Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered ❯ The Good and the Bad ( Chapter 9 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto (enter sarcastic reason here).
Chapter 9:
Within the arena everyone turned at the sound of the chidiori and the flash of light coming from the hallway.
“Naruto did you…..” Sakura didn't finish her sentence when she noticed that Naruto hadn't turned around to look. Instead he had an angry look on his face. Shortly after she noticed Sasuke was now standing beside her, also very quiet. She felt their anger, it was almost crushing.
“Just to refresh your memories.” Genma decided to ignore the animosity between Naruto and Sasuke and instead decided to procede with the tournament. Once he was sure everyone had looked at the tournament line up he folded up the paper and put it away. “Will everyone please go to the waiting area except for Hibiki and Ryo.”
All the leaf genins turned and started walking toward the small stairway that lead to the balcony where they were to wait. Sitting in the audience was Shino, Neji, Shikamaru and Lee. All four were already chuunins and had come to watch their former teammates and significant others compete. Lee was sitting in the aisle seat in the hopes that maybe Gai would show up. Unfortunatly Lee's mood took a turn for the worse as he watched the small group of genins walk to the stairway. Sasuke was walking very far behind the rest of the group and it was obvious that Naruto was mad with him.
“Oye Lee, I thought you said they were doing great?” Shikamaru also noticed the conflict between Naruto and Sasuke.
“They were the last time I saw them together. I don't understand what happened.”
“Naruto can't forget.” All eyes turned to Neji. “He wears his heart on his sleeve.”
Lee knew it was true. He had seen Naruto go from cheerful to depressed and all because of a harsh word or look from a villager or ninja. He didn't really understand why some people in the village looked down on Naruto. Naruto was a wonderful person and a great ninja. But under all that he was still a fragile person. “Sasuke must have said or done something.”
“I won't lead another mission after him again.” Even after three years Shikamaru was still haunted by the fact that his friends had almost died. He blamed Sasuke. If Sasuke hadn't left none of this would have happened. He had failed in his first mission, and it was all Sasuke's fault.
“But Naruto will go after him.” Shino might not have known Naruto as well as the others, but he knew enough. Naruto was determined, stubborn and passionate.
“Yes, but it may not be to bring him back. Everyone has their limits.” Neji wasn't sure how much heartache Naruto could take, especially when it was coming from the same person. People have a limit to how many times they can be betrayed, and he knew Naruto was no different.
“That's a mission I would not mind leading.”
“That is a mission I cannot participate in. As much as I share your feelings and sentiments.” Lee knew as much as anyone how hard it was for Naruto and Sakura. He had been there. He had seen Sakura cry herself to sleep over the whole thing. He had watched Naruto destroy trees from frustration and hurt.
“Sakura, right?”
“I do not wish to cause her more pain.”
“Ahhh! The wonders of youth! Isn't it great to see the bonds of youth growing Kakashi?” All four chuunins turned to see Gai and Kakashi standing in the aisle. Gai turned to see Kakashi's reaction, but no one was standing next to him. Turning back to the group Gai noticed that Kakashi was already sitting next to Lee.
“I'm impressed you actually got here on time Kakashi.” Shikamaru knew the jounin couldn't show up on time if his life depended on it.
“Actually we're late. We wanted to be the first ones here.”
Shikamaru couldn't help but sigh heavily at the comment. Neji simply shoke his head. Some things never change.
“YOSH!! The match is about to start!” Suddenly Kakashi didn't want to be seated next to Lee anymore.
---
Genma waited patiently for the genins to appear on the balcony before starting the match. He soon saw Hinata, Kiba and Choij standing at one end. Naruto and Sakura were standing near the middle, and Sasuke was off to the side in the shadows. Looking over at the two Sound nin's Genam raised his arm. “Begin.”
“Biki-kun, may the best man win.” Ryo promptly bowed knowing that Hibiki would not say anything in return. Both nin's simply stare at each other. Neither of them move as they size each other up. Hibiki is the first to attack. He charges at Ryo and immediately engages him in a taijutsu match.
Ryo goes on the defensive. He blocks all of the punches and kicks thrown his way, but does not attempt to throw any back. It becomes obvious that Ryo is much faster then Hibiki and could easily attack him back but he doesn't.
From the audience the two masters of taijutsu can't help but notice Ryo's lack of attack. Watching the match Lee and Neji can't help but notice all the opportunities for a counter that passed up by Ryo.
“Neji, I don't understand why the red head isn't attacking back.”
Without taking his eyes off the match Neji answers Lee's question.“He knows something about that man that we don't.”
`Damnit I can't keep defending. He's going to tire me out.' Taking a chance Ryo kicks Hibiki in the chest. As his leg comes into contact with Hibiki's chest, Hibiki touches Ryo's calf. Hibiki is thrown back and Ryo collapses. `I knew that would happen.'
Staying on his knees Ryo looked over at Hibiki, who was slowly standing up. Ryo knew he would have to act fast before Hibiki charged at him again. Quickly going through hand seals he stopped and held the last seal which was the seal of the rooster.
“Kaze Kamaitachi!” Ryo inhaled deeply and blew the wind out. A tornado appeared infront of him and started going straight for Hibiki. The tornado was going fast, but Hibiki was faster and he easily dodged it.
--
“He missed.” Kiba had never seen a ninjutsu like that before, but it seemed to him to be a one shot technique.
“There's chakra in the tornado.” Kiba looked over to see that Hinata had activated her Byakugan.
--
Ryo couldn't help but smile at Hibiki. Ryo moved his hands, which were still in the seal of the rooster, and aimed them at Hibiki. The tornado suddenly moved toward Hibiki. It was then that everyone realized that Ryo has complete control over the tornado. As long as he maintained the seal he could make the tornado moved where he wanted.
Hibiki knew he had to move fast. He turned and ran in the opposite direction. Just as the tornado was about to overtake him Hibiki jumps in the air in the hopes of jumping over the tornado. He failed to jump high enough. The tornado grazes his leg as he sores over it. Upon landing Hibiki reached back and grabbed the bottom of the two sticks strapped to his back. Standing up quickly he pulls down on the sticks to reveal two katana's. Slashing at the tornado, Hibiki cuts the tornado in half, destroying it.
“I see you're finally starting to take me seriously, Biki-kun.” Ryo goes through some seals and creates three clones.
Hibiki can't help but smirk at Ryo. “It is difficult at times to take you seriously.”
“Sensei is watching. Let's make him proud.” Ryo and the three clones go through the same seals and before, stopping on the seal of the rooster. This time four tornados appear. Hibiki has just enough time to destroy one tornado before he being overwhelmed. Hibiki is forced to go into the defensive and dodge the tornados. He is not given the opportunity to destroy any of the other tornados.
--
`I've never seen anyone use clones like that before.' Naruto was dumbfounded. He thought himself on expert when it came to the uses of clones. But Ryo's use of the clones was completely new to him.
--
Reaching into his clothing, Ryo pulled out a kunai. He watched Hibiki for a few seconds before he ran toward him.
--
“He's fast.” Shikamaru hadn't seen speed like that since the chuunin exam three years before when Lee opened all eight gates.
“He could be faster.” Lee had been watching the Ryo closely.
“What do you mean?”
“He's favoring one of his legs. Some how the white-haired man injured his leg when he was kicked.”
--
Ryo ran between the three tornados toward Hibiki. He was confident that his clones would make an opening for him once they saw him entering the battle. Ryo approached Hibki from the left and went to slash at Hibiki's left arm. Hibiki was so caught up in trying to avoid the tornado's he didn't even know Ryo was there until his arm was slashed. In the shock Hibiki dropped the katana and jumped back. Desperate Hibiki stabs the ground with his katana and starts to go through hand seals. Recognizing the seals Ryo turns and runs out of Hibiki's range.
“Onpa Zenkai!” A huge sound wave erupted from Hibiki's hands. The wave destroyed the three tornados and the three clones. As the wave passed it tore at the ground, leaving a huge scar before finally disappearing.
Hibiki stood up slowly and turned to face Ryo. Ryo was holding the katana that Hibikid dropped when he was slashed.
“I thought weapons weren't your thing.”
A warm, and almost childish smile graced Ryo's face. “You left me no choice Biki-kun. Although I must admit you are better with a katana then I am.”
Hibiki reached over and pulled the katana out of the ground. Hibiki has just enough time to go into a stance before Ryo charges at him. Both nin's show incredible skill with the katana. Hibiki is obviously much more skilled then Ryo. He wastes no movements, and aims all the vital parts. Ryo is significantly faster then Hibiki, and shows no sign of exhaustion.
--
“Suddenly I'm glad I'm not going to be facing them.” Watching the match Naruto wasn't sure if he would be able to face someone fighting with a katana.
“I know what you mean.” Sakura knew he limits, and she knew the two Sounds nin's were beyond her limits.
“Then again I might face them if someone here loses.” Sakura was shocked at the venom that was in Naruto's voice. Before she could try and deflate the situation she sensed the anger coming off of Sasuke.
“I won't lose. Don't worry.” The last thing Sasuke wanted to do was make things worse then they already were.
“You lost the last time.”
“What did you say?!” Sasuke knew Naruto was talking about him match against Gaara. Naruto was now aiming to hurt Sasuke's pride. The one place that when bruised would ensure an outburst from Sasuke.
“You heard me!”
“Hey you guys stop it!” Sakura had to stop the shouting match before it escalated into something much worse. She knew that if the two decided to start fighting that no one would be able to stop them, not when they were this angry.
Over at the other end of the balcony, the three genins stood and watched the whole thing unfold. They had never seen Naruto act to viciously. Hinata watched as Sakura desperately tried to defuse the situation. It became obvious that she was overwhelmed and would not able to handle both her teammates. Taking the inicitave Hinata walked over to Naruto.
“Naruto?”
“What?!” Naruto turned at yelled at the person behind him. It wasn't until he realized it was Hinata that he felt guilty. Hinata on the other hand did not back down. She knew Naruto was simply caught up in the moment. She reached out and grabbed his wrist.
“Will you come talk with me?”
Naruto didn't say anything but let Hinata lead him toward the hallway that lead to the stairway. As Hinata walked away she turned to look at Sakura. Sakura mouthed, `Thank You' before turning her attention to Sasuke.
In hallway Hinata and Naruto leaned against the wall opposite from each other. Naruto refused to look Hinata in the eye and instead looked at his feet.
“When I saw you a month ago you looked so happy. I hadn't seen you that happy in a very long time.” When Hinata had seen Naruto enter the room at the start of the chuunin exam she saw a small hint of the Naruto she had known before.
“What are you talking about? We were confronted by Sound Nin's, your teammates were rude to Sasuke, who by the way is a bastard, and I almost killed him during a training session.” Naruto still refused to look at her in the face.
“I heard about that from Neji after Lee told him.” Neji had told her that Naruto had gotten very upset with Sasuke after Sasuke had accidentally injured him. Naruto had gone into some sort of rage and one of the legendary sannins had to stop him. “You may not have smiled a lot recently, but I noticed. You are much happier, less edgy around others. Your eyes are warmer as well.”
This time Naruto looked up at Hinata in shock. “Less edgy? Hinata I got into a shouting match with Sasuke and I yelled at you.”
“Your relationship with Sasuke has always been a volatile one, even before he left. He's your rival, as well as your friend. I know you, and I know you didn't mean to yell at me.”
Naruto wanted to tell her how little she really knew him. She didn't know about the demon inside him, or the way some of the villagers looked at him. She didn't know about all the nights he used to cry himself to sleep when he was younger. How he cried when Sasuke left. He wanted to tell her all these things, if only to get her to understand. But instead all that came out was, “I'm still sorry.”
There was a long pause before Hinata spoke again. “Would you have waited forever for him to come back?” Everyone knew that Naruto and Sakura decided to remain genins until Sasuke returned. Their devotion to their teammate was almost legendary in Konoha.
“He was my best friend, my only friend.” Naruto answered the question softly. He was scared that if said Sasuke was his friend too loudly some all mighty power somewhere would take him away. He was mad at Sasuke, but that didn't mean he wanted him gone. Naruto had no one else.
“I'm your friend. Always have been.” Hinata was almost hurt when Naruto said Sasuke was his only friend. Did he not know there were other people out there who cared for him? Who saw him as a friend?
“Why?”
“Silly. It's so easy to be your friend.”
“But what if you knew things about me, bad things.”
Hinata didn't know what Naruto was talking about. But she knew everyone had secrets. It was part of being human. “Being someone's friend means you accept them for who they are. That includes the good and the bad.”
Naruto remained silent as he absorbed what Hinata had just said. He had accepted Sasuke as his friend. He knew Sasuke could be a total asshole, and too arrogant for his own good at times. But he also knew Sasuke was determined, protective and he pushed Naruto to do his best. Sasuke had seen Naruto's demons, and yet he still regarded him as a friend. Then there was Sakura. When he told her what was inside of him, she didn't leave. She stayed and remained his friend.
“Naruto, let's go back and finish watching the match.”
Hinata pushed herself off the wall and began to walk away. She wasn't sure of Naruto would follow her just yet. He seemed to be in deep thought. She just hoped that what she had said made some sense. She was half way to the balcony when Naruto grabbed her wrist, stopping her.
“Thank you Hinata. You have no idea how much that meant to me.”
“Your welcome, Naruto-kun.” She couldn't resist saying his name the same way she used to when they were younger. It was all worth it too when Naruto smiled.
--Meanwhile—
Sakura waited until Naruto was out of earshot before she started talking to Sasuke. “I thought tings were going fine between you two.”
“You thought wrong.”
“What happened?”
“Nothing.”
Sakura knew what that answer meant; it meant leave me alone. “That might have shut me up a few years ago, but not anymore. We're all living together and working together. So quit the act and tell me what happened.”
Sasuke couldn't believe what he had just heard. Sasuke turned to look at Sakura. She was looking at him, and he knew she wouldn't back down. “You've really changed.”
“Living with Naruto and dating Lee does that to you.”
Sasuke turned back to match. Currently Ryo had the upper hand. Hibiki was bleeding from his right thigh and had a slash on his back. Sasuke wondered how much longer the match would last. He felt Sakura's eyes on him, and knew that ignoring the question wasn't working. “We ran into Kabuto on the way to the arena.”
“That explains a lot. Did he hurt you guys?”
“No. But he whispered something to Naruto. Whatever it was got Naruto really worked up. Then Kabuto said some things about me.”
Sakura had an idea of what Kabuto could have told Naruto. There were only a few things that could get Naruto worked up: his friends, his skills and the Kyuubi. She doubted Kabuto attacked Naruto's skills. “So basically he got you two mad at each other.”
“He has a way with words.”
“If there's one thing I've learned from Naruto is that being honest is the only way to go.”
Sasuke stood there watching the match, taking in Sakura's words. Being honest. He wasn't sure if he could be honest. That just might things even worse then they already were. Sasuke was about to comment on it when he sensed Naruto standing behind him.
“You're a bastard you know that.”
“And you're a dobe.”
“I hate you.”
“I hate you too.”
“Good. This match is still going on?!”
“Its' going to end soon, The small kid, Ryo, is gonna end up winning.” Sakura wasn't even phased by the things the boys had said to each other. Such statements were not meant to hurt. It was a sign of affection between the two. Sure it was a little twisted, but it worked.
--
Ryo and Hibiki were still slashing at each other with the katana's. Hibiki's speed had taken a serious nose dive after Ryo injured his thigh. Ryo on the other hand was still going strong. In an act of desperation Hibiki rushed at Ryo. Ryo easily blocks the attack and pushes past Hibiki.
“I'm sorry Biki-kun.”
Before Hibiki can register what happened he feels the katana at his throat. “I give.”
Genma can't help but feel a bit relieved. The match had gone on for way too long. “Winner, Shenron Ryo.”
--
“Your students are very skilled.”
Kabuto can't help but laugh at the comment Tsunade had made. “They have yet to show their potential. Ah, Sasuke-kun's match is next.”
`I really don't like this man.'
--
Ryo was carrying Hibiki toward the stairway that lead to the waiting area. The entire time he was apologizing to Hibiki for injuring him so badly. Once they were out of sight Genma looked over at the balcony. “Will the next participants please come down.”
“Good Luck Sasuke.”
“Yeah, don't lose Sasuke.” Sasuke knew Naruto was only playing around so he decided to ignore the jab. He jumped off the balcony and was shortly followed by Kiba and Akamaru. As the three moved into position Ryo and Hibiki reached the balcony. Sakura turned to watch the interaction between the two. Ryo placed Hibiki against the back wall and kneeled down. He pulled out some medicine and reached over to put it on Hibiki. But Hibiki didn't let him.
“Let me.” Ryo simply stood up and looked at Hibiki.
“Biki-kun, can you please fix my leg.”
Hibiki set the medicine down and without question started to go through a few hand seals. He ran his hands down the came calf he had injured at the start of the match. Sakura couldn't help but notice that the chakra Hibiki used was not the same one used in healing jutsus. When Hibiki was done, Ryo stretched out his leg and walked over to stand next to Sakura.
“Sakura, wasn't it?”
Sakura couldn't help but notice how young and innocent Ryo looked. She nodded in response to his question.
“You must be Naruto then?” Ryo looked past Sakura and addressed the question to Naruto, who also nodded in response.
Ryo looked back to Sakura and decided to answer her unasked question. “Hibiki used sound waves that come out of his hands to attack. He used those same waves to fix my leg.”
“Ryo!”
Ryo turned to look at a now very angry Hibiki. “Sorry Biki-kun, but Sakura-san was wondering.” He turned to look at Sakura, who was surprised at what Ryo had said. “Am I right?”
Sakura was completely dumbfounded. How the heck did he know? Taking her silence as a yes, Ryo smiled wholeheartedly at her. Noticing the smile, Naruto reached over and pulled Sakura closer to him and away from Ryo. Lee would kill him if he knew some guy was flirting with Sakura and he didn't stop them. “The match is about to start.”
--
“Ready?” When both Kiba and Sasuke nodded, Genma raised his arm and as he lowered it he said, “Begin.”
Kiba had never been known for his patience, and this was no exception. “Lets end this quick.” Reaching into his pouch he pulled out his solider pills. He took one and gave another to Akamaru. Almost immediately Akamaru's fur went from white to red, his canines got longer and the look on his face was that of a rabid dog.
As Akamaru changed, Kiba also began to change. His nails grew longer, his hair shaggier. Kiba was now standing on all fours like a wild animal. Akamaru jumped onto Kiba's back. “Juujin bunshin!”
Sasuke activated his Sharingan and looked at the two Kiba's before him. Sasuke slightly turned his body to the side, moved his feet together and extended his right arm out. It was the same taunting pose he had taken when he fought Gaara. “Come.”
“With pleasure!” Both Kiba and Akamaru ran toward Sasuke. They both crossed each others path multiple times in the hopes that Sasuke would lose track of who was who. As they neared Sasuke on of the Kiba's ran to the left as the other ran to the right. They both jumped in the air at the same time and began to turn their bodies at great speeds.
The entire time Sasuke just stood there, in the same pose. The collision caused by Kiba and Akamaru created a huge dust cloud. There is no sound or movement from the cloud for a few seconds. Then without warning one of the Kiba's it thrown out of the dust cloud. As the cloud dissipates Sasuke and the other Kiba coming into view. Sasuke is standing behind the Kiba and is holding a kunai to his throat. The Kiba that was thrown out is still in the same place where he landed. Both are growling loudly at Sasuke.
“Move and I'll kill you, but not before I kill him.” To emphasize his words Sasuke throws a shuriken at the Kiba in front of him, while maintaining the kunai at the throat of the other Kiba. The shuriken barely misses Kiba's neck. The one Sasuke is holding growls loudly at Sasuke, he even snaps his jaw at Sasuke.
“Even if you get away I'll get you again. I know who the real Kiba is and who is Akamaru. You can't fool me, Kiba.”
Sasuke waits for Kiba to say something, or do something. But Kiba remains silent. Finally growing impatient Sasuke pulls out two more shuriken and throws them. One grazes the arm of Kiba and the other lodges itself in his thigh.
“AKAMARU!!” Kiba would have decapitated himself if Sasuke had not stopped him from ramming his neck into the kunai. Realizing that no matter what he did, Sasuke would win Kiba raised his hand. “I give up.”
As soon as the words were out of his mouth Sasuke let Kiba go. Kiba ran over to Akamaru, who by now had dropped the jutsu. He quickly picked up Kiba and ran off toward the medical rooms.
“Winner, Uchiha Sasuke.” Sasuke couldn't help but notice how loudly the crowd was cheering. He barely did anything and they were all reacting like he had done something wonderful.
--
“Should I go help Kiba?” Sakura knew her match was coming up and she should probably conserve her chakra, but if she could help someone she would.
“No. He doesn't like it when other people treat Akamaru.” Hinata was probably the only one outside of Kiba's family that was allowed to heal the dog, and that was only because she had been around him for so long.
“I don't understand why Akamaru didn't attack Sasuke alone.” Naruto was completely confused and frustrated over the match. The dog should have continued the fight.
“He does what Kiba tells him to do. They're a team. Without one, the other is useless. Akamaru is Kiba's weakness.”
“Sasuke used that to his advantage and ended the match quickly. He didn't even show his true strength, that bastard.” Looking into the arena Naruto barely caught a glimnce of Sasuke as he entered the hallway leading to the stairs.
“Naruto, our match is next.” Naruto looked over at Choji and nodded. Both nin's jumped down into the arena. As they walked over to Genma, Naruto turned and looked at Choji.
“Choji, may the best man win.”
“I won't hold back Naruto.”
“Good cause neither will I.”
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kaze Kamaitachi - Slicing winds
Onpa Zenkai - Sound Wave of Destruction
Juujin bunshin - Beast Human Clone