the judgement of when to fight, and when not to fight. Right now, I think this is one of those times I shouln't be fighting.”

 

“Naruto-Kun, I grew up in exactly the same way you did. My entire clan was sacrificed the day of my birth to seal away Nibi, the two tailed demon queen. I also grew up without a parent's love. When I met you, it was like I gained a brother. Soon, that relationship grew and you asked me to be your girlfriend. I was so happy. No one had ever shown me such affection. When we formed Team Seven, I gained a sister, a brother and a father. No one could tell how happy I was, but it was the happiest day of my life. I could never harm any of you, you mean far to much to me for me to even harm you, even if it was a regulated match.”

 

The examiner sighed.

 

“Both participants forfeit, meaning that no one wins the matches.”

 

The crowd looked content, even with the draw. The Hokage turned to the Kazekage and smiled.

 

“Shall we wrap things up?”

 

The Kazakage just nodded.

 

“Very well.”

 

The Hokage stood up and walked to the edge of the stand.

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, this concludes the main matches. I hope you have enjoyed the fine display of tallent shown to you today. Enjoy your day.”

 

People started filing out of the stadium. Sasuke and Saskura rand down to their team mates, with Kakashi not far behind. Kakashi smiled.

 

“I'm proud of all of you. You've grown incredibly strong. Not just physically strong, but mentally as well. I'm especially prowd of you Naruto. You've shown you have everything it takes to become a Chunin. You too Sasuke, Yukiko.”

 

Jiraiya took that moment to body flicker down beside the group.

 

“I knew you two would make it to the finals. That was a very impressive display from both of you.”

 

Naruto smiled.

 

“Thanks, Kakashi-Sensei, Ero-Sennin.”

 

Kakashi looked at Jiraiya in confusion.

 

“Ero-Sennin?”

 

Jiraiya sighed.

 

“Aparently, Arashi thought it would be funny to tell Naruto to call me that.”

 

Kakashi smiled.

 

“I see.”

 

Naruto remembered that Kakashi had said he had known his father and decided to ask again.

 

“Neh, Kakashi-Sensei, how do you know my father?”

 

Kakashi smiled sadly.

 

“He was my sensei.”

 

Naruto lightened up a bit.

 

“Was he a good guy?”

 

“Yes Naruto, he was. You have no idea how much you remind me of him. The way you look, the way you act. Your fierce protection of your friends. It's like he was reborn as you.”

 

Naruto smiled sadly. He then looked up with determination.

 

“I'm not my dad, but I'm going to try even harder to be better than he was!”

 

Kakashi smiled.

 

“That's the exact thing your father would say.”

 

Naruto smiled as the group left the stadium, chatting amongst themselves.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&&&&

 

A/N: Yay! I got the whole Chunin finals matches into one chapter! If you're wondering why the orochimaru disguised Kazekage didn't attack, it's because Kabuto didn't give the signal for the invasion to begin, so it never happened, although Konoha was ready for it, thanks to Naruto's note he gave to Kakashi. I appologise if you thought the way I did the matches sucked, but it's the only way I could think of that would get Sasuke, Yukiko and Naruto promoted to Chunin. Anyways, until next time, my avid readers!

 

Ja ne,

 

Specula.