19 Chapter 11: Conclusion and Sacrifice 1/2

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"Gaara of the Desert is unable to continue. Kenta Yamanaka is the winner!" He called to the audience who had gone silent as the dead.

The world erupted into chaos.

The explosion of sound crashed into my eardrums. There was no mistaking or mind tricks this time, the ground was actually shaking by the sheer volume of noise. Every single person, all 20,000 spectators were on their feet. Their cheering and roars of approval over the epic battle they just witnessed sent the birds in a 5 mile radius into the sky. I finally understood why both of my teammates had looked like a newborn deer that was startled into paralysis. My mind too had momentarily shut down. The numbness didn't last long. A tired but wide grin quickly had my cheeks aching to match the rest of my body.

I turned, eyes zoning in on the people that mattered most. My family. Mom and Kono were hugging and jumping up and down. Tears of laughter and joy fell without a care who saw. Father, on his feet, strong hands making slow, powerful claps. His smile mirrored the one I felt on my own face, the pride radiating from his eyes made my heart feel as though it would burst. Uncle was next to father, the same expression and the same pride pouring from him. Even Ino was cheering as loud as she could. Her and Sakura mimicking my mom and sister as they jumped up and down in their excitement. The happiness I felt in that moment, my family and entire clan either in tears of joy or smug pride at my accomplishment, would be one of the happiest memories I would ever know in my life. In my heart I knew, my ancestors were smiling down on me in that moment. The demons once again threatened to escape their eternal prison the pinpricks in my eyes informed me.

I tore my gaze from my family and started to look around. Every single person was on their feet, cheering for all they were worth. Stamping there feet, clapping, screaming, anything they could do to show their excitement and support at my victory. My clan training and manners kicked in and I began to wave and bow to the ground in thanks of their support. I made sure to address every section of the stadium, my final address to my village leader and all the honored dignitaries, I turned and my mind shut down once again.

Lord Third, Lord Kazekage, Lord Shibuki, His Greatness the Feudal Lord of Fire, and every noble in attendance were on their feet. For me. Every person clapping as enthusiastically as was proper for people of their station. Lord Third's beaming smile was what snapped me back to what was very much reality and not a dream. I dropped the deepest and most respectable bow in our culture to the group of physically and politically most powerful men and women in The Land of Fire and Wind. I stayed that way for the required amount of time before rising. The noise in the stadium which had increased at my show of respect was slowly starting to decrease once again. After a few minutes of letting the crowd cheer, Lord Third began to motion for silence. It didn't take long for people to obey their leader.

"I must say, today has been the most exciting first round of Chunin Exams I've ever been witness to. Ladies and Gentle, Honored Guests, let's show our appreciation and support one more time for our first round victors and their opponents!" The crowd roared once again their approval. Lord Third signaled for silence once more. "We will now take a one hour intermission to allow our remaining contests time to recover a bit and work out any strategy they can come up with. I will see you all back here in exactly one hour!" The audience cheered once more as Lord Third returned to his seat, engaging the two gentleman seated next to him.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and met gazes with the kindly medic. "What is your name?" I blurted out. I flushed realizing how rude I must have sounded. "I mean, please tell me your name Miss. I can't keep calling you the nice medic in my head." I amended.

She laughed lightly and waved away my outburst. "My name it Sena. Sena Utatane young Lord."

"Please, Kenta is fine Miss Sena. Are you related to Lady Utatane? Lord Third's advisor?" I asked politely.

She nodded. "She is my second cousin. And I will not call you by your first name that would be simply barbaric to refer to someone of your station without the proper title." I opened my mouth but she barreled on through, not giving me a chance to rebuttal. "You are directly related to one of the major clan heads. Yes, Lord Kenta, I will address you as such."

I sighed, knowing this wasn't a fight I could ever have any hope of winning. I could take down a Jinchuriki, but a woman who has her mind made up? Give me Gaara again.

"If you insist. Now what can I do for your Lady Sena?" Two could play at that game. It wasn't improper either, she was from a clan. A minor clan, but a recognized clan all the same.

She snorted before her hands began to glow a pale green. "Cheeky brat. Hold still. I want to make sure there's nothing internal that could affect you. Then we'll go to the medical ward to get you as close to 100% as an hour allows."

I nodded as the warm feeling of her healing chakra invaded my own network. It was only a few moments before she pulled her hands back smiling.

"A couple fractures in your ribs, easy fix. Other than that, we'll try and stimulate your chakra network to replenish your reserves over the next hour. I'd say you were one more technique away from chakra exhaustion." I nodded at her assessment and we made our way to the medical room.

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

I watched from the balcony as young Kenta was escorted off the field by Sena. He was on his own two feet, and while he looked tired, he was talking animatedly with the older woman. I smiled once more, my old, sentimental heart ready to give out from the pride I felt for Kenta and ALL my young genin. Our village was going to be in very capable hands. I subtly glanced to my left and almost snorted. Orochimaru definitely was interested in young Kenta, if the look of hunger that hadn't left his eyes since the match ended was any indication. With luck, for my old student was not only powerful, he was also crafty and slippery, would be 6ft under and unable to harm another of my shinobi ever again. I withheld the sigh before turning to "Lord Rasa."

"Gentleman, before we adjorn to stretch our legs and get refreshments, let us quickly discuss the last match while it's still fresh in our minds. Lord Rasa, your thoughts?" I asked my wayward student, surprised at myself for being genuinely curious. As I said earlier though, mad he may be, it didn't hamper his ability to evaluate talent and potential.

He grunted. "My son. The fixing of his seal was a blessing that Suna will be forever grateful for. His mind is his once again, and his control over his bloodline is sharper than ever. However, in a moment like this, it was a hindrance. Baki told me that Korinna Uzumaki's new seal is so tight, only the smallest amount of his tailed-beasts chakra is able to squeeze through. Over time, it will open more and more, allowing him access to the beast's chakra at will. In the future, this is as it should have been since his birth, it will allow him to become a proper Jinchuriki to defend his home. It will also give his mind time to heal, the small ember of humanity that clung to the boy will be reignited. It will make not only Gaara, but all of Suna much stronger. To fight against an opponent such as that Yamanaka boy though, he needed every scrap of power. His reliance on his automatic defense became a crutch, and when his crutch broke, he couldn't fall back to what was known to him and it cost him. Gaara is powerful enough to take on most Chunnin and a lot of Jonin that fall on the weaker side of the spectrum. He will need time to adjust though and push his bloodline to its limit before he is ready for Chunnin." Orochimaru finished in Rasa's gravelly monotone.

A fair assessment. "I see. You know him best and what's best for your village. I thought that he performed well, what made me question his ability to promote was how he reacted upon seeing his own blood for, from what I could gather, the first time in his life. Or at least a long time. He had kept a cool head, countering Kenta and keeping him on his toes until that point. Now then, your thoughts on young Kenta?" This should be good.

'Lord Rasa' appeared lost in thought before speaking. Every word his obvious lust for the boys power showing more and more. "Where to start? His use and creativity with a simple 'body-flicker' is eerily reminiscent of another young genius of Konoha 6 years dead. Creating openings, attacking from multiple directions seemingly all at once, confusing his opponent. Flawless. His strategizing before a fight and during combat under heavy pressure are 2nd only to that Nara boy, and from what I gathered today, that isn't far behind. The first 30 seconds of the fight were enough to show that he is more than ready for promotion. Gaara's defenses were considered unbreakable. He's never been injured since he career started. Kenta didn't just get through those defenses, he shattered them and made Gaara more vulnerable than he's ever been in his young life."

Orochimaru paused before continuing. Most likely realizing that his cover as Rasa was slipping away quickly. "All that being said. He has near Jonin level control of not one, but two elements. While I feel that he has reserves that are larger than other's his age, they aren't at the level that would allow him to fire off all those elemental techniques, including a B-Rank water technique, without pinpoint control over his chakra and a familiarity over nature transformation that takes most years to master. That is a once in a century genius right there."

'Lord Rasa' then turned to me. "You're also full of surprises, who would have thought that Konoha would be in the business of bloodline theft."

Had I not known who was behind the mask, I may have been offended. Orochimaru was digging for information. "There are many assumptions about our village. They do not bother me. I let my enemies, and allies think whatever they'd like about us. I can honestly say though, that young Kenta having an advanced nature bloodline was as big of a surprise to you as it was to me. I know the magnet release is a strange bloodline as well. There was a ninja born and raised in Kumo I believe that it popped up in some years ago." I finished evasively while not giving away a single thing that could explain how young Kenta acquired such an ability. I knew, of course. But Konoha's business is hers alone.

The flash of anger at my vague response was snuffed quickly. "I see. You fear no retaliation from Kumo then?"

I snorted. "The proof is a mountain high that Kenta was born and raised right here. Let them gnash their teeth trying to figure out who was having a little too much fun on a mission over 13 years ago." I laughed lightly.

'Lord Rasa' nodded. "In conclusion. I recommend a promotion. If his growth continues, I will call you a fool if the boy is not Jonin in a year, two at max."

"Thank you for your assessment Lord Rasa." I had to agree. Kenta was on quick path to that destination. His dream of S-Rank was in the realm of possibility if he kept working hard. "Lord Shibuki, do you have anything to add or thoughts?"

The young man shook his head. "No, Lord Hokage. Lord Kazekage hit every bullet point I had on my list. He's a remarkable talent, and the cherry on top is he's a young man of character. I don't know him all that well, but I can tell he's a diamond that's finished carving, now it just needs to be polished until it shines."

I smiled in appreciation at the young man's thoughtful words for my shinobi. The future looked bright indeed. "Well then, let's get up and stretch our legs. We have some time."

***************************************AK********************************************

"Ladies and Gentleman, the 2nd round of the Chunin Selection Exam will begin in 5 minutes. Please make your way back to your seats. Thank you." The voice of Hayate came over the loudspeaker. I smiled, feeling much better than an hour ago. Not 100%, but good enough to continue. The remaining competitors were all strong, but none of them had an automatic defense to break through. I didn't have to break out the big guns to batter down a wall now. Temari would be the weakest competitor remaining. She was strong, no doubt, but had shown herself as a one trick pony. The other three? All different fighting styles, all just as dangerous as Gaara in their own ways.

Meditating while one of Lady Sena's students practiced their 'Chakra Stimulation Technique' saw me to about 70% of my reserves. I could work with that. I stood up and stretch, back popping in the most pleasant of ways. I made my way to viewing deck, Neji at my side. Shino was still unconscious, but should wake up within the hour Lady Sena said. Ami's poison had left him physically weak, and the boy had moderate chakra exhaustion, but he's be fine. Neji and I talked for a bit, the dude who just a few short hours ago looked like epitome of confidence now looked like a lost and confused puppy. Naruto had shaken the world under the poor guy's feet. He'd bounce back though.

A tornado of green crashed into me, as soon as I stepped onto the balcony, followed by a blonde and purple blur as well. All three were congratulating me and saying how worried they were. Lady Sena had barred them from entrance into the medical ward, saying she had less than an hour to get me as ready to fight as she could. They understood of course, and I was grateful for their worry, as well as Lady Sena giving me time recuperate.

After assuring them all I was fine, only light wounds and near chakra exhaustion and that I was more than ready to compete, they relented. Conversation took on a lighter tone, with plenty of smack talk about round 2 to go around. The noise level had been steadily rising over the last few minutes but began to die down. We all made our way to the edge just as Hayate was walking onto the arena.

"Ladies and Gentleman. Round 2 will begin momentarily. I must share some news with you all before we begin. Due to her worry over her brother, Lady Temari has dropped from the competition to join her brother Lord Kankuro at the hospital to await news on Lord Gaara. We wish a speedy recovery to Lord Gaara. I have been assured by Lady Sena that Lord Gaara is not in danger, and is undergoing surgery to close the wounds he suffered in his match. With that being said, the tournament will continue in a traditional sense. The first match will be Naruto Uzumaki versus Sasuke Uchiha. The second match will be Ami Kogure versus Kenta Yamanaka. There will be a 15 minute break before the final match will commence. Now, without further ado, will Naruto and Sasuke please join me in the arena!" Hayate called out loud and clear. Someone had apparently given the dude a cough drop or something.

We all turned to the boys, wishing them both luck. Naruto jumped to the arena with a wide smile, Sasuke did similar, his Uchiha smirk firmly in place.

"Naruto Uzumaki, are you ready?" Hayate asked.

"HELL YEAH! YOU'RE GOING DOWN, BASTARD!" Naruto's over enthusiastic reply caused many to laugh.

"Sasuke Uchiha, are you ready?"

Sasuke simply nodded, smirk never wavering.

"Begin!"

The two boys stared each other down, neither making a move. Naruto's smile morphed into a glare, Sasuke's smirk remained unchanged. For 30 seconds they continued to stare each other down, Naruto visibly growing more agitated by the second. The dam broke.

"Oi. You pasty bastard! Are you going to make a move or are you waiting until I die of boredom!" Naruto's voice borderline shouted.

Sasuke's smirk grew even wider. "I'm debating whether to fight you or not. My mother's words of warning keep replaying in my ear. She always told me hurting or picking on those with learning disabilities was a grave offense." He grinned in triumph. Naruto's face was as red as the hair his clan was known for.

"YOU GOD DAMN BASTARD! YOU'RE GOING DOWN! "MULTI SHADOW CLONE TECHNIQUE!" Naruto yelled in rage at the Uchiha's bait. The smoke cloud that erupted during his fight with Neji seemed like a fart cloud compared to the mushroom cloud that enveloped the arena. When the smoke quickly dissipated, the shocked gasp from the crowd was well warranted. Every. Single. Inch! Of the arena was a sea of blonde. Hundreds, maybe even a thousand Naruto's now stood in every corner, glaring at Sasuke. Sasuke's smirk finally faltered, his eyes widening comically. Even I didn't know Naruto was capable of summoning this many. It was unreal. Sasuke calmed himself down and blinked slowly. His opening eyes now a deep crimson. He got into his stance, ready for the onslaught that was about to begin.

A single clone rushed Sasuke which was dispelled as soon as it was within striking distance, another replaced it. The familiar scene played out once again. Clone after clone rushed to its "death" but never more than one. 100 clones down, how many more left to go. The frustration was starting to show on Sasuke's face as he dispelled yet another clone. Something else began to happen. All the clones started to move in seemingly random directions. A second clone joined this exchange, surprising Sasuke for just a second before he took down the clone tandem. Again, two rushed, two gone. This pattern continued for a bit before a third joined, but with a twist. As Sasuke engaged clone after clone, the ones in the wings would make feints to throw the Uchiha off. They would pretend to rush in then back off, rush in back off, two would feint but one would continue to engage while the other vanished back into the sea of blonde. The minutes ticked by, the pattern of engagement always changing, never letting the pattern grow stale.

It was working. A thin sheen of sweat could be seen on the Uchiha's brow. The clones were now getting in glancing blows, slipping into Sasuke's guard as he started to tire. Always the same though, always moving. Never giving Sasuke a moment of rest, never letting themselves group too tightly together. Sasuke would pounce on an opportunity to take out a good chunk of them. Naruto had finally learned how to strategize.

Ten minutes passed and Naruto was down to his last few clones. Sasuke was panting, sweat rolling down his brow now. Various cuts, scrapes and bruises could be seen all of the Uchiha boy. He was full on glaring now, his frustration at the situation clearly visible. The clones surrounded Sasuke in a ring, smirking for all they were worth. The taunts began.

"Ooooohhh. The genius Uchiha, beaten by the idiot."

"Sasuke you look tired, should I let you rest?"

"Who's the idiot now, idiot?"

"You fancy eyed geniuses are over hyped!"

"Rookie of the Year? More like Rookie of the Losers!"

On and on the chatter never stopped. Sasuke's face grew redder by the minute. When it seemed he was ready to explode, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He opened them, emotions calm, at least on the outside.

The Naruto clones frowned, the end result not what they wanted. On an unspoken signal, the survivors of the clone massacre rushed at once. The ring closed in, Sasuke stood his ground, when the clones were less than 10ft away, Sasuke rushed through a set of handseals.

"Fire Release: Flaming Protection!" He called. As a stream of fire was issued from the boy's lungs, he spun rapidly. Not Neji level fast, but it was pretty quick. The clones hit the defensive wall of flames and vanished, Sasuke cut off his technique, back into his stance. Naruto was nowhere to be seen. Crimson eyes darted back and forth, searching for their target. Sasuke's eyes widened and he jumped back, just as a pair of tan hands burst from the ground beneath him. The hands attempted to capture him, but they only grasped thin air. The rest of Naruto quickly followed the grasping hands, smile on his face.

"Darnit! Thought I had you! So, how you feeling, bastard?" Naruto asked smugly.

Sasuke flipped him the bird, uncaring of who exactly was watching. "You're quite possibly the most annoying person I've ever met. Seriously? 1000 clones? You complained about Shikamaru's match then you pull that crap?" He sighed heavily. "I'm going to end this farce, now." Sasuke's body tensed, ready to pounce.

Naruto, being the mature one, stuck his tongue out and laughed at the Uchiha. He then put on his best imitation of Sasuke. "Derrr I'm Sasuke. I'm too cool to smile, or laugh, or do anything that brings joy to people. This farce is over. I'm so cool. Look at me. Derrr." And he continued his laughter. Sasuke and I had a broment, I couldn't laugh. It was so hard not to though!

Sasuke really was done, he charged Naruto. Naruto halted his imitations and grinned, one handed sign held up as a familiar emerald green seal lit up under Sasuke's foot.

"Uzumaki Sealing Style: Gale Force Uprising" Naruto cried out, the unforgiving winds lashed towards the heavens like a viper, but to Naruto's surprise Sasuke was gone. He reappeared behind Naruto, and in a repeat move, brought his chokuto slashing down at Naruto's exposed back. Pain flashed across Naruto's face before a smirk replaced it. 'Naruto' ignited brightly and then exploded violently, tossing Sasuke back several feet. Scorched clothes and pink tinged skin were added to his growing list of injuries. He scowled as Naruto arose from the safety of the ground.

"Ha! Moron! You fell for it!" Naruto's laughter rang across the arena again. "You like that? Learned that one a few weeks ago. 'Exploding Shadow Clone' is as fun as it sounds." Sasuke's socialization quota seemed to have been met for the day. He charged Naruto once more, sword gleaming dangerously. He was halfway to Naruto when out of the ground six glowing Naruto's appeared. The explosion this time was much larger, Sasuke's form shot out of the smoke, this time barely escaping. He skid to a halt, scowl back in place.

"Give up now, bastard. Did you think my clones running around was just for show? This place is rigged to the teeth. Seals, traps, and clones all hiding, waiting just for you." Naruto's vicious smirk accentuating his boasting.

Sasuke stared at Naruto for a few moments, crimson eyes taking in every detail. His eyes darted around the arena, searching for the hidden dangers that lurked below. He sheathed his chokuto and straightened his back.

"I surrender." He said loud and clear.

Shocked and scandalized gasps and murmurs erupted at the declaration by the last Uchiha. Naruto looked like he'd just been hit upside the head.

"You-I was just bragging! Don't forfeit, you bastard! We're settling this once and for all." Naruto's flustered voice sounded out.

"You should have not have revealed the arena was rigged. If this were a real mission I were leading, the best course of action would be to retreat and strategize." Sasuke's blunt reply came.

Naruto spluttered. "But this isn't a real mission! Its-"

"An exam to determine individuals who show the required strength and mindset to be selected for promotion to Chunin. It's an exam, Naruto. Not a pissing contest. I want to be promoted. Continuing to fight you without being able to prove without a doubt that you were bluffing would show recklessness and poor judgement on my part to those who are scoring us." Sasuke's voice never changing.

Naruto had run out of excuses and Sasuke's words finally seemed to get through to him. He deflated like a balloon with a hole poked in it.

"You're sure, Sasuke?" Hayate asked quiety. The boy nodded. Hayate turned to face the crowd. "Sasuke Uchiha has surrended. Naruto Uzumaki is the winner and will advance to the finals!"

Polite claps and subdued cheers met the announcement. It wasn't what people were hoping to see, but Sasuke's logic was irrefutable. Suspicious, I was.

Naruto morosely walked off the field, Sasuke 'Body-Flickered' back up to the contestant's balcony where I immediately assaulted the boy. I grab his cheeks between my thumb and index finger, quickly pulling and twisting his cheeks. Sasuke snarled at me, slapping my hands away.

"The hell you think you're doing, Yamanaka?" He hissed.

"Trying to dispel the transformation technique or illusion you cast, imposter. What have you done with Sasuke?" I pointed a finger at him in accusation. A few in the balcony laughed at my antics.

Sasuke glared at me, clearly not impressed. "Naruto's idiocy is rubbing off on you. Be careful or you'll be a ramen-addicted loudmouth before you know it.

I laughed loudly at that. "For real though, that was the last thing anyone in this entire arena expect from you. What happened?"

He shrugged. "Like I said. I want to make Chunin. I'll get more varied missions. Access to more techniques. I came here for two things. One, to prove my strength. Two, to get promoted. Anything else is just a waste. I already did one of two things. I took down Fú who's no slouch, I took on 1000 corporeal clones. I think I proved I have the strength for the rank. Now I just have to see if they think I have the mentality."

"Either way, you did well today. We'll need to go all out sometime in the future." I smirked at the boy and held my fist out. He stared down at it like it was the grossest thing in the world. My smile turned victorious. "I knew you liked my kisses." He bumped fists quickly before I had the full sentence out, causing us all to laugh.

"Ami Kogure and Kenta Yamanaka, please come down to the arena!"

***************************************SU********************************************

"Ami Kogure, are you ready?" Hayate asked my teammate. Excited energy was coursing through my body. I was looking forward to this fight more than my fight with Gaara.

"Yes, Mister Proctor" Her reply came polite as can be, her eyes though spoke of pain. I gulped.

"Kenta Yamanaka, are you ready?" Hayate asked.

"I am!" I called out.

"Then let the last match of the 2nd round… begin?" He looked up in confusion, I followed his gaze. Pure white feathers were slowly falling to the earth. They were quite beautiful I admired, my eyes growing heavy. My senses screamed at me, I felt the foreign chakra invade my system. I focused on the parasite, my chakra seizing it and crushing it. I looked around, Ami's eyes nearly closed, teetering dangerously before her eyes snapped open.

"What the hell was that? That wasn't you, right Kenta?" Ami asked, confusion in her eyes as she shook off the remaining effects of the illusion.

I shook my head but Hayate answered. "I was wondering when he was going to give the signal. Looks like it's started." He coughed a few times.

"What do you mean, Mister Proctor?" I asked.