The real challenge of the Chunin Exam, begins!
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Series, All Previous Chapters [In Chronological Reading Order]:
The Legendary Sage of Konoha's Legacy, Chapter 4;
Naruto: *Pant, Pant* Let's do this!
Already being exhausted before the match had even started, Naruto looked to be at a disadvantage. However, he was not going to let that stop him as he prepared his first attack.
Shingen: What's the matter Naruto, not tired already are you?
Leaping to the side, Shingen began to preform some hand-seals as well, as the two of them shouted out simultaneously.
Naruto: Lightning Style: Needles of Electrocution!
Shingen: Fire Style: Flamethrower!
The two attacks clashed head on as a large explosion occurred between them. At this, the crowd began roaring intensely in applause as Minato had a firm look on his face, watching the fight from the Kages' balcony. It was then that Ebizo reached over to him and whispered something in his ear.
Ebizo: It's funny to think that the two of them, Naruto and Shingen, actually are distant related, and they might not even know that.
Minato: Heh, I know, I too suspect that the two of them don't know that, I suppose... I've seen my cousin Shingen several times during this Chunin Exam, but I haven't really found time to talk to him, other than when addressing all of the contestants together...
Ebizo: Hmm, I see...
Minato: So how is your father anyways?
Ebizo: Gaara is fine, he actually wanted to come, but decided to stay home in Suna. Your two other cousins are here though.
Pointing over at another balcony, Ebizo localized Neji and Tsunade, whom were here as well, sitting next to Kushina.
Minato: Yeah, I never really got to know your children, my cousins, too well, but it sure is funny to think that Shingen, even though he's way younger than me, is actually my cousin as well. I'll make sure to talk to them all when all this is over uncle, I promise, haha.
Ebizo: Haha, you don't have to promise me anything Minato, the two of us are not related by blood anyhow.
Minato: But still, you are the husband of my aunt, and therefore, you are my uncle-in-law, hehe.
Ebizo: Heh, yeah I suppose you're right.
As Ebizo leaned back in his seat again, Mu, whom was seated on Minato's left, leaned over to him, asking him what the two of them were talking about, as Ebizo too was drawn by this.
Ebizo: Not much... How's thing going between you and Saria?
Mu: Things are going great really, and both of us are excited to see our daughter make it this far.
Minato: Your daughter??
Mu: Yes? You do know that Noh is our daughter, right? After all, you are the Hokage of Konoha and she is your cousin, haha...
Minato: !! Oh, I was completely in my own thoughts right there... Yeah, silly me! I was just not sure who you were referring to for a second there, haha!
Ebizo: Wait, are you saying your kid is a Konoha Shinobi? How can that be?
Mu: You haven't heard that story?
Ebizo: Not really no...
Mu: The fact that me and Saria are Kages of two different Villages, sure has made things complicated. We've basically been moving back and forth for the last 20 years, living some in her village, and some in mine. All this moving around was not good for Noh's schooling, so we decided that she would attend the academy in Konoha and live at her uncle, my brother, Itachi's place for awhile, after she turned eight.
Ebizo: I see... So both Shingen and Noh are your cousins then Minato?
Minato: They sure are.
Mu: With you and Kushina, and me and Saria, Minato is linked with all the other Kages through family in some way, except for Okuni.
Overhearing their conversation, the two female Kages who were seated on the left of Mu, turned their attention towards them as Saria, sitting right next to Mu on his left, spoke out.
Saria: Are you guys here to talk or to watch the match if I may ask?
Mu: Hehe, sorry dear, got caught up in this conversation.
Minato: Yeah, I suppose your right.
Ebizo: Ehehehe, she's right, we shouldn't miss out on the battle between our sons, or what do you say, Minato?
Minato: Hah, right as always!
Okuni: Hahaha, you guys are too adorable to be true.
As the five of them turned their attention towards the match again, they witnessed as it was about to kick itself up a notch.
Shingen: I won't let you win this Naruto! Relative of mine or not!
Naruto: *Pant* Hah, I never expected you to go lenient on me to begin with!
Clashing together once more, the two of them leaped away from each other again to gain some space.
Jin: So Jiraiya, earlier you said that this Sand Shinobi named Shingen was your nephew, right?`
Jiraiya: That is correct.
Jin: So, he's Kushina and Ebizo's son then?
Jiraiya: Certainly so.
Noh: ?! Are you... Is he really?!
Magoichi: Why so worked up Noh??
Noh: Sasuke, Sakura, did you guys know?
Sasuke: Eh... We just found out.
Sakura: ...And I still can't believe it!
Tadakatsu: ...
Noh: I see...
Magoichi: Again, something up Noh?
Noh: No, I... If he truly is, then he's Minato's cousin as well...
Sasuke: As well?
Jiraiya: That is also right. As one of Minato's cousins, I thought you knew this Noh?
Sasuke & Sakura: What?!!?!?!?!??!?!
Jiraiya: What??
Sasuke: Are you for real?!
Sakura: How many unknown cousins of our father have you hid away from us?!
Jiraiya: I, ehm...
Tadakatsu: What are you guys so surprised about?? Noh is the daughter of Mu and Saria after all...
Magoichi: Yeah, everyone knows that??
Sasuke: Seriously?! I had no idea who her parents were!
Sakura: Neither did! Noh, then we're related?!
Noh: Ehm, yeah, I suppose... But ehm, I've only been here for five years, so we haven't had time to get to know each other I suppose...
Sasuke: Haven't had time?!
Sakura: Ehm, just wait! If you knew this, how can you be dating Naruto then?!
Saying this without thinking twice about it, Sakura failed to realize what this revelation actually meant for some of them.
Magoichi: Dating Naruto??
Tadakatsu: WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Slamming his hand into the fence beside them, Tadakatsu was infuriated to hear this as he turned around towards her.
Noh: Sak-ura...
Sakura: Ops... I wasn't suppose to say that...
Sasuke: You didn't know?
Magoichi: Of course not! I mean, I might have suspected it, but...
Tadakatsu: ...
Having turned away from them for a second, Tadakatsu seemed as if almost crying in the corner by himself as his father tried to reach out to him.
Jin: Son, are you alright?
At the sound of this, Tadakatsu reached over the fence as he shouted out to Naruto in such loud noise that the whole arena turned their attention towards him and the battle halted temporarily.
Tadakatsu: UZUMAKI NARUTO!!! DON'T YOU DARE LOSE THIS BATTLE!!! YOUR HEAD IS MINE, AND MINE ALONE FOR THE TAKING! YOU HEAR ME?!!
Waving his fist in the air, Magoichi had to pull him back as the crowd looked puzzled in their direction. Not sure what to make out of this, Naruto looked at Shingen as he nodded back at him. The battle then continued as Magoichi was trying to comfort Tadakatsu.
Noh: Tadakatsu...
Tadakatsu: It's over, it's all over. *Sniff*
Magoichi: Don't... just...
Tadakatsu: Just leave me alone...
Not sure what to say, Magoichi stepped back as Jin was shaking his head back and forth.
Jin: Huff, who would have thought that my son would have got himself involved in a love triangle at his age...
Jiraiya: ...
Sasuke: So if you are our father's cousin, Noh... Does even Naruto know this??
Noh: No, I...
Sakura: If you ask me, that is a little bit... weird. I suppose since Naruto is the son of your cousin, you're not that closely related, but... Naruto deserves to know...
Noh: ... Yeah, I'll tell him.
Tadakatsu: My life is over...
Poking the ground in the corner, Tadakatsu was completely shattered to find out that his beliefs turned out to be true, and that the woman of his dream was seeing someone else.
Sakura: Alright, let me get this straight once and for all... Grandpa Jiraiya.
Jiraiya: Yes?
Sakura: Your sister Kushina is married to Gaara's son Ebizo, and they have three kids together, and one of them is Shingen, right?
Jiraiya: Right. The other two are Neji and Tsunade...
Sakura: And our grandmother, Miyuki, has two brothers, Mu and Itachi?
Jiraiya: Mhm...
Sakura: Mu is together with Killerbee's daughter, Saria, and their kid is Noh?
Noh: Yeah...
Sakura: So not only are you and Shingen our father's cousins, but Ebizo is our father's uncle-in-law, Saria is our father's aunt-in-law and Mu is our father's uncle, our granduncle...
Sasuke: Where on earth are you getting with all of this Sakura?? You already know most of it...
Sakura: Heh, I'm just making sure to keep track of it all...
Noh: ...
Magoichi: Well, well, another day another surprise I suppose.
Tadakatsu: ...
Jin: Well the Kages are very close for more reasons than this Alliance you could say.
Jiraiya: Indeed. With my sister being married to the Kazekage, and my wife's brother being the Tsuchikage, whom then again is married to the Raikage, we sure are a close gang, which none can break apart too easily...
Jin: Mhm...
Noh: Naruto-Kun... Please stay safe and win this, I'll be cheering for you all the way so keep up the good work!
Sasuke: If Naruto lose now, it will take away half of the fun in the Semi-Finals...
Magoichi: And you are so sure you'll beat me Sasuke??
Sasuke: Heh, we shall see indeed Magoichi!
Noh: And Sakura-Chan, I expect you to do your best in our battle as well!
Sakura: Don't you worry, I will!
Down on the battlefield, something far more interesting than Sakura's theorizing one who's related to who, and their random chit-chat, took place, as Naruto fired up another technique.
Naruto: Wind style: Razor Wind!
Shingen: Not bad, but! Water Style: Crushing Waves of the Great Sea!
Naruto: ?!
Sending out a razor sharp wind against Shingen, Naruto tried to get the upper-hand, but unfortunately for him, in vain. Taking advantage of the battlefield, that was split in three different environmental fields (Water, Earth and Forest), forming up the battlefield, Shingen drew a massive source of water from the nearby pond as he formed a huge wave that headed straight for Naruto, overpowering his attack and hitting him dead on. Shocked to see this, several people of the crowd got up from their seats, even Minato himself as the wave hit one side of the arena, crushing Naruto up against the wall, before settling down again.
Sasuke: ?!
Sakura: Naruto?!
Noh: Naruto-Kun!!
Jiraiya: ...
Minato: !!
Shingen: That should do it...
As the wave finally settled down, one could see Naruto resting up against the wall as the ref ran over to check on him.
Shingen: Now ref?
Referee: ?!
Shingen: !!
Naruto: I'm not done yet, Rasengan!
In a matter of split seconds, the battle changed dramatically, as the Naruto leaning up against the wall disappeared in a cloud of smoke and the real Naruto came jumping out from one of the nearby trees with a Rasengan in his hand, hitting Shingen's left shoulder head on, sending him crashing to the ground.
Naruto: *Pant, Pant, Pant* Do not... Huff... Think that I go down that easily!
Landing up against a rock, Shingen let out a loud grunt as he clutched his left shoulder in pain.
Shingen: Damn...
Not only had Naruto's Rasengan landed a direct hit on his left shoulder, but as Shingen flew backwards, he also crashed straight into a rock as it felt like his shoulder slipped out of course. Forcing himself back on his feet, Shingen seemed to be in bad shape as it seemed as the battle had changed in favor of Naruto, when suddenly, Naruto fell to his knees, having to hold himself up with his hands.
Shingen: !!
Naruto: Huff... Huff... Seems like I'm at my limit here, *Hark, Pant*
Barely holding himself together, Naruto realized that he had already exhausted himself before he even got to the battlefield, as both him and Shingen struggled to keep themselves together.
Shingen: Now's my chance!
Leaping off, Shingen tightened his right fist as he aimed to finish the battle with raw power. As he got there, Naruto quickly guarded the blow as they started to exchange several punches between each other, both of them hitting their opponent times and times over, and both with their right fists, as the punches eventually got weaker and weaker, and both of them got more and more beaten up. Both refusing to back down, they landed a knockout blow on each other at the same time, Kenshin with his right, Naruto with his left, as they both tumbled over. The ref quickly rushed to their side, but quickly realized that they were both beyond their limits. Thinking about calling the match a draw after a few seconds, he suddenly noticed that both of them started to move again as they slowly but steadily forced themselves up on their feet, shaking tremendously.
Shingen: *Pant, Pant, Pant* You... Huff... You...
Naruto: *Smirk* Huff, hehe, I'm... Not... *Pant, Pant* Done... huff...
Just staring at each other in an intense showdown, the crowd was up at their feet, expecting a winner to be announced shortly. Sasuke was jumping up and down cheering for Naruto, while Sakura was clutching her head in despair, hoping that he just could hold on. Noh on the other hand, barely dared to watch as she was peeking through her fingers, covering her face. Tadakatsu was as cool as ever, as he stood there with his arms crossed together with a mad look on his face.
Minato: You can do it son!!
Naruto: ?!
Hearing his father from far away, who had risen from his seat to cheer for him, Naruto felt like he suddenly got a moral booster to win as a smile formed on his face. Shingen's father wasn't going to do any less than Minato however, as Ebizo rose from his seat as well and screamed out to him.
Ebizo: Don't listen to the Hokage, son, win this battle!
Almost having a battle of their own up there, trying to reach out to their sons, the two Kages almost drew the attention of the rest of the crowd as Mu, Saria and Okuni had to hold them back to prevent them from falling off from their balcony.
Shingen: Heh, they sure are enthusiastic Naruto... *Pant*
Naruto: Hehe, I've never seen father this excited before... *Pant* I mean, I've heard how he acted when he was younger, but this...
Shingen: I'll say one thing though... *Pant* You sure are a powerful foe, even when being exhausted before the fight had even begun...
Naruto: ...
Shingen: Heh, I don't know why, but it really feels like you deserve to win this one... *Pant* Taking everything into consideration...
Still holding onto his wounded left shoulder, Shingen suddenly seemed to struggle even more holding his ground than before.
Naruto: !! What do you mean?
Shingen: We should... *Pant* Have a proper fight... when both of us are fully rested... some time... *Pant, Pant* As there is no point in dragging this one any longer... *Pant* Until then... Ref!
Naruto: ?!
Mugiwara: What is Shingen doing?!
Kenshin: I can't freaking believe it, he can't?!?!
Raising his hand in the air, Shingen then looked over at the Ref.
Shingen: I, Shingen, admits defeat to Naruto, and hereby forfeits this mat-...
Not being able to finish his sentence, Shingen tumbled backwards, landing on his back as he fainted.
Referee: ... The winner, Uzumaki Naruto!!!
Pointing his arm at Naruto, the ref declared him as the winner of the battle. Hearing this, most of the crowd roared out in celebration as Naruto was just standing there, not sure what to say or what do do.
Naruto: ... He... What just happened... I won??
Sasuke: Hiya! He did it!
Sakura: Yes!! That's our brother alright!
Noh: Naruto-Kun... Well done.
Magoichi: Hmm...
Tadakatsu: Humph...
Jin: So one of three passes huh Jiraiya... Now, with Sasuke against Magoichi and Sakura against Noh, the real fun begins.
Jiraiya: ...
Giving him a pat on his back, Jiraiya didn't really seem to take much care of what Jin said, as he was stumbling in his own thoughts.
Minato: Yeah!!!! He did it!
Mu: Calm down Minato, you're suppose to be the Hokage, haha.
Ebizo: ... Well, I'm proud of Shingen nonetheless.
Saria: So what battle is up next?
Okuni: ...
Minato: Oh, we better get things rolling I suppose.
Naruto: I.. I.. won... I feel... so................ Drained...
Just standing on the ground, Naruto as well slowly tumbled over flat on his stomach as he too fainted just as some Konoha Shinobi had come over to Shingen to check on him. Seeing this, they signaled some more helpers to come, as both him and Shingen were carried away. Looking up at the Kages' balcony, one of them gave off a signal as Minato read it and delivered the message to the rest of them.
Minato: Both of them are fine, they just fell unconscious from exhaustion.
Mu: Glad to hear... Now, let's signal the next battle.
Ebizo: Right. You want to call it Minato?
Getting up from his seat again, Minato then addressed the crowd again.
Minato: Dear everyone! After an amazing display of skills in the first battle, we are now ready for match two! Will the following contestants please step forward on the battlefield...
Over at Kenshin and Mugiwara's place, you could already see that Kenshin had left his place as he had walked down the tunnel, appearing out on the field.
Minato: Maeda Kenshin!! And...
As Minato was just about to announce the second name, Sasuke noticed that Tadakatsu placed one foot on the fence in front of them, drawing the two swords on his back, as if just about to leap off.
Minato: Senju Tadakatsu!!
Tadakatsu: ...Finally!
Leaping off from the balcony, the whole arena watched as he flipped through the air, landing right in front of Kenshin. Slowly raising himself up to his feet again, Tadakatsu pointed both his swords at him as he had a fierce look on his face.
Tadakatsu: ...I hope... You are ready for this, because I will show no mercy.
Trying to hold his ground and act cool, even Kenshin couldn't refrain from taking a step back as Tadakatsu seemed extremely deadly.
Kenshin: *Gulp*
Tadakatsu: And this time, I won't be as lenient as I was when I faced you and your two teammates earlier...
Kenshin (In Thoughts): Not as lenient?! Are you implying that you weren't full power when you single-handily dealt with both Mugiwara and Shingen in a foul swoop, cornering me?!
Referee: If both contestants could handshake, we will then begin.
Walking over to Kenshin with a vile look on his face, it almost seemed as if he was planning to hurt him bad as Kenshin began to step backwards away from him.
Tadakatsu: Hold your ground you vermin! I'm only going to shake your bloody hand!!
Reaching up to him, Tadakatsu grabbed onto his hand as he squeezed it so hard that Kenshin was forced down to his knees, feeling as if Tadakatsu was about to break his hand in half. The referee had to interfere as he told Tadakatsu to let go, but he did not let go that easily as he made sure to give it one final squeeze before he swung Kenshin around in the air and tossed him away to the side. Struggling to get up again, Kenshin looked up as Tadakatsu was pointing his right sword at him. Tadakatsu then famously let out a line that he was soon to be so famously known for.
Tadakatsu: You... Will be just another victim to my Swords of Death!
Referee: Hey, I can't let you do that, the fight hasn't even begun yet! That's the first warning Tadakatsu, make sure you don't get two more, or else!
Tadakatsu: Humph!
Turning his back away from Kenshin again, Tadakatsu allowed him time to get back up on his feet as the ref looked at Minato who nodded back at him.
Sasuke: ...
Magoichi: I don't know why, but Tadakatsu really seem determined to end this fast. Something must have set his mind towards winning this match brutally. I wonder what that could be...
Noh: ...
Looking over at Noh, it was as if Magoichi was trying to hint at something as Noh had a worried look on her face.
Jiraiya: Now, let's see if your son is able to live up to the Senju name, just like his father, Jin...
Jin: ... Well, I just hope that Asuka and Tadakatsu's two brothers are paying close attention on the warrior that Tadakatsu is turning into...
Looking straight ahead, Jin spotted the three of them seated just across them as Asuka smiled back at him.
Sakura: I always knew Tadakatsu was strong, but let's see how strong he really is.
Referee: Begin!
Signaling the fight to begin, Kenshin did not afford to lose ground as he immediately fired up an attack.
Kenshin: Wind Style: Tree Cutter!
Sending off a powerful wind straight for Tadakatsu, Kenshin seemed to regain some of his confidence as this time, his wind attack was more powerful than the one he had combined with his two teammates to attack Tadakatsu with earlier on.
Tadakatsu: Humph! Like I told you before... What do you expect such a weak attack will do against my peerless might?!?!
Swinging his two swords around, Tadakatsu came running for Kenshin as he easily broke through his attack, closing in at him.
Kenshin: Shit?!
Seeing this, Kenshin was forced to jump backwards as Tadakatsu slammed both his swords into the ground where he once stood.
Tadakatsu: What, you're running away now you coward?! Come back here and stand your fu*king ground!!
Charging after him, Kenshin had no other option than to run, as it almost turned into a game of cat and mouse. Chasing him towards the small forest that was part of the battlefield, Kenshin tried to use that as an advantage to make up a counter attack.
Magoichi: He's running away??
Sasuke: No... He's...
Jumping into the forest, trying to take cover from Tadakatsu, Kenshin turned around as he saw Tadakatsu simply smiling as he halted his chase.
Tadakatsu: Humph, you rats never learn!
Crossing his two swords together in front of himself, Tadakatsu prepared another attack.
Tadakatsu: My blades thirst for enemy blood! Blazing-shockway, Dance of the Heaven and Hell Swords!
Just as before, one sword got engulfed in fire while the other got engulfed in strong gusts of wind, as he swung them around in a manner of passion, cutting down trees left and right, leveling the whole freaking forest down in the process.
Kenshin: What?!
Just barely managing to avoid a direct hit, Kenshin rolled over on the ground as he was tossed through the sky, landing in the remaining pond of water. Crawling out of it, he quickly realized that Tadakatsu was after him again, as he ran across the few huge rocks that were there as Tadakatsu cut them asunder, sending mighty shockwaves flying after him.
Sasuke: What powers?! How is it even possible for him at our young age?!
Magoichi: ... For even you to admit that Sasuke... Well, once Tadakatsu hit the point of rage, I don't think anyone can stop him... And then I mean anyone...
Sakura: He's awesome!!
Getting inspired by Tadakatsu's display of skills, Sakura began cheering for him as Tadakatsu finally caught up to the fleeing Kenshin.
Tadakatsu: You pathetic worm, fight!!
Kenshin: !!
Running out of ground, Kenshin found himself backed up against the wall as he had to turn around and face this powerful foe.
Kenshin: Shit...
Tadakatsu: This ends now, *Smirk*
Kenshin: !!
Forming three bunshins of himself, they all came at Kenshin at the same time, as Kenshin didn't know what the heck to do, just barely managing to dodge between one of their legs. Landing on his stomach, Kenshin turned around only to find Tadakatsu standing above him, ready to strike at him.
Kenshin: Nooooo!!! Just wait, just wait!!
Tadakatsu: No time to beg!!
Kenshin: Ref!!!! I surrender for heaven's sake!!
Just barely being able to roll to the side to avoid Tadakatsu's swords, Kenshin then scrambled to his feet as Tadakatsu swung around, hitting him with his right foot and sent him tumbling over.
Kenshin: Ref! Ref!
Crawling towards the referee, Kenshin felt Tadakatsu closing in as he grabbed onto the feet of the referee, whom were completely shocked to see this. About to swing his swords, Tadakatsu halted his process seeing how the ref was in the way.
Tadakatsu: Ref, get out of the bloody way!
Referee: ?!
Tadakatsu: You damn coward!! Fight!!!!
Kenshin: No! No! I don't want to die!!
Referee: Ehm... What...
Seeing this display, the crowd began to whistle in disapproval as Kenshin's Sensei left the arena with Mugiwara. Turning around to face the crowd, Tadakatsu then took the liberty to address them, much to the Kages surprise, but much to the crowd's approval.
Tadakatsu: Gathered crowd! Do you see this?! This, is not a worthy foe! This is a damn coward! A waste of my time! I'm not even tired yet! This is the most pathetic display of a shinobi I've ever seen, fleeing and begging for his life in front of his adversary! What do you make of this, Kages?!
Pointing his right sword at the Kages, Tadakatsu was beaming of confidence, as none of the Kages knew what to say.
Tadakatsu: What, lost your tongues, oh powerful leaders??
Almost annoyed that the fight he had been anticipating for so long was just a bluff, Tadakatsu didn't know who to blame it on as he totally stepped out of his place. Seeing this, his father shouted out to him.
Jin: Tadakatsu Senju!!! What on earth are you doing addressing the Kages like that?! You are stepping out of your place son!
Tadakatsu: Uhm... Well then! I sincerely apologize.
Bowing his head respectfully towards them, Tadakatsu then turned around again, as the roar from the crowd intensified.
Tadakatsu: Well then, referee... What do you make of this?!
Referee: ... I...
Kenshin, who still clung on to the ref's leg, fearing for his life, finally managed to utter some words.
Kenshin: I already said I surrender! I give up! I forfeit! No way in hell I'm going to die by your hands!
Hearing this, Tadakatsu once again charged at him as Kenshin got back up on his feet and hid behind the ref, as Tadakatsu halted his movement once again.
Referee: Sigh... Young Shinobi, you're not saying it right...
Kenshin: !! I, Maeda Kenshin, forfeits this match!!!!
Tadakatsu: Humph!
Referee: Well then.
Turning his attention towards the crowd, the referee was just about to call the winner.
Referee: The winner of this match-...
Tadakatsu: I, Tadakatsu Senju! Isn't there anyone out there who can give me a proper challenge?!
Charging off the field, Tadakatsu gave off a mean look towards Kenshin as he stormed down the tunnel.
Minato: ...
Ebizo: Now that... I've never seen before...
Saria: What an attitude!
Mu: What skills!
Okuni: Sigh, young ones these days...
Minato: Ehm... I should probably speak out again.
Getting up from his seat, Minato addressed the crowd once more.
Minato: The third of the four battles we have today will shortly commence, but for now, a small break for about 20 minutes will happen, and when we get back, the next fight will begin.
At this, the crowd began to rise from their seats as some were going to the toilets, some were grabbing something to eat and drink and others... Well others attended to their own business.
Jin: Sigh... I probably should head down and talk to him. Even if the foe wasn't much of a fight, you should always respect your adversary. I'll be back later, after I've cooled him down. Looking over at Asuka and their two other sons on the balcony across from theirs, Jin signaled that he was heading down to talk to Tadakatsu, as they too rose from their seats.
Jiraiya: Yeah, might be a good idea...
As Jin left the room, Sasuke seemed to have a worried look on his face.
Sasuke: Either Tadakatsu is damn strong, or that Kenshin guy is damn weak... Tch.
Thinking back, Sasuke realized that Tadakatsu was indeed able to handle Kenshin, Shingen and Mugiwara on his own in no time during the second stage of the Chunin Exam, as he almost began to question if he really would be able to beat him if he managed to overcome Magoichi.
Magoichi: I know what you're thinking. Take it from me who's his teammate... Tadakatsu really can be a powerhouse if he wants, but he's often absent thinking, and that... That might be the only way to beat him right there.
Sasuke: Hmm...
Magoichi: But first, you have to beat me!
Pointing at himself, Magoichi formed a smile on his face as he began laughing. Seeing this, Sasuke didn't manage to keep his serious mask as he too began laughing.
Sasuke: Heh, no problem, haha!
Noh: So who is up next?
Sakura: ...
Magoichi: Well, it's either the two of us, or you two obviously...
Sakura: Indeed.
Jiraiya: Hmm... While we still have this break, I'm going to head down to check on Naruto, to see if he has regained consciousness.
Before anyone managed to reply, Jiraiya was gone in a flash.
[...]
Ikari: Damn... That Tadakatsu fellow sure is stronger this time around than the last time you told me this story, I'm sure of it...
Naruto: Oh really? It feels like I'm toning him down to make him not stand out too much this time around, haha!
Ikari: Hehe, so with both you and Tadakatsu through to the Semi-Finals, I guess the two remaining matches had less promise, or?
Naruto: Not at all really, they are worth telling, so sit tight.
Taking a sip out of a glass of water, Naruto then continued with his story.
[...]
Down at the infirmary, both Naruto and Shingen had regained their senses as they were chatting amongst themselves while being treated to their wounds. It was then that Tadakatsu came charging in, taking both them and the Medical Shinobi off guard.
Naruto: Tadakatsu?? What are you-...
Tadakatsu: Damn, wrong room, I was heading towards the locker room... This damn fight has obscured my sight.
Shingen: ...
Naruto: Hey wait, how did it go??
Tadakatsu: How did it go?? You're asking me how it went?! What do you think, Naruto?!... And you are next!
Leaving off a negatively loaded remark, Tadakatsu slammed the door after him as he left.
Shingen: What was that all about??
Naruto: Did he... lose? No, it seemed more like he was questioning why I could think that he wouldn't win...
Jiraiya: Yep, that's more like it.
Naruto: ?!
Shingen: !!
Appearing right beside them, Jiraiya surprised them both.
Naruto: Grandad??
Shingen: Ah, uncle.
Jiraiya: So how are you two coping?
Naruto: Fine I suppose.
Shingen: Couldn't have been better.
Jiraiya: Heh, well that's good to hear indeed... Well then, take care until we meet again, I better find your grandmother and her brother Itachi, Naruto, as they should be here some place watching this, haha.
Naruto: You do that grandpa, I'll see you later.
In the locker-room next door, Jin and Asuka didn't know whether to be happy for Tadakatsu going through to the next round, or if they should be scolding him for his bad attitude, as his two older brothers were applauding him. From the outside of the arena, you could see Kenshin and Mugiwara taking off with their Sensei, as he had a disappointed look on his face.
Mugiwara: I still can't believe you surrendered without a fight Kenshin... And you're suppose to be the leader in our squad, the one who's most powerful. Just wait until Shingen hears about this...
Kenshin: Humph, that Tadakatsu guy was just too damn strong! There was nothing I could have done... No wonder, he was a Senju after all...
Back up on the surface of the arena, people had started to gather back in their seats as the time for the next battle was shortly drawing near. Having arrived back to their seats again, the Kages began chattering amongst themselves once more.
Mu: So, what battle do we have next up?
Ebizo: Let's see... Ah, it's Minato's daughter Sakura, and your daughter Noh, actually.
Minato: Ah, should be interesting!
Saria: Oh, that's cool, I've been awaiting this.
Mu: Yeah, let's see what our daughter can pull off now after being trained by my brother Itachi and Jin Senju for the last five years, should be a good display!
Okuni: A full on female battle huh...
Ebizo: Indeed.
Minato: Right, I suppose I should get to it very soon then.
Sasuke: Oh, seems like they're just about to announce the next match now any moment now...
Magoichi: About time, I hope we are up next Sasuke, as my blood is pumping!
Sasuke: Your blood is pumping? You, the lazy one, all excited huh? Well that's something...
Magoichi: Hey, I'm not that lazy alright!
Sasuke: Yeah, yeah, let's see who's up first.
Noh: ...
Sakura: Can't wait!
As the four of them were anticipating the names to be elected for the next battle, Jiraiya, together with Naruto arrived. Naruto taking the stairs, and Jiraiya teleporting back to them.
Jiraiya: Oh, you made it back here as well I see...
Naruto: Of course! I'll have to see my brother and sister's fights as well! Too bad I missed Tadakatsu's fight though...
Sasuke: Yeah well, maybe that's a good thing... Anyways, it's about to begin any moment now.
Sakura: Still waiting for the names to be called out though.
Naruto: So did you find grandma Miyuki and granduncle Itachi, grandpa?
Jiraiya: Sure did, they are seated over there, together with Miyuki's mother, Kurotsuchi, and my father-in-law, Sasuke. If you take a closer look, I believe I saw Hiruzen and Mito's parents, Sakura, Rock Lee, Shikamaru and Temari over there as well, together with Hinata, Sai and Ino. Even Kakashi-Sensei and Gai-Sensei, the Two Fangs of Konoha, were seated over there as well, even at their old age! They are all sitting not too not far away from the Daimyos actually...
He said as he pointed over to a balcony further to their side. On the opposite side of the Kages' VIP Balcony, were another one, reserved for the Daimyos, as they were chatting amongst themselves, already placing bets for the next round.
Fire Daimyo: So the next battle should be between those two girls...
Earth Daimyo: Yes... Both of which are daughters of the Kages.
Water Daimyo: Oh yeah! Then that should make it an interesting bet for sure!
Lightning Daimyo: Well, Noh, is the daughter of the Tsuchikage Mu, and the Raikage Saria, while Sakura is the daughter of the Hokage, Minato. In the first match, Minato's kid Naruto, managed to beat the Kazekage, Ebizo's kid, so I'm going with the Hokage family on this one as well!
Wind Daimyo: What? Are you betting against the daughter of your own Raikage? Now that is a strange bet, a bet in which I'll gladly accept by saying Noh will win this!
Fire Daimyo: The Sharingan vs the Byakugan... Should be interesting for sure. My bet is for that Sakura kid as well!
Naruto: Oh really now? Well that is something indeed!
Sakura: For even them to be here, only one missing now is...
Sasuke: Our great grandfather huh...
Jiraiya: Hah, I would start believing in ghosts if he came here to watch a Chunin Exam these days! But yeah, he is able to see and sense most things that are going on in the outside world, through... you, Naruto. Or at least, the most important ones.
Naruto: ...
Jin: Huff, seems like I made it back in time.
Just as the third battle was just around the corner, Jin came out of the tunnel, with Tadakatsu right behind him as the two of them positioned themselves by the fence as well, anticipating the next battle.
Sasuke: So how are you Tadakatsu??
Tadakatsu: Tch, why do you ask?
Looking at him, Tadakatsu seemed to have changed his annoyed and angry mood into a carefree one as he shook his head.
Sakura: Oh look, now we get to know who's up next!
Minato: Alright everyone! Glad to have you still with us! Now, for the third match, we have a pure female match, how about it!
Roaring out in excitement, the crowd seemed the get out of control as the Daimyos were tossing coins back and forth between them.
Minato: This of course means that next up is a battle between... Uchiha Noh! And my very own daughter, Hyuga Sakura!
Sakura: Are you ready Noh?
Noh: As ready as I can be!
Leaving through the tunnel together, the two of them went down to start the match as both Mu and Saria had risen from their seats as well, anticipating their daughter's battle to start. As a gesture of good sportsmanship, Minato reached his hand out as he hand-shaked with them both, as the crowd laughed and enjoyed themselves, as if passing one generation on to the next. Appearing out on the ground together, both Sakura and Noh found their places as Minato gave the ref the signal to begin as he turned his attention towards the two girls.
Tadakatsu: Noh... Let's see no what you've been able to learn during the past month training with Itachi...
Naruto: Learned during the past month??
Tadakatsu: Yeah, now that the final stage of the Chunin Exam no longer relies on teamwork, Noh had to start preparing herself for having to fight on her own... You should know this, seeing as you've obviously spent a lot of time with her...
Crossing his arms together, Tadakatsu seemed to for once in his life engage in a peaceful tone when talking about Noh, as Naruto wasn't really sure what to reply to his statement.
Sasuke: If I'm not mistaken, she actually have the Sharingan, like me, doesn't she?
Magoichi: That is correct. Although Noh hasn't really trained much with it before the past month, so I'm not sure how she wi-...
Jin: Trust me, she will do great, just watch. She will be nothing like the girl you used to know her as, she is now transformed into a true Shinobi like yourselves, after getting trained by her uncle Itachi for the past month.
Jiraiya: We shall see indeed. My bets are for a draw though.
Jin: A draw?
Jiraiya: It depends on whether Sakura has been able to learn that technique properly or not.
Magoichi: That technique??
Tadakatsu: ...
Jiraiya: Yeah... I taught Naruto the Rasengan...
Naruto: ...
Jiraiya: And I taught Sasuke the Raikiri...
Sasuke: ...
Jiraiya: Sakura however, didn't manage to make up her mind, so I...
Jin: ??
Jiraiya: I taught her, something else...
Referee: Girls, this match is to be a last man... ehm, woman standing match, but it should still follow the honor and the code of Shinobi. If I see anything, as the match going too far, or one of you not being able to fight anymore, I will interfere. Is that understood?
Sakura: Yes.
Noh: Yeah I got that.
Referee: Well then, you may handshake.
Walking up to each other, the two of them both had a serious look on their face, compared to the two of them joking around and laughing while walking down the tunnel to get to the field earlier. It was serious now, and underestimation and pity, could not play part in this fight. They had to show the world that female Shinobi also could fight, like the Raikage and the Mizukage before them, and they had to do their utmost best to not fall behind the rest. As they were done handshaking, the referee then continued.
Referee: Well then, you may... Begin!!
Immediately reacting to this, Sakura turned on her Byakugan as she jumped backwards while reaching for some Shurikens in her pocket, ready to throw them at Noh. In response to this, Noh also leaped away from Sakura, as she turned on her Sharingan, that she just newly had acquired from her training with her uncle Itachi. Perhaps, just perhaps, her emotional roller-coaster with Naruto and Tadakatsu also had something to play in with it? Neither herself or anyone else for that matter were sure, but what mattered was that she had it and that she was able to use it to its full potential now. Reaching for a kunai, Noh prepared herself as Sakura threw the Shurikens at her.
Sakura: I hope you are ready for this, because I'm not going to hold back!
Noh: !!
Reading the movement of the Shurikens, Noh was efficiently able to deflect them all with her Kunai, as the two of them landed on the ground again.
Sasuke: Come on Sakura, you can do this!!
Magoichi: Noh, don't ever let you guard down and you will win this match!
Screaming out from the balcony, the two of them were cheering for their teammates as both Naruto and Tadakatsu seemed to play it cool. Looking over at Tadakatsu, Naruto copied his stance as he too crossed his arms together, trying to look like a boss, something in which Tadakatsu noticed and just let out a sigh, as well as a smile in response to.
Sakura: Well then, let's try something more advanced...
Clapping her hands together, Sakura began forming some hand-seals as Noh carefully read them.
Sakura: Rat → Tiger → Dog → Ox → Rabbit → Tiger...
Noh (In Thoughts): Fire Style?? Only C-Rank though...
In response to this, Noh also clapped her hands together as she too began preforming some hand-seals.
Noh: Ram → Horse → Snake → Dragon → Rat → Ox → Tiger...
Sakura: Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu (Fire Style: Art of the Dragon's Breath, Phoenix Technique)!
Creating a volley of small fireballs, Sakura sent them flying straight for Noh, just like Noh had predicted, as she too fired up a fire based attack.
Noh: Katon: Karyū Endan (Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bomb)!
Kneading her chakra into flames, Noh manipulated it into a genuine-looking dragon. However, instead of launching straight for Sakura's attack, it split into three directions, one from the front, and the other two from the sides.
Sakura: ?!
As the two attacks crashed head on, Noh's attack also swung around to Sakura's sides, attempting to hit her as she aborted her attack and jumped straight up in the air. Below her, Noh's fire attack engulfed the ground as it took fire.
Naruto: Whoa, I didn't know Noh actually could-...
Magoichi: Sigh, it's not about what she could do, it's about what she can do now!
Tadakatsu: ...
Sasuke: Don't give in Sakura!!
Noh: !!
Seeing this, Noh tried to steer her attack upwards, but quickly realized she hadn't had enough training and lacked the skill to press the attack any further as it came to an end. Landing back on the ground again, Sakura was panting as she was studying Noh's chakra control.
Sakura: *Pant* Not bad! I had no idea you had it in you Noh!
Noh: ...
Sakura: However!
Noh: ?!
Suddenly out of nowhere, a shadow clone of Sakura shot out from behind Noh as she just barely managed to dodge it, jumping sideways in the process.
Jin: Shadow clones...
Jiraiya: Although Sakura might be lacking in power compared to Naruto and skills compared to Sasuke, she still has one advantage over them...
Jin: Yeah, what is that?
Jiraiya: Her chakra control...
Noh: *Pant* Shadow Clones huh... That's the same as Naruto's...
Sakura: Heh, that's not the only thing I can do!
Clapping her hands together once more, Sakura then shouted out.
Sakura: Wind Style: Razor Wind!
Noh: ?? This is also the same as Naruto's... No, it's different from his!
Positioning her Shadow Clone behind Noh, the two of them both threw several shurikens up in the air as they sent them flying with a powerful gust of wind, trying to trap Noh in between. Quickly dodging to the side, Noh jumped out of the way, but as the shurikens reached the other end, they were blown back again as the shurikens were flying back and forth between Sakura and her clone as the two of them followed Noh's movement.
Sakura: You're mine now!
Noh: Think again!
Sakura: !!
Halting her process, Noh turned her attention towards Sakura's shadow clone as she fired off another fire attack.
Noh: Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Grand Fireball Technique)!
Firing it straight off at the shadow clone, the fireball was strengthened by the gust of wind as it completely engulfed her before she managed to cover, effectively taking care of her. Noh then turned around just as a shuriken was about to hit her, as she fired off yet another fireball, this time at the real Sakura.
Sakura: Shit!
Having the same effect as before, the fireball grew bigger and more fierce as it headed right for her. Seeing no time to dodge, Sakura then spun around as she reflected the attack.
Noh: Hakkeshō Kaiten (Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven) huh... Not bad at all, Sakura-Chan!
Sakura: *Pant* That was too close... Time to bring this fight closer to its end!
Noh: ...
Sakura: Kage Bunshin No Jutsu!
Appearing beside her was about 20 Shadow Clones as Sakura prepared another attack.
Naruto: Damn, sis can do over 20 of them?
Sasuke: Heh, that's more than you can, isn't it?
Naruto: Shut up idiot, you can't do a single one!
Sasuke: Humph!
Magoichi: Hang in there Noh...
Charging straight at her, the shadow clones then all threw punches at her as Noh quickly deflected them by reading their movements, taking care of them one at a time.
Sakura: Damn, I'm too slow... Then how about this!
As the last shadow clone had leaped off, Sakura herself readied herself.
Magoichi: This is bad, get out of there Noh!
Sasuke: ...
Naruto: What is Sakura going to do now??
Tadakatsu: Not bad at all...
Jin: That is the stance for the Hakke Rokujūyon Shō (Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms)!! Has Sakura already learned...
Jiraiya: Wait and see...
Sakura (In Thoughts): She's within range...
As Noh was still dealing with the final remains of the Shadow Clones, Sakura leaped off at her as she reached her distance as soon as the last one of them was dealt with.
Noh: !!
Noticing just in time, Noh managed to swing her right fist on the inside of Sakura's, blocking the first strike, as Sakura continued to lash out her 64 strikes, each just barely avoided or parried by Noh, much to Sakura's frustration. Just as she lashed out the final one, Noh barely avoided the direct hit, but was hit vaguely from it, as she fell to her knees, gasping for air.
Sakura (In Thoughts): Finally one hit landed!
Noh: *Gasp*
Jin: ?!
Jiraiya: Not a direct hit... The fight is not yet over.
Seeing Noh down in front of her, Sakura preformed another Kaiten as she sent Noh flying on her back.
Tadakatsu: !!
Naruto: Noh!!
Sasuke: Hell yeah!
Magoichi: No...
Struggling to get back up again, Noh looked up as she saw Sakura focusing chakra in her right hand.
Noh: What's that technique...
Sakura: You will see soon enough...
Jin: That's?? It can't be...
Jiraiya: Like I said, depending on her being able to pull this one off or not... Will decide whether or not this battle will end in a draw...
Magoichi: That's not the Raikiri...
Naruto: Not the Rasengan either!
Jin: Is she really...
Jiraiya: Hmm... We shall see...
Thinking back, a smile formed on Jiraiya's face.
*Flashback Begins*
'Sasuke: I'll definitely be picking the Chidori!
Naruto: And I'll chose the Rasengan for sure!
Jiraiya: Haha, great to see the two of you going different ways... But what about you Sakura?
Sakura: Hmm... I'm not sure, it really is a hard choice...
Jiraiya: I see... Well, you can take the time if you like.
As Jiraiya began explaining the basic steps to the Rasengan and the Chidori to Naruto and Sasuke, Sakura sat down on a rock pondering on which one of them she should choose. She didn't have the lightning affinity like her two brothers, but she didn't really know if she felt the Rasengan was the right one for her either. As Naruto and Sasuke began training the initial steps of the Rasengan and the Raikiri, Jiraiya came over to her.
Jiraiya: What's the matter Sakura... Still haven't figured out if you want to learn the Rasengan?
Sakura: Well, it's not that, it's... I don't know why, but it doesn't feel right...
Jiraiya: Hmm... Well then, I might have something else that may suit your style better!
Sakura: Oh?! Really?!
Jiraiya: Just watch...
Concentrating chakra in his right hand, a powerful hurricane began to evolve around it, formed in the shape of an arrow, as Jiraiya smashed it into a nearby tree, creating a clean hole straight through it.
Jiraiya: There is always this one as well...
Sakura: That's!! The Piercing Hurricane Strike of the White Fang of Konoha, Sakumo Hatake! The father of Kakashi Hatake, one of the two Legendary Fangs of Konoha! But how, how is it that you know this attack grandpa?!
Jiraiya: Hehe, sit down again and I'll explain it to you.
Seating himself beside her on the rock, Jiraiya began explaining.
Jiraiya: You see, after the last war ended and all the reports and the important decisions had been made, and everything was going back to normal, Kakashi, my Sensei, who had fought the Edo Tensei of his own father, Sakumo, during it, sat down to study the technique of his father, eventually grasping it after seven whole years.
Sakura: Hmm...
Jiraiya: The reason it took this long, was because the Piercing Hurricane Strike, is a Wind Style attack, and at that time, it was the only element Kakashi-Sensei lacked. So at first, he had to train to unlock the final affinity, something in which very few had done before him, even to this date. As eager as I was to learn everything I could from him, I pushed him to teach it to me on several occasions, until he finally agreed to do so. The Piercing Hurricane Strike, together with the Lightning Cutter and the Spiralling Sphere, are the three deadly Impact Attacks of Konoha.
Sakura: That's amazing! And you will teach it to me?!
Jiraiya: Naruto has lightning and wind elements, Sasuke has lightning and fire elements, while you on the other hand, have fire and wind elements... Therefore, it would be possible for you to learn it if you'd so desire, yes... The reason why I would give you the option to learn this technique, and not Naruto whom also has wind element, is because unlike him, your chakra control is far more complexed at this point, meaning that even if Naruto tried to learn it now, I don't think he could be able to pull it off.
Sakura: What do you mean?
Jiraiya: What I mean is that, out of the three different techniques, the Piercing Hurricane Strike is the one that relies on the most chakra control... So, what do you say?
Sakura: Oh Jiraiya-Sensei, I would love that!
Jiraiya: Hehe, alright then, let's see what we can do!'
*Flashback Ends*
Forming a live hurricane in her hand, Sakura seemed more serious than ever as Noh looked at her, knowing well that she could be finished by a hit of that attack. Sakura's red long hair seemed as if catching fire as massive shockwaves were sent in all directions.
Sakura: This is it!
Noh: ...
Leaping off towards Noh, Sakura was set on not doing any worse than her two brothers as she aimed her hand straight at Noh.
Sakura (In Thoughts): Make it!
Noh: !!
Just as she was about to make impact however, the attack lost power as only a weak version of it reached Noh, whom managed to dodge it just in time, due to its decreasing in size.
Noh (In Thoughts): This is my chance!
Sakura: ?!
Realizing that her attack, despite all her training, had only partially succeeded, Sakura knew that it could potentially be a devastating mistake as Noh swung around, aiming to knock her out cold with her palm. Not being able to regain her balance in time, Sakura was hit straight to the back of her head, as she crashed to the ground.
Sakura: Ugh...
Jiraiya: ?!
Jin: Oh!!
Tadakatsu: What the...
Sasuke: It can't be!
Magoichi: Freaking yes!
All watching in excitement, both Jiraiya, Jin and Tadakatsu were surprised of the outcome as Sakura laid on the ground. Naruto however, was out of words as he too paid attention. Having been on the defensive the entire match, Noh had been able to land her first blow to Sakura as she crashed to the ground. As the seconds were ticking away, Sakura had still not moved, as the ref went over to check on her, bending down beside her. Mu, Saria and Minato were all on their feet as well, as the ref was considering the outcome of Noh's impact.
Referee: Hmm...
Getting back up on his feet again, the ref went over to Noh as he grabbed a hold on to her hand and reached it out into the air.
Referee: The winner, Uchiha Noh!
Noh: I...
The crowd roared intensely as both Mu and Saria jumped to their feet in excitement, while Minato sat back down in his chair, not knowing what to make out of it.
Tadakatsu: She won...
Magoichi: Holy, she actually did it! I can't believe she did! What on earth happened to her during the last month of training?! This was so unexpected!
Sasuke: Bullshit!! It just can't be! Sakura was leading this fight all the freaking way! And then... Then...
Naruto: Well, all that matters in the end is winning, not how you achieve it, wouldn't you say so, Sasuke?
Sasuke: Humph! Who's side are you on anyways brother?!
Jin: Hehe, I knew she had it in her...
Jiraiya: ...
Jin: What, lost your tongue Jiraiya?
Jiraiya: No, I... I did say that whether or not she was able to pull off the Piercing Hurricane Strike, would decide whether or not it would end in a draw, didn't I?
Jin: Hah, that was not what you meant though! That's just a lame excuse!
Seeing straight through Jiraiya's bluff, Jin began laughing as he knew perfectly fine what Jiraiya really meant by that. In his head, he had no way predicted Noh on top, and neither had a lot of the others, as most of the ones that really knew Noh, were surprised on this victory as well.
Ebizo: Well that fight was not bad, not bad at all!
Minato: Damn, I was hoping for all my kids to make it to the next round... Well, well, Sakura has still a lot to learn, however, it was a great fight indeed, perhaps even the most entertaining one so far...
Mu: Heh, that one was surely a breather... I must admit I didn't think it would end like this about halfway in the fight!
Saria: What, You were underestimating your own daughter Mu?
Mu: No I... I mean seeing how the fight was turning out...
Okuni: So that's three out of four matches... Shall we get over and done with it??
Mu: Might as well, it has been a long day already...
Saria: So who's up next?
Ebizo: The teammate of your daughter, and of course, Minato's other son, Sasuke.
Minato: Right... I should announce the final battle for today.
Getting up on his feet, Minato once again addressed the crowd as Sasuke and Magoichi looked at each other, knowing that they were up next. From below, Noh had walked off toward the infirmary as she was accompanied by some Medical Shinobi whom were carrying Sakura over there.
Magoichi: Come then Sasuke, let's see if you have what it takes...
Sasuke: Heh, I have no other choice than to beat you... I can't let Naruto be better than me, and neither can I let my team do any worse than yours!
Magoichi: Oh yeah... The one of us that goes through, will show which one of our teams are the best. I can't let Tadakatsu and Noh down!
Tadakatsu: Just get your asses down there already...
Magoichi: Right.
Leaping off from the balcony, Magoichi landed on the ground below as Sasuke quickly followed.
Jin: So Jiraiya, what do you think about this one? Another draw?
Obviously having some sarcasm to his tone, Jiraiya quickly replied back.
Jiraiya: Maybe...
Naruto: Finally, let's see what Sasuke can do up against some real opponents... Tadakatsu, what do you think?
Tadakatsu: It doesn't matter what I think... All that matters is that the two of us are through to the next round, and that if we so meet in the next round, you are finished...
Naruto: Huh?!
Even if he was still keeping his calm, something in what Tadakatsu said seemed awfully off the board, as if he had set his mind on destroying Naruto. Not knowing what to say to this, Naruto chose to stay quiet.
Tadakatsu: And when that happens, I'll win this whole thing, regardless of who else goes through. So in the end, it doesn't really matter who makes it to the next round, or what I think for that matter. Though... Just because you ask so persistently, I'll say that Sasuke will make it to the next round.
Naruto: I didn't ask persistently... But yeah, is that so?...
Minato: I give you, Uchiha Sasuke and Honda Magoichi!
The crowd not getting any less eager by this, they watched patiently as the referee was going through the basic rules with the two contestants. Up on the Daimyo balcony, most people seemed to favor Sasuke as well, but there was still some people that believed that Magoichi had a thing or two up his sleeve.
Sasuke: I will win this...
Magoichi: Wrong, I will win this.
Sasuke: I bet you would like to, Magoichi...
Starring at each other intensely, the ref then signaled the fight to begin.
Referee: Uchiha Sasuke, Honda Magoichi... Begin!
Magoichi: ?!
Reacting in an instant, Sasuke used his speed as he leaped straight for Magoichi, delivering a punch straight to him. Magoichi however, barely got up his guard, grabbing a hold onto Sasuke's fist, but just as he did, Sasuke threw another one with his left hitting him straight across the face as Magoichi went flying on his back.
Magoichi: Ugh...
Tadakatsu: ...
Naruto: Oh boy...
Sasuke: Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Grand Fireball Technique)!
Magoichi (In Thoughts): A new attack already?! Sasuke sure is set on finishing this fight fast!
Sending off another attack right away, just as Magoichi was struggling to get back on his feet, Sasuke seemed eager to join his brother in victory. After all, not only was his team's glory on the stake, but if he lost now, he would never be able to catch up to Naruto again. Seeing as Sakura had already lost to Noh, Sasuke just had to win this fight, no matter what. Seemingly not being able to react, Magoichi was hit dead on as his entire body was engulfed in flames.
Naruto: A direct hit?!
Tadakatsu: Wait and see...
Sasuke: ?!
The fireball did not burst into flames however, as Sasuke had expected, but instead, it kept its magnitude around Magoichi's body, still burning bright as a crack appeared in it, splitting the fireball half open, as Magoichi's face came to view from the inside of it. Magoichi, who was as if gravitating in the air looked back at Sasuke as a dark aurora surrounded him. The inside of the fireball had a dark-purple color. Seeing this, Sasuke was not entirely sure what was going on as he saw the attack connected, but it seemingly had no effect. Turning his Sharingan on, Sasuke studied Magoichi carefully, planning his next move.
Naruto: Ehm, what's going on?
Tadakatsu: ...
Jin: Magoichi is controlling the attack... Or rather, channeling the chakra and the element created from Sasuke's Fire Style, absorbing it with his technique...
Jiraiya: It's Konoha's Honda family's Bloodline Limit, one of the newest clan abilities to grow forth during the era of the Joint Shinobi Alliance. It takes advantage of psychic abilities, creating a defensive barrier using dark and light chakra manipulation...
Jin: Jiraiya, nobody calls it that you know...
Jiraiya: What?
Jin: Naruto is not going to understand what the heck you're talking about, here, let me explain it better...
Jiraiya: ...
Jin: The Honda family specialize themselves in something called the Power of Psychic Manipulation, using the Yin release and the Yang release effectively together, forming Yin-Yang release. Using the spiritual energy of the mind, the Honda family channels psychic energy through their body, and release it with their physical energy. The basic of the technique is pretty similar to the Nara family's Shadow Imitation Technique, only that instead of manipulating shadows, the Honda family created, harness and manipulates psychic powers... By activating and using these psychic powers, Magoichi creates a force-field around himself by channeling his chakra out of his body, and that force-field is formed in the shape of a black ball. It strengthens his defenses and allows him to vaguely control things. It's not one of the strongest defenses in the Shinobi World, but it makes more uses than just defense...
Jiraiya: What happened was that Magoichi managed to get the force-field up in time, just before Sasuke's fireball hit him... As the fireball connected with the force-field, Magoichi then used the manipulation of his psychic powers to channel the fire style, created by Sasuke's chakra, around it, instead of through it, thus, avoiding damage to himself or his barrier. In other words, he moved the impact from one side, and out from the other... It may seem as if he absorbs the attack, but he's merely reflecting, or, deflecting it, decreasing the impact of the attack.
Tadakatsu: This is also why Magoichi seems so lazy all the time, because his powers constantly drains energy from his body to keep it in check. This again can be compared to the bug family of Konoha-...
Jin: The Aburame Family Tadakatsu...
Tadakatsu: Yes, the Aburame family, who's bugs feed on their chakra constantly...
Jin: Heh, not quite, but not too far away I guess...
Naruto: Hmm...
Jiraiya: The Psychic Manipulation Technique can also be used for offensive attacks as well by grabbing onto objects, halting enemy attacks in mid-air, and so forth... For example, if you were to throw a rain of shurikens at Magoichi, he might be able to stop them mid-air and either drop them to the ground or throw them back at you. In some ways, this could look a bit like some of the powers that comes with the Rinnegan... However, all this relies on whether the user has allowed enough time to store the amount of chakra up...
Jin: Or if the user has channeled enough enemy chakra and nature element...
Jiraiya: Right.
Jin: And depending on the user's chakra resource and chakra control, he or she might be able to keep the guard up for a longer period of time, even use it as a mean of attack, like a ball of pain.
Tadakatsu: If Magoichi hits you by running into you with that force-field still around him, you're definitely going to feel the punch.
Naruto: I see...
As Jin, Jiraiya and Tadakatsu's explanations came to an end, things were starting to heat themselves up, down on the battlefield.
Magoichi: Phew, that was just in time, Sasuke...
Landing on the ground again, Magoichi's force-field temporarily shut off again as he was back in his old appearance.
Sasuke: So that is the secret of your bloodline Magoichi... I guess this fight will take longer than what I had hoped for...
Magoichi: You shouldn't underestimate me Sasuke...
Sasuke: ...
Magoichi: But, I still need a lot of practice to grasp my Bloodline Limit properly... The only question is, how well do you grasp yours?
Sasuke: Humph...
Magoichi: Well, no need to foul around anymore then I suppo-...
Sasuke: Ox → Rabbit → Monkey... Chidori!!!
Magoichi: Ohhh...
Quickly forming a Chidori in his hand, Sasuke leaped off once more as Magoichi prepared himself for the incoming attack.
Tadakatsu: Charging right in... I wonder if that is such a smart play, Sasuke...
Jiraiya: You shouldn't underestimate the power of the Chidori young man...
Jin: And you shouldn't disregard the power of the Psychic Manipulation Technique either, Jiraiya!
Naruto: ...
Sasuke: This ends now!!
Magoichi: For you that is!
Charging straight at him, Sasuke struck his right hand forward as Magoichi reactivated his defensive barrier just as he was about to strike. Instead of a massive explosion occurring however, Sasuke's Chidori hit dead on as his hand slowly submerged a few inches into the ball of weird consistency, as the lightning created from the attack was sucked in and struck around the barrier, channeling over to the other sides of it instead. At the end, the lightning charges exited on the back of the ball and crashed into the ground behind Magoichi.
Magoichi: ...
Sasuke: Damn it...
Retracting his arm and back-flipping a couple of yards away, Sasuke sought to gain some distance as he began circling the ball, analyzing his opponent, trying to come up with a plan.
Sasuke: You can't keep that barrier up forever Magoichi!
Magoichi: In that case!
Sasuke: ?!
Aiming in on him, Magoichi leaped off towards Sasuke whom was still running in circles around him, as he hit him dead on, sending him flying through the air. As he did however, a brief and small lightning bolt, combined with a touch of fire struck through Sasuke's body as he screamed out in pain, crashing to the ground. Seeing this, Naruto quickly rose to his feet.
Naruto: What the?!
Jiraiya: ...
Tadakatsu: Now that, was probably something Sasuke didn't see coming...
Naruto: Tadakatsu, what on earth just happened?!
Jin: I forgot to tell you the part where the chakra and the natural elements of the opponent that have been channeled around the ball, are stored in the barrier, and the moment that barrier connects with another Shinobi, he or she will get hit by that stored up energy... Meaning, the barrier acts not only as a shield, but as a charger or a battery, and when it's charged enough, it will rebound.
Naruto: What?!
Jiraiya: Indeed... Sasuke wasn't only hit by the ball, but also sapped with his own lightning and fire element attacks from before... At this rate, he will have to be careful and plan his attacks better...
Sasuke: Ugh...
Having the referee standing over him to check on him, Sasuke reached out his hand as if signaling the ref to get the hell out of his way, as he struggled back up on his feet again. As he did, Magoichi's barrier deactivated once more.
Sasuke: Heh, you bastard... I had no idea you had it in you! I thought you just were Tadakatsu's puppy or something... *Pant*
Magoichi: Haha, don't make me laugh! Tadakatsu may be hell of a strong guy, but my defenses aren't too shabby either! Like I said before, by using the proper strategy and approach, it is possible to beat him too!
Sasuke: !!
Suddenly, something in which Magoichi said reminded Sasuke about something Magoichi had said earlier, as a plan grew forth in his head.
Sasuke: With the right strategy and approach, anyone can be beaten you say...
Magoichi: Hmm?
Sasuke: Well then, try this!
Reaching out for his pockets, Sasuke grabbed a hold onto several Kunai and Shurikens as he threw them all at once towards him. Seeing this, Magoichi simply reached out his hand as he halted their process mid-air, as purple colored chakra emerged from him.
Magoichi: What's this Sasuke?? I know you can do better!
Flinging his hand forward, the Kunai and the Shuriken then flew back towards Sasuke, but Sasuke had already predicted this as he had already fired up another Fireball towards Magoichi, as the Shinobi tools were engulfed in flames, with the Fireball coming straight at him.
Magoichi: Haven't you learned yet?
Again, Magoichi activated his force-field as the fireball hit him dead on, but just as it did, Sasuke appeared from behind him as he smashed another Chidori into the barrier simultaneously as the Fireball made impact. The two attacks, coming in from two sides, were then channeled towards each other, but with nowhere else to go, they met at the middle, causing an explosion as Sasuke jumped backwards.
Magoichi: ?!
Sasuke: Heh...
Not expecting Sasuke to figure out a way to counter his technique this fast, Magoichi jumped away from the blast as his force-field had deactivated once more due to it. But as he was still in mid-air, Sasuke appeared right before him as he grabbed a hold onto his arm and looked him straight into his eyes.
Magoichi: !!
Sasuke: Got you...
Both landing on the ground again, they suddenly stood completely still.
Tadakatsu: Oh?
Naruto: What did Sasuke do? Why are they not mov-...
Jin: Damn, looks like Sasuke trapped Magoichi in a Genjutsu with his Sharingan... I had no idea he could pull one off already...
Jiraiya: ...
With the two of them just standing there, the crowd was earnestly anticipating the outcome as the whole arena got completely silent. However, they did not stand still for too long as Magoichi suddenly fell to his knees, breathing heavily.
Magoichi: *Pant, Pant* What just-...
Taking advantage of this, Sasuke ran up to him as he delivered a knee to his face, sending him falling backwards, but before he hit the ground, Sasuke swung around as he hit Magoichi with the backside of his right foot, smashing him into the ground on his face. The whole arena got up to their feet as the ref went over to him. Shaking his head, he then went up to Sasuke as he raised his arm in the air.
Referee: Winner, Uchiha Sasuke!
The roar of the crowd intensified as Naruto was cheering wildly from his balcony. Even Minato formed a smile on his face as Jin was shaking his head slowly back and forth.
Tadakatsu: ...
Jin: He got too confident in his own Bloodline Limit there and let down his guard for a few seconds... That alone was enough for Sasuke to find a way to win this battle... Not bad, you've trained your grandchildren well, Jiraiya.
Jiraiya: Haha, this Chunin Exam is far from over yet my old friend. So far, we have two Shinobi from my team, and two from yours in the Semi-Finals... This is indeed looking promising for Konoha's future.
Tadakatsu: Humph, it doesn't matter how many Konoha Shinobi makes it to the Semi-Finals, just who I will crush next.
Naruto: ...
As the Medical Shinobi had helped Magoichi back up on his feet again as he had regained consciousness, he then went over to Sasuke as the two of them shook hands. They then walked off the field together as the Hokage rose to his feet once more.
Minato: And that beloved crowd gathered here today, concludes our Quarter-Finals!
Applauding loud and clear, the crowd seemed to be satisfied over the day's fights, even if the first one was delayed for some time. Looking over at the rest of the Kages whom nodded back at him, Minato then continued.
Minato: But before you go, there is one thing left to do... And that is announcing the Semi-Finals that will take place here in 7 days!
Pointing over at the arena board, Minato drew the crowd's attention towards it.
Minato: The names of the four Semi-Finalists will be shuffled randomly until we have our two Semi-Finals! To remind you, the four Semi-Finalists are as following... Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Noh and Senju Tadakatsu...
Still waiting for the board to pick out the names, the Kages and the Daimyos, as well as Jiraiya, Jin, Tadakatsu, Naruto and the rest of the arena, were paying close attention. Down in the infirmary, Noh, Sakura, Sasuke and Magoichi paid attention on one of the many screens they had there, as they too were excited to see who would face off against each other.
Minato: There we have our first name! Tadakatsu Senju!
Pointing towards the board again, the first name of the night had been selected as Tadakatsu's name and picture was highlighted. Beside it, the names of the three other contestants were still shuffling randomly. A firm smile formed on Tadakatsu's face as he watched patiently with his arms crossed together, awaiting who his rival would be.
Tadakatsu: Now, let's see who my next victim will be... Hopefully, I'll get a proper challenge this time around...
Naruto: ...
Minato: And... In our first Semi-Final, Tadakatsu will face off against...
Jiraiya: ...
Jin: Let's see indeed...
Sasuke: ...
Magoichi: Hmm...
Sakura: Who can it be?
Noh: I hope I don't have to face Na-...
Minato: Uzumaki Naruto!
Seeing the second name stopping at Naruto, his picture appeared on screen right next to Tadakatsu's, as the audience roared out intensely in celebration.
Minato: And this of course means that Uchiha Sasuke and Uchiha Noh will face off against each other in the other Semi-Final!
Noh: Sasuke-Kun...
Sasuke: Interesting...
Naruto: !!
Tadakatsu: Ahahahaha, bwuhahahaha! FINALLY!!
Turning his face towards Naruto, the two of them looked each other in the eyes intensely as it seemed as if thunder-sparks flew between them.
* The Semi-Finals drawn, who will make it to the Final? Find out as this sequels draws even nearer to its end, Next Time! *
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fun Facts & Author's Notes:
1: Phew, finally able to release this one after some hiccups yesterday with NB not allowing me to preview it properly >_> I think this is my favorite cliffhanger so far, anyone agree? xP And in case you missed the clear point (I guess it would be hard to understand for some), I've been building Tadakatsu and Naruto's characters up to reflect the two famed warriors Lu Bu and Tadakatsu Honda of the Three Kingdoms era of China and the Warring State Period of Japan. For anyone who's actually played the Dynasty Warriors game franchise and/or the Samurai Warriors franchise, I guess it would be easier to get, at least with the last YouTube video there, showing off the intro to the Warriors Orochi, which is the game that merges Dynasty Warriors with The Samurai Warriors...
2: Okay, I think I pretty much have decided that Tadakatsu isn't only my favorite character of this sequel, but perhaps also my favorite character in this entire Series xP And if you think this is all, just wait until next time!
3: Hmmm... I believe that this chapter broke my record on number of YouTube videos in one chapter... I don't know whether that's a good thing or not? xP
4: At times, I even surprise myself with how I write certain things into my Series. For example, it feels like I've truly gone all the way creating the "Piercing Hurricane Strike," to such an extent that I almost starts to believe it to be a canon technique rather than a created one by me, haha. The part where it hit me the most, was probably when Jiraiya explained the story of it to Sakura in the flashback of this chapter.
5: Cred goes to Danivass who was able to predict the four winners of the Quarter-Finals 100 % correctly xD Well done!
6: That's all I have for now, hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did writing it, Thank Me Thumbs up if you did, and as always people, have an awesome day! ;D
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Series, All Previous Chapters [In Chronological Reading Order]:
The Legendary Sage of Konoha;
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
--->
--->
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
--->
[14]
[15]
--->
--->
[18]
[19]
[20]
--->
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns;
[22]
[23]
[24]
[25]
[26]
[27]
[28]
[29]
[30]
[31]
[32]
[33]
[34]
[35]
[36]
[37]
[38]
[39]
[40]
[41]
[42]
[43]
[44]
[45]
[46]
[47]
[48]
[49]
[50]
[51]
The Legendary Sage of Konoha's Legacy;
[52]
[53]
[54]
[1]
You must be registered for see links
[2]
You must be registered for see links
[3]
You must be registered for see links
[4]
You must be registered for see links
[5]
You must be registered for see links
[6]
You must be registered for see links
--->
Sasuke Chronicles;
[7]
[7]
You must be registered for see links
--->
[8]
You must be registered for see links
[9]
You must be registered for see links
[10]
You must be registered for see links
[11]
You must be registered for see links
[12]
You must be registered for see links
[13]
You must be registered for see links
--->
Kakashi Chronicles;
[14]
You must be registered for see links
[15]
You must be registered for see links
--->
[16]
You must be registered for see links
--->
[17]
You must be registered for see links
[18]
You must be registered for see links
[19]
You must be registered for see links
[20]
You must be registered for see links
--->
[21]
You must be registered for see links
The Legendary Sage of Konoha Returns;
[22]
You must be registered for see links
[23]
You must be registered for see links
[24]
You must be registered for see links
[25]
You must be registered for see links
[26]
You must be registered for see links
[27]
You must be registered for see links
[28]
You must be registered for see links
[29]
You must be registered for see links
[30]
You must be registered for see links
[31]
You must be registered for see links
[32]
You must be registered for see links
[33]
You must be registered for see links
[34]
You must be registered for see links
[35]
You must be registered for see links
[36]
You must be registered for see links
[37]
You must be registered for see links
[38]
You must be registered for see links
[39]
You must be registered for see links
[40]
You must be registered for see links
[41]
You must be registered for see links
[42]
You must be registered for see links
[43]
You must be registered for see links
[44]
You must be registered for see links
[45]
You must be registered for see links
[46]
You must be registered for see links
[47]
You must be registered for see links
[48]
You must be registered for see links
[49]
You must be registered for see links
[50]
You must be registered for see links
[51]
You must be registered for see links
The Legendary Sage of Konoha's Legacy;
[52]
You must be registered for see links
[53]
You must be registered for see links
[54]
You must be registered for see links
The Legendary Sage of Konoha's Legacy, Chapter 4;
The Quarter-Finals:
Naruto: *Pant, Pant* Let's do this!
Already being exhausted before the match had even started, Naruto looked to be at a disadvantage. However, he was not going to let that stop him as he prepared his first attack.
Shingen: What's the matter Naruto, not tired already are you?
Leaping to the side, Shingen began to preform some hand-seals as well, as the two of them shouted out simultaneously.
Naruto: Lightning Style: Needles of Electrocution!
Shingen: Fire Style: Flamethrower!
The two attacks clashed head on as a large explosion occurred between them. At this, the crowd began roaring intensely in applause as Minato had a firm look on his face, watching the fight from the Kages' balcony. It was then that Ebizo reached over to him and whispered something in his ear.
Ebizo: It's funny to think that the two of them, Naruto and Shingen, actually are distant related, and they might not even know that.
Minato: Heh, I know, I too suspect that the two of them don't know that, I suppose... I've seen my cousin Shingen several times during this Chunin Exam, but I haven't really found time to talk to him, other than when addressing all of the contestants together...
Ebizo: Hmm, I see...
Minato: So how is your father anyways?
Ebizo: Gaara is fine, he actually wanted to come, but decided to stay home in Suna. Your two other cousins are here though.
Pointing over at another balcony, Ebizo localized Neji and Tsunade, whom were here as well, sitting next to Kushina.
Minato: Yeah, I never really got to know your children, my cousins, too well, but it sure is funny to think that Shingen, even though he's way younger than me, is actually my cousin as well. I'll make sure to talk to them all when all this is over uncle, I promise, haha.
Ebizo: Haha, you don't have to promise me anything Minato, the two of us are not related by blood anyhow.
Minato: But still, you are the husband of my aunt, and therefore, you are my uncle-in-law, hehe.
Ebizo: Heh, yeah I suppose you're right.
As Ebizo leaned back in his seat again, Mu, whom was seated on Minato's left, leaned over to him, asking him what the two of them were talking about, as Ebizo too was drawn by this.
Ebizo: Not much... How's thing going between you and Saria?
Mu: Things are going great really, and both of us are excited to see our daughter make it this far.
Minato: Your daughter??
Mu: Yes? You do know that Noh is our daughter, right? After all, you are the Hokage of Konoha and she is your cousin, haha...
Minato: !! Oh, I was completely in my own thoughts right there... Yeah, silly me! I was just not sure who you were referring to for a second there, haha!
Ebizo: Wait, are you saying your kid is a Konoha Shinobi? How can that be?
Mu: You haven't heard that story?
Ebizo: Not really no...
Mu: The fact that me and Saria are Kages of two different Villages, sure has made things complicated. We've basically been moving back and forth for the last 20 years, living some in her village, and some in mine. All this moving around was not good for Noh's schooling, so we decided that she would attend the academy in Konoha and live at her uncle, my brother, Itachi's place for awhile, after she turned eight.
Ebizo: I see... So both Shingen and Noh are your cousins then Minato?
Minato: They sure are.
Mu: With you and Kushina, and me and Saria, Minato is linked with all the other Kages through family in some way, except for Okuni.
Overhearing their conversation, the two female Kages who were seated on the left of Mu, turned their attention towards them as Saria, sitting right next to Mu on his left, spoke out.
Saria: Are you guys here to talk or to watch the match if I may ask?
Mu: Hehe, sorry dear, got caught up in this conversation.
Minato: Yeah, I suppose your right.
Ebizo: Ehehehe, she's right, we shouldn't miss out on the battle between our sons, or what do you say, Minato?
Minato: Hah, right as always!
Okuni: Hahaha, you guys are too adorable to be true.
As the five of them turned their attention towards the match again, they witnessed as it was about to kick itself up a notch.
Shingen: I won't let you win this Naruto! Relative of mine or not!
Naruto: *Pant* Hah, I never expected you to go lenient on me to begin with!
Clashing together once more, the two of them leaped away from each other again to gain some space.
Jin: So Jiraiya, earlier you said that this Sand Shinobi named Shingen was your nephew, right?`
Jiraiya: That is correct.
Jin: So, he's Kushina and Ebizo's son then?
Jiraiya: Certainly so.
Noh: ?! Are you... Is he really?!
Magoichi: Why so worked up Noh??
Noh: Sasuke, Sakura, did you guys know?
Sasuke: Eh... We just found out.
Sakura: ...And I still can't believe it!
Tadakatsu: ...
Noh: I see...
Magoichi: Again, something up Noh?
Noh: No, I... If he truly is, then he's Minato's cousin as well...
Sasuke: As well?
Jiraiya: That is also right. As one of Minato's cousins, I thought you knew this Noh?
Sasuke & Sakura: What?!!?!?!?!??!?!
Jiraiya: What??
Sasuke: Are you for real?!
Sakura: How many unknown cousins of our father have you hid away from us?!
Jiraiya: I, ehm...
Tadakatsu: What are you guys so surprised about?? Noh is the daughter of Mu and Saria after all...
Magoichi: Yeah, everyone knows that??
Sasuke: Seriously?! I had no idea who her parents were!
Sakura: Neither did! Noh, then we're related?!
Noh: Ehm, yeah, I suppose... But ehm, I've only been here for five years, so we haven't had time to get to know each other I suppose...
Sasuke: Haven't had time?!
Sakura: Ehm, just wait! If you knew this, how can you be dating Naruto then?!
Saying this without thinking twice about it, Sakura failed to realize what this revelation actually meant for some of them.
Magoichi: Dating Naruto??
Tadakatsu: WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Slamming his hand into the fence beside them, Tadakatsu was infuriated to hear this as he turned around towards her.
Noh: Sak-ura...
Sakura: Ops... I wasn't suppose to say that...
Sasuke: You didn't know?
Magoichi: Of course not! I mean, I might have suspected it, but...
Tadakatsu: ...
Having turned away from them for a second, Tadakatsu seemed as if almost crying in the corner by himself as his father tried to reach out to him.
Jin: Son, are you alright?
At the sound of this, Tadakatsu reached over the fence as he shouted out to Naruto in such loud noise that the whole arena turned their attention towards him and the battle halted temporarily.
Tadakatsu: UZUMAKI NARUTO!!! DON'T YOU DARE LOSE THIS BATTLE!!! YOUR HEAD IS MINE, AND MINE ALONE FOR THE TAKING! YOU HEAR ME?!!
Waving his fist in the air, Magoichi had to pull him back as the crowd looked puzzled in their direction. Not sure what to make out of this, Naruto looked at Shingen as he nodded back at him. The battle then continued as Magoichi was trying to comfort Tadakatsu.
Noh: Tadakatsu...
Tadakatsu: It's over, it's all over. *Sniff*
Magoichi: Don't... just...
Tadakatsu: Just leave me alone...
Not sure what to say, Magoichi stepped back as Jin was shaking his head back and forth.
Jin: Huff, who would have thought that my son would have got himself involved in a love triangle at his age...
Jiraiya: ...
Sasuke: So if you are our father's cousin, Noh... Does even Naruto know this??
Noh: No, I...
Sakura: If you ask me, that is a little bit... weird. I suppose since Naruto is the son of your cousin, you're not that closely related, but... Naruto deserves to know...
Noh: ... Yeah, I'll tell him.
Tadakatsu: My life is over...
Poking the ground in the corner, Tadakatsu was completely shattered to find out that his beliefs turned out to be true, and that the woman of his dream was seeing someone else.
Sakura: Alright, let me get this straight once and for all... Grandpa Jiraiya.
Jiraiya: Yes?
Sakura: Your sister Kushina is married to Gaara's son Ebizo, and they have three kids together, and one of them is Shingen, right?
Jiraiya: Right. The other two are Neji and Tsunade...
Sakura: And our grandmother, Miyuki, has two brothers, Mu and Itachi?
Jiraiya: Mhm...
Sakura: Mu is together with Killerbee's daughter, Saria, and their kid is Noh?
Noh: Yeah...
Sakura: So not only are you and Shingen our father's cousins, but Ebizo is our father's uncle-in-law, Saria is our father's aunt-in-law and Mu is our father's uncle, our granduncle...
Sasuke: Where on earth are you getting with all of this Sakura?? You already know most of it...
Sakura: Heh, I'm just making sure to keep track of it all...
Noh: ...
Magoichi: Well, well, another day another surprise I suppose.
Tadakatsu: ...
Jin: Well the Kages are very close for more reasons than this Alliance you could say.
Jiraiya: Indeed. With my sister being married to the Kazekage, and my wife's brother being the Tsuchikage, whom then again is married to the Raikage, we sure are a close gang, which none can break apart too easily...
Jin: Mhm...
Noh: Naruto-Kun... Please stay safe and win this, I'll be cheering for you all the way so keep up the good work!
Sasuke: If Naruto lose now, it will take away half of the fun in the Semi-Finals...
Magoichi: And you are so sure you'll beat me Sasuke??
Sasuke: Heh, we shall see indeed Magoichi!
Noh: And Sakura-Chan, I expect you to do your best in our battle as well!
Sakura: Don't you worry, I will!
Down on the battlefield, something far more interesting than Sakura's theorizing one who's related to who, and their random chit-chat, took place, as Naruto fired up another technique.
Naruto: Wind style: Razor Wind!
Shingen: Not bad, but! Water Style: Crushing Waves of the Great Sea!
Naruto: ?!
Sending out a razor sharp wind against Shingen, Naruto tried to get the upper-hand, but unfortunately for him, in vain. Taking advantage of the battlefield, that was split in three different environmental fields (Water, Earth and Forest), forming up the battlefield, Shingen drew a massive source of water from the nearby pond as he formed a huge wave that headed straight for Naruto, overpowering his attack and hitting him dead on. Shocked to see this, several people of the crowd got up from their seats, even Minato himself as the wave hit one side of the arena, crushing Naruto up against the wall, before settling down again.
Sasuke: ?!
Sakura: Naruto?!
Noh: Naruto-Kun!!
Jiraiya: ...
Minato: !!
Shingen: That should do it...
As the wave finally settled down, one could see Naruto resting up against the wall as the ref ran over to check on him.
Shingen: Now ref?
Referee: ?!
Shingen: !!
Naruto: I'm not done yet, Rasengan!
In a matter of split seconds, the battle changed dramatically, as the Naruto leaning up against the wall disappeared in a cloud of smoke and the real Naruto came jumping out from one of the nearby trees with a Rasengan in his hand, hitting Shingen's left shoulder head on, sending him crashing to the ground.
Naruto: *Pant, Pant, Pant* Do not... Huff... Think that I go down that easily!
Landing up against a rock, Shingen let out a loud grunt as he clutched his left shoulder in pain.
Shingen: Damn...
Not only had Naruto's Rasengan landed a direct hit on his left shoulder, but as Shingen flew backwards, he also crashed straight into a rock as it felt like his shoulder slipped out of course. Forcing himself back on his feet, Shingen seemed to be in bad shape as it seemed as the battle had changed in favor of Naruto, when suddenly, Naruto fell to his knees, having to hold himself up with his hands.
Shingen: !!
Naruto: Huff... Huff... Seems like I'm at my limit here, *Hark, Pant*
Barely holding himself together, Naruto realized that he had already exhausted himself before he even got to the battlefield, as both him and Shingen struggled to keep themselves together.
Shingen: Now's my chance!
Leaping off, Shingen tightened his right fist as he aimed to finish the battle with raw power. As he got there, Naruto quickly guarded the blow as they started to exchange several punches between each other, both of them hitting their opponent times and times over, and both with their right fists, as the punches eventually got weaker and weaker, and both of them got more and more beaten up. Both refusing to back down, they landed a knockout blow on each other at the same time, Kenshin with his right, Naruto with his left, as they both tumbled over. The ref quickly rushed to their side, but quickly realized that they were both beyond their limits. Thinking about calling the match a draw after a few seconds, he suddenly noticed that both of them started to move again as they slowly but steadily forced themselves up on their feet, shaking tremendously.
Shingen: *Pant, Pant, Pant* You... Huff... You...
Naruto: *Smirk* Huff, hehe, I'm... Not... *Pant, Pant* Done... huff...
Just staring at each other in an intense showdown, the crowd was up at their feet, expecting a winner to be announced shortly. Sasuke was jumping up and down cheering for Naruto, while Sakura was clutching her head in despair, hoping that he just could hold on. Noh on the other hand, barely dared to watch as she was peeking through her fingers, covering her face. Tadakatsu was as cool as ever, as he stood there with his arms crossed together with a mad look on his face.
Minato: You can do it son!!
Naruto: ?!
Hearing his father from far away, who had risen from his seat to cheer for him, Naruto felt like he suddenly got a moral booster to win as a smile formed on his face. Shingen's father wasn't going to do any less than Minato however, as Ebizo rose from his seat as well and screamed out to him.
Ebizo: Don't listen to the Hokage, son, win this battle!
Almost having a battle of their own up there, trying to reach out to their sons, the two Kages almost drew the attention of the rest of the crowd as Mu, Saria and Okuni had to hold them back to prevent them from falling off from their balcony.
Shingen: Heh, they sure are enthusiastic Naruto... *Pant*
Naruto: Hehe, I've never seen father this excited before... *Pant* I mean, I've heard how he acted when he was younger, but this...
Shingen: I'll say one thing though... *Pant* You sure are a powerful foe, even when being exhausted before the fight had even begun...
Naruto: ...
Shingen: Heh, I don't know why, but it really feels like you deserve to win this one... *Pant* Taking everything into consideration...
Still holding onto his wounded left shoulder, Shingen suddenly seemed to struggle even more holding his ground than before.
Naruto: !! What do you mean?
Shingen: We should... *Pant* Have a proper fight... when both of us are fully rested... some time... *Pant, Pant* As there is no point in dragging this one any longer... *Pant* Until then... Ref!
Naruto: ?!
Mugiwara: What is Shingen doing?!
Kenshin: I can't freaking believe it, he can't?!?!
Raising his hand in the air, Shingen then looked over at the Ref.
Shingen: I, Shingen, admits defeat to Naruto, and hereby forfeits this mat-...
Not being able to finish his sentence, Shingen tumbled backwards, landing on his back as he fainted.
Referee: ... The winner, Uzumaki Naruto!!!
Pointing his arm at Naruto, the ref declared him as the winner of the battle. Hearing this, most of the crowd roared out in celebration as Naruto was just standing there, not sure what to say or what do do.
Naruto: ... He... What just happened... I won??
Sasuke: Hiya! He did it!
Sakura: Yes!! That's our brother alright!
Noh: Naruto-Kun... Well done.
Magoichi: Hmm...
Tadakatsu: Humph...
Jin: So one of three passes huh Jiraiya... Now, with Sasuke against Magoichi and Sakura against Noh, the real fun begins.
Jiraiya: ...
Giving him a pat on his back, Jiraiya didn't really seem to take much care of what Jin said, as he was stumbling in his own thoughts.
Minato: Yeah!!!! He did it!
Mu: Calm down Minato, you're suppose to be the Hokage, haha.
Ebizo: ... Well, I'm proud of Shingen nonetheless.
Saria: So what battle is up next?
Okuni: ...
Minato: Oh, we better get things rolling I suppose.
Naruto: I.. I.. won... I feel... so................ Drained...
Just standing on the ground, Naruto as well slowly tumbled over flat on his stomach as he too fainted just as some Konoha Shinobi had come over to Shingen to check on him. Seeing this, they signaled some more helpers to come, as both him and Shingen were carried away. Looking up at the Kages' balcony, one of them gave off a signal as Minato read it and delivered the message to the rest of them.
Minato: Both of them are fine, they just fell unconscious from exhaustion.
Mu: Glad to hear... Now, let's signal the next battle.
Ebizo: Right. You want to call it Minato?
Getting up from his seat again, Minato then addressed the crowd again.
Minato: Dear everyone! After an amazing display of skills in the first battle, we are now ready for match two! Will the following contestants please step forward on the battlefield...
Over at Kenshin and Mugiwara's place, you could already see that Kenshin had left his place as he had walked down the tunnel, appearing out on the field.
Minato: Maeda Kenshin!! And...
As Minato was just about to announce the second name, Sasuke noticed that Tadakatsu placed one foot on the fence in front of them, drawing the two swords on his back, as if just about to leap off.
Minato: Senju Tadakatsu!!
Tadakatsu: ...Finally!
Leaping off from the balcony, the whole arena watched as he flipped through the air, landing right in front of Kenshin. Slowly raising himself up to his feet again, Tadakatsu pointed both his swords at him as he had a fierce look on his face.
Tadakatsu: ...I hope... You are ready for this, because I will show no mercy.
Trying to hold his ground and act cool, even Kenshin couldn't refrain from taking a step back as Tadakatsu seemed extremely deadly.
Kenshin: *Gulp*
Tadakatsu: And this time, I won't be as lenient as I was when I faced you and your two teammates earlier...
Kenshin (In Thoughts): Not as lenient?! Are you implying that you weren't full power when you single-handily dealt with both Mugiwara and Shingen in a foul swoop, cornering me?!
Referee: If both contestants could handshake, we will then begin.
Walking over to Kenshin with a vile look on his face, it almost seemed as if he was planning to hurt him bad as Kenshin began to step backwards away from him.
Tadakatsu: Hold your ground you vermin! I'm only going to shake your bloody hand!!
Reaching up to him, Tadakatsu grabbed onto his hand as he squeezed it so hard that Kenshin was forced down to his knees, feeling as if Tadakatsu was about to break his hand in half. The referee had to interfere as he told Tadakatsu to let go, but he did not let go that easily as he made sure to give it one final squeeze before he swung Kenshin around in the air and tossed him away to the side. Struggling to get up again, Kenshin looked up as Tadakatsu was pointing his right sword at him. Tadakatsu then famously let out a line that he was soon to be so famously known for.
Tadakatsu: You... Will be just another victim to my Swords of Death!
Referee: Hey, I can't let you do that, the fight hasn't even begun yet! That's the first warning Tadakatsu, make sure you don't get two more, or else!
Tadakatsu: Humph!
Turning his back away from Kenshin again, Tadakatsu allowed him time to get back up on his feet as the ref looked at Minato who nodded back at him.
Sasuke: ...
Magoichi: I don't know why, but Tadakatsu really seem determined to end this fast. Something must have set his mind towards winning this match brutally. I wonder what that could be...
Noh: ...
Looking over at Noh, it was as if Magoichi was trying to hint at something as Noh had a worried look on her face.
Jiraiya: Now, let's see if your son is able to live up to the Senju name, just like his father, Jin...
Jin: ... Well, I just hope that Asuka and Tadakatsu's two brothers are paying close attention on the warrior that Tadakatsu is turning into...
Looking straight ahead, Jin spotted the three of them seated just across them as Asuka smiled back at him.
Sakura: I always knew Tadakatsu was strong, but let's see how strong he really is.
Referee: Begin!
Signaling the fight to begin, Kenshin did not afford to lose ground as he immediately fired up an attack.
Kenshin: Wind Style: Tree Cutter!
Sending off a powerful wind straight for Tadakatsu, Kenshin seemed to regain some of his confidence as this time, his wind attack was more powerful than the one he had combined with his two teammates to attack Tadakatsu with earlier on.
Tadakatsu: Humph! Like I told you before... What do you expect such a weak attack will do against my peerless might?!?!
Swinging his two swords around, Tadakatsu came running for Kenshin as he easily broke through his attack, closing in at him.
Kenshin: Shit?!
Seeing this, Kenshin was forced to jump backwards as Tadakatsu slammed both his swords into the ground where he once stood.
Tadakatsu: What, you're running away now you coward?! Come back here and stand your fu*king ground!!
Charging after him, Kenshin had no other option than to run, as it almost turned into a game of cat and mouse. Chasing him towards the small forest that was part of the battlefield, Kenshin tried to use that as an advantage to make up a counter attack.
Magoichi: He's running away??
Sasuke: No... He's...
Jumping into the forest, trying to take cover from Tadakatsu, Kenshin turned around as he saw Tadakatsu simply smiling as he halted his chase.
Tadakatsu: Humph, you rats never learn!
Crossing his two swords together in front of himself, Tadakatsu prepared another attack.
Tadakatsu: My blades thirst for enemy blood! Blazing-shockway, Dance of the Heaven and Hell Swords!
Just as before, one sword got engulfed in fire while the other got engulfed in strong gusts of wind, as he swung them around in a manner of passion, cutting down trees left and right, leveling the whole freaking forest down in the process.
Kenshin: What?!
Just barely managing to avoid a direct hit, Kenshin rolled over on the ground as he was tossed through the sky, landing in the remaining pond of water. Crawling out of it, he quickly realized that Tadakatsu was after him again, as he ran across the few huge rocks that were there as Tadakatsu cut them asunder, sending mighty shockwaves flying after him.
Sasuke: What powers?! How is it even possible for him at our young age?!
Magoichi: ... For even you to admit that Sasuke... Well, once Tadakatsu hit the point of rage, I don't think anyone can stop him... And then I mean anyone...
Sakura: He's awesome!!
Getting inspired by Tadakatsu's display of skills, Sakura began cheering for him as Tadakatsu finally caught up to the fleeing Kenshin.
Tadakatsu: You pathetic worm, fight!!
Kenshin: !!
Running out of ground, Kenshin found himself backed up against the wall as he had to turn around and face this powerful foe.
Kenshin: Shit...
Tadakatsu: This ends now, *Smirk*
Kenshin: !!
Forming three bunshins of himself, they all came at Kenshin at the same time, as Kenshin didn't know what the heck to do, just barely managing to dodge between one of their legs. Landing on his stomach, Kenshin turned around only to find Tadakatsu standing above him, ready to strike at him.
Kenshin: Nooooo!!! Just wait, just wait!!
Tadakatsu: No time to beg!!
Kenshin: Ref!!!! I surrender for heaven's sake!!
Just barely being able to roll to the side to avoid Tadakatsu's swords, Kenshin then scrambled to his feet as Tadakatsu swung around, hitting him with his right foot and sent him tumbling over.
Kenshin: Ref! Ref!
Crawling towards the referee, Kenshin felt Tadakatsu closing in as he grabbed onto the feet of the referee, whom were completely shocked to see this. About to swing his swords, Tadakatsu halted his process seeing how the ref was in the way.
Tadakatsu: Ref, get out of the bloody way!
Referee: ?!
Tadakatsu: You damn coward!! Fight!!!!
Kenshin: No! No! I don't want to die!!
Referee: Ehm... What...
Seeing this display, the crowd began to whistle in disapproval as Kenshin's Sensei left the arena with Mugiwara. Turning around to face the crowd, Tadakatsu then took the liberty to address them, much to the Kages surprise, but much to the crowd's approval.
Tadakatsu: Gathered crowd! Do you see this?! This, is not a worthy foe! This is a damn coward! A waste of my time! I'm not even tired yet! This is the most pathetic display of a shinobi I've ever seen, fleeing and begging for his life in front of his adversary! What do you make of this, Kages?!
Pointing his right sword at the Kages, Tadakatsu was beaming of confidence, as none of the Kages knew what to say.
Tadakatsu: What, lost your tongues, oh powerful leaders??
Almost annoyed that the fight he had been anticipating for so long was just a bluff, Tadakatsu didn't know who to blame it on as he totally stepped out of his place. Seeing this, his father shouted out to him.
Jin: Tadakatsu Senju!!! What on earth are you doing addressing the Kages like that?! You are stepping out of your place son!
Tadakatsu: Uhm... Well then! I sincerely apologize.
Bowing his head respectfully towards them, Tadakatsu then turned around again, as the roar from the crowd intensified.
Tadakatsu: Well then, referee... What do you make of this?!
Referee: ... I...
Kenshin, who still clung on to the ref's leg, fearing for his life, finally managed to utter some words.
Kenshin: I already said I surrender! I give up! I forfeit! No way in hell I'm going to die by your hands!
Hearing this, Tadakatsu once again charged at him as Kenshin got back up on his feet and hid behind the ref, as Tadakatsu halted his movement once again.
Referee: Sigh... Young Shinobi, you're not saying it right...
Kenshin: !! I, Maeda Kenshin, forfeits this match!!!!
Tadakatsu: Humph!
Referee: Well then.
Turning his attention towards the crowd, the referee was just about to call the winner.
Referee: The winner of this match-...
Tadakatsu: I, Tadakatsu Senju! Isn't there anyone out there who can give me a proper challenge?!
Charging off the field, Tadakatsu gave off a mean look towards Kenshin as he stormed down the tunnel.
Minato: ...
Ebizo: Now that... I've never seen before...
Saria: What an attitude!
Mu: What skills!
Okuni: Sigh, young ones these days...
Minato: Ehm... I should probably speak out again.
Getting up from his seat, Minato addressed the crowd once more.
Minato: The third of the four battles we have today will shortly commence, but for now, a small break for about 20 minutes will happen, and when we get back, the next fight will begin.
At this, the crowd began to rise from their seats as some were going to the toilets, some were grabbing something to eat and drink and others... Well others attended to their own business.
Jin: Sigh... I probably should head down and talk to him. Even if the foe wasn't much of a fight, you should always respect your adversary. I'll be back later, after I've cooled him down. Looking over at Asuka and their two other sons on the balcony across from theirs, Jin signaled that he was heading down to talk to Tadakatsu, as they too rose from their seats.
Jiraiya: Yeah, might be a good idea...
As Jin left the room, Sasuke seemed to have a worried look on his face.
Sasuke: Either Tadakatsu is damn strong, or that Kenshin guy is damn weak... Tch.
Thinking back, Sasuke realized that Tadakatsu was indeed able to handle Kenshin, Shingen and Mugiwara on his own in no time during the second stage of the Chunin Exam, as he almost began to question if he really would be able to beat him if he managed to overcome Magoichi.
Magoichi: I know what you're thinking. Take it from me who's his teammate... Tadakatsu really can be a powerhouse if he wants, but he's often absent thinking, and that... That might be the only way to beat him right there.
Sasuke: Hmm...
Magoichi: But first, you have to beat me!
Pointing at himself, Magoichi formed a smile on his face as he began laughing. Seeing this, Sasuke didn't manage to keep his serious mask as he too began laughing.
Sasuke: Heh, no problem, haha!
Noh: So who is up next?
Sakura: ...
Magoichi: Well, it's either the two of us, or you two obviously...
Sakura: Indeed.
Jiraiya: Hmm... While we still have this break, I'm going to head down to check on Naruto, to see if he has regained consciousness.
Before anyone managed to reply, Jiraiya was gone in a flash.
[...]
Ikari: Damn... That Tadakatsu fellow sure is stronger this time around than the last time you told me this story, I'm sure of it...
Naruto: Oh really? It feels like I'm toning him down to make him not stand out too much this time around, haha!
Ikari: Hehe, so with both you and Tadakatsu through to the Semi-Finals, I guess the two remaining matches had less promise, or?
Naruto: Not at all really, they are worth telling, so sit tight.
Taking a sip out of a glass of water, Naruto then continued with his story.
[...]
Down at the infirmary, both Naruto and Shingen had regained their senses as they were chatting amongst themselves while being treated to their wounds. It was then that Tadakatsu came charging in, taking both them and the Medical Shinobi off guard.
Naruto: Tadakatsu?? What are you-...
Tadakatsu: Damn, wrong room, I was heading towards the locker room... This damn fight has obscured my sight.
Shingen: ...
Naruto: Hey wait, how did it go??
Tadakatsu: How did it go?? You're asking me how it went?! What do you think, Naruto?!... And you are next!
Leaving off a negatively loaded remark, Tadakatsu slammed the door after him as he left.
Shingen: What was that all about??
Naruto: Did he... lose? No, it seemed more like he was questioning why I could think that he wouldn't win...
Jiraiya: Yep, that's more like it.
Naruto: ?!
Shingen: !!
Appearing right beside them, Jiraiya surprised them both.
Naruto: Grandad??
Shingen: Ah, uncle.
Jiraiya: So how are you two coping?
Naruto: Fine I suppose.
Shingen: Couldn't have been better.
Jiraiya: Heh, well that's good to hear indeed... Well then, take care until we meet again, I better find your grandmother and her brother Itachi, Naruto, as they should be here some place watching this, haha.
Naruto: You do that grandpa, I'll see you later.
In the locker-room next door, Jin and Asuka didn't know whether to be happy for Tadakatsu going through to the next round, or if they should be scolding him for his bad attitude, as his two older brothers were applauding him. From the outside of the arena, you could see Kenshin and Mugiwara taking off with their Sensei, as he had a disappointed look on his face.
Mugiwara: I still can't believe you surrendered without a fight Kenshin... And you're suppose to be the leader in our squad, the one who's most powerful. Just wait until Shingen hears about this...
Kenshin: Humph, that Tadakatsu guy was just too damn strong! There was nothing I could have done... No wonder, he was a Senju after all...
Back up on the surface of the arena, people had started to gather back in their seats as the time for the next battle was shortly drawing near. Having arrived back to their seats again, the Kages began chattering amongst themselves once more.
Mu: So, what battle do we have next up?
Ebizo: Let's see... Ah, it's Minato's daughter Sakura, and your daughter Noh, actually.
Minato: Ah, should be interesting!
Saria: Oh, that's cool, I've been awaiting this.
Mu: Yeah, let's see what our daughter can pull off now after being trained by my brother Itachi and Jin Senju for the last five years, should be a good display!
Okuni: A full on female battle huh...
Ebizo: Indeed.
Minato: Right, I suppose I should get to it very soon then.
Sasuke: Oh, seems like they're just about to announce the next match now any moment now...
Magoichi: About time, I hope we are up next Sasuke, as my blood is pumping!
Sasuke: Your blood is pumping? You, the lazy one, all excited huh? Well that's something...
Magoichi: Hey, I'm not that lazy alright!
Sasuke: Yeah, yeah, let's see who's up first.
Noh: ...
Sakura: Can't wait!
As the four of them were anticipating the names to be elected for the next battle, Jiraiya, together with Naruto arrived. Naruto taking the stairs, and Jiraiya teleporting back to them.
Jiraiya: Oh, you made it back here as well I see...
Naruto: Of course! I'll have to see my brother and sister's fights as well! Too bad I missed Tadakatsu's fight though...
Sasuke: Yeah well, maybe that's a good thing... Anyways, it's about to begin any moment now.
Sakura: Still waiting for the names to be called out though.
Naruto: So did you find grandma Miyuki and granduncle Itachi, grandpa?
Jiraiya: Sure did, they are seated over there, together with Miyuki's mother, Kurotsuchi, and my father-in-law, Sasuke. If you take a closer look, I believe I saw Hiruzen and Mito's parents, Sakura, Rock Lee, Shikamaru and Temari over there as well, together with Hinata, Sai and Ino. Even Kakashi-Sensei and Gai-Sensei, the Two Fangs of Konoha, were seated over there as well, even at their old age! They are all sitting not too not far away from the Daimyos actually...
He said as he pointed over to a balcony further to their side. On the opposite side of the Kages' VIP Balcony, were another one, reserved for the Daimyos, as they were chatting amongst themselves, already placing bets for the next round.
Fire Daimyo: So the next battle should be between those two girls...
Earth Daimyo: Yes... Both of which are daughters of the Kages.
Water Daimyo: Oh yeah! Then that should make it an interesting bet for sure!
Lightning Daimyo: Well, Noh, is the daughter of the Tsuchikage Mu, and the Raikage Saria, while Sakura is the daughter of the Hokage, Minato. In the first match, Minato's kid Naruto, managed to beat the Kazekage, Ebizo's kid, so I'm going with the Hokage family on this one as well!
Wind Daimyo: What? Are you betting against the daughter of your own Raikage? Now that is a strange bet, a bet in which I'll gladly accept by saying Noh will win this!
Fire Daimyo: The Sharingan vs the Byakugan... Should be interesting for sure. My bet is for that Sakura kid as well!
Naruto: Oh really now? Well that is something indeed!
Sakura: For even them to be here, only one missing now is...
Sasuke: Our great grandfather huh...
Jiraiya: Hah, I would start believing in ghosts if he came here to watch a Chunin Exam these days! But yeah, he is able to see and sense most things that are going on in the outside world, through... you, Naruto. Or at least, the most important ones.
Naruto: ...
Jin: Huff, seems like I made it back in time.
Just as the third battle was just around the corner, Jin came out of the tunnel, with Tadakatsu right behind him as the two of them positioned themselves by the fence as well, anticipating the next battle.
Sasuke: So how are you Tadakatsu??
Tadakatsu: Tch, why do you ask?
Looking at him, Tadakatsu seemed to have changed his annoyed and angry mood into a carefree one as he shook his head.
Sakura: Oh look, now we get to know who's up next!
Minato: Alright everyone! Glad to have you still with us! Now, for the third match, we have a pure female match, how about it!
Roaring out in excitement, the crowd seemed the get out of control as the Daimyos were tossing coins back and forth between them.
Minato: This of course means that next up is a battle between... Uchiha Noh! And my very own daughter, Hyuga Sakura!
Sakura: Are you ready Noh?
Noh: As ready as I can be!
Leaving through the tunnel together, the two of them went down to start the match as both Mu and Saria had risen from their seats as well, anticipating their daughter's battle to start. As a gesture of good sportsmanship, Minato reached his hand out as he hand-shaked with them both, as the crowd laughed and enjoyed themselves, as if passing one generation on to the next. Appearing out on the ground together, both Sakura and Noh found their places as Minato gave the ref the signal to begin as he turned his attention towards the two girls.
Tadakatsu: Noh... Let's see no what you've been able to learn during the past month training with Itachi...
Naruto: Learned during the past month??
Tadakatsu: Yeah, now that the final stage of the Chunin Exam no longer relies on teamwork, Noh had to start preparing herself for having to fight on her own... You should know this, seeing as you've obviously spent a lot of time with her...
Crossing his arms together, Tadakatsu seemed to for once in his life engage in a peaceful tone when talking about Noh, as Naruto wasn't really sure what to reply to his statement.
Sasuke: If I'm not mistaken, she actually have the Sharingan, like me, doesn't she?
Magoichi: That is correct. Although Noh hasn't really trained much with it before the past month, so I'm not sure how she wi-...
Jin: Trust me, she will do great, just watch. She will be nothing like the girl you used to know her as, she is now transformed into a true Shinobi like yourselves, after getting trained by her uncle Itachi for the past month.
Jiraiya: We shall see indeed. My bets are for a draw though.
Jin: A draw?
Jiraiya: It depends on whether Sakura has been able to learn that technique properly or not.
Magoichi: That technique??
Tadakatsu: ...
Jiraiya: Yeah... I taught Naruto the Rasengan...
Naruto: ...
Jiraiya: And I taught Sasuke the Raikiri...
Sasuke: ...
Jiraiya: Sakura however, didn't manage to make up her mind, so I...
Jin: ??
Jiraiya: I taught her, something else...
Referee: Girls, this match is to be a last man... ehm, woman standing match, but it should still follow the honor and the code of Shinobi. If I see anything, as the match going too far, or one of you not being able to fight anymore, I will interfere. Is that understood?
Sakura: Yes.
Noh: Yeah I got that.
Referee: Well then, you may handshake.
Walking up to each other, the two of them both had a serious look on their face, compared to the two of them joking around and laughing while walking down the tunnel to get to the field earlier. It was serious now, and underestimation and pity, could not play part in this fight. They had to show the world that female Shinobi also could fight, like the Raikage and the Mizukage before them, and they had to do their utmost best to not fall behind the rest. As they were done handshaking, the referee then continued.
Referee: Well then, you may... Begin!!
Immediately reacting to this, Sakura turned on her Byakugan as she jumped backwards while reaching for some Shurikens in her pocket, ready to throw them at Noh. In response to this, Noh also leaped away from Sakura, as she turned on her Sharingan, that she just newly had acquired from her training with her uncle Itachi. Perhaps, just perhaps, her emotional roller-coaster with Naruto and Tadakatsu also had something to play in with it? Neither herself or anyone else for that matter were sure, but what mattered was that she had it and that she was able to use it to its full potential now. Reaching for a kunai, Noh prepared herself as Sakura threw the Shurikens at her.
Sakura: I hope you are ready for this, because I'm not going to hold back!
Noh: !!
Reading the movement of the Shurikens, Noh was efficiently able to deflect them all with her Kunai, as the two of them landed on the ground again.
Sasuke: Come on Sakura, you can do this!!
Magoichi: Noh, don't ever let you guard down and you will win this match!
Screaming out from the balcony, the two of them were cheering for their teammates as both Naruto and Tadakatsu seemed to play it cool. Looking over at Tadakatsu, Naruto copied his stance as he too crossed his arms together, trying to look like a boss, something in which Tadakatsu noticed and just let out a sigh, as well as a smile in response to.
Sakura: Well then, let's try something more advanced...
Clapping her hands together, Sakura began forming some hand-seals as Noh carefully read them.
Sakura: Rat → Tiger → Dog → Ox → Rabbit → Tiger...
Noh (In Thoughts): Fire Style?? Only C-Rank though...
In response to this, Noh also clapped her hands together as she too began preforming some hand-seals.
Noh: Ram → Horse → Snake → Dragon → Rat → Ox → Tiger...
Sakura: Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu (Fire Style: Art of the Dragon's Breath, Phoenix Technique)!
Creating a volley of small fireballs, Sakura sent them flying straight for Noh, just like Noh had predicted, as she too fired up a fire based attack.
Noh: Katon: Karyū Endan (Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bomb)!
Kneading her chakra into flames, Noh manipulated it into a genuine-looking dragon. However, instead of launching straight for Sakura's attack, it split into three directions, one from the front, and the other two from the sides.
Sakura: ?!
As the two attacks crashed head on, Noh's attack also swung around to Sakura's sides, attempting to hit her as she aborted her attack and jumped straight up in the air. Below her, Noh's fire attack engulfed the ground as it took fire.
Naruto: Whoa, I didn't know Noh actually could-...
Magoichi: Sigh, it's not about what she could do, it's about what she can do now!
Tadakatsu: ...
Sasuke: Don't give in Sakura!!
Noh: !!
Seeing this, Noh tried to steer her attack upwards, but quickly realized she hadn't had enough training and lacked the skill to press the attack any further as it came to an end. Landing back on the ground again, Sakura was panting as she was studying Noh's chakra control.
Sakura: *Pant* Not bad! I had no idea you had it in you Noh!
Noh: ...
Sakura: However!
Noh: ?!
Suddenly out of nowhere, a shadow clone of Sakura shot out from behind Noh as she just barely managed to dodge it, jumping sideways in the process.
Jin: Shadow clones...
Jiraiya: Although Sakura might be lacking in power compared to Naruto and skills compared to Sasuke, she still has one advantage over them...
Jin: Yeah, what is that?
Jiraiya: Her chakra control...
Noh: *Pant* Shadow Clones huh... That's the same as Naruto's...
Sakura: Heh, that's not the only thing I can do!
Clapping her hands together once more, Sakura then shouted out.
Sakura: Wind Style: Razor Wind!
Noh: ?? This is also the same as Naruto's... No, it's different from his!
Positioning her Shadow Clone behind Noh, the two of them both threw several shurikens up in the air as they sent them flying with a powerful gust of wind, trying to trap Noh in between. Quickly dodging to the side, Noh jumped out of the way, but as the shurikens reached the other end, they were blown back again as the shurikens were flying back and forth between Sakura and her clone as the two of them followed Noh's movement.
Sakura: You're mine now!
Noh: Think again!
Sakura: !!
Halting her process, Noh turned her attention towards Sakura's shadow clone as she fired off another fire attack.
Noh: Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Grand Fireball Technique)!
Firing it straight off at the shadow clone, the fireball was strengthened by the gust of wind as it completely engulfed her before she managed to cover, effectively taking care of her. Noh then turned around just as a shuriken was about to hit her, as she fired off yet another fireball, this time at the real Sakura.
Sakura: Shit!
Having the same effect as before, the fireball grew bigger and more fierce as it headed right for her. Seeing no time to dodge, Sakura then spun around as she reflected the attack.
Noh: Hakkeshō Kaiten (Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven) huh... Not bad at all, Sakura-Chan!
Sakura: *Pant* That was too close... Time to bring this fight closer to its end!
Noh: ...
Sakura: Kage Bunshin No Jutsu!
Appearing beside her was about 20 Shadow Clones as Sakura prepared another attack.
Naruto: Damn, sis can do over 20 of them?
Sasuke: Heh, that's more than you can, isn't it?
Naruto: Shut up idiot, you can't do a single one!
Sasuke: Humph!
Magoichi: Hang in there Noh...
Charging straight at her, the shadow clones then all threw punches at her as Noh quickly deflected them by reading their movements, taking care of them one at a time.
Sakura: Damn, I'm too slow... Then how about this!
As the last shadow clone had leaped off, Sakura herself readied herself.
Magoichi: This is bad, get out of there Noh!
Sasuke: ...
Naruto: What is Sakura going to do now??
Tadakatsu: Not bad at all...
Jin: That is the stance for the Hakke Rokujūyon Shō (Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms)!! Has Sakura already learned...
Jiraiya: Wait and see...
Sakura (In Thoughts): She's within range...
As Noh was still dealing with the final remains of the Shadow Clones, Sakura leaped off at her as she reached her distance as soon as the last one of them was dealt with.
Noh: !!
Noticing just in time, Noh managed to swing her right fist on the inside of Sakura's, blocking the first strike, as Sakura continued to lash out her 64 strikes, each just barely avoided or parried by Noh, much to Sakura's frustration. Just as she lashed out the final one, Noh barely avoided the direct hit, but was hit vaguely from it, as she fell to her knees, gasping for air.
Sakura (In Thoughts): Finally one hit landed!
Noh: *Gasp*
Jin: ?!
Jiraiya: Not a direct hit... The fight is not yet over.
Seeing Noh down in front of her, Sakura preformed another Kaiten as she sent Noh flying on her back.
Tadakatsu: !!
Naruto: Noh!!
Sasuke: Hell yeah!
Magoichi: No...
Struggling to get back up again, Noh looked up as she saw Sakura focusing chakra in her right hand.
Noh: What's that technique...
Sakura: You will see soon enough...
Jin: That's?? It can't be...
Jiraiya: Like I said, depending on her being able to pull this one off or not... Will decide whether or not this battle will end in a draw...
Magoichi: That's not the Raikiri...
Naruto: Not the Rasengan either!
Jin: Is she really...
Jiraiya: Hmm... We shall see...
Thinking back, a smile formed on Jiraiya's face.
*Flashback Begins*
'Sasuke: I'll definitely be picking the Chidori!
Naruto: And I'll chose the Rasengan for sure!
Jiraiya: Haha, great to see the two of you going different ways... But what about you Sakura?
Sakura: Hmm... I'm not sure, it really is a hard choice...
Jiraiya: I see... Well, you can take the time if you like.
As Jiraiya began explaining the basic steps to the Rasengan and the Chidori to Naruto and Sasuke, Sakura sat down on a rock pondering on which one of them she should choose. She didn't have the lightning affinity like her two brothers, but she didn't really know if she felt the Rasengan was the right one for her either. As Naruto and Sasuke began training the initial steps of the Rasengan and the Raikiri, Jiraiya came over to her.
Jiraiya: What's the matter Sakura... Still haven't figured out if you want to learn the Rasengan?
Sakura: Well, it's not that, it's... I don't know why, but it doesn't feel right...
Jiraiya: Hmm... Well then, I might have something else that may suit your style better!
Sakura: Oh?! Really?!
Jiraiya: Just watch...
Concentrating chakra in his right hand, a powerful hurricane began to evolve around it, formed in the shape of an arrow, as Jiraiya smashed it into a nearby tree, creating a clean hole straight through it.
Jiraiya: There is always this one as well...
Sakura: That's!! The Piercing Hurricane Strike of the White Fang of Konoha, Sakumo Hatake! The father of Kakashi Hatake, one of the two Legendary Fangs of Konoha! But how, how is it that you know this attack grandpa?!
Jiraiya: Hehe, sit down again and I'll explain it to you.
Seating himself beside her on the rock, Jiraiya began explaining.
Jiraiya: You see, after the last war ended and all the reports and the important decisions had been made, and everything was going back to normal, Kakashi, my Sensei, who had fought the Edo Tensei of his own father, Sakumo, during it, sat down to study the technique of his father, eventually grasping it after seven whole years.
Sakura: Hmm...
Jiraiya: The reason it took this long, was because the Piercing Hurricane Strike, is a Wind Style attack, and at that time, it was the only element Kakashi-Sensei lacked. So at first, he had to train to unlock the final affinity, something in which very few had done before him, even to this date. As eager as I was to learn everything I could from him, I pushed him to teach it to me on several occasions, until he finally agreed to do so. The Piercing Hurricane Strike, together with the Lightning Cutter and the Spiralling Sphere, are the three deadly Impact Attacks of Konoha.
Sakura: That's amazing! And you will teach it to me?!
Jiraiya: Naruto has lightning and wind elements, Sasuke has lightning and fire elements, while you on the other hand, have fire and wind elements... Therefore, it would be possible for you to learn it if you'd so desire, yes... The reason why I would give you the option to learn this technique, and not Naruto whom also has wind element, is because unlike him, your chakra control is far more complexed at this point, meaning that even if Naruto tried to learn it now, I don't think he could be able to pull it off.
Sakura: What do you mean?
Jiraiya: What I mean is that, out of the three different techniques, the Piercing Hurricane Strike is the one that relies on the most chakra control... So, what do you say?
Sakura: Oh Jiraiya-Sensei, I would love that!
Jiraiya: Hehe, alright then, let's see what we can do!'
*Flashback Ends*
Forming a live hurricane in her hand, Sakura seemed more serious than ever as Noh looked at her, knowing well that she could be finished by a hit of that attack. Sakura's red long hair seemed as if catching fire as massive shockwaves were sent in all directions.
Sakura: This is it!
Noh: ...
Leaping off towards Noh, Sakura was set on not doing any worse than her two brothers as she aimed her hand straight at Noh.
Sakura (In Thoughts): Make it!
Noh: !!
Just as she was about to make impact however, the attack lost power as only a weak version of it reached Noh, whom managed to dodge it just in time, due to its decreasing in size.
Noh (In Thoughts): This is my chance!
Sakura: ?!
Realizing that her attack, despite all her training, had only partially succeeded, Sakura knew that it could potentially be a devastating mistake as Noh swung around, aiming to knock her out cold with her palm. Not being able to regain her balance in time, Sakura was hit straight to the back of her head, as she crashed to the ground.
Sakura: Ugh...
Jiraiya: ?!
Jin: Oh!!
Tadakatsu: What the...
Sasuke: It can't be!
Magoichi: Freaking yes!
All watching in excitement, both Jiraiya, Jin and Tadakatsu were surprised of the outcome as Sakura laid on the ground. Naruto however, was out of words as he too paid attention. Having been on the defensive the entire match, Noh had been able to land her first blow to Sakura as she crashed to the ground. As the seconds were ticking away, Sakura had still not moved, as the ref went over to check on her, bending down beside her. Mu, Saria and Minato were all on their feet as well, as the ref was considering the outcome of Noh's impact.
Referee: Hmm...
Getting back up on his feet again, the ref went over to Noh as he grabbed a hold on to her hand and reached it out into the air.
Referee: The winner, Uchiha Noh!
Noh: I...
The crowd roared intensely as both Mu and Saria jumped to their feet in excitement, while Minato sat back down in his chair, not knowing what to make out of it.
Tadakatsu: She won...
Magoichi: Holy, she actually did it! I can't believe she did! What on earth happened to her during the last month of training?! This was so unexpected!
Sasuke: Bullshit!! It just can't be! Sakura was leading this fight all the freaking way! And then... Then...
Naruto: Well, all that matters in the end is winning, not how you achieve it, wouldn't you say so, Sasuke?
Sasuke: Humph! Who's side are you on anyways brother?!
Jin: Hehe, I knew she had it in her...
Jiraiya: ...
Jin: What, lost your tongue Jiraiya?
Jiraiya: No, I... I did say that whether or not she was able to pull off the Piercing Hurricane Strike, would decide whether or not it would end in a draw, didn't I?
Jin: Hah, that was not what you meant though! That's just a lame excuse!
Seeing straight through Jiraiya's bluff, Jin began laughing as he knew perfectly fine what Jiraiya really meant by that. In his head, he had no way predicted Noh on top, and neither had a lot of the others, as most of the ones that really knew Noh, were surprised on this victory as well.
Ebizo: Well that fight was not bad, not bad at all!
Minato: Damn, I was hoping for all my kids to make it to the next round... Well, well, Sakura has still a lot to learn, however, it was a great fight indeed, perhaps even the most entertaining one so far...
Mu: Heh, that one was surely a breather... I must admit I didn't think it would end like this about halfway in the fight!
Saria: What, You were underestimating your own daughter Mu?
Mu: No I... I mean seeing how the fight was turning out...
Okuni: So that's three out of four matches... Shall we get over and done with it??
Mu: Might as well, it has been a long day already...
Saria: So who's up next?
Ebizo: The teammate of your daughter, and of course, Minato's other son, Sasuke.
Minato: Right... I should announce the final battle for today.
Getting up on his feet, Minato once again addressed the crowd as Sasuke and Magoichi looked at each other, knowing that they were up next. From below, Noh had walked off toward the infirmary as she was accompanied by some Medical Shinobi whom were carrying Sakura over there.
Magoichi: Come then Sasuke, let's see if you have what it takes...
Sasuke: Heh, I have no other choice than to beat you... I can't let Naruto be better than me, and neither can I let my team do any worse than yours!
Magoichi: Oh yeah... The one of us that goes through, will show which one of our teams are the best. I can't let Tadakatsu and Noh down!
Tadakatsu: Just get your asses down there already...
Magoichi: Right.
Leaping off from the balcony, Magoichi landed on the ground below as Sasuke quickly followed.
Jin: So Jiraiya, what do you think about this one? Another draw?
Obviously having some sarcasm to his tone, Jiraiya quickly replied back.
Jiraiya: Maybe...
Naruto: Finally, let's see what Sasuke can do up against some real opponents... Tadakatsu, what do you think?
Tadakatsu: It doesn't matter what I think... All that matters is that the two of us are through to the next round, and that if we so meet in the next round, you are finished...
Naruto: Huh?!
Even if he was still keeping his calm, something in what Tadakatsu said seemed awfully off the board, as if he had set his mind on destroying Naruto. Not knowing what to say to this, Naruto chose to stay quiet.
Tadakatsu: And when that happens, I'll win this whole thing, regardless of who else goes through. So in the end, it doesn't really matter who makes it to the next round, or what I think for that matter. Though... Just because you ask so persistently, I'll say that Sasuke will make it to the next round.
Naruto: I didn't ask persistently... But yeah, is that so?...
Minato: I give you, Uchiha Sasuke and Honda Magoichi!
The crowd not getting any less eager by this, they watched patiently as the referee was going through the basic rules with the two contestants. Up on the Daimyo balcony, most people seemed to favor Sasuke as well, but there was still some people that believed that Magoichi had a thing or two up his sleeve.
Sasuke: I will win this...
Magoichi: Wrong, I will win this.
Sasuke: I bet you would like to, Magoichi...
Starring at each other intensely, the ref then signaled the fight to begin.
Referee: Uchiha Sasuke, Honda Magoichi... Begin!
Magoichi: ?!
Reacting in an instant, Sasuke used his speed as he leaped straight for Magoichi, delivering a punch straight to him. Magoichi however, barely got up his guard, grabbing a hold onto Sasuke's fist, but just as he did, Sasuke threw another one with his left hitting him straight across the face as Magoichi went flying on his back.
Magoichi: Ugh...
Tadakatsu: ...
Naruto: Oh boy...
Sasuke: Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Grand Fireball Technique)!
Magoichi (In Thoughts): A new attack already?! Sasuke sure is set on finishing this fight fast!
Sending off another attack right away, just as Magoichi was struggling to get back on his feet, Sasuke seemed eager to join his brother in victory. After all, not only was his team's glory on the stake, but if he lost now, he would never be able to catch up to Naruto again. Seeing as Sakura had already lost to Noh, Sasuke just had to win this fight, no matter what. Seemingly not being able to react, Magoichi was hit dead on as his entire body was engulfed in flames.
Naruto: A direct hit?!
Tadakatsu: Wait and see...
Sasuke: ?!
The fireball did not burst into flames however, as Sasuke had expected, but instead, it kept its magnitude around Magoichi's body, still burning bright as a crack appeared in it, splitting the fireball half open, as Magoichi's face came to view from the inside of it. Magoichi, who was as if gravitating in the air looked back at Sasuke as a dark aurora surrounded him. The inside of the fireball had a dark-purple color. Seeing this, Sasuke was not entirely sure what was going on as he saw the attack connected, but it seemingly had no effect. Turning his Sharingan on, Sasuke studied Magoichi carefully, planning his next move.
Naruto: Ehm, what's going on?
Tadakatsu: ...
Jin: Magoichi is controlling the attack... Or rather, channeling the chakra and the element created from Sasuke's Fire Style, absorbing it with his technique...
Jiraiya: It's Konoha's Honda family's Bloodline Limit, one of the newest clan abilities to grow forth during the era of the Joint Shinobi Alliance. It takes advantage of psychic abilities, creating a defensive barrier using dark and light chakra manipulation...
Jin: Jiraiya, nobody calls it that you know...
Jiraiya: What?
Jin: Naruto is not going to understand what the heck you're talking about, here, let me explain it better...
Jiraiya: ...
Jin: The Honda family specialize themselves in something called the Power of Psychic Manipulation, using the Yin release and the Yang release effectively together, forming Yin-Yang release. Using the spiritual energy of the mind, the Honda family channels psychic energy through their body, and release it with their physical energy. The basic of the technique is pretty similar to the Nara family's Shadow Imitation Technique, only that instead of manipulating shadows, the Honda family created, harness and manipulates psychic powers... By activating and using these psychic powers, Magoichi creates a force-field around himself by channeling his chakra out of his body, and that force-field is formed in the shape of a black ball. It strengthens his defenses and allows him to vaguely control things. It's not one of the strongest defenses in the Shinobi World, but it makes more uses than just defense...
Jiraiya: What happened was that Magoichi managed to get the force-field up in time, just before Sasuke's fireball hit him... As the fireball connected with the force-field, Magoichi then used the manipulation of his psychic powers to channel the fire style, created by Sasuke's chakra, around it, instead of through it, thus, avoiding damage to himself or his barrier. In other words, he moved the impact from one side, and out from the other... It may seem as if he absorbs the attack, but he's merely reflecting, or, deflecting it, decreasing the impact of the attack.
Tadakatsu: This is also why Magoichi seems so lazy all the time, because his powers constantly drains energy from his body to keep it in check. This again can be compared to the bug family of Konoha-...
Jin: The Aburame Family Tadakatsu...
Tadakatsu: Yes, the Aburame family, who's bugs feed on their chakra constantly...
Jin: Heh, not quite, but not too far away I guess...
Naruto: Hmm...
Jiraiya: The Psychic Manipulation Technique can also be used for offensive attacks as well by grabbing onto objects, halting enemy attacks in mid-air, and so forth... For example, if you were to throw a rain of shurikens at Magoichi, he might be able to stop them mid-air and either drop them to the ground or throw them back at you. In some ways, this could look a bit like some of the powers that comes with the Rinnegan... However, all this relies on whether the user has allowed enough time to store the amount of chakra up...
Jin: Or if the user has channeled enough enemy chakra and nature element...
Jiraiya: Right.
Jin: And depending on the user's chakra resource and chakra control, he or she might be able to keep the guard up for a longer period of time, even use it as a mean of attack, like a ball of pain.
Tadakatsu: If Magoichi hits you by running into you with that force-field still around him, you're definitely going to feel the punch.
Naruto: I see...
As Jin, Jiraiya and Tadakatsu's explanations came to an end, things were starting to heat themselves up, down on the battlefield.
Magoichi: Phew, that was just in time, Sasuke...
Landing on the ground again, Magoichi's force-field temporarily shut off again as he was back in his old appearance.
Sasuke: So that is the secret of your bloodline Magoichi... I guess this fight will take longer than what I had hoped for...
Magoichi: You shouldn't underestimate me Sasuke...
Sasuke: ...
Magoichi: But, I still need a lot of practice to grasp my Bloodline Limit properly... The only question is, how well do you grasp yours?
Sasuke: Humph...
Magoichi: Well, no need to foul around anymore then I suppo-...
Sasuke: Ox → Rabbit → Monkey... Chidori!!!
Magoichi: Ohhh...
Quickly forming a Chidori in his hand, Sasuke leaped off once more as Magoichi prepared himself for the incoming attack.
Tadakatsu: Charging right in... I wonder if that is such a smart play, Sasuke...
Jiraiya: You shouldn't underestimate the power of the Chidori young man...
Jin: And you shouldn't disregard the power of the Psychic Manipulation Technique either, Jiraiya!
Naruto: ...
Sasuke: This ends now!!
Magoichi: For you that is!
Charging straight at him, Sasuke struck his right hand forward as Magoichi reactivated his defensive barrier just as he was about to strike. Instead of a massive explosion occurring however, Sasuke's Chidori hit dead on as his hand slowly submerged a few inches into the ball of weird consistency, as the lightning created from the attack was sucked in and struck around the barrier, channeling over to the other sides of it instead. At the end, the lightning charges exited on the back of the ball and crashed into the ground behind Magoichi.
Magoichi: ...
Sasuke: Damn it...
Retracting his arm and back-flipping a couple of yards away, Sasuke sought to gain some distance as he began circling the ball, analyzing his opponent, trying to come up with a plan.
Sasuke: You can't keep that barrier up forever Magoichi!
Magoichi: In that case!
Sasuke: ?!
Aiming in on him, Magoichi leaped off towards Sasuke whom was still running in circles around him, as he hit him dead on, sending him flying through the air. As he did however, a brief and small lightning bolt, combined with a touch of fire struck through Sasuke's body as he screamed out in pain, crashing to the ground. Seeing this, Naruto quickly rose to his feet.
Naruto: What the?!
Jiraiya: ...
Tadakatsu: Now that, was probably something Sasuke didn't see coming...
Naruto: Tadakatsu, what on earth just happened?!
Jin: I forgot to tell you the part where the chakra and the natural elements of the opponent that have been channeled around the ball, are stored in the barrier, and the moment that barrier connects with another Shinobi, he or she will get hit by that stored up energy... Meaning, the barrier acts not only as a shield, but as a charger or a battery, and when it's charged enough, it will rebound.
Naruto: What?!
Jiraiya: Indeed... Sasuke wasn't only hit by the ball, but also sapped with his own lightning and fire element attacks from before... At this rate, he will have to be careful and plan his attacks better...
Sasuke: Ugh...
Having the referee standing over him to check on him, Sasuke reached out his hand as if signaling the ref to get the hell out of his way, as he struggled back up on his feet again. As he did, Magoichi's barrier deactivated once more.
Sasuke: Heh, you bastard... I had no idea you had it in you! I thought you just were Tadakatsu's puppy or something... *Pant*
Magoichi: Haha, don't make me laugh! Tadakatsu may be hell of a strong guy, but my defenses aren't too shabby either! Like I said before, by using the proper strategy and approach, it is possible to beat him too!
Sasuke: !!
Suddenly, something in which Magoichi said reminded Sasuke about something Magoichi had said earlier, as a plan grew forth in his head.
Sasuke: With the right strategy and approach, anyone can be beaten you say...
Magoichi: Hmm?
Sasuke: Well then, try this!
Reaching out for his pockets, Sasuke grabbed a hold onto several Kunai and Shurikens as he threw them all at once towards him. Seeing this, Magoichi simply reached out his hand as he halted their process mid-air, as purple colored chakra emerged from him.
Magoichi: What's this Sasuke?? I know you can do better!
Flinging his hand forward, the Kunai and the Shuriken then flew back towards Sasuke, but Sasuke had already predicted this as he had already fired up another Fireball towards Magoichi, as the Shinobi tools were engulfed in flames, with the Fireball coming straight at him.
Magoichi: Haven't you learned yet?
Again, Magoichi activated his force-field as the fireball hit him dead on, but just as it did, Sasuke appeared from behind him as he smashed another Chidori into the barrier simultaneously as the Fireball made impact. The two attacks, coming in from two sides, were then channeled towards each other, but with nowhere else to go, they met at the middle, causing an explosion as Sasuke jumped backwards.
Magoichi: ?!
Sasuke: Heh...
Not expecting Sasuke to figure out a way to counter his technique this fast, Magoichi jumped away from the blast as his force-field had deactivated once more due to it. But as he was still in mid-air, Sasuke appeared right before him as he grabbed a hold onto his arm and looked him straight into his eyes.
Magoichi: !!
Sasuke: Got you...
Both landing on the ground again, they suddenly stood completely still.
Tadakatsu: Oh?
Naruto: What did Sasuke do? Why are they not mov-...
Jin: Damn, looks like Sasuke trapped Magoichi in a Genjutsu with his Sharingan... I had no idea he could pull one off already...
Jiraiya: ...
With the two of them just standing there, the crowd was earnestly anticipating the outcome as the whole arena got completely silent. However, they did not stand still for too long as Magoichi suddenly fell to his knees, breathing heavily.
Magoichi: *Pant, Pant* What just-...
Taking advantage of this, Sasuke ran up to him as he delivered a knee to his face, sending him falling backwards, but before he hit the ground, Sasuke swung around as he hit Magoichi with the backside of his right foot, smashing him into the ground on his face. The whole arena got up to their feet as the ref went over to him. Shaking his head, he then went up to Sasuke as he raised his arm in the air.
Referee: Winner, Uchiha Sasuke!
The roar of the crowd intensified as Naruto was cheering wildly from his balcony. Even Minato formed a smile on his face as Jin was shaking his head slowly back and forth.
Tadakatsu: ...
Jin: He got too confident in his own Bloodline Limit there and let down his guard for a few seconds... That alone was enough for Sasuke to find a way to win this battle... Not bad, you've trained your grandchildren well, Jiraiya.
Jiraiya: Haha, this Chunin Exam is far from over yet my old friend. So far, we have two Shinobi from my team, and two from yours in the Semi-Finals... This is indeed looking promising for Konoha's future.
Tadakatsu: Humph, it doesn't matter how many Konoha Shinobi makes it to the Semi-Finals, just who I will crush next.
Naruto: ...
As the Medical Shinobi had helped Magoichi back up on his feet again as he had regained consciousness, he then went over to Sasuke as the two of them shook hands. They then walked off the field together as the Hokage rose to his feet once more.
Minato: And that beloved crowd gathered here today, concludes our Quarter-Finals!
Applauding loud and clear, the crowd seemed to be satisfied over the day's fights, even if the first one was delayed for some time. Looking over at the rest of the Kages whom nodded back at him, Minato then continued.
Minato: But before you go, there is one thing left to do... And that is announcing the Semi-Finals that will take place here in 7 days!
Pointing over at the arena board, Minato drew the crowd's attention towards it.
Minato: The names of the four Semi-Finalists will be shuffled randomly until we have our two Semi-Finals! To remind you, the four Semi-Finalists are as following... Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Noh and Senju Tadakatsu...
Still waiting for the board to pick out the names, the Kages and the Daimyos, as well as Jiraiya, Jin, Tadakatsu, Naruto and the rest of the arena, were paying close attention. Down in the infirmary, Noh, Sakura, Sasuke and Magoichi paid attention on one of the many screens they had there, as they too were excited to see who would face off against each other.
Minato: There we have our first name! Tadakatsu Senju!
Pointing towards the board again, the first name of the night had been selected as Tadakatsu's name and picture was highlighted. Beside it, the names of the three other contestants were still shuffling randomly. A firm smile formed on Tadakatsu's face as he watched patiently with his arms crossed together, awaiting who his rival would be.
Tadakatsu: Now, let's see who my next victim will be... Hopefully, I'll get a proper challenge this time around...
Naruto: ...
Minato: And... In our first Semi-Final, Tadakatsu will face off against...
Jiraiya: ...
Jin: Let's see indeed...
Sasuke: ...
Magoichi: Hmm...
Sakura: Who can it be?
Noh: I hope I don't have to face Na-...
Minato: Uzumaki Naruto!
Seeing the second name stopping at Naruto, his picture appeared on screen right next to Tadakatsu's, as the audience roared out intensely in celebration.
Minato: And this of course means that Uchiha Sasuke and Uchiha Noh will face off against each other in the other Semi-Final!
Noh: Sasuke-Kun...
Sasuke: Interesting...
Naruto: !!
Tadakatsu: Ahahahaha, bwuhahahaha! FINALLY!!
Turning his face towards Naruto, the two of them looked each other in the eyes intensely as it seemed as if thunder-sparks flew between them.
*Naruto and Tadakatsu and Sasuke and Noh!!*
~ End Chapter 4
* The Semi-Finals drawn, who will make it to the Final? Find out as this sequels draws even nearer to its end, Next Time! *
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fun Facts & Author's Notes:
1: Phew, finally able to release this one after some hiccups yesterday with NB not allowing me to preview it properly >_> I think this is my favorite cliffhanger so far, anyone agree? xP And in case you missed the clear point (I guess it would be hard to understand for some), I've been building Tadakatsu and Naruto's characters up to reflect the two famed warriors Lu Bu and Tadakatsu Honda of the Three Kingdoms era of China and the Warring State Period of Japan. For anyone who's actually played the Dynasty Warriors game franchise and/or the Samurai Warriors franchise, I guess it would be easier to get, at least with the last YouTube video there, showing off the intro to the Warriors Orochi, which is the game that merges Dynasty Warriors with The Samurai Warriors...
2: Okay, I think I pretty much have decided that Tadakatsu isn't only my favorite character of this sequel, but perhaps also my favorite character in this entire Series xP And if you think this is all, just wait until next time!
3: Hmmm... I believe that this chapter broke my record on number of YouTube videos in one chapter... I don't know whether that's a good thing or not? xP
4: At times, I even surprise myself with how I write certain things into my Series. For example, it feels like I've truly gone all the way creating the "Piercing Hurricane Strike," to such an extent that I almost starts to believe it to be a canon technique rather than a created one by me, haha. The part where it hit me the most, was probably when Jiraiya explained the story of it to Sakura in the flashback of this chapter.
5: Cred goes to Danivass who was able to predict the four winners of the Quarter-Finals 100 % correctly xD Well done!
6: That's all I have for now, hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did writing it, Thank Me Thumbs up if you did, and as always people, have an awesome day! ;D
Last edited:
). Hopefully this was enough writing for you 
