บท 126: Chapter 12: Stage 3: Preliminaries Part 1
(Story Starts)
==Forest of death, Jackdaw Reborn - Day 3==
On the day 3; With Naruto had the Jackdaw Reborn's wheel, as he spotted the tower in the distance, as he summon his kage bunshin to take the wheel and took out his spyglass and look through it. As with a smirked, he spotted his Morrigan being docked here. With the rookies will slept in the lower deck.
"All hands! Central Tower ahead!" Naruto called, which made the rookies startled to woke up. "Prepared to dock!"
As with the hatch were opened with Satsuki, Naruko, Shikamaru, Choiji, Ino, Lee, TenTen and Neji were out in the deck, with they separate in starboard and larboard (or Port) sides that seeing the tower.
"Alright, ttebayo! We're here!" Naruko exclaimed seeing the tower.
Once the ship docked next to the Morrigan, getting Issei and Natsu attention to seeing the Jackdaw Reborn approaches with a 'Captain Naruto has arrived lads!'.
As until the crew unfold the sails and weigh the anchor. And then with the rest placing the boarding planks and also the rope ladder. As Naruto jumped down along with Sakura and Satsuki. With Naruko, Team 8 and Gai stepped down the boarding plank or rope ladder.
Now they are prepared to separate ways. With Naruto declared. "Okay guys, this is the best to entered the respective doors, separate now. And now...lets proceed."
"Hai!/Yosh!"
After having reached the tower, team 7 said goodbye to team 8 and Gai before finding the door they should enter from. Before ceiling high doors swung open as four shinobi walked inside, marveling at the architecture.
They had finally made it to the end of the survival ordeal, a triumph that looked impossible only a day ago. Naruto knew that their trials were not over but for now they had time to relax their guard if only for a bit, they found themselves in an empty room with no one but them in it.
"Wow! So this is the finish line..." Naruto said with he lowered his hood.
The building itself wasn't spectacular, Sakura was just showing relief toward being at the end of the test.
"Yeah, looks like we made it somehow..." She said as well he lower her hood as well, along with Satsuki.
"…And there's no one here…right?" Naruko said.
"Hey! Look at that!" Satsuki said as she pointed up to a wall scroll that was on the…wall.
Naruto narrowed his eyes and then read the words on the board aloud, "If heavenly qualities are your desire, acquire wisdom to take your mind higher. If earthly qualities are what you lack, train your body and prepare to attack. When heaven and earth are opened together the perilous path will become righteous forever. This…the word's missing - anyway, this whatever…is the secret way that guides us from this place today."
"Uhm…what the hell does that mean?" Naruko asked roughly.
Naruto narrowed his eyes in thought and then added. "Perhaps…we're supposed to open the scrolls...Sakura-chan!"
Getting a nod from Sakura as she took out the heaven scroll that Naruto given to her, while the blond assassin took the earth scroll that he got from the Oto-nin.
Naruto turned to Sakura and the two opened the scrolls. Naruto looked at the scroll curiously before gritting his teeth. "It's a summoning seal! Toss it!"
He and Sakura then threw the scrolls away as they unrolled, crossing over each other in an 'X' shape as smoke burst from the scrolls. The four genin stood together as the smoke cleared, preparing for a fight.
"Y-you're…?" Naruko said as he and the other two looked in surprise at the form of their sensei, Kakashi. The sight of their sensei smiling at them was an odd, but welcome greeting after the ordeal they had been put through.
"Kakashi-sensei/-nii!" Sakura and Naruko shouted, actually happy to see him.
The silver haired man gave a simple wave. "Yo."
His eye opened and wandered over them and immediately noticed their disheveled appearance, it seemed they had quite a hard time out there.
"Well, this is the part where I congratulate your arrival and talk about how your teamwork and individual strengths came together perfectly. Seeing your appearance and how obvious it was you earned your place here, I think that all goes without saying." Kakashi said before he informed them. "Now then, until the remaining 2 days are up, you four are to remain here at the tower. Got it?"
The squad nodded.
"Good." Kakashi said, before he looked at Naruko. "You are very proud Naruko."
"Thanks, Niisan." As the silver haired nin turn to his sensei's son, since he failed to force him to return that he always slips. "You too Naruto..."
"Hn." Naruto replied. With that he congrats Sakura and Satsuki.
==Tower, Guest room - Later==
Squad Seven was given a temporary room to bunk in while they waited for the five day limit to pass, until Naruko went wondering around the tower. As they relaxed, their door opened, and entering was the Hokage, "Hello, everyone."
"Sandaime-sama!" Sakura gasped, as she, Satsuki, and Naruto bowed their heads.
"What brings you here?" Naruto asked.
"I was only here to congratulate you for your success." Hiruzen stated. "And also I encounter Naruko-chan for at least."
"Yeah, since after all we did made a fine teamwork." Naruto said, getting the old hokage looked at Naruto.
"Seems that you have so many friends and company when you save them in Nami no Kuni (Land of Waves)." He said. "And also I congratulation for earned a reputation of the Bingo Book. Good job."
"Thanks, Jiji." Naruto appreciated.
Hiruzen smiled and nod. "Good, so you all earn some break...after all...Naruto-kun...can you be so kind to make some fine meal the villagers were talking about."
"You want me to make some special dish for the particulars will arrived until the exams is over?" Naruto asked, getting a nod from Hiruzen.
"Sure, I would love to." Naruto replied. "Oh! I forgot."
As he took out a prison scroll and gave it to Hiruzen. "We have a few prisoners that might be interested in. This this scroll to T&I Department. This scroll has Orochimaru's pawns."
"I see, right." Hiruzen understand, as he snapped his finger as the two ANBU appeared. "ANBU, take them to Inoichi."
Two of the ANBU in the room nodded and take the scroll that has the Sound ninja.
After the ANBU disappeared Hiruzen sighed heavily. "Alright, try to keep this to yourselves for now. If word gets out, Orochimaru may react rashly, or he could go underground again. For now don't breathe a word of this to anyone. We will wait for a report from Inoichi on Orochimaru's plans, or at least what those genin know. I also believe it is an acceptable time to tell you this, there are too many genin here."
Now that it will take a long conversation about Orochimaru being here and also Naruto knew he wants the Sharingan of Satsuki or any members. Soon...if Hiruzen will correct his mistakes for long time ago.
==Tower, Hallway, Day 4 - Next Day==
The blonde walked around the inside of the tower getting to know the layout, it will be tomorrow's next test, now several teams were training for upcoming next exam or taking their time, with he accept the offer for making some meals, until he discovered another team entering and had been admitted. It was a team from Kiri. He noticed one of the members had something wrapped in cloth on his back and had two handles.
"That must be some sword." He began. "I wonder..." He pondered before going over to meet them.
"Uh, can we help you?" The boy carrying the sword asked in worry.
"That sword on your back, is that one of legendary blades of the seven swordsmen?" Naruto inquired.
The boy was even more concerned. "Who wants to know?" He asked, as his teammates got ready in case Naruto was planning to try something.
"No reason, just thought I let you know I met one of the original seven swordsmen some time ago." Naruto answered.
"You what?" The boy asked in surprise.
"That's right. Zabuza Momochi; Demon of the Mist."
"You met Zabuza-senpai?" The boy gasped.
"Uh-huh." Naruto confirmed, he added. "And even he works for me."
"Zabuza-senpai was here?" The boy gasped, as his teammates were surprised.
"Yup, but don't worry, he won't joined the Konoha ranks, so he decide to return your village after the rebel over."
"Yes, it is over." The boy informed. "After all, someone came here to help us killed the Yondaime Mizukage."
"Really... Well good to know, and the name's Naruto lad, and you are?" He introduced that surprises the Kiri team. 'Seems I use 'that' to fooled them if they know its me.'
'You sure did use my appearance, didn't you, lad.' Shay said.
'Oh, come on, father. I had to use your voice and someone had a Byakugan there.'
'Hmm, good point.' Shay replied.
"The Konoha's Dark Templar!?" The boy exclaimed.
"Yup, but don't worry, we're still had 2 days left til the next stage comes."
"Right...Uh, by the way, the names Choujuro," He introduced. "And my teammates, Kaizo and Watashi."
His two teammates bowed their heads in respect.
"Nice to meet you all." Naruto greeted them.
"Same here, I guess." Choujuro admitted, "So did you fight Zabuza-senpai?"
"Yes, I did, but I partook in the battle against him with a partner of his." Naruto answered. "Also before they're double crossed by Gato. Also I saved and liberate Nami no Kuni."
"Wow. What was it like staring into the face of the demon of the mist?" Choujuro asked curiously. "And also you save Nami from Gato."
"Oh nothing's much. I did able to overwhelm his strength as an Assassin." Naruto stated.
"Ehh..." Choujuro said in awed. "I'd only been told stories about his reputation and from our village history books. He was one of Kiri's best."
"I figured that out the hard way." Naruto added. "Well, it was nice meeting you three."
"Yeah. I guess we'll be seeing you around." Choujuro said, as the three took off for a room.
Naruto watched them leave and looked at Choujuro, 'He seems like a nice guy.' He thought, before continuing on.
Naruto managed to find a cafeteria, where he got himself a bite before taking some cooking and telling the chef for the orders from the Sandaime, so he accepted, and begun to cook, it will be a special fried rice and miso soup; once he finished with his kage bunshin and take his food before the chef try it out, but its heavenly good.
Now Naruto took a sit on the table. He enjoyed his lunch, and noticed Kurotsuchi's team entered.
"About time we found this cafeteria, I'm starving." The girl said, as she and her team got something to eat.
"Yo!" Naruto called, as the three looked over at him, Which surprised them for seeing Naruto arrived.
"Naruto, you're here." Kurotsuchi exclaimed, as she took the tray of fried rice and with her teammate followed to sit next to him.
"Can't believe you pass as well." Naruto said.
"Yeah, but those Ame-nins weren't so tough." Kurotsuchi said. "And thanks the lembes by the say."
"She's right, those guys were weak when they had to do." Akatsuchi said.
Bakutsuchi scoffed. "Yeah, right. As we got the scroll and then we arrived that we saw another ship next to yours."
"Oh! You mean Jackdaw Reborn."
"Wait that ship was yours?" Akatsuchi asked about the ship was docked next to the Morrigan.
"Yup, since I had secondary ship to sail it, so I will have someone will commandeer her." Naruto said.
Kurotsuchi nod understand. "Oh...so...can't believe that..."
"I know...so let's get continue our conversation, while take our food to eat."
With the Iwa-nins nod agreed, with Akatsuchi took a bite and with his eyes widen, which made Kurotsuchi and Bakitsuchi looked at their teammate.
"What's wrong, Akatsuchi?" Kurotsuchi wondered.
Akatsuchi deep breath. "THIS FOOD IS DELICIOUS!" That surprises his teammates, until they saw he continue eating.
"Wait!" Bakutsuchi said, as he tried it as well, with his eyes widen in shocked for the taste. "No kidding..."
So with Kurotsuchi tried as made her eyes widen brightly, as she looked at food. "Who cook this?"
Naruto chuckled, causing Iwa team turn to him. "I did."
"Really! Just like the soup we tried." Kurotsuchi said.
"Yup, since it was under orders from Sandaime Hokage-sama for making my best dish." Naruto replied, explained.
"No way..." Iwa team unison disbelief.
"Yup, but let's continue our meal, okay." Which made them nod for Naruto's point.
Naruto continued to eat his lunch with Kurotsuchi's team, until another voice spoke up, "Well, look what we have here. If isn't Naruto."
Naruto looked over and saw Yugito and her team arrived.
"Hey, Yugito. Nice to meet you made it." Naruto congratulated them.
"Oh...so you must be the 'Dark Templar'." Karui said, for meeting the B-rank shinobi.
"Yup, but sense you two haven't introduce yourselves for me."
"Right..." Yugito haven't forgot her teammates, while holding the tray. "Naruto, this red hair is Karui, and other with a gray hair is Omoi."
"Tsk." Karui scoffed.
"Hi there." Omoi added.
"Howdy, mates." Naruto replied, until Omoi spoke up, "Well, this guy was just being nice."
"Don't tired to defend him, Omoi!" Karui chided him.
"Karui, cool it!" Yugito scolded her, and she shut up. She spoke to Naruto. "I apologize for Karui's rudeness."
"No harm done." Naruto answered. "After all, you better sit at next of us."
"With those...Iwa-nins? Why are they enjoying?" Karui confused, seeing Kurotsuchi's team enjoyed his food.
"Its my recipe." Naruto replied.
"Your recipe?!" Yugito exclaimed. "You mean you cook those?"
"Yup, like I said to Kurostuchi and her team, I was under orders of Sandaime Hokage for cooking a special meals for the guest."
"Oh, make sense." Omoi said, before asking. "So when did you get here?"
"Yesterday." Naruto answered, leaving Omoi and Karui in shock.
"WHAT?!" They cried.
"You made it here before us?" Karui asked in disbelief.
"Whoa." Omoi gasped.
"The dangers in that forest were tough, but I just had to be tougher, so I had my ship to sail there." He explained, before finishing his lunch with a 'gochisōsama'. "Well, I'm heading back to my room. I'll see you all real soon." As he looked at Kurotsuchi and her team while still eating. "Better go now, Kurotsuchi, Akatsuchi, Bakutsuchi."
As Kurotsuchi still eating and said. "Sure. See you soon, Naruto." With two of her teammates while eating and wave at Naruto.
With that, Naruto He left.
"I still can't believe he got here before we did." Karui grumbled.
"He must be better than he looks." Omoi suggested.
"We'll have to see it for ourselves." Yugito said, as the three begun to eat. Until...
'WHOA! THIS FOOD IS DAMN GOOD!"
With Naruto chuckled about his cooking, so he will continue on his way to his room.
==Tower, Waiting Room, Day 5==
When the exam was finally over, the teams were still in the waiting room, waiting for further instructions.
Naruto and Bakutsuchi were sitting at the table, playing Nine-Man Morries that Naruto had brought with, while Sakura, Naruko, Ino, Kurotsuchi, Satsuki and Akatsuchi were watching along with the Kiri team; Choujuro, Kaizo and Watashi."
Naruto explained the rules of how the play; with Naruto as white and Bakutsuchi as black. With the board is now all the pieces were in board, so move freely.
Before today; Naruto had made a Mapo Tofu for breakfast.
But many contestants were delight about his cooking which made Naruko, Chouji and Akatsuchi looked heaven about that wood. Minus Gaara for not interesting that food he made. Which the blond assassin explained that its for recovered strength, so which Chouji wants to know the secret about the taste. But he replied it was a 'secret'.
Now with breakfast is finished and now they're were prepared for anything.
Choji was stuffing his face as Shikamaru seemed to be sleeping on the bench on the other side of the table.
Kiba was sitting on a couch, feeding his dog.
Fu and Shino were standing off to the side, talking about something…probably bugs.
Takimaru and Shibuki were sitting at the table, talking with each other.
Karui and Omoi sharpened their swords, and Yugito glanced at Naruto and Bakutsuchi in arm wresting.
Neji was leaning to the wall with his arms crossed and eyes closed as Lee was punching and kicking the air, and Tenten was sitting on the couch, sharpening her weapons.
Hinata was sitting at the table and staring towards the arm wrestle match between Bakutsuchi and Naruto.
Gaara, Temari and Kankuro were standing by themselves in a corner of the room, while Kabuto and his team seemed to be doing the same on the other side of the room.
Then the door opened and Anko stepped out.
"Alright people, follow me!" She said before Naruto was about to took Bakutsuchi's black piece in the 9-man morries to the three and took the black piece, and everyone followed Anko up to one of the top floors, before he fixed everything.
==Tower, Assembly Room==
They entered into a large, rectangular room, an arena, and at the end of it wasMinato and Hiruzen besides him, standing with the exam proctors standing next to him and behind him from left-to-right were the Teams' respective senseis and extra shinobi on the stage behind the Hokage; Kakashi Hatake and Kushina Uzumaki-Namikaze, Mikoto Uchiha (due she wants to watch her daughter's and/or Naruto's fight), Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi, Maito Gai, Suien from Taki, Ao from Kiri, Baki from Suna, Kitsuchi from Iwa, Bee from Kumo and the Jinchuuruki of Hachibi, and Kabuto's sensei. Each of them there to represent their village and their genin team.
Now there are 30 contestants in this room got passed the second stage. The genin were lined up into ten rows, each row being made of of each particular team. Also Team 7 were in the center, due they're four members.
Minato and Hiruzen saw the ten teams all lined up with the ones that could be considered the team leaders at the front, and from left-to-right, they were Gaara, Kabuto, Neji, Kurotsuchi, Naruto, Fu, Kiba, Ino, Choujuro, Kaizo and Watashi.
Anko stepped forward to start the proceedings. "Congratulations to all of the teams who have made it passed the second stage of the exams."
'Heh...we started with 79 applicants that took this test...and its amazing that only 30 of them plus Naruto-otouto on the center had passed as 31. And the rest were 48 didn't make it.' Anko thought with a smirk as she and all the jounins, chuunins, and the kages; Minato and Hiruzen were standing in front of all the participants.
'I'm finished!' Choji thought.
'Still so many competitors…what a drag!' Shikamaru thought. As he looked around and saw the grisly faces of those remaining and knew it was going to be a tough fight no matter who he was paired with. He could only hope the other battles went by slow so he could have some time to gather his thoughts, being thrust into fighting was his idea of a drag.
"Can't believe this many are left...why do all the creepy strong ones have to make it?" He said mostly to himself.
"Man I am so hungry..." Choji mumbled behind him, holding his stomach in obvious pain.
"Is that all you can think about right now? You should be fearing for your life not thinking with your stomach!"
Choji just grumbled a response to Shikamaru who could only sigh and hold his forehead in disappointment, what had he deserved to be here?
With Ino can't wait if she can fight with Sakura that she will prove she is better. She eyed the dark red uniform girl a few rows over, with her hood resting on her shoulders.
With the jonin senseis, Gai smirked. "I see yours' and Kushina-sama's team didn't do too bad, Kakashi! They must have gotten real lucky." He then shrugged in mock defeat.
"Of course with my team around your team is doomed to failure, I don't care if Kushina-sama trained them enough. And after all what matters on the next stage will test personal ability. And we've got you far outclassed. Youth is sweet and sour, and sometimes cruel. Well I guess a part of growing up is to learn to deal with heartbreak. Eh, Kakashi?" Gai said smiled, chuckling.
Kakashi then blink turned his head to Gai, lazily.
"Huh? Did you say something?" Kakashi asked confusedly smooth. While Gai turned away disputing his anger. Clutching his head in irritation.
"OH MY GOD~!" Gai yelled internally and dramatic fashion and clenches his fist feeling insulted.
'Alright Kakashi, you win this round! Boy that drives me nuts when you act SO cool! There's no way I'm gonna let you get the best of me! That's WHY you are my eternal rival, Kakashi!' Gai thought determinedly.
Back with the genin, Tenten looked over her sensei and his rival. 'So, that's Kakashi, Gai-sensei's eternal rival? He's definitely got Gai-sensei beat in looks. Although…'
Lee flexed a hand confidently as he watched his sensei and Kakashi interact. 'Gai-sensei is the coolest man on the planet! He's the best sensei in the world! He shines above the rest.' He then brought his fists close and his eyes filled with fire.
"Right! Gai-sensei, I too shall shine!" Lee declared, as he thought. 'I…I won't fail someone important to me again. No comrade will see me fall. So…I will never lose again, Gai-sensei!'
Lee glanced over to Sakura and noticed she looked well, even after the Oto ninja ordeal. He was unable to show his true strength during that battle and prove his feelings, but he promised to do better during the arena. Sakura would have to watch him and when she did, she would see him for who he was.
Rock Lee, perfect boyfriend number one!
Neji then glanced around the room examining the other ninja. 'So, the people that stood out made it.' He then looked at Team Seven and thought. 'Seems that I can't wait get to fight Naruto or one of his team. Let's hope what is next stage will be.'
'Amazing…there were 30 three-man teams at the start or four on the center makes it 31, and only ten teams finished, huh?' Temari thought as she glanced around the large open room.
Back with the jonin, Baki; a tall man with two, distinctive red markings on the right side of his face, the only part of his head that was visible, the rest being covered by a turban with a small sheet hanging on the left side of his face as well as the standard Sand jonin uniform, thought, 'So…you're uninjured, just like I thought, Gaara.'
Kurenai looked around and saw her team, but noticed Akamaru. She narrowed her eyes in suspicion at his bizarre quivering. 'Akamaru's acting strange…'
Akamaru sat tucked into Kiba's jacket, lightly whimpering and shivering. Kiba reached up and rubbed his head softly before glancing back at the Sand team. 'That Sand guy. Just being near him is terrifying Akamaru.' He snarled in frustration.
"Man, I can't believe that so many teams made it, this is gonna be a pain." Takimaru whispered.
"Hey, don't worry about it. We've got Fu-san, remember? I doubt any of the other teams has a Jinchuriki." Shibuki whispered.
'Gaara, Jinchuriki of the Ichibi…And Naruto, Jinchuriki of the Kyubi, or former Jinchuriki, along with his sister Naruko. I can't wait till I see what kind of abilities you've got.' Fu thought as she looked at the two Jinchuriki respectively.
'So that's the Yondaime Hokage, and also besides him was the Former Sandaime? Well, I suppose he's younger than jiji, but still…' Kurotsuchi thought.
'Kurotsuchi, it's time to show them that Iwa is at the top of the shinobi world.' Kitsuchi thought.
With the Kumo team; with Yugito glance at Naruto along with Naruko that standing from of Sakura. 'Say, Nibi. Can you sensed those two? I heard they had two bijus; one is chakra, and other is soul.'
'I'll try.' Her biju respond, with several minute later and explained. 'Seems Kyubi had within this red head girl.'
'You sure?'
'I'm positive, but I sensing someone else.'
'Who?'
'I don't know...its find out.' Nibi replied, which given her a mental nod at Yugito's biju. Before the Blond Kumo kunoichi turn attention to the blond with black assassin uniform.
"Alright, maggots! Listen up! Though all of you are still far from finished. I suggest that you pay attention to what Hokage-sama is about to say because he will be explaining the beginning of the next test!" Anko announced.
Everyone in the room stood at attention as the Hokage began to walk forward. "Before I start the explanation for the third test there is something that I would like to explain to all of you."
The genin were paying close attention to the Hokage's words, partially confused as to what he meant. "Many people believe that these chunin exams are meant to promote friendship between the shinobi nations. Others think that it is meant to showcase our strongest genin. These answers couldn't be farther from the truth."
Many of the genin's eyes widened at the young Hokage's words.
"Many of you don't quite understand what I mean yet, that is understandable. A village's strength is reflected by the strength of its shinobi. These chunin exams are meant to show the other villages and the daimyos how strong the village truly is, to show that your village is stronger than the others. These chunin exams are essentially a replacement for war."
Minato watched as several of the shinobi in front of him began to understand what he meant. He was about to introduce the next part of the exams, but a jonin who was once a part of his personal guard appeared before him. The man wore the standard attire for a jonin, but wore his hitai-ate backwards and in a bandanna-like fashion. His most noticeable trait was the senbon sticking out of his mouth.
"Hokage-sama, as I am the proctor for this stage of the exams would you mind if I explained this part to the genin?"
Minato nodded and stepped back to stand along side the jonin-senseis. The jonin stood up and turned around to face the examinees.
"Welcome to the first part of the third stage of the chunin exams. My name is Shiranui Genma and I will be the proctor for this stage." The now named Genma spoke. "Usually we would move straight onto the third stage, but it seems that either this batch of genin is quite skilled or the first and second stages of the exam were too easy. As of now there are too many chunin candidates and having all of you in the third stage would take far too long. Therefore we will be holding preliminary matches right now."
This seemed to get reactions out of several genin in the crowd.
"Wait! Why do we have to have preliminaries? Why can't we all just participate in the third exam!" Ino yelled at the proctor.
"Yeah! For what?" Kiba asked annoyed.
"The exams this year were too easy, and I can tell that some of you only survived because of the rest of your team. There will be many Daimyos and important clients coming to watch the final stage and if everyone was in it then it would just take far too long. These people only want to see the best and these preliminaries will make sure that only the best make it." Genma responded to the genin.
The proctor was greeted with silence, signaling that there would be no other questions so he continued his speech.
"I will explain the rules before we begin any of the matches. I am the proctor and referee therefore you will listen to everything I say. If I command for the match to stop, then you will do so. Failure to follow my orders will result in your immediate disqualification from these exams."
"These fights will be done one on one, so any of you who have been relying on your team get it through your head that they will not come to your rescue. The winner of each fight will progress to the final round. Your opponents will be chosen at random. The match will end when one of you dies, cannot continue, or gives up. If I see that someone is unable to continue I will call the match. Also there is an odd number of you, so the board that makes the selections will either choose that one of you fights twice or that there is a three-way match. Any questions?"
The proctor was met with silence once again, so he took that as everyone understanding the rules and procedures. "If any of you want to withdraw from these exams, this will be your best chance."
Genma saw that none of the genin planned planned to quit decided to begin the preliminaries.
Kabuto winced and then raised his hand.
"Yes?"
Kabuto smiled weakly. "On that note, I'll need to withdraw. I got beat up pretty bad in the forest, there's no way I'd make it through a match, so I'll just save myself the embarrassment."
Genma nodded in return. "Understood. In that case you may head up to the upper level and wait."
Kabuto nodded and turned around, adjusting his glasses as he left. 'While it's true I got into a few fights, I just can't risk the old me coming out...since Dosu's team didn't make it. I was wondering where they are? Probla'
'It won't be that easy you little snake.' Naruto looked over his shoulder at Kabuto's retreating back, then rolled his eyes to Anko, then Ibiki and Hiruzen with a small nod, which made any of them without knowing, includes Minato notice his eyes.
"Would anyone else like to withdraw?"
After seeing no responses Genma nodded and continued his explanation.
"Um, now let's begin the preliminary. This preliminary consists of one on one fighting. You will basically be fighting as if your life is on the line in a real life confrontation." Genma stated. "Since we now have 30 contenders, one lucky person will receive a free pass to the next round with the winners of the other twelve matches."
Genma continued. "There are basically no rules. The fight continues until one of you is knocked out or admits your defeat. Umm, if you don't want to die, admit your defeat quickly. But when I decide a winner has clearly been established, umm, since we're trying to decrease the amount of corpses, I'll jump right in and stop things. And the object that controls your destiny is..."
"Open it." Anko said into her microphone headset. A panel in the wall moved up to reveal an electronic scoreboard.
"If you would all look up at the screen on the wall we will see who will be in the first match and asked to remain here on the stage while the rest will move up to the catwalk." Genma said.
Everyone's heads looked up at the electronic screen as it began randomly running through stared on blankly. He did not care whether he went first or last, he just hoped that he would get someone who wouldn't completely waste his time. If he fought a Konoha genin then he would let them live, if he fought a foreign genin then he would kill them. The screen would decide whether a genin would live or survive. Finally the screen stopped on two names.
["Uchiha Satsuki vs. Yoroi Akado"]
Many of the genin were relieved that they wouldn't be fighting first while others could only sigh in disappointment at not getting their match over with quickly. Many of the rookie 13 sighed in relief at the fact that they wouldn't have to fight Satsuki, she was one of the two top kunoichi in their graduating class after all were herself and Sakura.
"Will Satsuki Uchiha and Yoroi Akado please step forward. Everyone but the contestants must move to the balconies on either side of the arena to watch." Genma stated.
As they began to leave, Kakashi stopped by his team. "Satsuki-"
Satsuki shook her head. "It's fine. Its because I don't have a curse mark."
Kakahi's eye widened. "How?"
Satsuki looked at Naruto as he joined the other genin. "Nii-san had overwhelm the 'snake', but he always do overboard."
Kakashi sighed in amusement. "I'll never cease to be amazed by that boy. Alright then, give'im hell."
With a smirked from Satsuki, as she put on her hood on and prepared to fight. Before she looked over her shoulder at Naruto's eyes that gave her a signed that she needs to end him, due he was working for Orochimaru. While the briefing...
==Flashback Started, Yesterday==
"Satsuki...did you notice about Kabuto's team before we entered the first stage?" Naruto asked. Since he called his assassin brothers and sisters in the ship of Morrigan, before he unsealed Jackdaw Reborn.
Satsuki nod her head about Kabuto's team. "Why did you suspected about them?"
"These three aren't really Konoha genin...they're working as spies for Orochimaru." Naruto answered, which made Satsuki's eyes widen in shocked. "Satsuki...when the next stage comes...you know what to do, if you fight one of the Orochimaru's pawns."
"Why, nii-san?"
"Its because it will be your first assassin mission. If one of Orochimaru's spies will make any of them, move, and then I will deal with Kabuto myself and start by annihilate one of them." Naruto declared. "I will prepared promote Sakura as Rank 3 until she did or not passed the third stage." With Satsuki was way ahead of Sakura, if she will promote. "Did you accept this mission?"
Which Satsuki was ready for if she will be came a full-fledged assassin about started with Rank 1. With hesitation, so since she knew Orochimaru was a S-rank missin-nin of Konoha. So she needs reputation.
"Yes, mentor...I accept..."
==Flashback Ended==
Now with that, she needs to accomplished her mission for her own as an Assassin, if she is ready.
==Satsuki Uchiha Vs. Yoroi Akado==
Satsuki stared at her opponent, determination burning in her eyes. She knew he was from Otogakure and was therefore working for Orochimaru. She would give no mercy to this boy, she would make sure to take care of him. She had gotten the rest she needed over the past few days and was ready to fight.
Already Satsuki had figured out that she had the edge in this fight, taijutsu was not this man's forte and yet he was a close-range specialist. From what she could see with her sharingan, this Yoroi's only notable characteristic was that he could absorb chakra through physical contact. He was obviously physically stronger than her though, so if he managed to grab her it would all be over.
"Begin!" The proctor yelled before jumping back.
Yoroi made his first attack by charged at her once more with his extended hand, glowing the same color as chakra. Satsuki effortlessly dodged each and every single thrust of his arm, but he just wouldn't let up. The man was a one-trick pony nothing more. If she managed to overcome that chakra absorption ability that he relied so heavily on then she would win the match in a matter of minutes. His speed was starting to overwhelm her and he became closer to grasping her head with each thrust. She narrowly dodged his final thrust, but he managed to graze a lock of her hair. She felt some of her chakra leave her and begun to slow down even more.
'That's all it takes? He just has to touch the smallest amount of my body and that lets him absorb my chakra?...that is so unfair. I can't let him absorb anymore...It seems like he can only use his jutsu through one of his hands at a time though. I just have to get around that right hand of his.'
She could already feel that he had absorbed a small portion of her chakra after only a small amount of physical contact. She couldn't risk losing any more. Taijutsu was out of the option, or is she did choose to use it she would have to avoid his hands where he focused the technique. The young Uchiha decided she would keep her distance for now and see how ninjutsu would work.
'I can't afford a prolonged fight, I need to get back and help Naruto-nii. If these guys are weaker than Kabuto like Naruto-nii said, then he'll need my help to finish that guy off.'
Satsuki jumped back and started forming hand seals. "Katon: Goukyaku no Kutsu! (Fire Release: Grand Fireball Technique)"
Satsuki exhaled a fairly large fireball that rushed Yoroi at high speeds. If it hit him it would definitely slow him down throughout the rest of the match. However, Yoroi was several years older than Satsuki and was much faster than she had expected.
He easily dodged the jutsu and rushed at her once more. Yoroi quickly went through his hand seals and grabbed his right wrist, his right hand started to glow a light blue color and reached for Satsuki's head. She couldn't get away fast enough and forced to go on the defensive. She couldn't afford to let him touch a single hair on her head with that hand, even the smallest bit of physical contact would cost her a fair amount of chakra.
This went on for a few minutes before Satsuki had enough. She blocked his arm, making sure not to touch the glowing hand, and countered with a palm strike to his solar plexus. This sent Yoroi staggering back a few feet. There wasn't much power behind the strike but she managed to catch him off guard. Satsuki saw an opening and used it to start her counter attack.
She rushed the elder genin and swept his feet out from under him with a sweep kick. Then drove her fist into his stomach, sending him straight into the ground causing it to crack. The female Uchiha wasn't done yet, she reached into her weapons pouch and pulled out another handful of shuriken. She sent them towand the downed man and made a singular hand seal.
"Shuriken Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"
Four shuriken multiplied into fifteen and were aimed to pierce Yoroi through multiple points on his body.
The traitorous genin managed to recover, but he couldn't avoid all of those shuriken. Two pierced his left leg and one his right arm.
'Tch! She's tougher than I thought. With these injuries I won't be able to finish this as quickly. I just need to get a good grip on her and then this will be all over. One chance is all I need.' Were Yoroi's thoughts.
Satsuki landed on the ground and as soon as she did, rushed the older genin once again to finish her onslaught. Satsuki's right hand rushed at Yoroi, but he was able to block this time. This didn't slow her down though. She brought her left knee toward his right side but he managed to catch it and activate his chakra absorption without forming any hand seals.
'Dammit! I rushed him without thinking and did exactly what I knew what I wasn't supposed to do!...Ugh I can feel my chakra leaving me...I need to get out of his hold.' Satsuki quickly began to feel the chakra being drained from her. She didn't have much remaining as it was, the two jutsus took quite a bit out of her after tree hopping for over an hour. Then she noticed the shuriken protruding from the man's left leg. It was her only option to get away quick. Satsuki brought her right leg up and stomped down on the shuriken, pushing them in even deeper until they were completely imbedded in his leg.
Yoroi felt the sharp pain in his leg and immediately lost his grip on the girl's fist. The man yelped in agony as he tried to remove the shuriken from under his skin. Satsuki slowly regained her bearings and adjusted to the dizziness she felt from losing such a large amount of chakra so quickly. The sharingan user looked up to see her enemy staggering back and screaming in pain as he tried to remove the imbedded shuriken.
This would be her best opportunity and she wouldn't waste it. She disappeared in a burst of speed and reappeared just below Yoroi. She sent a hard kick right under his chin which sent him flying into the air.
"Soru (Shave)..." She whispered.
Satsuki disappeared once again and this time reappeared under him as she used the 'Soru' to prepare for her own unique combination.
==Tower, Observation Platform==
'Nani…?' Guy thought with eyes widen, before seeing Satsuki using their greatest taijutsu along with Minato and the rest of the Jonins minus Hiruzen and includes Mikoto. Also the genins seeing Satsuki can do.
"Hey! That's..."
"No, Lee-san, Gai-sensei." Sakura cut his sentence, getting attention to the rosette assassin, staring at Satsuki's attack. "That was one of the special taijutsu that similar then Kage Buyou and shunshin."
"Then what was it?" Naruko asked.
Which Sakura turn to Naruto with her eyes stared at him with a nod for reveal their most important secret arts. As Naruto spoke in the joined the explanation.
"The technique you saw, was Soru." He proclaimed the one of the Rokushiki.
"Soru?" Mikoto asked.
"Yeah, its one of the variants of the special taijutsu called Rokushiki or Six-Powers." Naruto explained. "Soru allows the users to move at extremely high speeds in order to avoid attacks, as well as to attack at higher speeds and with greater power. And also Geppou was one of them" Which made Minato shocked about Soru its way better then Hiraishin and/or Shunshin, along with the jonins were admitted about the special taijutsu. With the rest of the genins were remarked about that unheard taijutsu.
Naruto continue. "Also...I used my own taijutsu that compared with Goken (Iron Fist). And besides, you better continue watch her match, she was about to finish." As he finished, while witnessed Satsuki's match.
With that, everyone turn attention to the fight. With Temari keep remember about Naruto's face.
==Forest of Death, tower, Arena Floor==
"I'll admit this part isn't exactly original, but from here on out it's my own personal jutsu."
Satsuki sent a kick to the side, but it was easily blocked by Yoroi's forearm. He smirked victoriously thinking that he had prevented her from continuing, but what he didn't know was that was only a feint. Satsuki quickly maneuvered to Yoroi's right side and brought the back of her forearm down onto his face, sending him downwards. She followed up with a lariat to his chest and finally a heel drop to his abdomen just before they reached the ground.
"Shishi Rendan! (Lion's Barrage)"
The combination attack sent Yoroi straight into the ground, creating a small crater and causing him to cough up blood. Satsuki got from the momentum of the attack. As she shout. "Geppou! (Moon Walk)"
*POU!*
That surprises the Jonins and genins minus team 3, 9 and 10 about their skills seeing Satsuki skipped in the air. With Kurotsuchi and Kitsuchi was shocked seeing Satsuki can fly just like their grandfather/father. Fu was also surprised seeing someone can fly in the midair along with her teammates. Also Kumo, Kiri and Suna did thought in the similar way, as well.
She was almost exhausted, but fine other than that. She was glad that Naruto had made it a point to teach her the Rokushiki fighting style when he thought that it would suit her perfectly. Her taijutsu was only average before, but after the intense taijutsu training her sensei made her do, it was now one of her strongest areas. She looked over to her opponent and noticed that Yoroi was out of commission. That last attack rendered him unconscious, but even so Satsuki had a one last job to do.
These genin were traitors of Konoha, now she didn't really care about that but if she were to let this man go then he would try to come after their team again. They would try to come after her Nii-san because of the information he knows. She wouldn't let that happen, she would never let anyone hurt her Naruto-nii ever!
Satsuki drawn her chokutou on her backside and looked at the man below her. There was nothing in her eyes. No hesitation, no empathy, and not even a hint of mercy. Everyone on the team had killed before.
Naruto had killed dozens on their first mission to Nami no Kuni, because of that incident they were sent on a bandit camp extermination mission to get the rest of the teams first kills out of the way. Usually genin teams wouldn't be sent on one of those or have to kill their first person until a few months into their careers as shinobi.
They didn't have that kind of time. They didn't have that luxury, but they knew the rest of the rookie 13 did. As Satsuki back-flipped, thrust her hips and yelled again. "Geppou!"
She thrust her legs in the air with a swift dive, then she thrust her sword on Yoroi's stomach. The crowd could hear Yoroi's screams. As she cocked her fist, with a...
*Shink!*
She thrust her wrist and extract her hidden blade stab his neck that made Yoroi was chocked for he had his end with. Most of the genin in the room cringed at the sight of dead Yoroi and lost their lunches at the smell of burning flesh. Naruto and Sakura was completely fine, having gotten used to the sight of a dead body.
Satsuki didn't enjoy killing the way that Naruto did, but she didn't hate it either. There was some kind of sense of satisfaction after taking someone's life, but she couldn't place a finger on what it was. Did it prove that you were the stronger of the two? Did it prove that all of your training was worth it? She didn't know and didn't care, she just knew that her Nii-san would be disappointed in her if she refused to kill. She wouldn't let that happen.
She withdrew the hidden and cleaned the blood off of it, then slide the black in, as she breathed a sigh of relief that it was all over. The young Uchiha looked at Naruto with a nod, then seeing a replied by Naruto. She did finished her mission.
Genma moved to the middle of the floor before announcing the winner. "Winner by death, Satsuki Uchiha."
The medics had removed the body of Yoroi. It was a first time when Satsuki kill a 'fellow Konoha-nin'. It was informed by Anko to do so, when Yoroi was one of Orochimaru's spies. So, it wasn't murdered...it was assassinate.
Satsuki smirked victoriously and walked up the stairs to where her team was standing, before took off her hood. All of them congratulated her and Naruto even rubbed her hair affectionately before looking at the screen to see who the next match would be. As when Mikoto congrats her daughter about her victories.
==Rest of the Rookie 10==
All of the rookie genin, other than Team 7 (minus Naruko and Kushina), from Satsuki's academy class couldn't believe how ruthless she was. None of them had ever come close to taking a life before, and yet she alomst did so without a hint of emotion on her face. Plus the rest like Kiri, Taki, Suna and Kumo about the young Uchiha's first kill.
"Asuma-sensei...how could she do something like that...she almost killed that genin, just like Naruto did kill the Oto-nin that they encountered...I mean isn't killing wrong? Wasn't she worried about what would happen to him?" Ino asked appalled at what Satsuki did, right before Naruto killed Zaku.
Asuma only sighed. He really wished he had gotten the idea of a shinobi's life into his gennin's heads a little earlier. In fact it was foolish of him to let them participate in the chunin exams without doing so.
"Ino...there will come a time in your life where you will have to take someone's life as well. It is our duty as shinobi. Did you always just expect to defeat or kill your opponents and then walk away? Sorry to burst your bubble but the world doesn't work like that...from what I can tell I think that all of your classmates from Team 7 have already had their first kill...and you will too after these exams are over."
The three genin of Team 10 were shocked at what their sensei had told them like Naruto killed Zaku days ago in the Forest of Death. Shikamaru knew that they would have to do things like this, but hearing their sensei tell them was a whole other story. Choji dropped the bag of chips he was eating, shocked. Ino was disgusted at the thought of having to take a life and didn't hesitate to voice their opinion.
Team 8 wasn't doing much better.
"U-um Kurenai-sensei...why did S-Satsuki-san try to kill that our fellow genin?" Hinata asked worriedly.
The rest of the team also looked at Kurenai, they were all curious as to what the answer was.
Kurenai didn't know how to respond. She had mothered her genin far too much and had not even introduced them to what the life of a shinobi is really like. She could tell that Naruto's team (minus Naruko) was the only team who had taken a life before. She saw the look in their eyes and knew they wouldn't bat an eye at killing any of the foreign shinobi here. She just hoped they wouldn't feel the same way about Konoha shinobi.
All of the eyes of the genin drifted away from their senseis as the heard the distinct sound of two more shinobi being chosen for the next match. They looked up at the electronic board and saw the two names.
["Fu vs. Shino Aburame."]
"Well, what'd you know? Seems like I'll have to fight the Aburame again." Fu said herself for being next round.
'Seems like it's Fu's turn. I wonder what kind of abilities she has.' Naruto thought as Fu shunshined in what appeared to be a swirl of bugs. 'Wait a minute! According to...oh...I see...'
==Fu Vs. Shino Aburame==
Naruto watched this match from his spot on the observation deck with a interesting look on his face. Naruto was rather uninterested in this match as it was made obvious who would win from the start.
Naruto had never found the Aburame clan techniques very effective or interesting. Their style of ninjutsu focused on letting a certain species of bug live inside their body and use insects as their ninjutsu. These bugs were good at sucking chakra out of their targets, but were pretty much useless when they couldn't get close enough, which was the case during this match.
Fu, however. Naruto was learned by the Sage and his brother-figure Ryu about she is the Jinchuuriki of Nanabi no Kabutomushi. with the bijuu's capable to fly in the air like Run-walk and Geppou.
"Uhhh…all right, everyone. It's time…for the second match of the prelims to begin!" Genma said as Fu and Shino had come down from the upper gallery.
"I hope Shino-kun's up to this…" Hinata said.
"Don't worry, last time she was just lucky that he couldn't use his bugs, this time's different. And besides, out of all the people here, Shino's the only one I wouldn't want to go up against." Kiba said.
"Okay…you may begin." Genma said.
'A member of the Aburame clan, huh? Wonder how long he'll fare against Fu.' Suien thought.
"You 'do' realize how futile it is for someone like yourself to go up against me, right?" Fu said to Shino about his capabilities.
"Yes, but I'll still fight you. Why? Because I'm curious about your abilities." Shino said looked curiously.
"Well, in that case, I won't be holding back." Fu said before a sword of water suddenly appeared in her hand as she said. "Takigakure-Ryu: Mizukiri no Yaiba! (Draining Blade)" She then charged at Shino before swinging the sword as she reached him, but he just turned into a swarm of bugs. 'A Mushi Bunshin?'
==Forest of Death, tower, later==
Fu was currently surrounded by Shino's bugs, it seemed that she wasn't able to turn them against him after all. In fact, what Shino didn't know was that – even for the Nanabi Jinchuriki – it was extremely difficult to take control over insects that already had a master, and Fu wasn't quite at that level yet.
"You're completely surrounded. It would be wise to withdraw from the match." Shino said, but he was surprised – though he didn't show it – when Fu smiled before dispersing into a swarm of insects.
"Heh. I've heard that those of the Aburame clan always fight with their all, and never holds back. If that's true then this battle's already over." Everyone looked up to see that Fu was in a crouched position on the ceiling, And two bug-like wings appeared to have grown out of her back and her eyes were now a crimson red.
Fu kicked off of the ceiling and shot towards Shino at an unbelievable speed, and before anyone knew it, the Aburame was lying unconscious on the floor as Fu was standing over him as her wings retracted and her eyes changed back to orange.
"Way to go, Fu-san!" Shibuki yelled.
"Man, it always scares me how fast she can move in that form." Takimaru said.
'The reason she can be so fast shouldn't be too surprising. When using her wings she can gain a considerable amount of speed, similar to the speed of Konoha's foremost Taijutsu expert.' Suien thought.
"The winner is Fu!" Genma announced.
"Shino-kun…" Hinata said as the Aburame was carried out by the medical corps.
'Whoa, she's already that far with controlling her Biju's chakra?' Naruto thought.
The names cycled through again before two names were chosen.
["Chojuro vs. Sabaku no Kankuro"]
'My turn…at last!' Kankuro thought before he walked down.
'Kankuro…isn't taking this seriously at all.' Baki thought.
'Fool!' Gaara thought.
"Will Chojuro of Kiri and Sabaku no Kankuro please make your way down to the area floor." Genma said as they're on the arena after the medics taking Shino.
==Chojuro vs. Sabaku no Kankuro==
Now they are on the arena, with Genma called. "Begin!"
Naruto did not have much knowledge on either of the two genin fighting so it would be hard for him to guess who would come out on top. However those thoughts were quickly banished from his mind as both of the shinobi took off what was wrapped in bandages off of their back and flared their chakra to unravel them. Kankuro turned out to be a puppeteer with an odd looking puppet. Chojuro had turned out to be one of the seven swordsmen of the mist.
"What is that?" Satsuki gasped.
"That is the Hiramekarei; one of the legendary swords of Kiri's Seven Swordsmen." Kakashi explained.
"That's another of the legendary blades?" Sakura inquired.
"Yes. And from my knowledge of that blade it can take the form of other striking weapons when encased in chakra."
"Wicked." Naruko said in amaze.
Tenten watched in pure nostalgia, 'Such a beautiful weapon.' she thought with delight.
Yup, the sword he wielded was Hiramekarei, its special ability was to form the chakra that surrounded it into the shape of weapons. The boy learned to be one of the more famous of the seven swordsman, so of course Chojuro would be a skilled swordsman and know how to handle his blade masterfully.
The fight didn't last very long. Both of the genin were skilled but Kankuro was not far enough along in puppetry to combat someone who excelled in short range combat like a swordsman. Kankuro started off by sending Karasu off to fight Chojuro in bladed combat with the hidden knives on its wrist. This was a mistake on Kankuro's part as Chojuro was an exceptional swordsman. Chojuro quickly fought off the puppet and then blocked the poisonous senbon that it fired from its mouth with his sword. Chojuro then proceeded to smash the puppet into pieces after Hiramekarei took the form of a hammed, after which Kankuro was sent into the wall along with the puppet remains and forced to surrender.
It was an interesting match and that Chojuro boy was quite strong. Naruto would have enjoyed fighting him but it was too late for that. It was rare to see someone so young wield one of the seven swords of the mist, he would certainly be a tough opponent for most of the genin here.
"Winner, Chojuro of Kiri." Genma stated after checking on Kankuro.
Once again the screen started going through names before landing on two that made Naruto chuckle a bit.
["Sabaku no Temari vs. Kiba Inuzuka"]
"Alright Akamaru, it looks like we're up!" Kiba shouted, as he forewent the stairs and just jumped off the railing.
Temari shook her head and glided down off the opposite balcony into the center of the arena.
==Sabaku no Temari Vs. Kiba Inuzuka==
Genma looked at both, reminding them that the fight ended if he stepped in. At both of their nods, he raised and dropped his hand quickly. "Begin!"
Kiba immediately launched forward at the girl, swiping at her, but she easily managed to block it just by tilting her fan in the way. Kiba snarled and jumped back along Akamaru.
"Giju Ninpo: Shikyaku no Jutsu! (Ninja Art of Beast Mimicry: All-Fours Jutsu)" His nails and teeth lengthened, and his overall appearance became more animalistic.
Temari merely pulled out the gigantic fan of hers and opened it. "I'll beat you without even moving from this spot," She bragged.
Kiba snarled before charging at her again. "Don't get your hopes up!"
Kiba blocked again by Temari's fan. When Akamaru likewise tried together, she swiftly turned and kicked the dog away. Kiba turned, wide eyes as Akamaru bounced and skidded across the floor. He turned back to Temari.
"You bitch!" He ran over to Akamaru to make sure he was all right, but that turned out a big mistake.
Temari quickly unfurled her fan fully. Just as Kiba bent over Akamaru, she swung it hard, creating a huge gust of wind that picked both of them and slammed them against the wall. With a pitiful whine, they both fell to the floor unconscious.
Genma walked to Temari. "Winner is Temari!"
As Temari walked up the steps to return to her team, Medic-nins hurried into the arena to check both Kiba and Akamaru and to escort them out of the chamber.
==Forest of death, tower, time-skip==
The Next match will be Shikamaru and Kaizo from Kiri. He did able to use his kagemane no jutsu to bind and mimic, but as Shikamaru declare a winner for they bent backwards to dodge the kunai, But Kaizo headfirst into a stone wall. Which Shikamaru comment. "Important Ninja rule: Always be aware of your surroundings."
Omoi did beat Akatsuchi with skills in kenjutsu, so he forfeit, As Neji beat Karui by closed all her tenketsu points. Yugito defeat Watashi from Kiri with her skills for being a Jinchuuriki of the Nibi no Bakeneko, Matatabi. (AN: Sorry lads, I will skip the fight due its hard to come up some scene.)
Now the next contestants, which Kurotsuchi, Akatsuchi, Bakutsuchi, TenTen, Naruko, Hinata, Lee, Shibuki, Sakura, Ino, Chouji, Takimaru, Misumi, Naruto and Gaara.
Then the next contestants will be...
["Sakura Haruno Vs. Ino Yamanaka"]
"Will Sakura Haruno of the Leaf and Ino Yamanaka of the Leaf please come down here." Genma called, which made Naruko will hope if Ino will beat her so she can get to her brother soon. With Kurotsuchi, Fu, and Yugito about if Sakura did learned by Naruto for sure.
Now this will be interesting...
"Sakura-chan, if you need to, go ahead and use 'that'." Naruto says and Sakura nods her head and leaped off as his grip faltered, allowing her to fall to the arena with grace, as does Ino. She walked forward and came to a stop a few feet from Ino. One held herself with confidence and determination while the other seemed lost in her own world and sure of victory.
"Well never thought this would happen Forehead." Ino said. "And this time I will beat you if I will be Naruto-kun for sure. Since he did trained you for sure." Which made Naruko growl if Ino is also want her brother.
"Me neither Piggy. Let's do our best. But i won't let you get your hands on him." Sakura says and Ino agrees. With the pink-haired assassin popped her knuckles that causes Ino cringed.
Sakura slowly put her hood up to cover her face, flexed her gloves and readied herself in a eagle stance that Naruto taught her, which made Gai and Lee was interesting about Sakura's eagle stance, now she flap her arms like a eagle, and made a stance, with blade arm up front.
==Tower, Observation Platform==
"What is that taijutsu, Gai-sensei?" Lee asked about Sakura's stance.
"I don't know, Lee. But I've never seen it before?" Gai replied.
"That is the eagle stance." Naruto answered with his arms crossed, that getting the taijutsu duo attention to the blond assassin.
"The eagle stance?"
"Yup, its a stance with speed and strike the opponents, since with the combination of Rokushiki. It will be the unique taijutsu that never underestimate its sight." Naruto explained.
"YOSH! I will do my best if I will become stronger!" Lee exclaimed. "Naruto-san! I will fight you if one of us will be a perfect boyfriend!" With a ping on his teeth.
With Naruto watching his girlfriend's match, which he turn to Lee. "Hmm? Did you say something?"
Which cause Lee slack-jawed about he respond as he point his finger at him with irritate. "DAMN YOU AND YOUR HIP AND COOL ATTITUDE!"
==Tower, Arena==
Back on the arena; Genma glanced between them before quickly starting the match. The rivalry between the two girls was fierce (along with Naruko and Satsuki (well, being a former is now Naruto's sibling) and could be felt all the way from the stands. With Minato and Kushina will watch Sakura's match, being Kizashi and Mebuki's daughter.
Sakura made a half sign.
"Wait." Genma warned, "I haven't started the match."
Sakura just glanced at Genma, getting him to shut up. "Kai!" He clothes fluttered for a moment as her restriction seals deactivated. Which made Minato and Kushina notice she got seals on her clothes and also Naruko was curious about those seals.
Genma sighed, then coughed into his hand and raised his hand to start the match. "Begin!"
Sakura quickly ran forward as Ino was still fishing for a kunai. The blonde was barely able to duck under the attack and pulled out a kunai to hastily parry Sakura's inspired assault. It was clear Sakura's speed had improved since the academy as her slices started to get through, cutting Ino's clothing and hair.
Sakura leaped back and reached into her waist pouch, grabbing and throwing numerous shuriken and kunai at her opponent. Ino rolled out of the way but was kept on the defensive as Sakura relentlessly threw kunai and shuriken at her everywhere she retreated to.
Sakura ran forward to charge Ino, going through hand signs. The blonde pulled out kunai of her own.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Sakura shouts and two clones puff into existence and all three charge at Ino and put her on the defense.
==Tower, Observation Platform==
"Kakashi, what are you teaching your team?" The over enthusiastic Might Guy asked. That cause Naruko growl for someone learned Kage bunshin. Minato and Kushina was shocked seeing Sakura can preformed kage bunshin.
"I really didn't teach Sakura anything other than one jutsu or Kushina." Kakashi said. "She learned that and other things from Naruto here."
"What?" Gai screams and asked. "You mean she learned how to do the Kage bunshin from Naruto?"
"That's right." Naruto said with mature. "Since she learned it at age 8 as did I, when I was still 7. She is also not using her full speed." That shocks everyone listening, includes the Namikaze family about Sakura's capabilities.
"I guess that she wanted to enjoy this fight with her friend. Since it's now over...soon."
==Tower, At the Arena==
Which Ino was confused about Sakura's tactics, which she can't tell which one is it. With the clones of Sakura were distracted, as the blond kunoichi tossing several kunais and shurikens at them just as they ran toward her sides, the kunai going through them effortlessly and revealing the middle one as the real Sakura.
With a punch to the gut, Ino was launched back and forced into taijutsu with Sakura. She was quickly overwhelmed and unable to stop her spirited attacks. She wasn't using academy taijutsu they learned together, it was a completely unique style taught to her by Naruto!
A kick to her side sent Ino flying away from her opponent. She knew that she could not win in a test of ability so she would try and win on a technicality.
Sakura brought her hidden blade to a bandolier that was tied tightly to her left thigh, opposite of her kunai pouch. She sunk the blade deep into one particular vial and made the tip drip with a concoction gifted to her by Naruto. It would help her end the battle quickly against Ino as she did not want the battle to drag on.
Ino slowed herself and went through the correct hand signs as Sakura retracted her blade and went through the same hand signs for clones. She would have to hurry or else she might launch herself at the wrong one! Desperately, Ino watched Sakura create a few clones as they began to run at her crouching form.
Locking her sights on the correct one, Ino began the Mind Transfer jutsu and hoped she would reach Sakura before she reached her body. The clones again weaved in and out of each other and it was almost impossible for Ino to guide herself once in the ethereal state.
Sakura was only a few feet from her body when Ino reached her..only to fly through her body.
'A clone! No!'
Sakura revealed her hidden blade just as Ino returned to her body, closing her eyes on reflex. She felt the blade slice her skin and soon lost all control of her body, slumping over.
The Yamanaka heiress shakly stood and pulled a kunai and took a basic stance but blinked noticing her rival was gone. Though, that was explained why rather quick.
"INO ABOVE YOU!"
Hearing Shikamaru's voice, she looks up seeing a rosette coming down with her right fist pulled back. She leaped back just before Sakura's fist could hit, only her reflexes saving her from what was to happen next. However, she expected Sakura's arm to break when she landed-that's not what happened.
As soon as Sakura's fist made contact with the ground, the earth rumbled beneath them all, even for those on the balconies, as the strength of her punch created a medium sized crater around her, the floor breaking into shards, cracks sporting everywhere. Ino herself hit the floor with her ass when she slipped on a lowered floor with moving broken tiles.
==Tower, Observation Platform==
To say the people around her were impressed would be an understatement, as Kushina's eyes nearly popped out of her skull they went so wide, Minato and Hiruzen gawking at the insane strength of a simple Genin, imitating their widely known team member's technique to the letter, even if the strength was not up to par yet. Everyone else, of all ranks, and titles, and such, could only stare in awe, jaws on the floor, eyes wide, and their attention drawn to an intense focus on the battle ahead. Plus Naruko with jealousy for Sakura did manage to learned Chakra enhance strength from Tsunade, her godmother.
Naruko tried to mastered it, since Sakura with her skills of chakra control. But Naruto is only one not bothered, and he cringed remembering the training session he had with his favorite rosette. His flight instinct yelling at him to duck and hide.
Yugito, to her credit, but she looked several shades paler seeing such a show of strength from such a young and inexperienced Genin, effectively making her have fear from the lore of the legendary Slug Princess, Tsunade. Omoi was now starting to think that Sakura be more dangerous than his teammates. Haku was wondering if her ice mirror will hold up against such a destructive punch while Zabuza was thinking the same thing.
"NOT ANOTHER ONE!" This loud echoing cry came from both Minato and Hiruzen.
==At the Arena==
Ino's eyes shot wide as Sakura stood up. "T-that's…impossible. I-if I tried that…my arm would snap. You…you can't be that far ahead of me, you can't!"
Sakura frowned in disappointment. "I am though. I haven't even tried any of my ninjutsu on you Ino."
Ino's whole concept of the world broke at that moment. Sakura, Sakura Haruno, the big-foreheaded, clumsy, crybaby from the academy had surpassed her, the heir to the Yamanaka clan, so immensely that she didn't even need to use her most powerful abilities against her. Ino just sat shaking in shock before clenching her fists in anger as she stood up.
"So…you're holding back against me? I don't care at this point if you're stronger but at least give me the dignity of going all out!"
Sakura just smirked. "About time." She reacted instantly and rushed forward, Ino doing the same. Sakura sent a wide, horizontal punch that Ino managed to duck.
Ino came back up with an uppercut, Sakura moving back to dodge before putting distance between the two of them and going through hand signs.
"Suiton: Mizurappa! (Water Release: Water Trumpet)" Sakura sent a blast of water straight at Ino.
Braced herself as the stream hit her and slammed her against the wall, though she managed to stand up and charged at Sakura one more time.
Sakura sighed and adjusted her gloves before charging at Ino, in high speed. WHich made Minato and the rest surprising seeing her can ran in high spped, that made more jealousy from Naruko, the red-hair jinchuuriki gripped the railing.
With Ino's last word's through her mind with a smile. 'You did it, Sakura...Well done...'
Sakura reared back her fist and then slammed it into the ground. "Ōkashō! (Cherry Blossom Clash)"
Ino stopped as several pillars of stone burst from the ground and slammed into her body all over, sending her soaring into the air before she crashed down to the ground, unconscious.
Genma looked side to side for a moment and then called the match. "The winner is Sakura Haruno."
"Way to go Sakura-chan! I knew you could do it!" Naruto yelled as seeing his favorite rosette girlfriend makes her way to the viewing area.
"I couldn't have done it without you." Sakura says to Naruto and kisses him on the lips making Lee cry anime tears, Satsuki couldn't help with a smile along with Hiruzen, Kumo, Kiri and Iwa was admitted and amused seeing they're item. With the Konoha jonins heard a rumor about those two were completely closed. Mikoto was disbelief of how he and Sakura were close. Then Minato and Kushina was on the same boat. And lastly is Naruko...now...she was furious for seeing that Sakura always gets in her way for close to Naruto.
With that, now Genma called them for moving on with the next round. As the board selecting any random competitors, which made Minato, Kushina was expecting that the next match will be...
["Naruto Cormac Vs. Misumi Tsurugi"]
"Hmph, guess I'm up!" Naruto said, as he make a crouching spin stance, as she him with a gust of wind engulfs him, which made Minato, Kushina, senseis, the rookies (minus Sakura, Satsuki and Hiruzen) that he somehow turned into a spiritual eagle and flies in the arena.
"What just happen to Nii-san?" Naruko wondered. "Where did he turned into a eagle?"
As the spiritual eagle circling the arena and lands on the floor and another gust of wing, which Naruto revert his true form.
'What was that jutsu? Some kind of henge or genjutsu?' Minato wondered. 'I better need some answers from Naruto.'
With Naruto standing the arena floor with his arms crossed. As Misumi jump down in the railing.
"You are going to pay for what that bitch killed Yoroi!" Misumi furious.
Naruto scoffed obvious. "I don't care, since I knew you work for a certain, snake!"
Which made Misumi flinch for Naruto had made suspicious about their mission.
"So tell me...did you fear death?"
==Chapter Ended==
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