Two figures stood poised in the center of the arena: a father and daughter, Kitsuchi and Kurotsuchi.
Each eyed the other with confidence. The announcer darted at them both, wondering if he had inadvertently stumbled into a silent standoff. Yet he sensed that there was much riding on this moment—not mere combat but a critical test of bond and strength.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the announcer boomed. "If you don't know who these two are, let me introduce them. In this corner, we have the fierce and dedicated Kurotsuchi, fighting for honour and skill!" The crowd erupted into applause for the resilient daughter, the sudden introduction making her smile. "And in the opposite corner, the formidable Kitsuchi, a well-trained shinobi and, most importantly, a father!"
Kitsuchi was not expecting this. The boisterous announcer was hyping him up for what he believed to be no reason. But that wasn't enough to stop the cheers.
Both fighters stood stoically, each refusing to break the gaze locked between them.
"With that, let us commence!" the announcer incredulously said.
Kitsuchi subtly inclined his head, signaling to Kurotsuchi to take the first step. It was a decision that would either thrill or haunt him, she would be in control to start, though he knew instinctively that it was a double-edged sword.
"That's a mistake," his daughter sneered playfully, assuming a combat stance.
With a sudden burst of adrenaline, she launched into the air, her fist aimed squarely at her father's face. Time slowed as the crowd sucked in a collective breath. Her punch connected with a smack. The force of her determination propelled Kitsuchi back a few paces, causing a trickle of blood to escape from the corner of his lips.
The crowd gasped, shocked at the audacity of a daughter striking her father with full intensity.
"Good," he murmured, his thrill evident even despite the sting of her blow. There was an unmistakable glimmer in his eyes, quickly eclipsed by the instincts of a shinobi.
With fervour, he attacked, closing the distance between them with impressive speed. Their bodies danced around each other.
Kurotsuchi moved with determination, each kick and punch being thrown wildly. Yet, no matter how strong she was, Kitsuchi was more experienced, an impenetrable wall of skill that's been honed throughout the years.
As Kitsuchi defended against the torrent, it dawned on him that he had underestimated the tenacity within his own daughter. She was relentless, and with each parried blow, he felt a sense of exhilaration and trepidation.
But soon the momentum shifted. Kurotsuchi found herself fighting to keep up, her body pushing to stay in rhythm while exhaustion threatened to take its toll.
After a particularly intense exchange, a moment arrived when she drew back, seeking space—a rare lapse in their brawl. She knew better than to pause, yet the instinct for strategy kicked in. It was evident on her face: Doubt was starting to worm its way into her mind.
"Kurotsuchi!" her father's voice boomed with authority, breaking through the noise of the crowd. "You won't have the time to think of a strategy in a real battle! Move!"
His words struck her with a sense of urgency that ignited her bright red cheeks with embarrassment. Her heart started racing as she bit her bottom lips and returned hastily, saying, "I'm sorry!"
The moment was fleeting, however.
With such an immediate shift, he was already advancing. The crowd marveled at the intricate display before them. This wasn't simply a fight; it was a lesson, and they grasped the depth of their family bond with keen interest.
In every exchange, Kitsuchi was not only testing his daughter but imparting invaluable sense upon her—something only a father who cared could convey.
Kurotsuchi struggled to keep pace as sweat trickled down her brow. The sun was high in the sky, causing her face to shine. The heartbeat of competition pushed her blood to quicken; she refused to succumb to fatigue.
With every block and jab, she endured them all.
As she pressed on, Kurotsuchi felt her energy waning. Although she was getting tired, he wasn't going to relent his weighted strikes.
Finally, as she felt her joints protesting, she paused with her hands on her knees and a heavy breath. "I won't give up," she declared. It was that same stubbornness that her grandfather displayed when he fought Madara Uchiha. "Come on, dad! Give me all ya got!"
This was a battle against her father, but more importantly, a battle for herself—to prove her mettle, to honour both his teachings and their family heritage.
With one final surge, she charged at him, her movements driven by sheer spirit. She pretended to attack, drawing back as if to strike at his midsection but instead dove forward with a fierce jab aimed at his arm.
But Kitsuchi, her very own trainer, was prepared for her feint. Before Kurotsuchi could make contact, her body betrayed her!
The fatigue that had been creeping in became a strong wave, one that overwhelmed her senses. Her legs wavered beneath her, strength draining away. Just as she sensed herself teetering, her vision became blurry. And in that moment, she fainted, collapsing before her father in an arc, surrendering to the exhaustion that had finally claimed her.
Kitsuchi's instincts kicked in. His heart raced, not with the adrenaline of combat but with a swell of protectiveness. He lunged forward just in time, his arms reaching out to catch her form before she could hit the ground.
As he lifted her effortlessly, he felt a rush of emotions; concern, care, sympathy—she had given him everything she had, pushing herself to the limits he had instilled in her.
So he cradled her in his arms like an infant, drawing her close against his chest, her head resting against him as her chest rose and fell. The world around them faded into a soft blur as she struggled to open her eyes.
"Did… did I win, dad?"
"Yes… You did; you fought well, Kurotsuchi."
"Haha… I'm…. glad I came here then," she finally said before closing her eyes to rest.
The shouts of the spectators brought them back into existence, dimming the two with honour and affection. The announcer, momentarily at a loss for words, paused in the midst of declaring the match.
Kurotsuchi's fainting had shifted the atmosphere of the arena from that of a competition to one of poignant tenderness. The crowd couldn't help being caught in their delicate moment that unfolded before them.
As he held her, he understood that the expectations he wanted to see his daughter meet had been exceeded. It was more than just a match; it was an experience that touched their hearts.
He had pushed her to her limits, yes, but she had responded with a ferocity that proved why she would become the next Kage in her village. Something like that, however, wouldn't happen for at least a decade.
So, for now, her reflection still rested in her father's hold, a symbol of potential waiting to be nurtured further.
The crowd, having observed the intimate moment, began to stir. Whispers of admiration spread like wildfire as spectators appreciated the depth of the bond displayed between father and daughter.
As Kitsuchi looked out at the audience beyond the comforting confines of his embrace, he felt a sense of community. They weren't just there to witness violence but also to understand the struggles, the loss, and most importantly, the love that fueled every heart-pounding battle.
The cheers and shouts that had erupted moments ago turned into appreciating murmurs, a response of respect for both fighters, but especially for this moment of strength and vulnerability intertwined.
The announcer, regaining his composure, cleared his throat and said, "Due to Kurotsuchi's… unexpected fainting, it has been determined that Kitsuchi is the victor of this match!"
He faced the audience with her still in his arms—a picture of unity. The cheers for victory melded with awe, reverberating throughout the arena and deepening the moment into a valued memory.
"Did you see that?" William pointed, looking at Margaret and Jada.
The two players understood what he was getting at. Yes, it was a touching moment, but it was also a moment never truly witnessed by most fans of the series as a whole.
"See what?" Naruto asked, skeptical of William's rashness.
Lee began to cry, aware of the scene. It made him think of his respect for Guy-sensei. When Neji saw this, he tried to assure him that he didn't need to get so emotional.
"Guy-sensei! I love you!" he cried into the sky, hoping his words could be heard.
Walking alone on an empty trail to the Leaf Village, in the Fire Country, Might Guy suddenly sneezed.
Back at the arena, amidst the revelry, there was one figure who had watched with a muted expression. Arthur, arms crossed, stood silently. He had witnessed the entire exchange between father and daughter with a sense of detachment, not at all moved.
How could he be? The embrace shared between those two struck him as overly sentimental, too dramatic for his tastes. On top of that, not once has a single match piqued his interest yet.
Perhaps he had become too accustomed to battles devoid of such emotional flourishes. Or maybe, he wondered, the bond they shared was simply a reminder of the familial ties he almost forgot about due to having remained in this world for so long.
Regardless of what it was, he brushed it aside, knowing that the remaining fights would be worth his attention.
Those who enjoyed the thrill of combat would likely never survive in Arthur's predicament. Because if they put the warmth of familial love first, their battlefield would be laced with imminent destruction.
As the crowd cheered Kurotsuchi's tenacity while simultaneously celebrating Kitsuchi's prowess, Kitsuchi looked down at Kurotsuchi again. She was strong, but also very delicate. Perhaps it was time he took her home to get some real rest.
To him, today had been just a stepping stone, and it was a beautiful one.
With a smile, he whispered, "Rest now, my little kunoichi. I can sense strong opponents here that you might have to face when I'm not around. So grow stronger before that time comes." Although unconscious, she nodded against his arms as if she had heard her father's advice.
As he rejoined his team, he addressed his group, who had gathered with concerned looks, and said, "I'll be leaving early to ensure she gets some rest and aid. She pushed herself hard today, and she deserves proper care."
The team nodded in agreement. "You're right, Kitsuchi," Han said. "Family comes first."
"We'll keep an eye on the tournament for you," Monga added.
"Absolutely," chimed in Atsuchi. "We'll fill you in on the rest of the matches once we return to the Stone Village. You just focus on her."
Feeling grateful, Kitsuchi offered a nod and a brief smile before turning his attention back to Kurotsuchi, still curled comfortably in his arms. He eventually stepped out, and the large monitor in the arena showed the names of the next fighters.
Excitement continued through the crowd once more as the announcer said, "Next up, we have Fū and Hana Inuzuka!"
Fū, caught off guard by the sudden announcement, blinked in surprise. She pointed at herself disbelievingly as she asked in astonishment, "Is it my turn already?"
The others near her laughed, specifically the players, due to her catching attitude. Her wide-eyed expression made the moment even more endearing.
"You got this, girl!" Margaret cried out. "Show her who's boss!"
When Hana heard that, she scowled at Margaret. Those two were from the same village, so it was a tad inappropriate—to the point of disrespect—to be cheering for another.
"Sorry, Hana!" Margaret apologized. "We just became friends, so you understand."
"Oh, I understand," she said, staring at Margaret as she walked up to the stage. "After I win this, you're next."
Naruto and William couldn't help but giggle quietly at their exchange. Margaret simply rolled her eyes, believing Hana would be no match for Fū.
Besides, the players had made names for themselves in the Leaf Village. She was not ashamed.
Thanks to Patreon member "coolguy," this chapter and the remaining chapters of this volume have all been proofread.
An overly enthusiastic girl from the Waterfall Village, Fū had always longed for companionship, desperate to escape the suffocating isolation that came from being a Jinchūriki.
With dreams of forging friendships, she decided to enter the joint Chūnin Exams by the Hidden Leaf and the Hidden Sand—an opportunity that occurred in the original a couple years from now.
Shibuki, the village leader, was initially vehemently opposed to her participation. He feared that the revelation of her Jinchūriki status could attract unwanted attention and danger. However, after much deliberation, he relented, recognizing the Chūnin Exams as a chance to restore their village's former glory.
With permission granted, Fū's heart soared, but Shibuki took precautions, assigning two characters named Kegon and Yōrō to accompany her, posing as her Genin teammates.
Entering the exams, the first challenge set the stage for Fū's resourcefulness. Although separated from her team in different rooms, she relied on a special technique, the "Wave Transmission" technique, to communicate sneakily.
Her personality alone was enough to navigate the unique challenges, impressively passing the initial round. However, it was during the subsequent race to the Sound Village that her playful spirit truly emerged.
Despite her bodyguards locking her away to prevent her reckless behaviour, her determination to engage with fellow competitors led her into a brawl where she managed to resolve the conflict with her enthusiasm.
Moments later, she was taking on a giant scorpion to save captured Genin from Team 10, who was Team Asuma. That helped display her innate courage.
As the exams progressed, her heart remained set on making friends, even amidst fierce competitions in the harsh desert. A plot twist brought her face-to-face with Gaara, another Jinchūriki, which allowed them to share burdens.
That was how Margaret initially found it easy to befriend Fū. She, unlike all the other players, could not only relate to Fū, but she knew her story better than them, and their personalities meshed well.
While the Sand Village's Chūnin Exams spiraled into disarray, Fū's selflessness rushed to aid Gaara during a harrowing incident involving the extraction of their Tailed Beasts. In an act of bravery, she created a protective cocoon to shield them from harm, proving that she was also resourceful.
All these were things that were stated to have happened later on. Who knows what might transpire if the players have their way? Arthur was never going to allow that.
Regarding her opponent, Hana Inuzuka, she's a distinguished Chūnin from the Inuzuka clan, known not only for her combat but also for her expertise as a veterinary medic.
Hana is often seen alongside her loyal canine companions, the "Three Haimaru Brothers."
No animals were allowed in the arena. Not even special-aid animals. But when the Inuzuka clan members threatened the staff to let their mutts in, Arthur was forced to oblige.
He felt confident being around canines who had impeccable senses. There was no harm in letting them through, especially considering how strong of a bond the Inuzuka clan members were committed to their pets.
Hana was no exception.
With her long brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, framed by two locks around her face, she possesses black eyes and wears the traditional fang-like tattoos of her clan on her cheeks, alongside a unique flower tattoo on her upper arm—a nod to her name, which signifies "flower."
Her attitude falls more on the laid-back side. And she's academically gifted, being proficient mainly in medical ninjutsu while focusing on veterinary techniques. Though she excels in that category, she's not a stranger to other fighting tactics.
Apart from her canines, she was protective of her younger brother, Kiba Inuzuka. Growing up, she frequently took care of him while their mother was away on missions, fostering a close sibling relationship. Yet, she wasn't afraid to reprimand the boy, especially for his inability to help their pet Akamaru during a crisis involving a biological weapon.
In the wake of Kiba's tragic death, Hana was reported to be utterly furious, vowing that if she ever encountered his killer, Arthur Bennett, the repercussions would be severe.
"Mark my words," she declared at the time, "all Inuzuka clan members will rip out his…" There was no need to say more due to her palpable anger and unfiltered threats.
The sun was quite high, casting a light upon the spectators, who buzzed with excitement.
Arthur watched as both Fū and Hana walked toward the center. This was a rare chance to witness what a Jinchūriki could achieve when bound by the rules of taijutsu. And also what a skilled Inuzuka clan member with heightened senses could muster.
Fū stood confidently at her spot, and with a friendly smile, she raised her hand in a gesture of camaraderie, offering it to Hana. The unexpected display of openness caught Hana off guard; she raised an eyebrow, momentarily stunned by Fū's upfront nature.
After a moment of hesitation, she slowly reached out and accepted the handshake. Arthur could tell by the look on her face what she was thinking: 'What's with this girl?'
With Fū's usual enthusiasm, her face lit up as she burst forth with her next question: "So, do you want to be friends after I win?"
Hana's expression shifted almost instantly, irritation flaring within her. "I didn't come all this way to make friends. I came to win," she retorted sharply with a more aggressive tone than she intended.
Fū's smile faltered just slightly, and she quickly tried to defend herself by saying, "I was just—"
"Save it!" Hana cut her off. "I'm not here to play games. I'll be going all out!" The intensity in her voice suggested she meant every word, riling the crowd.
But rather than feeling cowed or disheartened, Fū's smile returned, wider than ever as she declared, "Good! That's just how I like it! Let's give them a show then!"
The crowd roared in approval. So the announcer, standing between the two combatants, raised his microphone high to electrify the scene.
"Competitors, are you ready?!" he asked, scanning the two young kunoichi. Both were poised for the battle ahead. With a nod from each, he grinned and called out, "Begin!"
The crowd stirred, fidgeting in their seats, eyes glued to the two competitors. But despite the announcer's declaration of "Begin!" neither woman made a move.
It was an odd moment, an overlap that kept the audience on their toes. So much so that it caused them to lean forward, waiting for the first sign of action.
The announcer darted his gaze back and forth between the two fighters, feeling a nagging sense of déjà vu—another silent standoff. It became such a long and awkward wait that even his heart began to race.
Just as doubt began to creep into his mind, Fū shifted slightly, taking a single step forward. In that split-second reaction, Hana dropped to all fours to activate her clan's signature technique: "Ninja art of beast mimicry: all-fours jutsu!"
Her fingers elongated into claw-like digits, her pupils narrowed into slits, and her teeth sharpened. Her behaviour had now became that of a wild animal.
"Wait, is she allowed to do that?!" murmured a spectator, glancing at the announcer.
Caught off guard by the sudden shift, the announcer looked at the sensors outside the edge of the arena. They nodded at him, confirming it was fine.
"Yes! While the technique does utilize chakra, she isn't exerting any of it!" the announcer relayed.
There were gasps of wonder and admiration through the crowd as they continued to watch.
Fū's eyes widened in excitement. She had never seen this technique up close before, and the sight was nothing short of awestruck. But before she could voice her respect, Hana sprang towards her, claws bared and intentions clear.
"Here I come!" Hana shouted ferociously, her strike aimed directly at Fū's face.
With a twist of agility, Fū dodged, but Hana was relentless, darting after her like a predator. The two began to weave around the arena, Hana's speed catching Fū off guard. Each of Hana's swipes narrowly missed, causing Fū to break into a sweat.
"You're incredible!" Fū said, voicing her thoughts. "I didn't realize you could move this fast!"
The excitement was being shown on her face. Freshly exhilarated by the challenge, she pushed herself to maintain her footing. But as she sidestepped one of Hana's attacks, she miscalculated her balance and stumbled, her foot catching on the edge of the arena floor.
In an instant, Hana capitalized on the opening. With razor-sharp focus, she launched herself forward to assault Fū, claws extending toward her face.
When Fū raised her arms instinctively to shield herself, the deep, searing sensation of claws raked across her forearms and jolted through her. "Oww!" she exclaimed, feeling both surprised and irritated as she pulled back.
The scratches were deep, with red lines marring her skin.
Hana stood there for a moment, ready to inflict more damage. But rather than losing steam, Fū's expression shifted into one of determination.
"Not bad, Hana! Now it's my turn!" she suddenly declared.
A peculiar sensation could be felt by Hana, causing her hair to stand on end. And for a moment, she could sense something primal and powerful emanating from Fū. She couldn't tell what it was as she eyed her opponent carefully; her instincts felt heightened, as if she were a cat sensing a lion nearby!
Before Hana could gather her thoughts, Fū lunged forward, propelling herself with a surprising burst of speed. Hana found herself in a desperate dance of dodging and ducking. Every whipped punch and kick was aimed at her head.
She was on high alert, her senses hypervigilant, but the shift of energy around Fū was hinting at something greater than mere speed. It kept Hana on edge.
Those who understood Fū and Hana would have also understood what was making Hana so uneasy. Fū was the Jinchūriki of the Seven-Tails, Chōmei, a colossal rhinoceros beetle. While Hana couldn't see Chōmei or any Tailed Beast chakra being emitted, her animalistic senses allowed her to feel it.
Seizing a brief moment of breathing space, Hana summoned her own strength and initiated her next move—Tunneling Fang. Utilizing the momentum of her four-legged stance, she spun into action as she surged toward Fū. And with remarkable speed, she charged in a straight line, aiming to slam into her opponent and drill through her defenses with the force of her attack.
Fū spotted the incoming technique and, without hesitation, leaped into the air—her movements so graceful that spectators marveled at her flight-like quality. The audience gasped, jaws dropping at the breathtaking show of agility.
As Hana skidded to a halt, searching wildly for Fū in mid-air, the audience held their breath. There was a moment of stillness before she began her descent.
"Hidden waterfall hurricane!"
With a thunderous crash, she descended upon Hana, fists blazing with power as she unleashed a forceful punch! The impact rattled the arena as Hana was struck down, the force knocking her to the ground.
The cries of the Three Haimaru Brothers echoed in the stands as the crowd cheered at the unexpected display. The announcer, equally electrified, rushed forward.
"And that's it! That's it! The match goes to Fū!" he bellowed, raising Fū's hand in victory.
"Yay!" Margaret and Jada clapped. The two were clearly excited, having wished for these results.
As Hana lay there, Arthur observed from the sidelines with an unreadable expression. Though the outcome was what he had initially expected, he was more content with the data and insight he had gained from the match.
The strategies, the techniques—he would analyze every moment. Fū hadn't at all impressed him, and Hana fell in that category, too.
With the cheers of the crowd still ringing in her ears, Fū approached her opponent. Hana finally rose slightly, clasping her head. When she looked, Fū had offered her a hand, the same hand before the fight began.
Hana couldn't help but smirk at her relentless attitude. As such, she gave in and finally shook her hand.
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