Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Inner Secrets ❯ Chapter 11

Disclaimer: As stated many times over, I do not own Naruto, nor anything else.

Pairings: Itachi/Naruto, Shikamaru/Neji, Kakashi/Iruka. Please note that the Seme is listed first and uke second.

Warnings: There will be violence, course language and boy on boy romance with possible girl on girl and boy on girl romance.

A/N: Classes are back in session. T.T Meaning the updates won’t likely be quick. Stupid classes holding up so much of my precious fic writing time.

“Could I have all the Genin who passed the preliminaries return to the arena floor?” The Hokage asked, as he moved forward, pipe in his mouth.

The Genin all made their way down, some leapt, some walked and some used a form of teleportation Jutsu to make it down. “Thank you.” He said as he motioned for both Ibiki and Anko to step forward. “Congratulations on getting this far into the Chuunin Selection Exams. I can honestly admit that we are most pleased with your progress and I am certain that all of you are anxious to know when and where the finals are, along with who your opposition will be.” He concluded as he brought his left hand up and pulled his pipe from the corner of his mouth, holding it absently.

“The final part to this exam will be held at the central arena. Those from Konoha will already know its location, as for the applicants from foreign lands, please feel free to ask anyone for directions.” He paused, eyes roaming the group, halting slightly on a blond haired male as he fought back a frown. “As for when: it’ll start at noon, one month from now. All you will need to be present on the battle field before noon, any later and you will be disqualified. No exceptions.” He said as he motioned for the two ninja he had called forward to draw out a box and a tournament roster that had blanks for names to go.

“Each of you are to draw a number from this box,” He said while motioning to the female ninja who held the box in hand.

No one needed further words, as they all moved forward in an orderly fashion to retrieve pieces of paper from within the box and Morino Ibiki hurriedly wrote the names of the people holding the numbers in the correct place, before placing the name of the only absent person in the remaining blank. “Alright!” He called out as he finished writing the names. “Match one will be Hyuuga Neji against Mai. Match two: Gaara versus Asa Haru. Match three: Shikamaru and Temari. Match four: Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke. Match five: Kohanna versus Kankurou. And match six will be the victor of match five and Aburame Shino.” He concluded as he held the roster out for the Genin gathered to see.

Sarutobi nodded at the two before continuing. “These matched will be much the same as the ones you all participated in today. But this time you will have one full month to prepare for them, and not be nigh exhausted when you commence them.” He stopped and took a breath of burning tobacco. “Are there any questions?” He asked after a moment of silence.

A hand half rose in a lazy gesture, causing the elderly leader of the to nod in approval for the question to be voiced. “Judging by the set up of the battle order this is a tournament. Tournaments have as many rounds as there are needed to determine a victor; meaning only one person comes out on top. Will that sole winner have the chance of becoming Chuunin and no one else?” He asked with an intelligent air.

“An excellent question.” Sarutobi admitted with a nod. “Though there will be only one over all winner in this, that does not mean that only he or she can become a Chuunin. I along with other higher ranked ninja will evaluate each battle carefully, noting everyone’s actions and from there we will determine whether or not you are suited to becoming a higher ranked ninja.

“Since this is set up as a tournament, you will all have plenty of opportunities to show off your skills and knowledge. This will give you a higher chance of proceeding into the next stage of being a ninja.” He concluded, his words given them something to chew over.

“Are there anymore questions?” Sarutobi inquired eyes once again roaming the gathered applicants. “No?” He asked as he saw no one stepped forward. “Alright then, everyone save Uzumaki Naruto is dismissed.” He concluded and everyone began slowly making their way out.

“We’ll wait for you outside.” Neji whispered into the blonde’s ear, before both he and Shikamaru proceeded to the doors.

It took a few minutes before all applicants and lower ranking officials left, leaving the Hokage, Naruto and a few Jounin leveled ninja.

“Naruto.” Sarutobi began before he moved to stand before the Genin. “I am aware that both you and Sasuke were delivered a gift from Orochimaru.” He stated bluntly. “Hatake-san has already taken Sasuke so that he might be able to seal the curse mark on his neck.” He explained gravely, while Anko and Ibiki silently observed.

“Now, you are perhaps wondering why Kakashi didn’t take you as well?”

“No.” Naruto said with a deep sigh, one that sounded deep and profound. “I would gather that this seal wouldn’t work on me, and if it did, it may cause serious repercussions. After all, we have no knowledge of how the curse mark seal would affect the seal of the Kyuubi.” He surmised, shocking the Hokage who had never seen this side to the blond.

After a moment to regain his composure, Sarutobi nodded. “Correct.” He said with pride evident in his elderly voice. “You have grown much since I saw you last.” He admitted with a small smile. “May I see the seal my foolish student left you?”

Naruto held out his wrist, revealing the four-pronged shurriken-shaped, seal that had small circles between each prong. The Village Leader took the boy’s arm, and carefully studied the mark, his two examination chiefs peering curiously over the man’s shoulder. “Hmmm…” He released after a few minutes of observation.

“In all my yeas since my student’s betrayal I have seen many of his curse marks. They very in size and form, but some look similar to others. This is the first time I have seen this exact marking. I find it strange that Orochimaru gave you this new deviation of it, while Sasuke got a more common shaped one. I find it even stranger that his is relatively normal since I know he was the intended target before the forest.” He explained as he let Naruto go and turned to walk away from him.

“Well… In any case, I want you to be extra cautious now that you have that mark. Should it pain you, or do anything out of the ordinary I ask that you come immediately to me and tell me. There is nothing we can do, for all curse masters have long since fallen extinct, and their teachings lost to only time.” He concluded in farewell before he, Anko and Ibiki left the building in swirls of leaves leaving the blond alone.

‘Kit… ‘ Kyuubi spoke up. ‘I know a place. One that is quite far from here, that has been long forgotten by the people of this world. This place in an ancient civilization hidden by the greatest defenses and illusions to ever greet this earth. This place was once home to both humans and demons that lived together in peace, where relationships between both races weren’t yet taboo. But this place had fallen many centuries ago to a great plague that left few survivors who abandoned the place.

‘Now it sits there, empty of human and demonic lives. But not empty of teachings, and knowledge.’ He added before pausing. ‘There is a tower, filled full of the ancient knowledge. Of skills long forgotten. We should go there. I want to see what all the legends have told us of.’ He finished just as Naruto turned and began to make his exit.

‘Sounds interesting…’ Naruto commented thoughtfully as he walked outside and took a look around. “Neji, Shikamaru.” He greeted his two friends who were leaning against the outside wall with a smirk. “Are you two up for a training trip?” He inquired as the three of them regarded the forest that had to once again pass through so that they could return to the village.

“Sounds troublesome…” Shikamaru commented with a sigh. “But highly promising…” He added after a few seconds before half nodding in agreement. “I’ll go… If you can get my mother and the Hokage to permit it…”

“Don’t worry, I’ll persuade them. What about you Neji?” He asked as he turned away from the slouching preteen to look at the newly ranked teen.

“I’ll speak with Hisashi-sama so long as you take care of the Hokage. But I’d like both of you to be with me when I talk to the head of my family.” He stated as he tucked his hands in his pockets as the trio slowly made their way back into the of eath

“That should be a breeze. The Old-man will likely say yes to my leaving should I say I am trying to balance my prowess with the curse seal. But he wouldn’t want me to go out alone. That is where you two come into play. He would like me to go with someone I trust, and who trusts me in return. Therefore you two are the likeliest candidates.” He said as he leapt up to a high branch, Neji and Shikamaru in tow.

“Also… We can get away without actual parental permission, if the Hokage can write it down as a mission. That would make things less complicated and would give us more time to complete the task as we will most probably need a high percent of this month we have to arrive, learn, practice, and return.” He summed up as they met with the river once more.

“That would most defiantly be best.” Neji commented as the three of them leapt down from the trees and landed smoothly on the steadily rushing river. “My uncle wouldn’t question a mission.”

“My mother won’t make a big deal of it either. She knows the importance of missions….” Shikamaru added in his twos bits as the three of them rushed only the water, dodging logs and rocks floating and placed.

*** Three hours later***

“Hokage-sama!” A male voice called out. Startling the man behind the desk who had been deeply absorbed in a mountain of paperwork.

“Yes?” Sarutobi called through the door.
“Hyuuga Neji, Nara Shikamaru and Uzumaki Naruto are requesting an audience with you.” The same voice said, his voice somewhat muffled by the heavy door that separated them.

“Let them in.” He ordered; his voice curious as to what those three would want. Especially since he had spoken with the latter person of the three not too long ago.

The door opened. In walked three of the most promising Genin he had seen in quite some time. “Please sit.” The Hokage stated, old eyes watching the three politely sit upon the cushions before his desk. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your unexpected visit?”

“Hokage-sama.” Naruto began with a nod his head. “Sorry to intrude but we have a favor to request.” He said by way of explanation.

“What sort of favor?” The man asked as he threaded his hands together and set them on the desk.

“One of the rules this village has set was: those who are to participate in the Chuunin exams are free from missions so that they can train and not be disqualified due to injuries induced by the mission. We,” He said as he motioned towards the three of them, “Would like permission to leave both Konoha and the Fire Country for training. It would be more effective for us to train outside of our borders and away from civilization.

“But, we know that both Shikamaru’s and Neji’s families will not permit it, so we were wondering if you could give us a fake mission. One that would give us the chance to achieve the training needed for the finals of the exams.” He concluded; blue eyes sharp and locked onto the Hokage’s.

“So you wish for me to grant you leave.” The old man said with a sigh before taking a deep breath of tobacco. “I suppose that by requesting this you have a second purpose besides training.” He summed up, taking in Neji an Shikamaru’s lack of expressions and Naruto’s calm indifference.

“Even if we did have a second reasoning, which we don’t, we would return within the proper time frame, and show our allies that we aren’t weak. Do you grant us permission?” Naruto asked with a serious air.

Sarutobi released a deep sigh. “Well… I have a feeling that you three would sneak out if I said no and I can’t afford to mark you three as missing nin. Very well.” He sighed as he pulled out a blank document and pulled out his ink pod before elegantly painting several figures.

“I will grant you permission, and indeed give you this ‘mission.’ You are to travel beyond our borders, and retrieve a precious stone from a foreign country. Good luck.” He said before handing the paper he had just written upon to Naruto and the three left without a word of thanks, though they did bow.

‘I have a feeling that their futures hold interesting possibilities.’ He thought with a lopsided smile before he resumed his work.

***Dawn Next Morning***

Konoha was silent. Her grand skies a cascade of rich gold, pinks, reds, yellows and oranges, dying the clouds awe inspiring colors. Dawn silently greeted the still sleeping town, promising a gorgeous day to the soon to waken people.

At the Eastern Gates stood Naruto, arms crossed over his chest as he relaxed, leaning against the tall wall. Blue eyes that opposed the glory of the midday sky were closed to the world. At his side sat a small black bag. He was ready for the start of a new adventure.

A clicking noise grew louder through the air, as a tall man approached the gate, his eyes sharp. “Kid.” He stated with a frown as he paused in his path towards the village’s exit. “Why are you here?” He inquired, as he moved a wayward strand of silver hair from his dark eyes.

“” Naruto stated, unmoving, eyes remaining firmly shut.

The man, tall, and built for strength frowned slightly, was somewhat disappointed that the child didn’t seem to acknowledge him. “Why would a pipsqueak like you have a mission that looks as though it takes place outside the village?”

“Simple.” Naruto spoke up, opening startling blue eyes that caused the older ninja before him to widen his eyes in shock. “Myself and two others are best suited for it, and Hokage-sama thought it would be perfect training for the finals of the Chuunin exams.” He concluded, blue eyes regarding the man.

“A Genin…” The man sighed. “Tell you what, I’ll train you, and those other two. It’s a great deal.” The man offered with a smirk. ‘My dear student… The eyes of your legacy hold great strength. He will go far, and as my thanks to you, I will help him, and his friends. Strength lies more in numbers than it does in a single soul.’

“Judging by your apparel, and the way you hold yourself, I gather that you are Jiraiya. One of the Legendary Sannin. Student of Sarutobi, teammate of Tsunade the greatest medical ninja, and Orochimaru the traitorous man obsessed with immortality and techniques.” He summed up in a nut shell.

“You smacked the nail right on the head brat.” Jiraiya said with a serious look. “But you forgot to mention my incredible skills as a writer. After all, I am not the Legendary Frog Hermit for nothing.” He said with a smirk.

“Icha Icha That little orange book made for perverted minds.” The blond sighed. “Ero-sennin…” The blond muttered causing the white haired man to visibly twitch.

“Don’t call me that. Especially when I am offering you and your friends the chance to learn under one of the Sannin.” He said in an attempt to regain the upper hand.

“At this point I’d have to decline your offer. My team and I have matters to attend to.” Naruto said as he pushed himself from the wall.

Jiraiya was about to open his mouth to respond, but Naruto hastened to bring his hands up in a seal. “Orioke no Jutsu!” Naruto called before bursting into smoke, that once clear revealed a naked blond woman, with long wavy hair that cam forward to hide her chest, her lifted thigh covering her female parts.

Like a rocket, blood spurted from his noise in a crimson spray. Flinging him backwards unconscious, leaving the blond who puffed back to normal.

“Dirty old man…” Naruto muttered before he turned to the side just in time to see Neji slowly turn the corner. “Hey.” He greeted with a smile and a wave, noting the Hyuuga’s curious look at the nose-bleeding man lying unconscious.

“Morning.” Neji replied with an amused look shinning in his white and generally cold eyes. “I take it you were annoyed by him.” He stated, eyes briefly flickering over to the nose-bleeding and comatose old man.

“Yes, Ero-sennin wanted us to drop this training mission and go under his wing. I told him that was not presently a wise choice. Knowing he wouldn’t agree with my choice I had to incapacitate him until after our departure.” The blond explained with a small smirk and a shrug before he bent down and retrieved his pack.

Placing the dark bag over his shoulder he looked over in the direction that the Hyuuga had come from and noted a slouching figure walking towards them. “Oi Shikamaru, hurry up!” The Kyuubi vessel called, earning both him and Neji a grunt, though the boy didn’t once hasten his slack pace.

“Alright, we will need to make good time of our traveling, that way we will have maximum time to get done that which needs to be done.” The blond said, earning him twin nods of understanding before the three left in blurs, immediately taking to the trees.

***Chuunin Exam Arena, day of the exam finals***

“We are missing three combatants; do any of you know where they are?” Genma asked the line of Genin that stood before him, while absently nibbling on his Senbon needle.

Several of the participants shock their heads, though Sasuke, who was surprisingly on time even though he had been training with a Jounin with a nasty habit of being late, turned and looked around. ‘Damn it dobe.’ The Uchiha survivor thought with a frown. ‘I want to fight you; you had best not be disqualified.’

The crowd began to become irritated, impatient shouts raining down from the stands high above the arena ground. “I guess I have no choice then…” Genma muttered with a sigh, knowing that much of the crowd would be displeased to loose three participants, especially a Hyuuga prodigy.

“Well then,” He began, his words grabbing the attention of all present. “I have no other choice. Hyuuga Neji, Nara Shikamaru and Uzumaki Naruto are–“

“Wait!” A voice called out, mingling with the sounds of slamming doors. In came three people, three males, each walking with a confident aura around them. “Sorry we’re late.” Naruto greeted with a smirk. “You see we got a little caught up in a tower and we had to wait for the hero to save us. Then we realized that we were the heroes, so we had to devise a way out.” Naruto explained confidently, causing many of the Konoha ninja to sweat drop. He sounded so much like his sensei.

“Okay then.” Genma said with an amused smirk and he motioned the three to join the line, eyes regarding their calm and impassive auras. ‘Must have been one hell of a training they went through.’ He thought with an appreciated glance, knowing that if Konoha higher ups would learn their training method they would jump all over it. It would make all their Shinobi strong.

“Without further ado, let me explain the rules. There are no rules. It is the same as the preliminaries. You are to fight, imploring all you have to offer in a battle against another. If you fall unconscious or are no longer able to fight, that you lose.” He concluded. “While waiting for your match, you are to be there.” He explained, pointing up at a balcony, not too far up, set lower then all the spectators. Now can I have everyone, save Hyuuga Neji and Mai, proceed up to that balcony.”

Shikamaru, Neji and Naruto exchanged a nod before the former and the latter of the three turned and left for the waiting area, having already given their friend their silent wishes of luck.
Neji looked at his opponent, noting the girl from sand looked much the same as the other female from the other sand team. She too had blond hair, though it was a darker shade, but it was up in four spiked pigtails. Her eyes, a light brown color, radiated the same confidence as Temari. She wore an identical outfit, save hers was a deep plume color, and instead of one massive fan she had two medium sized ones.

“Alright, first match is Hyuuga Neji of Konoha against Mai of Suna.” Genma said as he looked between the fiery female and the icy prodigy. “Fight!” He called as he wiped his left hand down, signaling the beginning of their match.

Mai reached up, and pulled one of her dark colored fans from its back holster, and opened it before her in a swirl of dust. With a smirk she waved the fan, causing great blades of wind to shoot out, slicing clean through the Hyuuga. “That was easy.” She said with a pride0filled smirk, only to have it whipped clean as the bloodied male in pieces was engulfed in smoke. ‘A substitution.’ He inwardly growled, eyes widening as she saw the item used as his decoy.

“My fan!” She cried in horror, turning to look over at her back, as though hoping the it was a genjutsu that had caused her to see that, but no. On her back was simply an empty holster for her fans. “You bastard! I’ll fucking kill you for that!” She raged.

She turned around in a slowly circle, eyes a blaze and a snarl escaping her cracked lips. “Come out here you coward!” She screeched, though received no answer. Mai saw red. In sheer fury she began to swing her fan in all directions, forming great wind sickles, which tore into the dirt, the trees, and even the arena walls, causing much dust to rise and cover the field.

Halting, she narrowed her eyes, seeing nothing through the dust. ‘If I can’t see him, he can’t see me.’ She thought while panting.

“You have entered my divination.” A calm voice rang out, reaching the ears of all present. “Hakke Hyakunijuuhachishou!”

Wide eyes, Mai couldn’t move as she was suddenly assaulted with fast paced gentle hits, coming, seemingly from every direction.

The dust settled. “Four palms! Eight Palms! Sixteen Palms! Thirty-two Palms! Sixty-four Palms! One hundred and twenty-eight palms!” Neji concluded as he became visible, standing before the girl as she crumbled to the ground. “It is futile, no matter what you do.” He finished, the veins on either side of his eyes, loosing their bulge as the girl succumbed to darkness.

Genma moved forward, kneeling down to check the girl’s pulse. ‘She’s alive. He purposely missed all of the vitals, hitting only points that would cause her to fall weak, rendering her useless for quite sometime.’ Genma noted, eyes flicking up to the Hokage of Konoha who was seated with the Kazekage upon the highest balcony. Eyes met, and a brief nod was given from Sarutobi before Genma stood and motioned for the medical ninjas to come. “Winner of the first round is Hyuuga Neji.” He called, his words met with great cheers.

Genma nodded at the unscathed Hyuuga, who nodded in return before being surrounded in a swirl of leaves, disappearing before reappearing upon the balcony beside Naruto.

“Round two, could I please have Gaara of the Desert and Asa Haru of Grass.” Genma called out, watching as the red head was encompassed in sand before appearing on the ground, while the other simply leapt down from the balcony, landing with a great thump that shook the arena.

“Begin!” He cried as he leapt back out of the way.

“What a pipsqueak!” Haru laughed merrily, as he patted his wide girth.

“Time to die.” Gaara said in response, darkly outlined, green eyes narrowed ominously as the cork from his gourd fell from its place, spilling sand to the ground.

“Cocky too!” Haru said seriously as he held his palm out. “You should be more cautious, for my skills are the weakness to yours.” He stated with a nod as he pulled his palm up to face the red haired ninja.

His hand suddenly glowed before rigged, thorn covered vines began to grow from his flesh in swaying tendrils. “You who move the sand of the earth will meet the plants whose roots penetrate even the densest of earthly matter.”

The vines shot forth, striking like a serpent, only to encounter a wall of sand, making barely a scratch. “Ah yes.” Haru chuckled. “I had forgotten about your sand walls. Not matter.” He said as the vines began to wrap around the other, encasing the five sided walls of sand in a thick layer of blooming vines that sprouted tree branches and dark flowers that moved of their own free will.

“My pets penetrate the wall of sand. Feast on his blood and add his prowess to all that you have garnered from the other misfortunate souls.” He said cheerfully while watching in interest as the plant ball suddenly constricted, crushing the sand and all within it. “That was easy.”

“Die.” A cold voice from behind stated, causing the plant user to whip about, eyes widening as they landed on the cross-armed red-head. “You escaped.” He muttered in shock, as the other lifted his right hand up just as sand encompassed the large male from Grass Country.
“Sabaku Kyuu.” Gaara muttered before bringing his hand higher. “Sabaku Sousou.” He stated callously as he gripped his hand into a fist causing a great snapping and squelching noise to ring out as blood rained from the sand sphere.

Gulping, Genma moved back to the center arena, moving over to the mutilated corps that was no longer distinguishable. “Winner: Gaara.” He called out as he looked at the gore laden ground as blood dyed sand moved back into the gourd on the red head’s back as the young man teleported himself back up to the balcony. Uncaring of the bits of gore and blood that were on his person.

Scattered applause echoed dully through the arena, many of the spectators not wishing to applaud for such a vicious murder.

“Shikamaru of Konoha and Temari of the Sand.” Genma called.

Temari swung her great fan open as she leapt from the balcony, gliding down to the proctor on top of her weapon. Mere meters from the ground she slid from her weapon and landed catlike, fan closed.

“Troublesome…” Shikamaru muttered as he stood on the railing before walking vertically down the walk, hands absently tucked into his pocket.

“500 Ryou says he throws the match.” Naruto gambled earning him a small smirk from the Hyuuga.

“I’d rather not wager against you when I feel the same about this battle.” Neji commented as the reached center field.

“Fight!” Genma called before jumping away again.

“Great... a girl…” Shikamaru sighed before slowly pulling his hands out of his pockets, making it look like a laborious task. “Troublesome…”

“Well aren’t you a sexist.” Temari growled as she leapt backwards bringing her fan down in a swirl of dust filled wind. Yellow dust rose, covering the center of the arena, taking several minutes to settle once more.

Shikamaru was visible leaning against the shaded wall, while Temari was still at the center frowning at the male. “What the hell are you doing?!?” She demanded with an angered twitch as she saw him yawn.

“Kage Mane no Jutsu.” He said with a sigh, a black shadow racing out from his location causing Temari to run backwards, moving several meters before the shadow grew too thin and was unable to progress any further.

“I get it.” Temari said as she scratched a line in the dust. “You can only extend your shadow so far. Which means you can’t get me so long as I am on this side of the line.” She concluded smugly. “Unlucky for you that I am a mid to long rang fighter.” She boasted as she swung her fan, shooting great blades of wind to his side of the arena.

As the dust settled a black sphere large enough to contain a person become visible, sitting in the same spot that the has been. “What the hell?” Temari asked as sweat beaded from her brow. “It looks like a ball of… shadows…” She summed up as she raised her fan and took a tentative step forward, before smirking violently. “Dai Kamaitachi!” She shouted, as great whirlwinds of blades shot forth, slashing mercilessly at the ball of darkness.

“Come on.” She whispered as she eyed the blades slowly hack the sphere to shreds, leaving the shadows to disperse in the lifeless area. “What…?” Temari whispered aloud.

“Kage Mane no Jutsu.” Shikamaru called out from behind the blond girl, shadow extending faster than she could react, and grasping onto her, causing her to mimic him, as he stood with his hands tucked in his pocket. “That was troublesome…” He sighed. “You should quit being a ninja, you reveal too much information that could be used against you.

“First: your assumption in regards to my attack was wrong, had I moved, or the sun set further in the Western sky, the darkness would have grown, giving me an advantage. Second: You told me straight out that you weren’t a close ranged fighter, which I could have used to get in close and take you down. Third: You easily fell for a decoy. One that you would have realized was one had you sensed for chakra.” He sighed.

“Just… finish me off already.” Temari whispered dejectedly as she looked down.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” He paused, “The next move in this dance would require more chakra then I have, meaning it would fail and you would win. For me it’s a loose, loose situation. I surrender.” He said as he looked towards Genma and nodded before dispelling his technique and teleporting up to the balcony.

“Neji… Had you counter-betted against me I’d be 500 Ryou richer.” Naruto sighed as he patted Shikamaru’s shoulder. “Oh well, we’re proud of you Shikamaru. But you didn’t have to lie to make her look good, both Neji and I know that you have plenty more chakra to take her down and wipe the floor with several other contestants and not break a sweat.”

“He’s right.” Neji added with a small nod. “The three of us didn’t train to be as weak as that. Oh well, I suppose that now you have a trump-card. In a tight spot you’d have the upper hand as everyone would be likely to underestimate you.”

“Yeah… yeah…” He sighed before slouching on the railings.


“All right…” Genma said, his voice loud above the boos of the crowd. “Winner: Temari.” He announced with an annoyed expression. “Next match: Uzumaki Naruto against Uchiha Sasuke, both Genin of Konoha!” He called out, and instantly the disproving sounds were erased and replaced by mad cheering.

“The Uchiha Sasuke?!”

“The only survivor of the Uchiha massacre?”

“I wonder if he has his Sharingan yet.”

Voices mingled with the cheers; though Naruto heard them both as his blue eyes flickered to the side and met onyx briefly.


“Dobe…” Sasuke said with a small nod before leaping over the railing and landing quietly without raising any dust from the battle ground.

“Sasuke…” Naruto sighed before he vanished from his spot in a whirl of leaves, only to arrive in a second leaf fall at Genma’s side.

“Fight!”

Black and blue clashed a second time. “Sasuke, in the past you have beaten me each and every time in everything we did. “But I no longer wish to hide what I have to offer, no more do I desire to act with cowardice and hide behind cracked facades, and fading masks. From this point forward I cast down all false ties that bond me, all pretences that I comply with and all faces that I once used to appeal to the eyes of others.” Naruto concluded with a calm but honest look. “I fear nothing you can offer.”

Sasuke let out a low breath. “Dobe, those words are too big for you. Whose dictionary did you steal?” Sasuke asked as he closed his dark eyes, only to open them seconds later, the onyx was crimson. He had opened his Sharingan. “I do not know what the hell you’re trying to gain by saying those words like that, but I sure as hell won’t fall for your bluffs!” He said coldly.

“These words are my own as are the prowess I wield my own. I will make you see the truth, just as your elder brother opened your eyes to the world.” He said, his words causing the other to tense.

“How do you know about my brother?” Sasuke demanded with narrowed eyes.

“I have met him once before.” Naruto admitted as he watched the other lower himself into a Taijutsu stance.

“I will beat you, I will become stronger than that man and I will kill him!” Sasuke vowed with a low growl. “Kakashi-sensei trained me from the sealing of my curse till midnight last night. I will show you my progress!” He snarled as he raced forward.

Fist smacked against a flat palm with a slapping echo, though the punched hand did not move back, nor did its owner look fazed. “Is all that you have learnt? You seem weaker.” The blond admitted with a frown as he tucked below the Uchiha’s sweeping kick that was aimed for his head. “And slower.”

Sasuke used the spinning motion his missed kick gave him to bring his other foot in a ground-sweep kick which the other hand-sprung out of the way. “This seems vaguely familiar.” Naruto said cheerfully as though commenting on the weather. “Oh yes, this is just like our bell exam, where you and Kakai-sensei were engaged in a Taijutsu round.”

“Shut up!” Sasuke growled as he jumped up, hands flying through familiar seals. “Katon Goukakyuu no Jutsu!” He cried before unleashing a great breath, causing a mass fireball to flow from his dark lips.

The flames struck Naruto before engulfing him in a raging inferno just as Sasuke landed on the ground with a superior smirk. “Still a dead-last loser.” He breathed proudly as he flicked his bangs away from his eyes, watching as the fire smoldered itself out, leaving but a charred place.

“Katon Mihon: Yureru Hono’o Bakudan!” Naruto called before a great bright light flooded the stadium, causing everyone to close their eyes, lest they be blinded. “Kanashibari no Jutsu” The blond called just as the light vanished, allowing the spectators to slowly reopen their eyes and look towards an immobile Uchiha Sasuke and Naruto, who stood before him.

“You are quite foolish to fall so easily for my ploy, and careless to underestimate me.” The Kyuubi vessel berated with a sigh. “Don’t worry, I won’t end this now or you’ll never learn.’ He admitted before releasing his freezing technique, allowing the other to move.

“Dobe….” Sasuke growled, as the two commas in his crimson eyes began to swirl.

“Good, you no longer harbor false ideas that you can take it easy on me.” He stated, silently noting the thrill and excitement flooding through the stadium as the spectators looked on in great spirits.

“Katon Housenka!” Sasuke shouted before inhaling a second breath and expelling multiple fire shots at his blond teammate.

“Katon Mihon: Hono’o kabe!” Naruto whispered in defense as a great flaming wall of fire rose from the dust between the two and absorbed the fireballs with a seemingly pleased increase in size. “Chakra Nageya!” He shouted mere moments later, causing blue energy to material before him in great numbers, which then shot forward, passing the flames unhindered and shooting at the dark haired Genin.

Sasuke, wide-eyed, leapt into several fast back flip hand-springs, dodging most of the chakra darts, though a few managed to graze him, leaving welts and in some cases bleeding scratches. “Is that all?” Sasuke teased as he came to a halt. “All the power you claim to have can only cause scratches!” He mocked the other as he stepped back, colliding lightly with a tree.

“Are you so certain that, that is all I can manage?” He sighed. “Mizu Sutairu: Gekido Tsunami” Naruto called as the flame wall vanished, in it’s place came forming water particles. Ones that move so very fast, hurriedly summoning forth a massive wall of water which grew steadily larger by the millisecond. He then unleashed it.

The surge of water raged forward, brutalizing the earth, tearing out any and all plants, including the deep rooted trees and it showed the pitiful boy no mercy. It raged on, swirling this way and that, though it was gentle with its caller. It gently brought him up above all the other water in a seemingly solid pillar of clear water, unaffected by the whirling and wild depths below.

Blue eyes watched as a figure emerged from the water with a great drawing in of air. “Do you forfeit?” Naruto asked calmly, having not yet broken a sweat.

“Bastard…” Sasuke cursed venomously while concentrating chakra into his hands and feet so that he could pull himself out of the swirling waters and to a shaky stand on the arena wall. “I’ll show you who’s best! I’ll beat you!” He snarled as his left hand clenched his right wrist.

Sasuke channeled blue chakra into his wrist, the sound of a thousand birds rising from it. “Chidori!” He cried as he raced down the wall and across the water top, moving towards the blond with speed that seemed a mere blur to all viewers.

Shocked, Naruto stepped a pace back, before his mind kicked in. “So he isn’t holding back anymore…” He muttered to himself. “I suppose I have to finish this battle now.”

With a sigh he brought his hands forward into a prayer position and closed his eyes, much to the astonishment of everyone there. With a deep breath he concentrated, as a blue floating ring appeared around his hands as he tilted them so that his finger tips where pointed at Sasuke.

“Gimu-teki na Wa Chikara Tojikomeru: Kanshu Chikaro.” Naruto whispered quietly, yet his words carried to all present as the ring vanished from his hands before reappearing around Sasuke’s upper torso, burning a deep blue color as he froze in his steps and his Chidori vanished from his hand.

“I have rendered you unable to use any of the ninja arts. Genjutsu, Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, Kinjutsu, and Fuinjutsu are all presently out of your reach. I have temporarily sealed your chakra within your own body, plus bound you in a ring that renders you unable to move of your own free will, yet should I wish you to move your body would obey.” Naruto explained as he leapt down from his pillar and landed upon the water’s surface.

Silently he moved over to the other and stood before him, eye to eyes even though the blond was shorter. Reaching into his weapon’s pouch he withdrew a kunai and pressed it to the Uchiha’s throat. “I win.” He whispered, causing the crowd to break into great cheer as Genma leapt down and announced the boy the winner.

“No mere Genin can defeat me.” Naruto whispered into Sasuke’s ear before he pulled back and began to walk away, not even pausing as he released his hold on his Jutsu, giving Sasuke all his freedom back and he moved over to the balcony that was sitting just a step above the water’s level, and rejoined his friends.

“You showed off, even though that wasn’t your full power.” Neji noted with a small smile as he nodded his approval at Naruto.

“Alright, for the next match can I have Kohanna and Kankurou down here?” Genma called as the water finished draining from the battle zone.

“Actually!” Kankurou spoke up, drawing much attention to himself. “I forfeit the match. “ He called, earning him several shocked glances.

“Okay…” Genma said. “Kankurou has forfeit the match, automatically making Kohanna proceed to the next round. Kohanna and Aburame Shino, please come here.”
“Begin!” Genma called before jumping back.

The two silent figures stood still, eyes behind dark shades boring into eyes of calm indifference. It was a stare-off. And the crowd was beyond displeased, for heated words and projectiles were thrown down from above. “Fight already!”

“I surrender.” Kohanna said quietly as she raised her hand and bowed towards Shino before walking off.

“Okay….” Genma stated. “Kohanna has surrendered, automatically handing the bug user the pass to move on to the next round.

“Could I have Gaara of the Desert and Hyuuga Neji return to the arena?” He called over the unsatisfied cries of the spectators.

“Neji… Please be cautious of the sand, I think it’s controlled by not only him, but another more dangerous presence within him.” Naruto whispered into Neji’s ear, only loud enough for Shikamaru and Neji to hear.

“You mean a demon?” Shikamaru concluded with a scowl.

“Yes. But I don’t think this demon is even remotely like Kyuubi. In his presence I can feel the bloodlust radiating from him. I can smell the thick layers of blood plaguing the sand of that gourd. I can an aura over-lapping Gaara’s, and by just looking in his eyes I can see that if the boy were to fall asleep he would loose a piece of himself to his demon.” He drew a breath as he noticed Gaara disappear down the hall which led to the stairs and down to the arena. “Judging by the behavior, and all the facts that I have gathered from my brief observations of him, my guess is that he is Shukaku. A one tailed raccoon-dog.” He concluded.

“But, just because he has one tail is no reason to underestimate him. One tail demons are far stronger then most Anbu level Ninja.” Shikamaru concluded, having been taught the power bases of the Demonic Beings. “Neji-kun, I advise you to be extra cautious.”

“Yes. If he does indeed harbor Shukaku inside of him, he will try to kill you, to murder you as he did his last opponent.” Naruto said in serious agreement, earning both him and Shikamaru a curt nod. “Don’t die.” He finished, just before the Hyuuga prodigy teleported down to the arena.

“Do you think he’ll be alright?” Shikamaru asked quietly.

“Yes. He may get hurt, but I have a feeling that it won’t be lasting damage, nor will he die.” Naruto said with a firm nod, as he regarded the cross-armed Suna Ninja as the red-head exited the stairwell.

“He has fresh blood on his cheek.” Shikamaru commented with a frown. “Also, he took longer in that passage then necessary. “ He also noted as Gaara came to a halt.

“He killed delegations from one of the feudal lords here.” Naruto summed up, blue eyes scanning the visible spectators across the field, blue eyes locking onto sweating lords, who were likely loosing their side of their bets. “My guess is that a Feudal Lord was insecure in his gamble, making an outrageous bet, got his lackeys to try and convince Gaara to throw the match.” He noted.

“No one thinks that Neji will win, but that is because he hasn’t yet shown his true potential.” Naruto added while his eyes moved back to observe Neji and Gaara.

“Begin!” Genma called.

“Does that mean that you too are of the impression that he won’t win?” Shikamaru asked lightly.

“Correct as ever. He is strong, of that I haven’t a single doubt. But we mustn’t forget that Gaara-san has the prowess of a single-tailed demon… Now, who ever preformed the sealing ritual on it mustn’t have done his research. He was unaware of the effects that the demon he sealed would have on its host. As such, the seal needs modification. I would love to be able to sit down and sum up a perfect method to thoroughly seal the beast, one that would make Gaara the one in control.

“But I have a gut feeling that I haven’t the time for that and that it will need to be done sooner or later. Also, I have full reason to believe that Shukaku will try and resist, making the whole thing as you would say a troublesome situation.” He concluded quietly, cautious as to not have the others hearing his words.

Down on the battle-field floor, the dust rose in waves of eye watering clouds, swirling, spinning, twirling like dancers between and around the two males standing at the center. The wind played as children would, pushing, pulling, tugging and swaying, yet neither combatants paid it much heed.

“You will die.” Gaara promised in a calm breath, green eyes boring into white with a steady aura. “I will kill you.” He finished as he slowly uncrossed his arms, letting them fall slowly to his side. “I will feast on your blood.”

“You will, or will it be your demon, the one pulling the strings?” Neji asked in a voice that didn’t carry far enough to reach anyone else’s ears. “In any case, I suppose I ought start out strong and not falter.” He said with a small smirk as the veins on either side of his eyes bulged. “Byakugan!”

“Suna Shuriken.” Gaara said as he raised his hand up to the air while the cork on his gourd fell causing said to materialize in mid air.

Sand stars floated around the sand user, swirling ominously in place until he closed his fist causing the sand weapons to fly.

With not so much as a frown, Neji spun into action finger tips connecting briefly with the on coming projectiles, allowing him to channel chakra shockwaves into them. They exploded, in mini bursts of sand clouds before falling into the swirling mass on the ground.

Gaara frowned.

“Suna Bunshin no Jutsu.” Gaara said next, causing two clones to appear, one on either side of him. Slowly, all three of them moved into a circle around the Hyuuga before all three of them slowly and simultaneously raised their hands, repeating the first technique. “Suna Shuriken.”

Once more sand swirled around the Gaara figures, forming ninja stars before simply spinning in the air, completely defying all laws of physics.

They flew, all three Gaaras’ sets of shuriken, moving rapidly towards the Hyuuga prodigy.

With a deep breath, Neji suddenly began to spin on spot, causing a great white orb to appear around him, while all the sand Shuriken crumbled on contact, till they were no more then a small circular pile on the ground as Neji came to a halt.

“Tou-sama.” Hinabi spoke up, pale white eyes looking up at her father from where they were seated in the stands. “I thought that technique was solely known to the main family, but Neji-nisan can do it as well.” He said with a slight frown.

“It is, but it would seem he has taught himself how to do it.” Hisashi concluded with a slight frown. “He is a true prodigy child, to have been able to go so far on his own. If he had only been born into the main family, he would be an ideal heir.” The man concluded with a hidden deep regret in his voice.

“Those eyes…” The true Gaara spoke up with a frown, “are annoying.” He concluded with a displeased look.

“Hnn.” Neji sneered before he raced forward. Since Gaara had just concluded his pansy-stepped testing it was now his turn. With great speed he rushed forward, and began to circle Gaara, lashing out with his chakra filled hands, only to meet sand, which he immediately poured his chakra shockwaves into as to disrupt the flow. Each blow was blocked by a steadily weaker shield of sand, and after a good fifty connections, Neji’s hand passed through the miniscule, coarse dirt. His palm connected with the other’s lower stomach, sending him skidding backwards as blood dribbled down his cheek.

Gaara slowly brought his hand up as his clones dissolved, brushing his hand against his cheek, green eyes looking at a familiar red and sticky substance. “Blood?” He asked in naught but whisper as an insane light appeared in his eyes. “You, you hurt me!” He stated darkly before rubbing all the red substance from his chin, eyes narrowing though they still held a disturbing look.

“I will enjoy ripping you to pieces and devouring your blood.” He muttered in a sinister promise that brought chills to Neji, though he did not reveal his disturbance.

A wall of sand suddenly rose, separating the two of them, blocking both their view of the other. Or so a certain red head thought. Neji could still see his chakra pathways, and body with his Byakugan, the all seeing evil eyes that is said to be able to see through anything…

A second wall materialized behind the Hyuuga, followed by two more which joined the first two in a successful boxing in. “Die!” Was heard darkly from beyond the sands.

The sand walls quivered before growing razor sharp spikes of condense and compact sand. Trembling, they moved slowly forward, closing in a steady but slowly pace. “A diversion…” Neji whispered quietly, eyes flickering each and every way, seeking for a weak point in the sand walls.

---Flash Back---

Darkness boxed them in on all sides, constricting, binding, and smothering. He knew he would have broken had he been all alone, but he wasn’t. No his two closest friends were there with him, standing at his sides. ‘Naruto can see the light. Shikamaru is the strategist of unparalleled skill. Me? I am the bearer of the Hyuuga line, and I will defend the friends who would defend me in return.’ The dark haired prodigy thought with resolve as he drew a deep breath and closed his eyes to the over bearing darkness.

“Byakugan!” He called, causing a great surge of white chakra to be expelled from his body and his white eyes to glow an eerie white.

“Naruto-kun, you said this to be a part of the City’s defenses, meaning that these walls of darkness bear a weak point, one that would allow allies and such to enter unscathed but not scare free.” Neji pointed out as he regarded the surrounding area. “There…” He said with deep conviction before grabbing a hold of Shikamaru’s hand and the in turn grabbed Naruto’s before the dark haired young man pulled them out of the domineering blackness and into the light.

It was so bright, so blinding, that all three of them had to blink multiple times in order to adjust their eyes to the coming light after having left the shadows.

Before them lie a great stone city. One forged of green limestone, and despite the passage of time, they held their initial beauty. “That was the third and final defense of this city.” Naruto said with a smile, blue eyes aglow with thrill at the sight before them.

“This is our destination. The city lost to time, one that’s name has even been forgotten by Kyuubi. This place holds great secrets, great teachings, great theories. This is the lost city of human and demon kinds. “We said with a cheerful tone as he held his arms out, motioning to the gleaming city on which they over looked from the green-grass covered hill.

“That tower,” He said pointing to the tallest structure within the city. “For this excursion, it is out goal. When next we come and are not limited to time, we can further explore this magnificent place.”

“Why was a plague sent upon such a seemingly great utopia?” Shikamaru questioned lazily, though his eyes betrayed his normal persona as they were aglow with wonder.

“They tried to become like gods.” Naruto stated sadly. “They built that tower in order to get closer to the Heavens. And in it they stored all their most prized secrets in an attempt to become glorified. They failed, the wrath of the gods had descended upon then, cursing their mortal flesh as if to prove that they would never reach beyond humanity.” He concluded forlornly.

---- End Flash Back------

With a smirk, Neji brought his left hand towards the weakest point, his palm outstretched before the closing walls. “Kai!” He called as he channeled his chakra, causing a section of the weakest wall to crumble, allowing him to walk out unfazed. It was a trick he had leant within the tower, one that allowed someone to use a releasing technique for something behind a genjutsu.

With an echoing shifting noise, the walls collided before falling to dust, leaving both opponents facing each other.

“I wan to crush you, destroy you.” Gaara muttered with a snarl as he face began to flash stretching and morphing before returning to its natural way.

“He’s hit his limit.” Naruto whispered from above, eyes narrowed upon the silently seething demon possessed male below. “Neji-kun…”

Gaara’s chakra surged and his sand rose into the air around him. His shields were gone and his full strength was out for all to feel and quiver in. Neji sighed before realizing his hold on his Byakugan and focusing on the examination proctor. “He is beyond my skills, I surrender.” Neji said firmly, his pride not even remotely fazed.

And with that he withdrew from the battle field and rejoined his team, much to the crowd’s dismay. “Winner by forfeit is Gaara!” Genma shouted above the offended cries of the spectators.

Taking a deep breath Gaara withdrew from his bloodlust and calmly returned to the stairs.

“That means were are onto the next set.” Genma stated as he absently flicked the Senbon needle in his mouth this way and that. “The next round is Temari and Uzumaki Naruto.”

“Time to beat a child-like brat.” Temari stated as she once against leapt onto her fan and glided down to the ground, while Naruto simply leapt down and walked over, hands in his pockets much as Shikamaru would do.

“Begin!”

Eyes clashed, blue cold and indifferent, while Temari’s eyes shone with fiery determination. “You’re going down.” Temari promised darkly, eyes momentarily flicking upwards, towards her little brother, whom she knew would be her next opponent. That battle would be one she wouldn’t fight.

“ Taijuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!” Naruto muttered in her lapse of attention, hands forming the cross seal before hundreds of blond haired Genin appeared. All the clones and the original then removed a kunai from their weapons pouch and sliced their palms open.

They then preformed an ‘x’ seal. “Ketsueki Bunshin no Jutsu!” All of them stated simultaneously, each summoning three more clones.

“Shadow and Blood clones?” Temari voiced aloud, eyes wide in obvious shock over the two high level clone techniques so easily utilized. ‘The shadow clones will be easier to destroy, one hit and they vanish, but the blood clones… They can take many hits, and the only way to destroy them is either to knock out or kill the original, or behead them.’ She thought while sweating, spinningon spot trying to pinpoint the original.

‘There!’ She thought as she noticed one of them standing further back from the rest. ‘That has to be him.’ With a spin and a cry, she waved her great fan, causing mass air-blades to slice through the area, causing only two clones to turn to smoke. But the figure at the back stood still, cold eyes watching the wind as they connected and passed right through him, his image flickering.

“Genjutsu?!?” The blond female exclaimed loudly, with a frown before returning her focus to the other clones. ‘Damn… He incorporated Genjutsu images of himself into the mass of clones, and even if I were to use the illusion release, with an area this big I would fail to fully dispel them all.’

A shift in the air reached Temari, causing her to rotate on spot, bring her fan up and swing, causing the on-coming shuriken and kunai to fall to the ground uselessly.

‘Damn it! At this rate I’m going to exhaust myself… Wait! That’s it, he is trying to make me tire myself out, and once I weaken enough, the real one will swoop in and take me down.’ She inwardly smirked. ‘Two can play this game.’ She thought as she raised his fan up and swung it. “Kamaitachi!” She cried, causing violent blades of wind to form.

The blades struck out, in a zero to forty-five degree range, destroying all clones in its wake, blood flew, and smoke rose and only three figures remained unscathed as she slumped in false exhaustion, forcing her breath to come in big gulps. ‘There!’ She noted with a gleam as a figure broke into a sprint from the unscathed part of the clone mob.

Swinging her fan up, as the other got into range, she began to swing in an attack, only for her eyes to spot several exploding tags on him. “A clone!” She exclaimed before leaping up and backwards just as he exploded in a rush of crimson blood that covered the ground where he once stood.

“Koukegi Uzu!” One of the Narutos shouted as he leapt into the air and began to spin in spot, causing the winds themselves to join in.

‘He’s messing with the natural wind flow!’ She thought in panic as she took a step backwards.

“Gimu-teki Na Wa Chikara Tojikomeru: Kanshu Chikaro!” Naruto called again, except from behind her, causing her to be bound by the ring that had taken down Sasuke. “You are unable to move, and use any of your techniques.” A blond stated as all the illusions flickered from existence, followed by rising smoke, leaving only several hundred blood clones and one original.

“Dispel all your clones!” Temari growled, eyes looking towards the speaker of the voice.

“Very well.” Another spoke before they all vanished from reality leaving Temari alone on the field.

“Where is he?” She whispered in shock.

“Right here.” A voice from below her spoke, causing her o look down at the ground. “Not there.” The voice stated. “Your fan.” The blond said before the fan was engulfed in smoke, revealing the original. “I suppose that you were so used to the heaviness of your fan that you didn’t notice that it was martially lighter than usual.” He concluded.

Genma reappeared on the battleground. “Winner: Uzumaki Naruto!” He called causing the cheers of the crowd to rise exponentially. “Ladies and gentlemen and honorable guests, we now only have two matches left. The next one is to be Uzumaki Naruto again, against Aburame Shino of the infamous bug user clan. “

Naruto inwardly sighed as he flicked a strand of golden hair from his eyes as Shino transported down. “Aburame-san.” Naruto said with a nod towards the other.

“Uzumaki-san.” Shino said in return politeness, head inclining a fraction of an inch. “My insects say that you are far stronger then anyone has seen.” He stated with a hint of curiosity that wasn’t exposed, but Naruto knew was there.

“Then I would guess that they are correct.” Naruto affirmed absently.

“Begin!” Genma said, eyes curiously alight on the blond ninja who was not at all like the rumors that were circulating through the village and the Ninja ranks. ‘Has he been tricking everyone, or are the others simple making false statements in regards to him as he bears the demon that had caused us all so much pain…’

Once again the match started with a stare down. Calm eyes clashing, yet no movement was made.

“Reiki Shi-Rudo!” Naruto called, causing a light blue glow to exit his skin and rest around his body in a shimmering shield that had not a single weakness. “Shino-kun, your bugs can’t reach me.” Naruto stated causing many of the ninja watching to tense at such a blatant mistake.


Shino’s brow wrinkled slightly before bugs flew and crawled from his long sleeve, forming a buzzing cloud that moved towards the other boy. They crashed into the barrier and great sizzling sounds rose up as all the insects that collided with it went up in ciders before falling to dust.

“Told you.” Naruto chuckled in amusement.

The bugs pulled back and hovered over their keeper as the Aburame boy eyed the glowing shield. “An impenetrable force field that annihilates all who touch it…” Shino stated with a small nod to show that he recognized Naruto as a worthy foe, after all, it was no easy task creating Jutsu and even harder to make a useful one.

“Kinjiru Kuchiyose no Jutsu!” The blonde’s voice rang out from behind Shino, causing him to turn and see a second Naruto with the same shield.

‘That shield does more then just stop offensive moves, but it also hides auras, scents and sound.’ Shino thought with slight surprise as a cloud of smoke rose beside the second Naruto.

“Kage Gesshoku.” A quiet voice whispered to the blond as an extremely tall female walked forth from the smoke.

Her eyes were a brilliant orange, which vanished behind side-ways eyelids each time she blinked. Her hair was a deep blue, in long thin braids that reached her knees. Her skin was a deep olive color, and her sharp claw like nails shone an acidic green. The woman wore next to nothing, an ultra short black skirt that had a slit that reach just below the top of it. The top was a black bikini-like piece. She was hardly covered, causing many people in the audience to pass out with nose bleeds.

“I am Lady Anora.” The woman said with a small nod, her voice ringing in amusement. “Mistress of the four-legged scale bearers.” She said with a wink before she moved several paces in front of the Naruto that had summoned her.

“Oh my!” She exclaimed. “A bug boy.” She said while licking her rosy lips. “How I love little insects.” She said with a smile before she flicked her long hair over her shoulder in a fluid and well practiced motion. “Naru-kun, leave this up to me.” She said cheerfully as she peered over her shoulder, yet her expression changed the instant she looked back at Shino.

She brought her hands up, causing the Aburame boy to tense as she clapped her palms together. “Come my loves!” She called loudly.

The ground began to rumble, the rocks dancing across its quivering surface. The clear beating of many things beating the ground hurriedly sounded through the area, causing many people to look around. The ground exploded in a rain of pebbles and dust just at her left, and from the ground rose out hundreds if not thousands of multi-colored salamanders.

“Go my pets! Feast upon his insects.” She said cheerfully causing Shino to take a step back, only to feel something sharp press to his back as the clone he had turned his back to when the woman arrived, pressed a kunai to his back.

“Winner: Uzumaki Naruto!” Genma said as he shook himself from his shock, and attempted to sooth his ruffled nerves. ‘Just what kind of summon was that thing?’ He thought with a frown as the woman nodded to Naruto and vanished before the salamanders raced off into the hole they had come from. ‘Just how strong is this kid?’

“We will now have a fifteen minute intermission as to let Uzumaki-san rest, as he needs to be in top form for this next and final battle.” Genma explained, noting as many of the servants began rising to attend to their masters. He nodded to one of the Chuunin in the crowd before teleporting himself up to the Hokage box.

Bowing before the two he looked at the ground. “Hokage-sama, Kazekage-sama.” He said firmly. “I am sorry to intrude, but I require the Hokage’s presence for a small moment.”

“Alright.” Sarutobi said with a small nod as he stood from his chair with a slight groan before he lead Genma and Raidou over to a safe place to talk. “Now, what is it?”

“It’s Naruto. He’s strong, and he is holding himself back. Same with Hyuuga Neji and Shikamaru. The three of them have great skills unknown, and I think they are beyond their current rank.” He paused as he eyed the two males before him. “Hokage-sama, do you know what that woman was?” He asked after a moment.

The man took a deep breath from his cancer pipe. “Once, long ago, back when both the First and Second were still alive, I heard a rumor. But it was seen as just a rumor. It was said that there is a sacred and ancient scroll of summons out there, one that could connect whom so ever activates it with Nine rulers of certain species.” He explained gravely.

“Though many people to this day can summon bosses, this is far beyond that. These rulers are able to be called down, and they are strong as they are gods in their own rights. During the preliminaries, we learnt that Naruto-kun could summon wolves, but to think that he had accomplished a thing like this. Also those other techniques he and his friends have used… Well, I agree with your assessment and I believe most our colleagues would as well. “

- - - - - - -

‘My… Naruto-kun… how strong you have become, and yet you haven’t once put that gift I blesses you with a chance to make you even stronger… Perhaps I’ll have to offer you something far more substantial then something you have in abundance…’

- - - - - - -

“Naruto-kun.” Neji said as the three of them plopped down against the wall in the balcony, sitting so close that had they shifted they would uncomfortably bump the other. “I believe something big is about to happen, something outside of this arena, and when that happens I want you to promise us that the three of us will face it together.” He concluded quietly.

“Neji-kun, Shikamaru-kun, neither of you needs a promise from me at this point, as we have vowed on blood to do everything together, to face all challenges and hide nothing important.” He said with a small smile as he wrapped his arms around his two best friends shoulders, his blue eyes honest as he looked between the two. “But, no matter what, we will go through everything together.”

“Thank you.” Neji said with a soft smile, that no other outside of them had seen. Shikamaru did a half smile, too lazy to muster the whole thing. Neji silently reached his hand up, brushing against the necklace he had given the blond as a token of his thanks. “You needn’t rest everything on your shoulders. Shikamaru and I will help you bear the burdens, even if he mutters the whole time about it all being so utterly troublesome.”

That spark snickers from Naruto, which turned into a full out laugh, in which both the others found contagious. And so they laughed, laughed in sheer mirth of the moment.

- - - - - - - - -

Eyes observed, from the shadows. They have been watching for a long time, yet their depths remained unchanged. They were cold, but strong, bearing great secrets behind a shield of non-melting ice. The eyes were calculative, watching, and taking notice of all details, bog or small, noting all similarities and differences. “You will be great…. Naruto-kun…” The being whispered, the black swirled in crimson as silence fell over him.

- - - - - - - -

“Gaara, Naruto, are the two of you ready?” Genma asked as he regarded the two before him. Naruto nodded, and Gaara narrowed his eyes, signs that they were both indeed ready. “Okay, fight!” He shouted before moving out of the way.

“Your blood… It is sweet; I can smell it coursing through your veins.” Gaara stated darkly, green eyes locked on blue. “Mother demands to feast on your blood, and who am I to deny my mother?” He said quietly before he broke out into psychotic laughter that chilled everyone to the core.

“You’re weak.” Naruto commented quietly, his words only meeting the red head’s ears. “To be so manipulated by a simple one0tailed demon and Shukaku at that.” Naruto said calmly, causing Gaara to look at him with surprisingly wide eyes as over lapping images began appearing over the other’s face.

“Who are you?” Two voices from one vessel demanded simultaneously, his sand rising and falling dangerously around him.

“Uzumaki Naruto.” Naruto answered simply before causing his eyes to flash a dangerous crimson that caused the other to step back, eyes opened wide and pupils dilated.

“Kyuubi...” Shukaku breathed as he grasped control over the sand ninja’s body. “Looks like you got sealed in a weak child.” He stated in an attempt to regain his cool as he summoned up his sand, bringing it over to his right arm to form a demonic arm, pulsing with life. “I will destroy you!”

Gaara’s chakra spiked, causing many if not all ninja there to cringe in horror. Sure some of them have felt stronger, more dangerous chakra before, but that was many years ago.

Sand rose and swirled around Gaara giving him a second arm like the first, and a massive tail which beat heavily at the ground. A great growl escaped the sand man’s lips as he totally lost himself to the demon within.

‘Kit, let me handle this.’ Kyuubi whispered quietly, receiving a nod as the fox was pushed to the forefront of the blonde’s mind. Blue eyes turned gold before changing to crimson as dark purple chakra began leaking from his vessel’s body. “Shukaku!” Kyuubi snarled angrily as the scar like marks on Naruto’s cheeks deepened and claws grew where there was once finger nails. His hair grew at an astonishing rate, jagged blond spikes moving until they reached his thighs.

Purple chakra morphed to orange then a blood-like crimson as it formed three fox tails behind Naruto.

Eyes widened in the crowd, and many felt panicked but too frightened to do more then simply observe. “This is a battle between demons; you and I can do nothing but cause Kyuubi-san hindrance.” Neji whispered to Shikamaru who simple grunted once in response as the two regarded the match carefully.

“Kyuubi!” Shukaku snarled as he finished his sand transformation, growing to be quite massive, making the vessel of the fox seem a small ant. Good thing the stadium was huge and no one was hurt by the mass change.

“Foolish Raccon-Dog!” The fox snarled, his voice causing chills to race the spines of many. “How dare you transform within my village, putting my home, friends in danger!” He continued, his words shocking many, each wondering whether the blond had gathered control over the demon.

In response to his rage, his chakra spiked, forming a bon-fire of crimson swirling around and over him, stretching up higher then his enemy could reach without jumping. “We will not endanger the innocent! We will take this to the forest.” Kyuubi said with a snarl before the two of them vanished from sight, much to everyone’s surprise.

Pandemonium broke loose. The ground rumbled and screams rose to the air as giant serpents began to rampage around the city, attacking, killing, fighting, destroying. Enemy Ninja infiltrated, engaging Konoha ninja in combat. It was kill of be killed, the streets began to bath in blood.

“Hyuuga-san, Nara-san.” Kakashi appeared upon the balcony, his eyes serious. “I want you two to go and follow Naruto; he will likely need both your help to regain himself.” Kakashi explained before he spun around and deflected a Kunai just as Gai appeared and kicked a sand ninja before punching a small hole in the wall as to give them an escape.

“Go my student and his friend!” Gai cheered before flashing his shiny grin and giving a thumbs up. “But be careful.” He advised seriously before moving over to help Kakashi with the eleven ninja that were trying to take him down.

“Let’s go.” Shikamaru muttered as he grabbed Neji hand and pulled the other behind him and through the hole in the wall.

“Byakugan!” Neji called before looking around. “That way.” He pointed before racing in the correct direction with Shikamaru right behind him.

- - - - - - - -

“Kazekage-sama.” Sarutobi spoke up solemnly, sagely eyes turning to regard the other’s eyes. “Why are you betraying us?” He voiced quietly, but calmly, eyes demanding an answer.

“In your old age you have become senile.” The Kazekage stated as he stood and clasped his hands behind his back. “I often urged you to decide upon an heir to the seat of shadows. But you refused, and when I kill you, your village will suffer without its leader.” The man said with a chuckle before he pulled his robes and hat off.

“Orochimaru!” Sarutobi exclaimed, eyes wide in shock.

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End of chapter ^.^ I’d like to say that this here chapter was by far the longest yet! ~cheerful dance~ Let’s all celebrate this great moment in time. For I have officially written a long chapter! ~happy~

Gimu-teki Chikara Tojikomeru: Kanshu Chikaro
Binding Ring Power Seal: Jailer’s Dungeon