Chapter 16

Disclaimer : I don't own Naruto and some of the jutsu that may seem original probably aren't *shrugs*

Chapter 16 - Preliminaries

Naruto watched with his team as Sasuke was able to beat Kabuto's teammate. The match itself had been a bit disappointing. Naruto had expected more of the 'last' Uchiha, but Naruto also took in to consideration what he over heard Orochimaru tell Kabuto.

'I guess whatever that mark is Orochimaru gave him must really be limiting him and it seemed to cause him pain. Still, if Yoroi had taken him seriously he would have lost mark or no mark' Naruto thinks watching as the Uchiha was whisked away by Kakashi.

"Sasuke-kun was so amazing! The way he took out that haisha like he was nothing. I bet he could beat everyone here!" Shouted the Uchiha's personal stalker and most rabid fan girl to everyone else's annoyment.

Sakura started to drool which started to turn into foam when she lost herself in another delusional fantasy tuning out the world around her giving her the appearance of a rabid dog with a large forehead.

Everyone at this point wished Hatake had taken her with him and did their best to ignore the girl. Thankfully the board cycled through the names once more and landed on Kiba and Katsu.

"*Cough* Osegowa Katsu and Inuzuka Kiba please come down now" Hayate says loud enough for everyone to hear dispite his sickly disposition.

"Yahoo! It's our turn boy and we got one of the de … ugh I mean loser's teammates as well. This will be easy" Kiba says loudly not really caring who heard him although he hoped they didn't catch his near slip-up.

Katsu noticed the slip up and comment but didn't react to it. Naruto had long since gotten over such comments and used it to fuel his desire to leave. He was hearing it less and less these days, but there were still some people who wouldn't let go of the past. *Cough* Kakashi*Cough*

As for calling him a loser he just shrugged it off after all the mutt could talk all he wanted, but when it came down to it all the insults in the world won't save him from the beating he has coming. Katsu and Kiba both made it to where Hayate was standing, Kiba being the brasher of the two had jumped down from the balcony nearly breaking his legs.

"Okay *cough*, Osegowa-san *cough* are you ready?" Hayate asked the brown eyed boy. Katsu nodded in reply as he stood ready to begin his eyes locked on the dog-nin.

"Inuzuka Kiba are you *cough* ready?" the sickly jōnin asked.

"Hell yeah me and Akamaru are going to kick his ass!" Kiba shouted to the embarrassment of Kurenai as the other sensei's shot a quick look to the red eyed woman who for the millionth time found herself cursing her loud mouthed gennin.

"Okay then *cough* Osegowa Katsu, Inuzuka Kiba *cough* fight" Hayate declares before moving out of the way of the fight.

Kiba didn't wait a second before he and Akamaru ran straight at Katsu his hands mimicking claws as he tried to rip into the dark haired boy. Katsu caught Kiba by his wrist and yanked downwards almost simultaneously jumping up in the air his knee crashing into Kiba's nose breaking it as the Inuzuka went sailing into the air. Katsu followed up quickly with a drop kick sending Kiba crashing into the cement floors of the makeshift arena.

Akamaru seeing the way his master was dispatched quickly altered his course and ran to his side. Katsu landed gently and stood where he landed watching the duo. Kiba was fairly decent for a newly minted gennin, but he was nothing compared to Yūgao, Naruto or even Yuudai who he spared with daily just to test his own limits. He hated every second of his spars with Naruto, because he almost made it seem effortless to beat him but he learned from each fight making him a better fighter on several fronts.

Kiba slowly climbed to his feet. He could feel the blood running from his nose, which he quickly reset. "Ouch, that fucking hurts" Kiba exclaims.

Feeling his nose set back in place Kiba turns a menacing glare and growl on Katsu. "You fucking bastard I'll fucking kill you!" Kiba shouted in rage.

In the stands Kurenai now had what seemed to be a permanent scowl stretched across her face.

'Next time we do team training I'm casting the most horrible genjutsu I can come up with on him so he'll never want to curse again' she thought.

Kiba's speed went up a notch as he closed the distance between him and Katsu quickly and started to lash out angrily. Katsu for his part just continued to dodge and duck Kiba's attacks. In his rage Kiba was easy to read as his sloppy and at least to Katsu slow attacks wildly flew at him with no thought of his actions or his partner.

Speaking of Akamaru he was staying behind Kiba occasionally lunging out at Katsu's legs to aid his master who seemed to have forgotten all about him or their team work. This tactic didn't work well due to Kiba's wild attacks and Katsu's speed being greater than the duo's.

'This is so boring. I'd much rather fight Naruto or someone who can give me a real challenge' Katsu thought.

Deciding he had enough Katsu jabbed Kiba in the nose re-breaking it, another in the stomach doubling him over, and then crouching low did a sky uppercut using chakra to enhance the speed of his jump. Everyone in the room thought they heard something akin to glass shattering. For Kiba pain like he hadn't thought possible flamed through his mouth as it felt like some of his teeth broke when they were forced together due to Katsu's move.

Katsu didn't stop though as he continue to rise with Kiba grabbed the Inuzuka by his throat and then altered his position so Kiba was falling backwards towards the ground. Kiba hit the unforgiving concrete head first with nothing supporting his fall. The impact of the hit and choking nature of Katsu's hold resulted in Kiba being knocked out immediately on impact.

With that the second match was over as Hayate called it in favor of Katsu after checking Kiba as a worried Akamaru licked his master's face trying to wake him up. Hayate quickly called for the medics that swarmed the young Inuzuka before hauling him off after bandiging up his head and freshly rebroken nose. The kid was a bloody mess nearly unrecognizable.

Up in the balcony with Team 11 Katsu quickly rejoined his team and received their congratulations.

"Katsu that was great man, you totally owned that mutt. You used him like he was a training dummy. You so have to teach me how to do that last move you used. What do you call it by the way?" Yuudai asks as they bumped fists with each other.

"I dunno … falling chokeslam I guess" Katsu says nonchalantly.

"I don't think I could have done any better" Naruto says before also bumping fists with him.

"Good job Ka-kun" Yūgao says proud of her boys as she had come to think of them.

Everyone wasn't so happy about Katsu's victory.

'That bastard, he could have beaten Kiba without hurting him so badly' thought Kurenai.

'Damn, if the Inuzuka kid spends any less than a month in the hospital I'll be surprised. I think that kid cracked his skull' Asuma thought.

'I'm not going to be the one that has to tell Tsume about this' thought most of those that knew the Inuzuka matriarch.

Of course not everyone was so quiet with their disapproval.

"That was most unyouthful of you Katsu-kun. To hurt a comrade in such a manner is most unyouthful" Rock Lee says as he stood near Team 11 shaking his head with righteous indignation.

"What did you think would happen? It's a fight spandex boy someone was bound to get hurt. In this arena none of us are comrades we are all enemies you would do well to remember that" Naruto says then turns away from the green clad taijutsu user.

Rock Lee was left sputtering at the abrupt dismissal and was trying to think of ways to dispute the unyouthful ones claims, but couldn't at the moment. Gai quickly rushed to his pupil's side urging him not to listen to the 'unyouthful' ones as they started doing their shtick catching those that didn't know them in their insidious sunset genjutsu. Of course Team 11, Sarutobi, Kakashi, the remainder of Team Gai, and the other jōnin knew to look away thus escaping the horrible jutsu … this time at least.

The next match started quickly getting the two beasts to stop as one of their team members was tabbed to fight and of course she would need their support. The match unfortunately wasn't much of one. Tenten was a solid ninja and probably good enough in her chosen field of expertise to merit a promotion. Unfortunately she was a specialist and like what happens to most specialists that meet someone who's their opposite she was crushed.

'I'm not sure if Temari is just that good or just that lucky that she got matched up against someone who specializes in weapons and mostly throwing those weapons from a distance. Still, she is strong and good with wind manipulation if only with her fan. I'll have to see how good she is without it at some point' Naruto thinks.

As he's watching the blond walk back to her team he notices a wink thrown in his direction. He also noted a certain extra movement in her walk that reminded him of that civilian girl only Temari definitely outclassed the girl in that department making him blush slightly at the thought. Thanks to all the weapons Tenten littered across the arena floor it took some time to clear up giving the two enough time to flirt although from afar.

Hinata was growing increasingly angry wondering why Naruto couldn't look at her like that. 'I have a nice full round butt, why can't he stare at mines like that. Maybe it's too full, maybe he thinks I'm fat …' thankfully before she got to far the next match was announced.

"Will Akimichi Chōji and *cough*Kankurō come down now *cough*" Hayate says.

Kankurō made his way down to the arena floor and stood in front of Hayate waiting on his opponent. His opponent though was having second thoughts.

'Why do I have to fight? I'm only here because Asuma-sensei wants to impress that red eyed woman with how good of a teacher he is and he bribed me with a plate of ribs when this is over. I just want to watch and eat some chips' Chōji thought from his spot on the balcony.

'Shit, this doesn't look good. I think he's going to forfeit and then what will Kurenai think of me' Asuma thought inwardly panicking. However, that quickly ended when he remembered who he was thinking about.

"Chōji, I know you are nervous but you can do this. To show how much I believe in you if you win not only will I treat you to two plates of ribs but also I will treat you to one night all you can eat at Yakiniku Kyū and a weeks supply of chips" Asuma says bribing the pudgy preteen.

Of course this got the desired response and Chōji was down standing in front of Kankurō in no time. Kankurō himself was becoming nervous as he noticed the looks Gaara was giving him that said win or else.

"Okay Subaku no Kankurō versus Akimichi Chōji *cough* begin" Hayate says as he jumps away.

Chōji was still a bit hesitant to fight despite his sensei's promise, but he was about to get over that.

"Hey fatty just give up already. We both know you don't have what it takes to beat me. How they let a fat little butterball like you become a ninja I'll never know" Kankurō taunted.

Up in the viewing area the assembled jōnin shook their heads at the Suna gennins mistake. "That gaki is toast" Asuma says. Inwardly he was thinking , 'Damn, he had to say that after I made that offer to Chōji. If he had just said that sooner I wouldn't be stuck with a bill that's likely to cost me a whole years' salary'.

"Why do you say that Asuma-sensei? It doesn't even seem like Chōji even wants to fight. So why would calling him f…" Sakura didn't get to finish as Ino quickly muzzled her.

"You really are dumb aren't you pinky? The Akimichi are well known for being a jovial lot that wouldn't harm a fly unless it was covered in barbeque sauce" Naruto interjected causing many to sweat drop at how true a statement that was especially the part about the barbecue sauce. The Akimichi's would eat anything if it was covered in barbeque sauce even their own hands.

"However, it's well known that if you so much as whisper the f word around an Akimichi that you will have signed your own death warrant" Naruto explains, though he didn't know why he was.

"So what? He is fat, his whole clan is fat that's why those fat asses aren't seen as one of the greater clans of Konoha. They should all just go on a diet or something" Sakura says loudly voicing her opinion.

Everyone gasped at the girl's stupidity. Ino looked worriedly between her former best friend and her teammate down on the arena floor. Shikamaru didn't even say 'troublesome' as he also sent a worried glance down at his friend. Shikamaru knew it was one thing to call an Akimichi fat, but to say the word diet around one of them … that was unforgivable.

Chōji's head drifted down as he removed his forehead protector. When he raised his head his eyes were shadowed as a red light seemed to shine from under his fallen hair as he looked towards the suddenly terrified pink haired idiot. He quickly focused his eyes forward on a slightly trembling Kankurō who was having flashbacks of Gaara after their uncle tried to kill him.

The energy in the arena quickly took on a malevolent feel as Chōji made his move first. "Bubun Baika no Jutsu – Partial Expansion Jutsu" he called out his right arm and fist growing to three times it's normal size.

Kankurō quickly moved out of the way escaping the fist as it made an indent in the ground causing some dust to fly up. Chōji's didn't stop though as in his rage he was nearly demolishing the arena. Many of the rookie 12 and the surrounding jōnin were shocked at the Akimichi heir's display of power. The group in charge of maintaining the arena during the trials grew paler with every tremor that shook the building making many consider quitting at the thought of all the work that was in store for them.

"Bubun Baika no Jutsu" … "Bubun Baika" … "Bubun Baika" … "Bubun Baika" … "Quit running and fight me yowamushi!" Chōji yelled as he continued to try and smash the Suna gennin.

Kankurō was simply doing his best to dodge. The fat kid had a lot of openings he could exploit as he was running on pure anger and adrenaline making whatever taijutsu style he had sloppy and easy to pick apart. That is if it wasn't for his fear of even being clipped by the haymakers the kid was throwing at him. He knew just getting grazed by one of the Akimichi kid's over sized fist would put his prized puppet out of commission. Sure he could rebuild it, probably make it better than ever or build a new one, but if anything happened to Karasu (Crow) he wouldn't be able to deal with it. It was his first and fondest puppet as it was created by his idol Akasuna no Sasori (Sasori of the Red Sands). No way would he ever let anyone destroy Karasu.

Having enough of jumping around Kankurō threw down a few smoke bombs making Chōji stop his attack to try and locate the Suna gennin through the smoke screen.

Suddenly Chōji moved to the side as a few projectiles came through the smoke at him. Then a few more and more until enough weapons rained down on him through the smoke to make Tenten proud.

Figuring he only had one way out Chōji called out the name of the only other technique he knew at the moment. "Nikudan Sensha – Human Bullet Tank" Chōji called out. His body quickly grew until he looked like a giant ball with his limbs and head seeming to be sucked into the ball.

"Ro-ru, ro-ru, ro-ru, ro-ru" everyone heard coming from the ball shaped mass Chōji had become as it started to move slowly at first, but was picking up speed.

Kankurō had to dodge the meat ball of death repeatedly as Chōji kept coming at him faster and faster.

'If I don't end this soon he'll smash my puppets and me. Nothing I have currently will work in this situation except my poisons. I guess that's all I can do … I can't lose here' Kankurō thought.

Leaping clear of the Akimichi heir Kankurō took out some kunai and threw them at Chōji whom was rebounding off the wall quickly rolling towards him. Unfortunately for him the kunai all bounced off of Chōji forcing Kankurō tododge once more. Kankurō waited for the Akimichi to roll back his way and get close before he threw down another bomb only this one contained a poison that quickly formed a cloud around the Suna gennin.

Chōji who still wasn't thinking clearly rolled right into the poison smoke cloud. His jutsu protected him some what, but a little of the poison still seeped into him. The effects weren't instantaneous meaning Kankurō still had to dodge a few times, before Chōji started to wear down. Kankurō didn't even wait for the rotund boy to come to a complete stop before he kicked him like a beach ball with enough force to make Chōji bounce off the wall. His jutsu ended the Akimichi was laying on his back with swirls in his eyes as the poison took hold.

Hayate sensing he wouldn't be able to continue decided to call the match. "Shousha Kankurō" Hayate announces stopping the fight and motioning for the medics.

Asuma quickly hopped down worried about his student. He watched as the medics gave the downed gennin a quick once over.

"Hmm … doesn't seem too bad a few bruises and a mild case of poisoning. He'll be up and about in an hour or so" the lead medic says getting a nod from the others surrounding the Akimichi heir.

Asuma quickly let out breath of relief at the good news as he followed the medic nin carrying Chōji out. Plus, his wallet was safe for now since the Akimichi lost. Meanwhile, Kankurō had made it back to his team.

"Good job Kankurō" Temari says to her brother giving him a quick hug, which he accepted.

Baki gave him a nod of acknoweldgement while Gaara just ignored him all together. Kankurō felt a bit put out at the obvious rejection from his little brother, but he took it as it was better than the alternative. Atleast he had his sister and sensei with him. He didn't know how he would deal with Gaara other wise.

Back in the arena the next match-up had been announce and the competitors were already facing one another one more eager than the other to fight it out due to their rivalry she still felt existed.

"Haruno *cough* Sakura versus Yamanaka Ino hajime" Hayate says before moving away from the fight.

"Give up Ino-buta you'll never beat me!" Sakura yelled.

"Whatever Sakura, let's just get this over with" Ino says not at all excited about fighting her former friend.

"What's the matter Ino-buta? Have you already realized I'm a better woman than you and that you can never beat me in anything especially in getting Sasuke-kun's heart!" Sakura yelled back.

Ino for her part felt embarrassed for the girl. 'Was I as bad as she is? I should probably thank Naruto-kun for helping me realize how big a fool I was before it was too late' She thought.

'Wait, Naruto-kun! Since when did I call Naruto, kun? No I can't do this now. I have to concentrate on the fight now and freak out later' Ino thinks.

Indeed Ino had changed and while she still liked the Uchiha heir and hoped to some day get a date with him. She had moved on and actually went on a few dates with other guys since Team announcement day. She had even gone out once with Chōji, but that was more of a pity date since he had asked some civilian girl out and gotten harshly rejected. Fortunately Chōji realized what it was and didn't take it badly when she softly rejected a second date. It was actually a fun date Ino realized later and thought maybe they could do it again some day as friends as she rarely hung out with the Akimichi alone and wanted to change that.

"Grow up Sakura. I still like Sasuke, but I realized a few months back that he's never once showed any interest in any of us. There are other guys out there, while not as great as Sasuke, they are still pretty good guys and fun to hang out with" Ino says.

"Hah! Your just trying to trick me so you can get Sasuke-kun all to yourself. Well, you can't have him because he's mine!" Sakura shouted.

"Whatever Haruno like I said I don't care anymore, but you do realize even if you do get him you won't be the only girl in his life" Ino says shocking her former friend.

"W-w-what a-are y-you t-tal-king about?" Sakura stuttered reminding some of how Hinata used to be.

"Don't tell me you don't know" Ino says.

"D-don't k-know what?" Sakura asked.

"Hahaha, haven't you figured it out forehead. Sasuke is technically the last of his clan. The last male of his clan thought possible to pass on his kekkei genkai. Can't you figure out what that means" Ino taunted.

Sakura of course racked that gigantic brain of hers trying to figure out what Ino was talking about when she got it. "N-n-no … m-my mom wouldn't allow it!" Sakura shouted.

"Are you that dense forehead your mother and the other civilians were the main ones that pushed it through. My dad told me all about it years ago about how your mother and the other civilians petitioned the Hokage to enact that rarely utilized and outdated practice of the C.R.A.. How they each thought their daughters would be the one Sasuke chose to rebuild his clan with. Only they were each afraid their own daughters couldn't compete with the others so your mother and the others petitioned for Sasuke to be a part of the C.R.A"Ino says.

Sakura was in severe denial and just couldn't believe it. "T-that's n-not p-possible" Sakura says quietly.

"Oh but it is. That means that even if you do get Sasuke you'll have to share him with who knows how many women. It could be one more or two more or fifty-two. You might as well just accept it now Sakura you'll never be the only girl for Sasuke" Ino taunts.

"No! I'm the only girl Sasuke will ever love!" Sakura shouted pathetically before she collapsed.

Ino and everyone else could only sweat drop at the pathetic display. "Umm proctor-san … I don't think she's going to be able to continue" Ino says with slight concern for her former friend.

"Ughh right … shousha Yamanaka Ino" Hayate says.

The medics came out and placed the pink haired fan girl on a stretcher and removed her from the arena. Initially they were unsure what exactly to do with her, because she was fine physically but they decided to just dump her in a bed and bill her parents later.

Ino made it back to her team and received congratulations for her … victory from them, but everyone else hung back. They weren't sure if that was the greatest example of mind fucking someone they'd ever seen or just the sorriest excuse of being a kunoichi they had ever seen.

The next match was called for and everyone still in the room refocused. "Will Aburame Shino and *cough* Tsurugi Misumi come down" Hayate calls out.

Both boys took their time walking down the stairs. They came to a stop infront of the proctor both tense and ready to fight.

"All right, *cough* Aburame Shino versus Tsurugi Misumi hajime" Hayate says and then moves out of the way.

Both fighters just seemed to be staring one another down, but secretly each was readying their own means of attack. Shino's bugs were already secretly making their way towards Misumi ready to suck him dry. Misumi smirked underneath his cowl and then charged the Aburame.

Misumi knew about the Aburame Kikaichū, but he really didn't have any skill to counteract the bugs so he decided to charge head first and beat the Aburame heir before the bugs could drain him of to much chakra. Shino instantly dropped his subtle actions and sent a swarm of his Kikaichū to intercept the older gennin. Unfortunately he was too late as Misumi wrapped himself around the Aburame and held his arms apart so he couldn't do any jutsu.

"Give up or I'll break you" Misumi says loudly as he squeezed Shino putting pressure on his body.

Shino just stood there quietly as his bugs began to swarm around Misumi starting to suck out his chakra.

"This is your last warning! Give up or I'll snap your neck" Misumi says as he releases Shino's arms to encircle his neck.

"I-I b-believe i-t is you t-ha-t should g-give up" Shino responds with a strained voice since Misumi was constricting his vocal cords.

Feeling his chakra steadily being drained from him Misumi couldn't wait any longer and squeezed hard breaking the kid's neck.

Everyone in the stands was shocked at the death of the Aburame heir and for some of them their friend. Shino was always quiet and a bit standoffish, but he always had those he considered friends back.

The dark atmosphere was instantly lifted as the broken Shino in Misumi's grasp exploded into a shower of bugs that quickly latched onto him draining the remainder of his chakra. As Misumi collapsed to the floor in a boneless heap Shino emerged next to the body unscathed.

"Shousha Aburame Shino" Hayate calls. The medics quickly scooped up the downed gennin and made their way to the emergency medical wing of the tower.

Shino made his way back to his team, which basically consisted of Hinata and their sensei Kurenai since Kiba was in the infirmary. He could tell some where uneasy about his presence, but it wasn't anything new to him. The nods of respect he got from Team 11 were though. His teammates of course congratulated him each in their own way.

"Will Ami and Yasuoto Yuudai come *cough* down now" Hayate says.

Yuudai was wished good luck by his team the boys fist bumping each other and giving simple words of aknoweldgement. Ami watched them as she walked away towards the stairs. Her eyes flashed to where her true sensei was and saw the pain on the womans face. Then over to where the yellow haired bastard was standing there smugly like he was better than her sensei.

'I can't get you bastard, but your teammate will do for now' Ami thought.

They both made it down the stairs and stood infront of Hayate waiting for him to signal the start of match.

"Are *cough* both competitors ready?" Hayate asks.

He receives a nod from both neither taking their eyes of the other.

"Okay, *cough* Yasuoto Yuudai versus Ami hajime" Hayate says and then moves away from the impending battle.

Both teens stood watching each other tensly waiting for the other to make the first move. Yuudai broke first by asking a question.

"I noticed the way you looked at Naruto earlier. What's your problem with him?" Yuudai asks.

"It's none of your business" Ami shoots back.

"I think it is my business. It's clear you think he's wronged you in some way and I get the feeling your going to try to make me pay for it since you can't get to him right now" Yuudai says.

"Sen'eijashu – Hidden Shadow Snake Hands" Ami calls out.

This was one of a few of the techniques her true sensei had shown her. Anko mentioned that if she impressed her during the exams she would allow her to sign her copy of the Snake contract and teach her more techniques, but for now this would have to do.

"Doton: Doryūheki – Earth Release : Earth Style Wall" Yuudai calls out.

As the jutsu's name suggest a wall of Earth rose up and blocked the oncoming snakes although a few had managed to get around the impediment. However, when they did they found nothing. Ami didn't see this as she waited for the wall to crumble so she could see the bastards teammate get bit by the midly poisonous snakes.

What she didn't expect to see when the wall crumbled down due to a lack of sustaining chakra was nothing. Then she felt herself being grabbed by her ankles strongly as she was pulled down into the floor.

Yuudai rose a little ways away from her as Ami fumed about being caught by such a simple maneuver. It wasn't her fault really she was only a gennin and hadn't been taught yet how to sense when someone was using a technique like this yet.

After using 'Doton: Moguragakure no Jutsu – Earth Release : Hiding Like a Mole Technique' Yuudai then used 'Doton: Shinjū Zanshu no Jutsu – Earth Release : Double Suicide Decapitation Technique' as he wanted to win this battle quick and easy. After he heard how Kakashi had used this combo against Sasuke during Team 7's testing he thought it was a worthwile tactic to learn since he specialized in Doton techniques.

"Surrender, you can't move from that position or use hand seals" Yuudai says calmly.

He stayed away from the girl so she couldn't pull anything like cough up a snake from her mouth or something. What he didn't know was that Anko taught her a few genjutsu including one she could use without hand seals.

"Magen: Kokoni Arazu no Jutsu – Demonic Illusions False Surroundings Technique" Ami calls hoping she got him.

To use this technique she just needed to mold her chakra correctly and have eye contact with her intended victim. However, she still had one problem … how to get out of the Earth before he dispelled the genjutsu.

"Kai" Yuudai calls out barely a second later.

Ami knew it was over now. She had no way to escape and there was nothing else she could do without the use of her hands.

Yuudai this times carefully walks up to her and places a kunai near her face where she can see it.

"Surrender and I'll get you out of there" Yuudai says pressing the kunai to her cheek.

"I … surrender" Ami says dejectedly.

"Shousha Yuudai" Hayate says.

Yuudai true to his word helped Ami from her earthen prison and then proudly walked back up to his team. Ami though was feeling anything but proud.

'How could I have let myself get beaten like that. I'm … pathetic' she thought.

Ami felt like she had not only let herself down, but her sensei. She wanted to win not for herself, but for the only person who had ever really taken notice of her. She couldn't even look Anko's way as she walked back up the stairs finding the empty spot where Team 7 had been.

Anko could feel what her student was going through and knew she needed to break her out of it, but not now. Still, there was something she could do. Leaving the Hokage's side Anko made her way to stand beside Ami who didn't notice the presence of her sensei yet. Anko gently placed her hand on her pupils shoulder and leaned into her.

When Ami felt the hand land on her shoulder she jumped a little in alarm then she looked to see who it was. The tears she felt building up at being defeated so easily by one of 'his' teammates spilled a little before she could wipe them away. Anko made no move to admonish her student like she normally would and instead just stood there and allowed Ami to let it out.

For many watching the scene they couldn't help but stare. Anko, the snake bitch, the meanest, nastiest, roughest, psychotic kunoichi in Konoha was comforting someone. This just couldn't be real. Those that knew her though smiled.

'It seems a few changes are in order' the Hokage thought.

Anko was someone he took an active interest in. Many had branded her a traitor thanks to his pupil and wouldn't have anything to do with her. If they did it wasn't for good reasons and Anko seemed to drown herself in the darkness of the world after Orochimaru's betrayal. He had often tried to help steer her away from the path of self destruction she was on and now it seems like a little light had found it's way through.

The screen flipped again landing on an interesting match-up.

"Uzumaki Naruto and Nara Shikamaru make *cough* your way to the arena floor" Hayate calls.

Naruto smiled at the pairing. It seems Lady Luck was once again on his side.

"Good luck, Naruto" Yūgao says.

"Naruto doesn't need luck sensei. He's got this one easy" Katsu says.

"You better win Naruto. I don't want to be stuck alone with this guy training for the Finals" Yuudai says jokingly. He had to quickly dodge a punch from Katsu for that remark.

"Thanks guys, I'll do my best" Naruto says with a smile.

As soon as he did he turned with no emotion showing on his face as he walked down to stand in front of the proctor. Naruto knew he would win this and was feeling very confident.

Shikamaru wasn't feeling nearly as confident. Ino and a newly returned Asuma could feel his apprehension.

"Come on Shikamaru it's Naruto. I'm sure you can come up with something to beat him" Ino says confidentently.

"Just do your best Sikamaru" Asuma says. He then slapped Shika on his back just hard enough to get him started towards the stairs.

After a brief glare and a 'troublesome' Shikamaru made his way down the stairs to face someone he once considered a friend. The Wave mission had shaken a lot of what he thought he knew about the blonde, but even before then Naruto had managed to be quit the puzzle for him and if there was anything a Nara loved more than a good nap it was a good puzzle.

When both fighters were finally standing in front of him a slightly aggravated Hayate decided to just start the match.

"Nara Shikamaru versus Uzumaki Naruto Hajime" Hayate says then gets out of the way.

"I'll ask just to get it out of the way will you forfeit Nara-san?" Naruto asked.

Truth was while Naruto was happy about a certain victory he was less than thrilled with his opponent. The only person to really fear in this tournament was Gaara and even then he knew he would win. During their team missions Naruto had already fought chūnin and jōnin so fighting gennin even very talented ones couldn't compare.

"I'd like to as this is all very troublesome, but I can't just give up" Shikamaru says.

There was nothing more to say so Naruto started off. He didn't run or sprint towards Shikamaru no the Nara wasn't likely to run off anywhere. The space was open with no where to hide. So he walked very deliberately towards his opponent.

Up in the stands

"What the hell is going on here? Why is Naruto moving so slowly" Asked Ino.

"I don't know Ino, but he's playing right into Shikamaru's hands by doing so. I don't know what his strategy is, but giving a Nara time is the last thing you want to do" Asuma says.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that Asuma. He may seem overconfident, but I'm sure Naruto will win this" Yūgao says.

"Care to elaborate on why your so sure Yūgao – chan?" a newly returned Kakashi asks.

However, before she could answer a chill went up everyones spine.

"W-what was that?" Kurenai asked.

"I-It's Naruto-kun, s- s- something is happening n-near his feet" Hinata says never taking her eyes off the boy no man she loved.

When she said that the remaining members of each Team and everyone that heard focused harder on Naruto specifically the ground around him. Kakashi also newly returned had unleashed his sharingan and was intently viewing the fight.

Arena Floor

Naruto had been walking towards Shikamaru unimpeded and was getting close. Shikamaru himself was getting worried he had been trying to utilize his 'Kagemane no Jutsu – Shadow Imitation Technique' with no success. Naruto just kept walking through his shadow tendrils like they weren't even there.

When Naruto came too close Shikamaru jumped back trying to give himself a little space, but Naruto was on him before he could blink. Naruto jabbed him straight in the mouth then came with a left hook to his cheek, followed by a right to the Nara's temple.

Three punches was all it took for Shikamaru to fall out on the ground and stop moving. Hayate jumped down from the balcony and looked the Nara over and called the match.

"Shousha Uzumaki Naruto" Hayate says giving the blond a nod.

Naruto actually had to stifle the sigh that threatened to escape his lips.

'All of that waiting … for this?' Naruto questioned.

Up in the balconies similar thoughts were going through the minds of those who knew both boys and a few darker thoughts.

'Damn that Shikamaru, I bet that baka faked it just so he can nap in the hospital again for a few days and get out of training' thought Ino.

'*Sigh* typical Nara' thought most of the Konoha Jōnin.

'What was that the demon was doing? He walked right though the Nara's shadow possession. How is that even possible? This requires some investigating" thought a silver haired shinobi while he covered his eye.

Back down in the arena the paramedics came and picked up the Nara heir, but before they could depart Naruto leaned over the stretcher and looked at the boy with a hard stare.

"You can stop faking Nara. You and I both know I didn't hit you hard enough to cause you any real harm" Naruto says quietly so no one but Shikamaru can hear.

"Stop being so troublesome Naruto. I couldn't beat you even if I tried. This way I get to have a nice long nap at the hospitals expense" Shikamaru whispers.

Naruto had to stifle a laugh at that. The Forest of Death was no place to nap in so it was likely the Nara had been forced to part with his favorite past time since the second phase of the Exams began.

Naruto let the medics, which he noted also consisted of one Yakushi Kabuto, carry the boy away and moved up the stairs towards his team. The board had already started flipping through the names before he made it all the way up and landed on a pairing many had hoped would never happen.

"Will Hyūga Hinata and Hyūga Neji *cough* come down" Hayate says.

Neji calmly walks down the steps ignoring the calls of good luck from his teammates and sensei. On the outside he looked calm and uncaring like the typical Hyūga, but a few including his sensei could literally feel the smirk the kid was hiding.

'Like I need luck to deal with the weak princess' he thought.

Hinata though was close to a level 3 freak out.

'I can't fight Neji-niisan, he's too good' she thought.

There was also something extra she feared about facing her cousin. Hinata wouldn't admit it to anyone, but she knew he hated her. She also knew why he did and she felt his hatred of her was justified. That's why she could never fight him before now or stand in his way. If she went through with this he was likely to kill her and that terrified the girl.

'He's the better Hyūga, and should be the rightful heir' she thought sadly repeating something she often heard around the Hyūga clan compound.

Hinata was broken from her thoughts by Kurenai.

"Just do your best Hinata that's all anyone can expect of you" Kurenai says.

However, to Hinata it carried more meaning than a simple do your best.

'Just do your best no one expects you to win Hinata' is more along the lines of what it sounded like to her.

She looked to Shino, but only received a nod. However, in Shino speak that was his way of agreeing with Kurenai-sensei. Hinata wanted to back out knowing this fight wouldn't be pretty, but she couldn't for one reason.

'I'll show Naruto-kun that I … that I can change and become strong … for him' she thought.

That thought gave her a bit of resolve, but she still wasn't ready. Naruto had walked up and saw the fear on her face. He didn't love Hinata, but he appreciated that she was one of the few people who wanted to be near him or have anything to do with him long before his status changed with the public. To that end he really wanted to help her, but so far things just seemed to keep getting worse between them. He did have a few things he knew she needed to hear though if she was going to fight her cousin whom Naruto knew wouldn't hold back against her.

"Hinata" Naruto says walking up to the girl.

"N-Naru-to-kun, con-gratulations on your victory" she says looking down.

"Thanks Hinata" Naruto says with a smile that makes the girl blush.

However, the smile was gone soon after and he became serious.

"Hinata …" Naruto says gaining her attention.

"I know he's your cousin and that you feel guilty over what happened with his father, but he's not going to take it easy on you" Naruto says.

Hinata's head instantly shot up and stared at Naruto for once not getting lost in those blue eyes she loved so much.

"W-what d-do y-you m-m-mean Naruto-kun?" Hinata asks although she knew what he was getting at.

Kurenai and Shino watched the interaction, one wanting to break it up the other thinking what was about to be said needed to be said, but just stood and waited to see what would happen.

"Look at him Hinata, look at his eyes" Naruto says.

Both looked down and could see Neji standing next to the proctor, whom seemed annoyed at having to wait again for another tardy participant. Neji's calm exterior couldn't hide the hate in his eyes as he also eyed his cousin with a look that froze the heiress. Naruto had to forcibly turn her away from her cousin so she would focus back on him.

"Hinata he hates you, sorry to be so blunt but if you fight him he's probably going to try and kill you" Naruto says eliticing a gasp from the three members of Team 8.

"Hinata, I know it may not seem like it some times but I really do like you and consider you a good friend since we've gotten to talk and hang out a little bit during the Wave mission. I'd hate for anything bad to happen to you and it would hurt me if you got hurt. I know you consider Neji to be like a brother to you, but I can tell he's not going to stop or be content with just winning a fight with you. I need you to promise me that if it comes down to it you'll use everything … and I mean everything to stop him if things get out of hand" Naruto says taking a hold of her hands near the end of the statement.

Hinata froze when Naruto emphasized everything. She knew what he was alluding to and it was one thing she couldn't even pathom doing even if it was to save her life. She saw how much the branch family suffered under that evil seal and how much glee some of the main house family members took in using that seal to 'humble' the branch members. She never wanted to be like those … people.

'I-I can't do that to Neji' she thought.

But she saw the worry and concern on Naruto's face breaking her down a bit.

'He's worried … about me' she thought feeling happy for the first time since the mission to Wave country ended.

"I-I'll do my best Naruto-kun" Hinata says.

Naruto nodded and wished her good luck by giving her a kiss on her cheek. It was dirty play, but Naruto wanted to make sure she would fight to survive and this was the only way he could think of to ensure she would.

Hinata almost feinted on the spot, but the shade of red her face took wasn't leaving any time soon. After she composed herself, thanks to Hayate yelling her name freaking her out a bit, she walked down to face her cousin.

Naruto was taking a bit of grief over it from his team and Kurenai, but assured them he was just trying to help his friend. They accepted that, but still frowned at him for leading the girl on like that. Temari was also frowning not liking that there maybe yet another girl she had to share the blond with.

Arena Floor

Hayate quickly gave the go ahead for the match start and jumped out of the way. Before the fight could begin though Neji felt it was his duty to bring the heiress back to reality.

"Why don't you just give up Hinata? We both know you don't have what it takes to be a ninja. Why Hiashi-sama even allowed you to attempt to become one is beyond me. You're a weak, no talent, spineless little girl who would be better off serving as some nobles wife. Just give up and spare yourself some embarrassment" Neji says.

'He's right, I should just give up. No one even Kurenai-sensei or Naruto-kun believe I can win' Hinata thought sadly.

She then looked up into the stands where the people she cared about most stood. She was surprised to see a smile on Kurenai's face directed at her that radiated warmth and confidence. She looked to the side to see Naruto was giving her the same smile.

'I was wrong … maybe they do believe in me. Now … I need to believe in myself' she thought.

"Byakugan" Hinata says activating her bloodline as she droped into a ready stance.

Neji was shocked by this. He was sure he could force the pathetic princess to quit.

'No matter, if she persists I'll just have to show her the difference between us' Neji thinks.

"Byakugan" Neji says also activating his bloodline and droped down into his 'Jūken – Gentle Fist' stance.

It was then he noticed there was a slight difference in Hinata's stance, but passed it off as her being a failure and not being able to use the correct stance.

"I ask you again Hinata to give up. I will not hold back if you continue to persist in fighting me" Neji says.

Hinata doesn't answer instead she charges him head on, which surprised some of those that knew the timid Hyūga. Neji was also shocked but hid it with a look of indifference.

"So be it" he says then charges to clash with his cousin.

The fight was fast and furious both Hyūga's hands resembling little more than blurs to most of the gennin still in the arena. The jōnin were impressed with both fighters especially Neji who was the more skilled of the two, but not as much as most originally thought. Neji also noted Hinata's improvement as the fight wore on.

'She's gotten faster and is showing more skill than I've ever seen her show before, but she's still weak' thought Neji.

With that thought he jumped back and analyzed the girl. He only managed to disable one of her arms sealing all the tenketsu in her left arm, but only getting a quarter of the tenketsu in her right. He had also hit a few other points on her body, but nothing serious so far. Still, she was tiring already and he could see she wouldn't last much longer.

"Give up now Hinata-san. You and I both know you can't win. It is your destiny to lose to me Hinata. You cannot change fate no matter how much you struggle" Neji states.

Hinata seemed to lower her guard along with her head, but her eyes focused in on the blond boy that held her heart. She almost fainted when she saw him with the Byakugan still on.

'Why does he have a fox tattoo on his inner thigh?' Hinata wondered.

She had almost forgotten about the fight when she caught sight of Naruto's not so little Uzumaki and the tattoo that was partially obscured by it. What made her refocus on the fight was the look Naruto was giving her … when she managed to look up at his face. It was full of concern and that was all she needed. Focusing back on Neji after sneaking another peak at Naruto's lower half she got ready to fight again.

"I-I am not w-weak. I won't quit" Hinata says.

'I'll show you how strong I am Naruto-kun and then I'll show you something else' she thought almost losing focus again.

Hinata once again intiated the fight. As she threw a few combinations at the more experienced Hyūga, Neji countered or dodged everything she threw at him and managed to score a few more hits of his own. One of which was a glancing blow on her lungs. It wasn't enough to critically hurt her, but it was enough to make her cough up a little blood stoping her.

Neji jumped back and prepared himself to finish her off.

"You are within my field of devination 'Hakke Rokujūyon Shō – Eight Trigrams Sixty – Four palms'" Neji says.

He then runs at her faster than when they started the fight, but not his maximum speed. He had missed something in his analyzing of Hinata's condition and that was his own condition. He had managed to complete his objective for the most part disabling her arms, but not before she closed off a few of his tenketsu and unlike Neji she went for any points she could get especially those in his legs.

Neji wasn't disabled or anything close, but he couldn't move as fast as he normally would thus allowing Hinata to escape the totality of the hits saving herself from being knocked out.

Neji was pissed that he wasn't able to complete such a basic technique against his weak cousin. He watched as Hinata shakily rose from the ground blood leaking from her mouth.

"Why do you continue to struggle against fate, just give up already you can not win" Neji states.

"I-It i-is n-not I t-that s-struggles against f-fate niisan. I-It is y-you who s-struggles a-gainst fate t-the most. I-I know t-the p-pain you f-feel must be u-unbearable at times, b-but if you let me I w-will s-struggle w-with you" Hinata says weakly.

Neji couldn't believe this … this … this weakling dared to say he was struggling against fate like she was better then him. No like she was his equal. He couldn't stand that.

"Who are you to talk about my pain. You have no idea how I feel or what it means to really struggle weakling, but I'll show you I'll show you pain. I'm going to end your pathetic struggle right now" Neji says rushing the girl head on.

It seemed to take forever for him to cross the distance to Hinata, but she knew he was aiming to kill. She sent one last look at her love and noticed the determination in his eyes as he gave her an almost imperceptible nod. She couldn't do it though as her eyes set on the now murderous Neji she smiled one last time.

'At least he watched me' she thought before closing her eyes.

However, the pain she was expecting never came as she kept her eyes closed for a full minute. When she opened them she found her cousin kneeling on the ground in a pool of blood. When she looked for the cause she saw two kunai sticking in the back of his legs. She searched for the thrower and found Naruto in a fight with Team Gai.

"Why did you do that? Interrupting a fight is grounds for disqualification and can get you kicked out of the tournament!" Gai shouts.

"That was most unyouthful. How could you interrupt such a youthful match!" shouted Lee.

"Are you stupid or something? That match was anything but … youthful. Your teammate was inches away from killing his cousin in cold blood. He knew she couldn't defend herself and he didn't care. What the fuck were you all doing just standing there!" Naruto shouted back.

"I … do not agree with Neji's intentions Naruto-san, but the rules clearly state killing is allowed and if she wasn't going to forfeit then it was her right not to and no one should have interfered" Gai states.

"Oh yeah … you're a fucking hypocrite. I bet if it was your stupid ass mini-me over there you wouldn't have hesitated to interfere and save him from a certain death" Naruto retorts.

"As for getting disqualified I could care less. A promotion means nothing to me as I won't be here long enough for it to matter. I'm only doing this, because it was either do this or be stuck on D-rank missions for the duration of these Exams and I am not doing D-ranks for an entire month and a half" Naruto says back.

Half of the participants and sensei's were watching the fight wondering who would throw the first punch, but Team 8 and the medics were busy tending to the two injured fighters.

Hinata was watching her crush, no love fight with her cousin's teammates wanting him to turn around and look at her.

She was carted off to the med ward with Neji as Kurenai followed, but Shino chose to stay and watch the final match. Hinata was in good hands now and there was nothing he could do. He'd visit her later once the prelims were finished, but right now he needed to gather intel on his potential opponents.

That final match was the only thing that saved Gai and Lee from a maelstrom of hurt as Hayate decided to call the match quickly to avoid what would probably turn out to be a blood bath that would get more than a few bystanders involved.

Unfortunately for Gai Naruto's words rang true as he indeed stopped the match to save Lee from being crushed by Gaara's sand much to the dismay and shock of the sand weilder. Gai reluctantly stayed to represent Neji, but would leave immediately after they were released. He also did his best to ignore the smirk Naruto had planted on his face since he saved Lee.

With the last match, that was the most brutal and bloody of the matches not to mention the best of the prelims, over. Hayate's job was done and Anko once again took to the forefront once the arena floor was cleared.

"Alright, all those that won their matches come down and lineup" Anko says.

Gaara, Kankurō, Temari, Naruto, Yuudai, Katsu, Shino, and Ino quickly went down stairs and lined up. Gai and Kakashi stood in the place of their still recovering students. All of the gennin were feeling a bit of relief knowing this part was over.

"I congratulate all of you for passing this part of the Chūnin Exams and making it to the Finals. Before we conclude these proceedings we need to determine the match-ups so please when Anko comes to stand in front of you reach into the box and pull out one slip" The Sandiame says.

Anko moved down the line starting with Ino and finishing with Gaara whose eyes were firmly locked on Naruto. Once everyone had taken a slip she stepped back although her eyes were also on a certain blond.

"Call out the number on the slip please" Hayate says.

"6" Gaara intones.

"4" Kankurō says.

"9" Temari calls out.

"1" Naruto says proudly.

"7" Yuudai responds.

"8" Katsu says.

"3" Shino responds.

"10" Ino calls out.

"2" Gai says in Neji's place.

"5" Kakashi responds in Sasuke's place.

"Okay the match-ups for the Finals are the following : 1st match Uzumaki Naruto versus Hyūga Neji, 2nd match Subaku no Kankurō versus Aburame Shino, 3rd match Uchiha Sasuke versus Subaku no Gaara, 4th match Yasuoto Yuudai versus Osegowa Katsu, 5th match Subaku no Temari versus Yamanaka Ino" Hayate calls.

"That concludes the second phase of the Chūnin Exams. You each have a month before the Finals to prepare yourselves and get stronger. Any questions?" the Sandiame asks.

"Does the winner automatically get promoted?" Ino asks.

"Not necessarily, the winner of the Finals may not be promoted at all. Like wise the losers might get promoted or no one at all. If you show you have both the ability and mentality to be a chūnin then you will be recommended for a promotion. From there it will be up to your Kages or council to decide" the Hokage informs them.

This satisfied most of them so when he asked for any more questions no one raised their hand.

"Okay then your all dismissed. If you don't know your way back to the village then either follow your sensei or another team. You are all dismissed except for Naruto" the Hokage says.

The other teams left immediately ready to head back to civilization and get a shower not to mention some good food. Naruto's team however hung back.

"Will you be okay Naruto?" Yūgao asks.

"Yeah, I'll be fine don't worry. I used to train in this Forest all the time I can find my way back. Tell my mother and the girls I'll be there soon okay" Naruto says.

They all nodded before departing leaving Naruto alone with the Hokage.

"So what do you need Hokage-dono?" Naruto asked.

"Still not going to call me jiji huh Naruto?" Sarutobi asked.

Naruto shook his head in response.

"*Sigh* Fine, I need you to come to my office in two days time. There is someone I want you to meet" the old man says.

"Someone I know?" Naruto asked.

"Not likely, but he is a pretty famous ninja. I asked him to come back to the village for the Finals and he should be arriving some time tomorrow. I figured he might be someone you would be interested in meeting" Sarutobi says.

Seeing as he wouldn't be getting any more info out of the old man Naruto just went with it and said he'd be there around lunch time.

Hotel : Naruto's room

Closing the door to his hotel room Naruto flicked on the lights finding the very people he wanted to see. Akari and Miyuki didn't give him a chance to say anything before they rushed over and hugged him. Kushina was in the living room with his team and the Ichirakus whom had brought over what most people would consider a life time supply of ramen, but to the Uzumaki's it was more like a months. Not that it would last that long either.

The Ichiraku's had been commissioned by Kushina and were making enough money that Teuchi could finally afford to send Ayame to the culinary school of her dreams and retire to a beach community in southern Fire country. Thankfully for everyone else there was also food from a few other vendors and desert so they could eat as well.

What followed was a nice get together for everyone as they celebrated the boys taking another step in their careers. It last a few hours ending just before nightfall as the Ichiraku's made their way back to their stand to prepare for the next day and the girls were escorted to their room by Naruto as he wanted to talk to his mom and sensei alone for a bit. When Naruto returned it was just his mom and team including his sensei that seemed to have been talking to his mom while he was gone.

It was nothing new, when Yūgao heard Kushina was back in the village she had let out a shrieking squeal noise similar to the fangirls Naruto had been stuck with at the academy. When Naruto introduced his sensei to his mother some time later Yūgao had glomped the poor woman and seemed as if she would never let go. Since then Yūgao had calmed down, but still took any opportunity she could to get to know her biggest idol.

She was so happy Kushina turned out to be exactly who she thought she would be and not a disappointment, unlike when she had once met another idol of hers Tsunade Senju. She still felt disappointed at learning the Tsunade Senju, a Sannin, and fabled strongest kunoichi to ever exist was nothing more than a monstrously endowed drunk gambling and drinking her families hard earned fortune away. The Sannin as a whole were turning into major disappointments being comprised of a traitor who experiments on his allies, a perverted lecher, and a drunk gambling addict rumored to have special ways of getting out of debt.

Naruto made his way over to his team deciding to talk to them first.

"Yuudai, Katsu do you guys think I could speak to sensei and my mom alone for a minute?" Naruto asked his teammates.

"Yeah, sure man I actually was going to head out. After spending a week stuck in that forest I want to take a nice hot bath before sleeping the next two days away" Katsu says.

"I was thinking the same thing" Yuudai says.

"Well, don't get to comfortable. You still have some training to do if you want to keep up with me in the Finals" Naruto says with a smirk.

"Yeah … training" Yuudai says.

Naruto notices both boys were acting a bit weird now.

"What's up guys, something you want to tell me?" Naruto asked.

"Well, it's just that while you were out … we decided we wanted to head back to the capitol. I hope its okay. I know we said we would train together for the Finals, but I'd really like to get back and see my family while we have the down time. I also want to be able to surprise you if we fight" Katsu says with Yuudai nodding in agreement.

"I suppose you've already brought this up with sensei" Naruto asked and received a nod.

"Then it's cool. I'll just have to get even stronger while your gone and surprise you as well" Naruto says confidently.

Both Yuudai and Katsu groan.

"Great … like you need to get any stronger. Seriously, you should consider taking the month off and spend it with those girls of yours or your mom. Relax and do something fun for a change instead of training, training, and more training. After all who knows when we'll get the chance to take some time off again over the next two years? You know you won't be young forever and some day you will seriously regret wasting all this time doing nothing but training all the time" Yuudai lectures.

Now it was Naruto's turn to groan. He had heard all of this before and he knew they were just looking out for him but he didn't have time to relax. Maybe some day when he was far away from the Leaf village and things had calmed down his kids could relax, but for now he couldn't afford to slack off.

"Look I get it alright. I promise to take at least Sundays off from doing any training this month okay" Naruto says.

Everyone seemed happy about that as even Kushina worried some times about how hard her sochi was pushing himself.

"However, just because your in the capitol doesn't mean the two of you get to slack off the entire time. If you do then next time we have team training were going to be doing it in the Forest of Death without the Iron Palace" Naruto says with a menacing grin.

Both Yuudai and Katsu nodded quickly and ran out of the room before Naruto could make any other threats causing the remaing three occupants of the room to laugh.

Once they had settled Kushina decided to take this time to speak up.

"Naruto-kun, your sensei and I have talked and she's agreed to let me take over your training for the month … that is if you agree?" Kushina asks hopefully.

She had been thinking about this since the exams started. She had gotten to know her son a bit since she had came back, but not as well as she would have liked. Between his training, teammates, and girlfriends he didn't have as much time to spend with her as she would have liked. She had missed out on so much, but now was a perfect time to get back some of what they lost.

"Sure kaa-san, I was actually going to ask you to train me. Is that okay sensei? I thought you would be busy with Yuudai and Katsu, but since they are going back to the capitol …" Naruto says trailing off at the end.

"It's fine Naruto go ahead. I could use the month off as well. Hayate-kun has been complaining about missing me lately. There is also talk about a possible Invasion floating around so I'd like to train so I can be prepared" Yūgao says.

"Thanks sensei" Naruto replies with a smile.

"Your welcome and Kushina if you get some time perhaps I can gather some of my friends and you and the girls can join us at one of the hot springs" Yūgao offers.

"Thanks, but I heard Jiraiya will be in town soon and I could go without that old Toad peeping on me again so he can use me in that trash he writes" Kushina says a little angrily at the end.

Yūgao nodded. She hadn't heard about 'his' return.

"Thanks for the heads up Kushina-sama. I'll be on the look out for him and spread the word" Yūgao says before she too took her leave.

"Naruto-kun, I know you have had a long week and your probably looking forward to getting some sleep. But I was wondering if you wanted to watch a movie with your old mom" she says hopefully.

Naruto held the sigh that threatened to escape. He had been looking forward to a shower and rest since the 2nd phase of the Exams ended, but he couldn't say no to that look his mom was giving him.

"Sure, but let me get cleaned up okay. I spent a week in that forest and didn't have time to properly wash myself" Naruto says.

Kushina smiled brightly.

"Sounds good. I'll make some popcorn and reheat the ramen while your showering" Kushina responds.

Naruto nodded and headed to the bathroom to get readly. That night the Uzumaki's watched two movies, ate a tub of popcorn with two tubs of ramen, and grew a little closer to each other. Naruto did finally get to sleep later on and dreamnt of the training he would undergo during the next month.

Glossary

Haisha - the defeated, vanquished, loser

Yowamushi - coward

Ro-ru - roll

Buta - pig