15 2/2

We walked down the hallway towards Ami's room. Her and Fú had been rooming together the week we'd been stuck in this tower. The week spent here, while it had been boring no doubt, had seen my growing closer to not only Fú, but everyone in the tower. Sakura had been splitting her time between hanging with our team, and Ino. Ino, being the stubborn idiot she is, went right back to being the charming lady she was the day after the prelims were postponed. Not only to me, but to Ami as well. Since she clearly saw Sakura's strength, she now turned to the one and only thing she was good at, putting down someone she saw as weaker than herself. It was going to be glorious seeing Ino's face when Ami showed to be even more fearsome than Sakura. I laughed quietly to myself.

"What's so funny?" Came Naruto's questioning voice.

"Oh, just imagining Ino's face after Ami's fight today." Naruto joined me in laughing just as we reached Ami and Fú's room. The door opened just as we were walking up to it, the girls exiting and giggling. The noticed us and their giggling intensified.

"What are you two giggling about?" I asked suspiciously.

"Our girl talk is none of your concern, Kenta." Ami replied primly. "Now, you two were on your way to escort us for breakfast, weren't you? Then be proper escorts." She hooked her arm through Naruto's and away they went.

I offered my arm to Fú. "Psh. As if I was any less than a gentleman. Treats me like I'm some barbarian. Mother would kill me." I grinned down at the small giggling girl now linked to my arm. "Let's go, shall we?"

"Yes! I'm starving! That cafeteria better be ready for me, or else!" She cheered. "Let's go!" And she took off, dragging me like sack of potatos. I laughed the entire way.

*************************************KY*****************************************

"Ladies and Gentleman. I thank you all for your patience. We've had a trying past couple days, but with your patience we've made progress in soothing the population and getting a plan in place. We will now continue with the preliminary round and get you all out here. I turn it over to Hayate to begin the matches." Lord Hokage announced to the gathered crowd. It was as if 3 days ago had never happened. The same entourage had accompanied Lord Third. I was pleased to see father and uncle were part of the crowd.

Hayate jumped down from somewhere in the shadows. He cleared his throat a few times. "No use waiting, if every could turn their attention to the board, we'll begin immediately."

We did as he instructed and the name roulette began once more.

I groaned. I was definitely going last.

"Would Kankuro of the Desert and Shino Aburame please join me in the arena."

The two teenage boys quickly made their way to the floor. They stood opposite another, sizing the other up. Kankuro threw a cocky smirk Shino's way.

"I was hoping for some real competition, but you'll do for now I guess." The Suna genin declared boldly. Shino gave no reply. "Too scared to talk? I don't blame you, you're out of your league, kid!"

"Enlightening conversation. I take it you're ready?" Hayate asked the boy in black.

"Yes. I'm sick of this tower. Let's get this over with." He drawled.

"Shino, are you ready?"

"Yes, Mister Proctor. I am." Shino replied politely.

"Same rules apply. Begin!" Hayate kicked back.

Immediately and in a really surprising move, Shino rushed towards Kankuro. He cocked a fist back and threw a punch, Kankuro dodged with surprising ease, his moves seeming almost mechanical. He countered, a punch of his own, aimed towards Shino's abdomen where a hidden blade extended, gleaming dangerously. Gasps of horror erupted as Kankuro buried the blade deep in Shino's abdomen. Those gasps quickly turned to those ones of shock as Shino erupted into a cloud of beetles. The quickly swarmed, but not Kankuro himself, but the cloth wrapped bundle on his back.

A shrill scream cut the air as the thing in the bundle began squirming and fighting to escape. Finally a panting Kankuro erupted from the bandages and jumped back. "How did you know? How did you know that wasn't me?" He asked, panting, sweat rolling down his face. "And what the hell did you do to me?"

"Your first question. You asked how I knew? I planted a bug on every single competitor in this room from the moment they entered the tower. They told me where you hid yourself. Your second question? My kikaichū drain my opponents chakra. They are telling me yours tastes awful. In case you were wondering." Shino's monotone reply came.

Kankuro scowled, fingers twitching and the body on the ground rose into the air. The disguise falling off revealing a wooden monstrosity.

"A puppeteer, eh? That's a rare art to see outside of Konoha. I'm cheering for Shino but glad we'll get to see it in action." I muttered to no one in particular.

"Ok, one how do you know so much? And two what is a puppeteer?" Sakura's voice spoke up.

I turned to her. "The Puppeteer Techniques involve using precise chakra control to manipulate engineered war machines via chakra strings. Two, until you all got to about the age of eight, I hated the majority of you so I spent all my time reading and training." I sent her a smirk at that and she laughed. A clattering noise was heard suddenly and we all turned our attention back to the fight.

Kankuro's puppet sped towards the Aburame heir. Shino stood his ground, his kikaichū swarming around menacingly. The puppet opened it's jaws wide and a barrage of senbon launched towards Shino. Shino's beetles formed a wall, protecting their host before swarming the puppet, Kankuro tried to pull it to safety, but he over extended too far and the beetles were able to eat the chakra of his strings, and the wooden construct clattered to the floor. In an instant, the kikaichū were swarming Kankuro. His screams began to die before stopping altogether. The beetles returned to their master, leaving an unconscious Kankuro on the ground. Hayate flickered over to check the boy.

"Winner, Shino Aburame!"

We all cheered for our comrades victory. Everyone expressing the congratulations to the bug user when he arrived back up up to the observation deck.

"The next fight will be announced." Hayate called. We all looked towards the screen.

My eyes widened at the names.

Hinata Hyuga v. Neji Hyuga

"Would Hinata and Neji Hyuga make their way to the arena?" Hayate called.

Both contestants complied and joined Hayate. He did his usual spiel and retreated to the edge.

Neji glanced towards the stage momentarily before turning back to Hinata. Hinata looked both nervous yet determined.

"Lady Hinata. Months ago, I would have told you to give up. That you had no chance. You were timid, and weak. You never tried in your training, and even Lady Hanabi was beating you with regular ease. However, something in you changed. You've been improving. You've been growing stronger. I want to know what happened. What made you start taking your training seriously? I know I will win here, that isn't even a question. Since your kidnapping, my father and your father have been ruthlessly training me. As you know I'm to be your bodyguard. Our Heiress cannot have a weak bodyguard." He smirked confidently at the end.

Lady Hinata smiled softly. "You're strong, cousin. So strong. The whispers in the clan speak of your prowess in battle, and I've seen it firsthand. I'm proud of you. But please don't even think that I never took my training seriously. I always tried my best, but something in the back of my mind always made me hesitate, and it limited my growth. You asked me what changed? A friend helped me see that these eyes and hands aren't just for showing strength and defeating our enemy." She glanced up at a happily smiling Ami. She turned back to her cousin and her eyes slowly activated. "These hands, my hands, they're for protecting. My goal is to protect my family and friends. The block in my head broke like a dam, and I'm ready to get strong enough to achieve my goal. Come, Cousin! Allow me to show you the confidence and strength I've gained since finding my purpose!"

I stared at Ami. "Ok, what the fuck did you do? Where's the stuttering, blushing princess from the past. I understand gaining some confidence, but she's almost scary!"

She smirked at me. "Ohhhhh nothing. Just gave her a new perspective, and maybe had her join Anko and I for a few training sessions."

I laughed in shock. "You did NOT subject that sweet child to ANKO?!"

"Hey! Anko is… Ok but she helped me so I figured… and LOOK at Hinata! You can't tell me it didn't pay off!" She defended vehemiately.

I snorted "Yeah, only because Anko probably threanted her or tortured her every time she stuttered if I know her."

Ami's blush was answer enough. I laughed and returned my attention to the fight where Neji was now smirking and had his eyes activated. The two cousins charged one another.

*************************Confident/Emotionally Scared Hinata***************************

Neji was as strong as Hinata had said he was. Their fight was more of a dance, both fighters moving gracefully and seamlessly around one another. In the end, Neji was the stronger and more experienced fighter and after a series of flashing hands, Hinata was on the ground, panting and unable to get up. Hayate called the match.

The room cheered both fighters on for an excellent fight. Hinata was taken to the back and Lord Hyuga excused himself to check on his daughter. He made a quick stop to offer quick words to Neji before he exited the room in a swirl of billowing robes.

"The next match will begin now." Hayate called. The screen flashed and my heart soared.

"FUCKING FINALLY!" I screamed, flicking to the stage and quickly stretching.

"Glad you're excited. Will Kiba Inazuka please make his way down… never mind" Hayate finished lamely as Kiba and Akamaru followed my lead moments later.

I grinned at my opponent. "Glad you're excited to get your ass handed to you in front of everyone."

"Ha! Hear this, boy? He thinks he's the only one who's gotten stronger since we graduated. Let's show him who's the real alpha!" Akamaru yipped in reply before growling what was supposed to be menacingly at me. I couldn't help what just escaped my lips next.

"Awwwwww he's so cute! Akamaru, why don't you go wait up with your other teammates while I kick Kiba's ass. I don't think I'd have the heart to hurt you" I cooed at the adorable puppy and smirked at Kiba, my plan already working.

A red-faced Kiba snarled. "Akamaru and I are a team. We fight together. Now let's get this started so I can wipe that fucking smirk off your face." He finished glaring at Hayate.

"So you're ready then?" Hayate asked the feral boy. He just nodded, eyes now trained on me. "Kenta, are you ready?"

I yawned, loudly. "Yup."

"Begin!" Hayate called.

Kiba and Akamaru rushed me from each side. Kiba shot forward in a burst of speed which I dodged smoothly, following it up with another dodge of the small puppy. This little dance continued for a few moments, the frustration growing by the second on the Inazuka's face. My grin widened further, too easy.

With a cry of frustration Kiba charged again. "Fight. Back! Are you just going to dodge the whole time!"

I laughed. "Well, if you really want me to, I guess I can fight back." And like a viper I struck. I smoothly dodged Kiba and as he passed by I laid a hard palm strike to his exposed ribs, I pulled my arm back, spinning to dodge the small dog, I grabbed him by the scruff and tossed him. With a small burst of Chakra I palmed a senbon and with years of experience with the needles lodged it into the flank of the small dog. Kiba and Akamaru were now on either side of me, in a pincer formation. I wasn't worrired.

Akamaru grabbed the needle between his teeth and pulled it out. Kiba called to him. "You OK, Akamaru?" The small dog yipped in reply. "Ok let's get serious. This cocky bastard needs to be taken down a few pegs." Akamaru took off around me intent on joining his partner. He made it 10ft before he collapsed, unmoving.

"AKAMARU! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM, YAMANAKA!?" Kiba bellowed, eyes going wide in panic and fear.

I smiled maliciously at the Inazuka boy. "I told him to go wait upstairs. You two didn't listen, and now…" My eyes drifted to the unmoving form of the small dog. "Well, hope you two weren't two attached. My needles all have special surprises on them." I showed him my palms. "Widow's Kiss can kill a grown man in less than five minutes." My smile widened seeing the pure rage and hatred on Kiba's face.

"You… You BASTARD! I'll KILL YOU!" And he made a hand sign, immediately his features became feral. He charged once again, halfway to me he jumped and started spinning rapidly. "Fang Over Fang!" The beastly boy cried. His speed increased and he closed the distance rapidly. Too bad, I was faster. A simple flicker later and I was out of harms way. The boy finished his technique and charged me again. Over and over he tried to hit me and over and over an easy 'Body Flicker' saw me to safety. Kiba screamed in rage. He reached into his pouch launched a smoke bomb at me. My world erupted in a cloud of white.

I closed my eyes and extended my senses. I spun to the left, feeling the rush of air narrowly pass me. I ducked, as the rabid dog passed overhead. Over and over he struck and time and again, I dodged by a hairs breadth. I was starting to grow bored and knew it was time to finish this. I flickered out, well across the room. Kiba emerged from the cloud of dissipating smoke, worn looking and panting heavily, his chakra was nearing the danger zone.

"Wow, Kiba. I'm impressed. You really avenged your partner really well. I think my armpits are sweating a bit!" I made a showing to check them thoroughly. "Yup! Little damp there, well done!" I laughed vindictively. "I'm sure Akamaru appreciates the effort at least." The boy charged, eyes burning with hatred. Checkmate.

"Yamanaka Clan Technique: Mind-Body Disturbance" I said aloud. Two gasps were audibly heard and I smirked slightly.

Instantly Kiba's charge ended and his body stiffened. "What is this, Yamanaka? What have you done to me?"

"Well you were throwing your clan techniques at me with wild abandon, figured I'd return the favor." I replied simply. "Now, I'm sure we all want to go home so I'm going to end this." I directed him to reach into his kunai pouch and grab one of the knives. He did so and pulled it out and brought it directly against his jugular.

"You know what to do, Dog Boy. Surrender." My eyes hardened.

"Like hell I will! You killed my partner! I'll fucking murder you!" He screamed.

"You really are that fucking stupid aren't you. You're stupid and your ability to think rationally and control your emotions is utter shit. I would never kill a comrade, especially for something like this. It was a tranq. He'll wake up in a few hours, but if you don't believe me, I'll give him the antidote as soon you surrender." And that was game.

"Fine, I give up! Give him the antidote, please!" He called.

"Winner, Kenta Yamanaka!" Hayate declared.

I walked over to the little pup and quickly administered the antidote. A few moments later he stirred and I handed him back to the boy. Kiba cradled the small dog to his chest and cried tears of joy.

"I know we aren't the best of friends, Kiba, but damn, thought you knew me enough to know I wouldn't go that far." I scratched behind Akamaru's ears and he licked my hand lightly.

"I know, Kenta… It was stupid of me to believe that but I just…" He fumbled for his words before he gave up.

"Need to work on that, dude. No matter how strong you get, if you fly off in a rage like that you're dead. Trust me, I went easy on you with the mind games." I replied seriously. He nodded.

"I know. Cpt Kurenai keeps telling me that, but until today… Well you drove the point home. Good match, Kenta. Good luck in the finals." Kiba extended his hand to me and I took it.

I returned to the observation deck to what I expected would be a round of congratulations for my epic victory, instead I was instantly assaulted by four pissed of kunoichi. I was verbally abused for over two minutes before Cpt Kurenai came to my rescue. Ami, Fú, Sakura, and friggin Temari continued to glare daggers at me, but they eventually went back to their spots, with the addition of the Suna kunoichi. At least Naruto and Shikamaru gave me congratulations. Naruto because he actually trusted me, and Shikamaru because it was a sound strategy.

Eventually the girls calmed down and congratulated me too, even though they said I was overly harsh to Kiba, it was a good win. Damn right it was! Though Fú did have a question for me.

"That technique you used, couldn't you just use that right off the bat? Did you have to play the mind games and drag it out? That's more of why I was upset. It seemed unnecessary and cruel if you were just going to make him forfeit that easily."

I opened my mouth but the last person I expected to hear defend me spoke up. "If he had planned to use that technique from the start, it was necessary." Ino stated. "I cannot do the technique, but I know the more exhausted and mentally vulnerable the opponent is the easier it is to control them and keep control. Kenta may have gone slightly overboard, but by then he was just letting Kiba wear himself out and not tormenting him more. So, I grudgingly admit it was a really good victory." She gave me a tight-lipped smile before retreating to her previous position. I gaped at her for a moment before turning back to Fú and shrugging.

"What Ino said. The angrier I could get him, the easier his mental defenses would be to break. Same thing with his exhaustion. He barely had enough chakra at the end to break a D-Rank illusion, let alone that clan technique." I gave her a nervous smile. "I'm sorry if I upset you, all of you" I said to all those listening, "But my father and clan head were watching and I just wanted to show them how far I'd come with our clan techniques."

That seemed to be enough for most present there as the angry glares still in place faded. Hayate's voice called out once again.

"We have two more matches to get through, let's get started." He announced. The boards lit up.

"Rock Lee of Konoha v Gaara of the Sand, you're up"

*****************************Same Fight Different Outcome*************************

Lee put on a show, that's for sure. Gaara's defenses were strong and many though and eventually the forbidden technique Lee had employed left him barely able to move. Gaara was then able to easily scoop Lee up in his sand from the head down. He hung there, slowly applying pressure until Lee finally gave in. We all cheered the both of them on, it was an exhilarating match to say the least.

"We have two matches left. The board will reveal the next two contestants." Hayate said.

Names spun and stopped. I smirked savagely.

"Ami Kogure v Ino Yamanaka. Please come to the arena."

Ami looked my way, the question in her eyes.

"No mercy, Ami. Show her what you can do." I told her seriously.

She nodded and rushed to the arena, taking the stairs like a lady.

"Well, well, well. I'm in luck it seems. I get the easiest match in here. I'll be in the finals within the minute." Ino confidently boasted, a sneer in place.

"With the way you wear your hair, Ino, I assume you are already aware of the golden rule for kunoichi?"

Ino looked at her quizzically and opened her mouth but Hayate cut her off.

"Ino Yamanaka are you ready?" He asked my cousin.

"What? For an easy victory? Then yes."

He nodded. "Ami Kogure, are you ready."

"I am, Mister Proctor." She replied primly.

"Then begin!"

"So, what were you saying about my beautiful hair, prune head?" Ino asked waspishly.

"Cpt Anko gave me a harsh lesson my first week with her. She told me that only the strongest kunoichi wore their hair down when they face an opponent. It's an unofficial sign that you are so confident in your skills that you believe that no one can take advantage of such a gaping opening." Ami replied, just as polite as she had been since Ino called her out.

"What nonsense are you spouting, prune head? I wear my hair like this because it's too beautiful to hide. You're wearing your hair down, so who's cocky now?" Ino clipped back.

"I see. Well, Ino, I wear my hair down because-" and she disappeared in a burst of speed, reappearing behind Ino, her fingers gently stroking Ino's hair, winding their way in her platinum locks "against you, I have nothing to fear." She whispered in Ino's ear.

Ino's eyes shot open and she started to turn, but it was too late. Ami's hand had wrapped itself in Ino's hair. She yanked down, hard, and sent Ino crashing to the floor. Her head met concrete and bounced, stars dancing in her eyes. Before she could recover, Ami had her pinned to the ground, arms trapped, and a kunai at her throat.

"This is what happens when you care more about being a pretty house wife than a true kunoichi. You were barely better than me in the academy, Ino, and since then I've trained my ass off every single day for months and months. I no longer stare at my teammates backs, I stand beside them. I will go toe to toe with anyone in this room and either win or go down with them barely able to stand. My teammates have pushed me since day one. They've beaten me, bruised me, dislocated my shoulder, broken my ribs, and each injury has only made me tougher."

Naruto and I began to sweat, feeling the bloodlust in the air. I turned to, once again, be on the receiving end of death glares by multiple kunoichi and this time our male counterparts joined them.

I sighed. "Do not let that manipulative sadist fool you. She gives as good as she gets! She hit me in the kidney so hard I peed blood for days!"

Naruto came to his own defense. "Yeah, yeah! She kicked me in the balls once so hard I thought they popped like grapes! She's a monster!" Every male and even some of the females winced at that one, the glares fading and returning to the floor. We looked and each other and sighed before joining them.

"Do you not see for your own eyes now Ino? Not only is every single woman in this room besides you dedicated to her craft, but we're all just as beautiful as any civilian out there. Get it through your skill, Ino. Or you're going to die one day if you don't start training now!" She pushed the kunai against her throat. "Now, surrender."

Ino looked at Ami in disbelief. Tears of frustration sprung in her eyes. She tried to dislodge Ami, but Ami was like a boulder. Finally, after a few more attempts the fight left her. "I surrender." Was uttered barely above a whisper. Ami got up and held her hand out to Ino to offer her help up, Ino smacked it away.

A derisive snort escaped my nose. "A pathetic excuse for a kunoichi, AND a sore loser. My, cousin, you're doing a real bang up job of representing our clan with the grace and dignity befitting your station as heiress. Well done." I finished with a sarcastic slow clap.

She shot to her feet and glared at me. "Fuck you, Kenta! What did I ever do to deserve any of this?!" She screamed at me.

I stared her straight in the eye. "Ooooh where do I start? Let's see there's the fact that you're a spoiled brat who thinks everything should be handed to her on a silver platter because of your title. That you embarrass our clan every day with your behavior. That you're wasting potential and opportunities that most in here would kill for. I'd continue but I'd rather not embarrass you in front of your father, nor waste Lord Third's time any further with your childish behavior. If you ever pluck up the courage to come ask me in private, I'd love to show you my 5 page list. It was only three pages, but Kono, your other cousin? The one who looked forward to having a "kick ass kunoichi" as a cousin that you let down added on to it."

Tears fell from her eyes and she turned on her heels and sprinted out of the room. The sound of the large double doors slamming behind her seemed to echo. Uncle Inoichi excused himself and marched after her. He shot me an unreadable look that had me anxious, but I stood by what I said. Someone had to tell her. I glanced at father but his face was a stone mask. I then felt all eyes on me.

"You all can go back to minding your own business. It's a clan matter that concerns none of you." I snapped at everyone. The all turned back to the arena. Ami joined us soon after. We all congratulated her and our attention was pulled back by a loud cough.

"Our final match! Fú of Taki v. Choji Akimichi!"

Fú jumped to the arena, excited to say the least. Choji got fired up after a promise of BBQ if he won.

"Begin!"

Fú opened with a string of handseals and unleashed a devastating technique. "Secret Technique: Hiding in Scales Powder!" she called out, and released a torrent of a blinding powder directly at the chubby genin. He was hidden from view. Fú rushed into the powder and seconds later Choji was sent rocketing out, crashing into the wall behind him hard enough to crack stone. He slumped to the ground unconscious. It was over already.

"Winner! Fú!" Hayate coughed out.

Fú rushed to check on Choji and was assured by the medics he would be fine once he woke up. Just a sore head. She rejoined us looking slightly guilty. We all assured her, including Choji's teammates that none of us were mad. It was a competition. She perked up a bit at that and finally took our congratulations on a fine match.

"Would all the winners please join me down in the arena so we can explain the final exam." Hayate called. The 10 of us quickly made our way down, Naruto draggin a reluctant Nara in his wake.

The third and final exam was explained to us. A single elimination tournament. A box was then held in front of each of us and we drew lots for the first round. I grinned as the lineup for the first round was announced.

Naruto Uzumaki v Neji Hyuga

Sasuke Uchiha v Fú

Shikamaru Nara v Temari

Ami Kogure v Shino Aburame

Kenta Yamanaka v Gaara

"You all have one month to train and prepare. You must not only prepare for your first round opponent, but the potential to face those further in the bracket."

Naruto groaned. "Ugh, a month?! Why can't we do it now, huh?!"

Hayate pinned him with a look "Because this is a big event. Merchants and food vendors come from across the nations to set up shop for the thousands of viewers to watch you all prove your worth. Foreign dignitaries will be in attendance and they need time to make the journey."

We all nodded at the explanation. Plans forming in my mind on what to improve to increase my odds of taking on the behemoth that was Gaara. Lord Third then stepped forward for another boring man speech and then released us for the month.

I joined my teammates. "I don't know about you two, but I can't wait to show everyone what we can do."

"It'll be a great opportunity for us. This will be the first time Mom and Dad see me doing what I do for a living." Ami replied excitedly.

"Hell yeah! This is gunna be awesome! I'm taking this tournament, no doubt, ya know!" Naruto cheered excitedly.

We all left the tower excitedly, ready to get back to training to show the entire shinobi world what team 11 was capable of.

That's chapter 9. Sorry no crazy possessions this time around.

I hope this put to rest some of the comments that were made about the OP-ness about the technique Korinna used and it's real purposes.

Let me know what y'all think in the reviews or PMs.

Once again, check out the poll in my profile and vote for Ami's BAE!