Chakra Wizard
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A little humor to start off Round Two*_* It’ll help balance out the big shock that comes with the next chapter. Anyways, enjoy
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
Chapter 063: Round Two Begins
As everyone in the stands settled back down, Baiko stepped forward with an announcement following the final match of the first round, which everyone immediately quieted down to listen to.
Baiko: The first round of the Chūnin Exam finals is officially over! As of now, we have eight genin still participating in the tournament…Nakama…Shikaru Nara…Hitomi Hyūga…Taigen…Irezumi Yamanaka…Manako Uchiha…Minto Sarutobi…and Airon Namikaze!!
Varying levels of cheering came with each newly announced name, though the excitement seemed to be building upward as they went.
Baiko: To allow the contestants to recuperate, we’ll take a ten-minute intermission before beginning the second round! Do as you please until then, but be sure to return to your seat before that time is up! You don’t wanna miss a moment of the action!
One could tell from his expression that being a spokesman was far more strenuous to Baiko than being merely a proctor, something some of the shinobi in the crowd who knew him well enough found amusing. Regardless, most of the audience immediately took advantage of this opening, be it to go to the restroom, a refreshment stand, or simply to share their thoughts on the first round results with those around them, the latter in the case of the Kage.
Kurotsuchi: Seems the Leaf village dominates this year’s finals once again.
Konohamaru: Well, it was a hard-earned victory, Tsuchikage. I don’t think any of us or the remaining contestants would say they didn’t put a great deal of effort into their respective matches…hmhmhm, except for Nakama, of course.
Naruto: Hehehehe, that is true. I think we all know who’s gonna have the most chakra left over once this round is done.
Sasuke: (He turned to him with a smirk.) Turning on your grandson now, are we?
Naruto: Hehe, well, it’s just facts. Hey, Manako’s got the worst match-up between the three of them, so it’s pretty obvious he’ll have the disadvantage in the semi-finals.
Darui: Jumping to conclusions once again, Naruto?
Naruto: (He smiled at this, as well, though there was much less amusement behind this one than there was sincerity.) Well, I know all eight of these genin pretty well by now. …However this round plays out, it won’t be a secret to me.
As the intermission carried on, the previous round’s losers scattered throughout the stands, as well, returning to their respective friends or families with varying levels of enthusiasm. Those whose favored competitors remained in the tournament took pride in their longevity, including Suzaku, who was promptly greeted by a visiting Boruto.
Boruto: Congrats to your team, Suzaku. All three going forward. Nice job.
Suzaku: (He smiled up at him upon noticing his arrival and gladly accepted his outstretched hand.) Thank you, Boruto…I’m sure two of them will be gone when this round is over, though.
Ayumi: (Not entirely against this notion, she smiled before briefly resting her head against his arm.) Maybe, but we can still cheer for them all the way through to the end.
As Suzaku rested his head against Ayumi’s in return, Boruto returned to his own seat, addressing his rival as he sat back down.
Boruto: Just one more round left. We’re almost to the showdown.
Itachi: (He smiled and nodded his head.) Should be a spectacle to behold.
Sensing two familiar chakra patterns, he quickly turned his head after saying this and prompted Boruto to do the same, finding two of the latter’s children walking down between the sections towards their row.
Itachi: Well well, look who’s here.
Boruto: Great job on the match, you two.
Inoue: (With him being the one seated beside her, she quickly wrapped her arm around Kei after he sat down.) We’re so proud of you both.
Kei: (Though slightly embarrassed by her affection, he still answered her with a flattered expression.) Ah, thanks, Mom. It was nothing, really.
Inase: (Spotting an opportunity, she smiled in amusement as she rested her head on top of her fist.) (You only won on a fluke…and a couple perverted thoughts.)
Kei: Well, what was I gonna do? It was the only way to get you…dang it, would you stop with the mindreading thing!?
Inase: Hmhmhmhm, then stop making it so easy.
Boruto: (He smiled and shook his head at their antics before looking back down at the arena floor.) Alright, that’s enough, you two. Let’s just sit down and watch the second round together, whaddaya say?
As the Namikaze family’s brief reunion came to an end, the Nara and Sarutobi began their own as Kūrogane approached them from above.
Shikamaru: Hmhmhm, there she is.
Chōji: There she is! Way to go, Kūrogane!
Mirai: (She put her arm over her as she sat down in the seat beside her.) You fought beautifully, sweetie. I’m very proud of you.
Kūrogane: (She smiled gently in response, though she kept her head lowered in discontent.) Thanks, Mom…I probably could’ve won, though, had it not been for…
Shikamaru: (His head turned with his arm rested over the back of his seat, he merely smiled and shook his head in reassurance.) Mistakes are all in past tense, Kūrogane. You can’t really do anything about them.
Temari: You made the best with what you had, and besides, I don’t think a single one of the Kage wasn’t impressed with your abilities.
Kūrogane: (She smiled and looked up at them both after hearing this.) …Thanks, guys.
Shikamaru: (Placing his hand over hers and smiling back, he quickly turned around and gently smacked the back of his son’s head, having fallen asleep once again.) Wake up, doofus. Your son’s gonna be fighting any minute now.
Shikadai: (He leaned up in his seat after being hit, rubbing his head in irritation as he turned around.) Hm? Huh…oh, right. Uh, congrats on the great fight there, Kūrogane.
Kūrogane: (She smiled out of amusement before nodding in appreciation.) …Thanks, Shikadai.
Towards the other end of the stands, Ide made her way down to where Kenji and their sensei’s family sat, the former turning eagerly to greet her as she came within their view.
Kenji: Nice going, Ide! I can’t believe you actually pinned him down once!
Ide: (She smiled back as she sat down beside him, making sure to sit properly without folding her robes.) Hmhmhm, thanks, Kenji. It was inevitable he would break free, though.
Inojin: (He smiled in amusement at her modesty.) Well, who’s to say that? He just finished applying that one tattoo a few days ago, so who knows what he would’ve done without it.
Sai: (He responded to this with his trademark smile, evidently still confused on the meaning of “rhetorical”.) Well, Irezumi has dozens of other tattoos, Inojin. More than one would’ve surely made a fine substitute for his Pin Needles tattoo.
Ino: (She shook her head at this before turning to Ide with a smile.) You did a great job either way, so just sit and enjoy the rest of the tournament with us.
Ide: (She smiled at her in light of this friendly suggestion.) I think I’ll do that.
Sai: (He reached past Ino and placed his hand on Ide’s shoulder, smiling over at her as he gave his thoughts on her match.) That was a very interesting fight you had with Irezumi, Ide, even if the outcome was doomed from the beginning.
Ide showed no offense to this statement, though his wife and son could only bury their heads in their hands in reaction to his unswerving ignorance.
Sai: What did I say?
Ino: (She set her hand on his shoulder and patted it gently as if out of pity.) Just watch the next match, hon. Please?
As Sai continued to inquire what he was at fault for, up above the stands, a few more newcomers arrived on the Kages’ balcony, among them Gaara’s two grandchildren. Both of them immediately approached him with their eyes fixated on the floor – or Ryūza’s, at the very least.
Ryūza: We’ve failed you, Grandfather…all our hard work gone to nothing.
Gaara: (He knelt down slightly and set his hand on his shoulder, prompting Ryūza to look up and surprising him with his gentle smile.) You did no such thing, Ryūza. You both fought wonderfully and I couldn’t be more proud of the effort you put into your matches.
Sabure: (Expecting an answer like this from the beginning, she smiled up at him in appreciation.) Thanks, Grandpa. We’ll be sure to get all the way to the finals next year.
While Gaara laughed softly in amusement at Sabure’s assumption, Naruto walked over to greet Hinata, who had chosen to watch the tournament’s second round alongside him. After a brief embrace, they walked back towards the railing, this time standing a short distance away from Sasuke and Sakura.
Naruto: How’s Neji doing?
Hinata: He’s doing okay. Shien and Otome are there to keep him company now.
Naruto: (He nodded in understanding as memories of his cousin-in-law passed through his mind.) Good…a pretty intense first round, wasn’t it?
Hinata: (She nodded in agreement, also seemingly lost in recollection.) Yeah…have you heard their thoughts on Kei and Inase?
Naruto: (He smiled in amusement.) Hmhmhmhm, don’t worry about them…I think all three of them are in the clear after that first round.
Hinata: (Her face immediately lit up after hearing this.) That’s great!
Suigetsu: (Noting his initial objection to just Naruto’s old team being present on the balcony, he scanned the new arrivals as his annoyance resurfaced.) When the heck did the Kages’ balcony turn into the public stands!? Holy crap!
Mei: (She smiled at his remark as she also looked around the balcony.) Just leave them be, Suigetsu…hmhmhm, it’s much more lively with all of them up here, anyways, don’t you agree?
Chōjūrō: (Scanning the balcony, he couldn’t help but smile as the truth of Mei’s statement hit him.) I agree.
Suigetsu: (Pffft, of course you do.)
With everyone in the stadium now settled into their old or new positions, Baiko stepped forward to address them as ten minutes came to an end.
Baiko: The recess is now over! We’ll commence with the second round of the tournament immediately, so I need Nakama and Shikaru Nara to make their way to the arena!
Inoka: Give her heck, Shikaru!!
Chōzen: Yeah, show ‘em what you’re made of, man!!
Shikaru: I withdraw!!
The stadium immediately fell silent upon hearing this announcement, a silence replaced soon after by cries of disapproval sprinkled with boos and various insults. Chōzen was forced to hold Inoka down as her face grew red with anger, along with minor embarrassment at having been cheering for him just a moment ago.
Inoka: YOU IDIOT!!! YOU’RE JUST GONNA QUIT RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TOURNAMENT!!? WHAT THE HECK’S WRONG WITH YOU!!?
Shikaru: (Paying no heed to any of the remarks being thrown his way, he sighed in annoyance before calling out to Baiko.) I’m not gonna bother diving headfirst into a fight I know I can’t win! I got no issue backing out now and just saving me and Nakama the trouble!
Akame: Then why didn’t you forfeit OUR match, you lazy bum!!? I would’ve loved to show up that little girl in front of this entire stadium!!
Having stood up to make this remark without realization, she turned to gaze upon the disconcerted expressions of her family members before slowly returning to her seat, her own face having taken on a pinkish hue. A short distance away, Shikamaru seemed relatively unfazed by his grandson’s decision, having made a similar one during his own exams decades prior.
Shikamaru: Well, it’s not a choice I don’t agree with. Nakama gives Airon a difficult time, and he’s a genius on a level all his own.
Temari: (This scene being almost too nostalgic for her to cope with, she buried her face in her hand as she responded.) I guess you’re right…still, I never thought in a million years he’d actually follow in his grandfather’s lazy footsteps.
Shikadai: (Even more unfazed by this than his father, he leaned in his seat and proceeded to close his eyes.) Hmm, that’s a shame…well, whatever. Time to hit the sack again.
Shikamaru promptly hit him again in reaction to his indifference, meanwhile above them, understanding continued to flourish, seemingly no one on the Kages’ balcony choosing to question Shikaru’s decision.
Naruto: Well, you can’t blame him. I wouldn’t wanna fight Nakama if I was him, either.
Hinata: (She giggled softly at this after looking around the balcony.) Hmhmhm, that seems to be a unanimous opinion.
Airon: (Unable to keep himself from grinning in light of Shikaru’s controversial choice, he turned to his intended opponent in amusement.) (See how you scare everyone off like that?)
Nakama: (Hmhmhm, well, I have you and Manako whenever I’m in the mood to fight. What more do I need?)
The sudden withdrawal having thrown him off, Baiko stumbled to move the tournament along, waiting until the complaints had mostly died down before speaking again.
Baiko: Alright, then. Shikaru Nara has withdrawn from the match, making Nakama the victor by default, so she’ll automatically advance to the semi-finals! Now, I need Hitomi Hyūga and Taigen to approach the arena to begin the second match of this round.
Taigen: (Looking at both Minto and Airon, he returned the nods both were giving him before calling out to Baiko.) I’m afraid I’ll have to withdraw, too!
Hitomi: You’ll do no such thing.
Everyone still standing in the competitors’ balcony immediately turned to Hitomi, who was glaring at Taigen with an aura of discontent and determination in his pupiless eyes. Not expecting this and wanting desperately to avoid the coming conflict, Minto was the first to speak.
Minto: Hitomi, come on, man. Just let him-
Hitomi: You stay out of this, Minto. …My fight against Kūrogane was an embarrassment. I doubt I’ll even last very long against Nakama, so this is the only opportunity I still have to display my abilities to the Kage.
Airon: (Not wanting Taigen to fight either, he quickly stepped between him and Hitomi.) And you really think that’ll be enough to gain the Kages’ approval if you haven’t already?
Hitomi: (He contemplated the possibility, but maintained his firm expression.) It’s a chance I’m willing to take…I’m not falling behind the rest of you.
Airon: (Noting the almost childish reasoning for his insistence, he shook his head slightly and tilted his head so Taigen was in his line of sight.) …Well, I’m not. Taigen, you can withdraw as you please. I’m not taking that risk.
He looked back at Hitomi after giving this demand, recognizing his new expression as an invitation to peer into his thoughts for his continuation of their argument.
Hitomi: (And if I told everyone his secret if he decided to back out, anyways?)
Airon: (The thought alone prompted his fists to tighten in fury.) (And incur my wrath later on? …You wouldn’t dare.)
Hitomi: (Seeing the intensity in Airon’s eyes, he struggled to preserve his fortitude.) (…You don’t scare me, Airon. His safety’s all you really care about. You won’t bother carrying out your threat once it’s all said and done.)
Airon: (And you would really do that to him…when there’s a chance this stunt isn’t even gonna pay off for you?)
They continued their staring contest a while longer, but eventually, Hitomi’s eyes began to wander, hinting that he was indeed reconsidering his objection. Before Airon could lay down the finishing touches of his persuasion, though, a sharp tug on his sleeve prompted him to turn around to find Taigen standing there.
Taigen: Hold on, Airon. …Just let me take care of this.
He was prepared to retort, but he quickly stopped upon seeing the determined look in Taigen’s eyes, something neither he nor Minto had the opportunity to witness on anything but the rarest occasions. Minto and Nakama saw this, as well, the former walking up to him while the latter stood there in silence, worry in her eyes.
Nakama: …Taigen…
Minto: Buddy, are you sure about this? He’s a lot faster than Ryūza. You know what’ll happen if he gets just one-
Taigen: Minto, please. …I’ve got this, don’t worry about me.
Airon: (He placed his hand on Taigen’s shoulder, spinning him around before placing his hands on both his shoulders and locking eyes.) (I want you to look at me and say it again, Taigen. …Do you really want to take this risk?)
Taigen remained silent for a minute, hinting that he had given up on this brief endeavor, only to surprise Airon seconds later with a confident smirk.
Taigen: (I do, Airon. Trust me…I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.)
Airon: (No stranger to overconfidence, he held his ground despite this claim.) (…That’s what I’m afraid of.)
This subtle warning placed Taigen on neutral ground once again, unsure of whether to keep with his decision or to trust Airon’s word as he always had before. The episode with Hitomi had already cost them and the audience more than a few minutes of valuable fighting time, though, something the latter was quickly growing tired of as Taigen’s hesitation dragged on.
Baiko: I need your final decisions!! Is your match progressing as planned or not!?
Taigen: (He looked up at Airon for just a moment longer before looking past him towards Hitomi.) I retract my previous statement! …We’re fighting.
Hitomi returned his glare after a moment’s hesitation, and the two took off towards the arena after Nakama reluctantly erected her earthy walkway once again. Still immensely worried, Minto immediately turned to Airon, swallowing his mint as he spoke.
Minto: He’s gonna pull through this without a hitch…right, Airon?
Airon had returned to leaning against the railing, his arms folded overtop it as he watched Taigen descend to the arena below. He made no attempt to answer Minto’s question, even telepathically. …There was no reassurance he could possibly give him at that moment.
Airon: (I don’t know, Minto…I honestly don’t know.)
Shikaru recognizes his limitations, but is Taigen about to reach his!!?
The End
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
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Chapter 063: Round Two Begins
As everyone in the stands settled back down, Baiko stepped forward with an announcement following the final match of the first round, which everyone immediately quieted down to listen to.
Baiko: The first round of the Chūnin Exam finals is officially over! As of now, we have eight genin still participating in the tournament…Nakama…Shikaru Nara…Hitomi Hyūga…Taigen…Irezumi Yamanaka…Manako Uchiha…Minto Sarutobi…and Airon Namikaze!!
Varying levels of cheering came with each newly announced name, though the excitement seemed to be building upward as they went.
Baiko: To allow the contestants to recuperate, we’ll take a ten-minute intermission before beginning the second round! Do as you please until then, but be sure to return to your seat before that time is up! You don’t wanna miss a moment of the action!
One could tell from his expression that being a spokesman was far more strenuous to Baiko than being merely a proctor, something some of the shinobi in the crowd who knew him well enough found amusing. Regardless, most of the audience immediately took advantage of this opening, be it to go to the restroom, a refreshment stand, or simply to share their thoughts on the first round results with those around them, the latter in the case of the Kage.
Kurotsuchi: Seems the Leaf village dominates this year’s finals once again.
Konohamaru: Well, it was a hard-earned victory, Tsuchikage. I don’t think any of us or the remaining contestants would say they didn’t put a great deal of effort into their respective matches…hmhmhm, except for Nakama, of course.
Naruto: Hehehehe, that is true. I think we all know who’s gonna have the most chakra left over once this round is done.
Sasuke: (He turned to him with a smirk.) Turning on your grandson now, are we?
Naruto: Hehe, well, it’s just facts. Hey, Manako’s got the worst match-up between the three of them, so it’s pretty obvious he’ll have the disadvantage in the semi-finals.
Darui: Jumping to conclusions once again, Naruto?
Naruto: (He smiled at this, as well, though there was much less amusement behind this one than there was sincerity.) Well, I know all eight of these genin pretty well by now. …However this round plays out, it won’t be a secret to me.
As the intermission carried on, the previous round’s losers scattered throughout the stands, as well, returning to their respective friends or families with varying levels of enthusiasm. Those whose favored competitors remained in the tournament took pride in their longevity, including Suzaku, who was promptly greeted by a visiting Boruto.
Boruto: Congrats to your team, Suzaku. All three going forward. Nice job.
Suzaku: (He smiled up at him upon noticing his arrival and gladly accepted his outstretched hand.) Thank you, Boruto…I’m sure two of them will be gone when this round is over, though.
Ayumi: (Not entirely against this notion, she smiled before briefly resting her head against his arm.) Maybe, but we can still cheer for them all the way through to the end.
As Suzaku rested his head against Ayumi’s in return, Boruto returned to his own seat, addressing his rival as he sat back down.
Boruto: Just one more round left. We’re almost to the showdown.
Itachi: (He smiled and nodded his head.) Should be a spectacle to behold.
Sensing two familiar chakra patterns, he quickly turned his head after saying this and prompted Boruto to do the same, finding two of the latter’s children walking down between the sections towards their row.
Itachi: Well well, look who’s here.
Boruto: Great job on the match, you two.
Inoue: (With him being the one seated beside her, she quickly wrapped her arm around Kei after he sat down.) We’re so proud of you both.
Kei: (Though slightly embarrassed by her affection, he still answered her with a flattered expression.) Ah, thanks, Mom. It was nothing, really.
Inase: (Spotting an opportunity, she smiled in amusement as she rested her head on top of her fist.) (You only won on a fluke…and a couple perverted thoughts.)
Kei: Well, what was I gonna do? It was the only way to get you…dang it, would you stop with the mindreading thing!?
Inase: Hmhmhmhm, then stop making it so easy.
Boruto: (He smiled and shook his head at their antics before looking back down at the arena floor.) Alright, that’s enough, you two. Let’s just sit down and watch the second round together, whaddaya say?
As the Namikaze family’s brief reunion came to an end, the Nara and Sarutobi began their own as Kūrogane approached them from above.
Shikamaru: Hmhmhm, there she is.
Chōji: There she is! Way to go, Kūrogane!
Mirai: (She put her arm over her as she sat down in the seat beside her.) You fought beautifully, sweetie. I’m very proud of you.
Kūrogane: (She smiled gently in response, though she kept her head lowered in discontent.) Thanks, Mom…I probably could’ve won, though, had it not been for…
Shikamaru: (His head turned with his arm rested over the back of his seat, he merely smiled and shook his head in reassurance.) Mistakes are all in past tense, Kūrogane. You can’t really do anything about them.
Temari: You made the best with what you had, and besides, I don’t think a single one of the Kage wasn’t impressed with your abilities.
Kūrogane: (She smiled and looked up at them both after hearing this.) …Thanks, guys.
Shikamaru: (Placing his hand over hers and smiling back, he quickly turned around and gently smacked the back of his son’s head, having fallen asleep once again.) Wake up, doofus. Your son’s gonna be fighting any minute now.
Shikadai: (He leaned up in his seat after being hit, rubbing his head in irritation as he turned around.) Hm? Huh…oh, right. Uh, congrats on the great fight there, Kūrogane.
Kūrogane: (She smiled out of amusement before nodding in appreciation.) …Thanks, Shikadai.
Towards the other end of the stands, Ide made her way down to where Kenji and their sensei’s family sat, the former turning eagerly to greet her as she came within their view.
Kenji: Nice going, Ide! I can’t believe you actually pinned him down once!
Ide: (She smiled back as she sat down beside him, making sure to sit properly without folding her robes.) Hmhmhm, thanks, Kenji. It was inevitable he would break free, though.
Inojin: (He smiled in amusement at her modesty.) Well, who’s to say that? He just finished applying that one tattoo a few days ago, so who knows what he would’ve done without it.
Sai: (He responded to this with his trademark smile, evidently still confused on the meaning of “rhetorical”.) Well, Irezumi has dozens of other tattoos, Inojin. More than one would’ve surely made a fine substitute for his Pin Needles tattoo.
Ino: (She shook her head at this before turning to Ide with a smile.) You did a great job either way, so just sit and enjoy the rest of the tournament with us.
Ide: (She smiled at her in light of this friendly suggestion.) I think I’ll do that.
Sai: (He reached past Ino and placed his hand on Ide’s shoulder, smiling over at her as he gave his thoughts on her match.) That was a very interesting fight you had with Irezumi, Ide, even if the outcome was doomed from the beginning.
Ide showed no offense to this statement, though his wife and son could only bury their heads in their hands in reaction to his unswerving ignorance.
Sai: What did I say?
Ino: (She set her hand on his shoulder and patted it gently as if out of pity.) Just watch the next match, hon. Please?
As Sai continued to inquire what he was at fault for, up above the stands, a few more newcomers arrived on the Kages’ balcony, among them Gaara’s two grandchildren. Both of them immediately approached him with their eyes fixated on the floor – or Ryūza’s, at the very least.
Ryūza: We’ve failed you, Grandfather…all our hard work gone to nothing.
Gaara: (He knelt down slightly and set his hand on his shoulder, prompting Ryūza to look up and surprising him with his gentle smile.) You did no such thing, Ryūza. You both fought wonderfully and I couldn’t be more proud of the effort you put into your matches.
Sabure: (Expecting an answer like this from the beginning, she smiled up at him in appreciation.) Thanks, Grandpa. We’ll be sure to get all the way to the finals next year.
While Gaara laughed softly in amusement at Sabure’s assumption, Naruto walked over to greet Hinata, who had chosen to watch the tournament’s second round alongside him. After a brief embrace, they walked back towards the railing, this time standing a short distance away from Sasuke and Sakura.
Naruto: How’s Neji doing?
Hinata: He’s doing okay. Shien and Otome are there to keep him company now.
Naruto: (He nodded in understanding as memories of his cousin-in-law passed through his mind.) Good…a pretty intense first round, wasn’t it?
Hinata: (She nodded in agreement, also seemingly lost in recollection.) Yeah…have you heard their thoughts on Kei and Inase?
Naruto: (He smiled in amusement.) Hmhmhmhm, don’t worry about them…I think all three of them are in the clear after that first round.
Hinata: (Her face immediately lit up after hearing this.) That’s great!
Suigetsu: (Noting his initial objection to just Naruto’s old team being present on the balcony, he scanned the new arrivals as his annoyance resurfaced.) When the heck did the Kages’ balcony turn into the public stands!? Holy crap!
Mei: (She smiled at his remark as she also looked around the balcony.) Just leave them be, Suigetsu…hmhmhm, it’s much more lively with all of them up here, anyways, don’t you agree?
Chōjūrō: (Scanning the balcony, he couldn’t help but smile as the truth of Mei’s statement hit him.) I agree.
Suigetsu: (Pffft, of course you do.)
With everyone in the stadium now settled into their old or new positions, Baiko stepped forward to address them as ten minutes came to an end.
Baiko: The recess is now over! We’ll commence with the second round of the tournament immediately, so I need Nakama and Shikaru Nara to make their way to the arena!
Inoka: Give her heck, Shikaru!!
Chōzen: Yeah, show ‘em what you’re made of, man!!
Shikaru: I withdraw!!
The stadium immediately fell silent upon hearing this announcement, a silence replaced soon after by cries of disapproval sprinkled with boos and various insults. Chōzen was forced to hold Inoka down as her face grew red with anger, along with minor embarrassment at having been cheering for him just a moment ago.
Inoka: YOU IDIOT!!! YOU’RE JUST GONNA QUIT RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TOURNAMENT!!? WHAT THE HECK’S WRONG WITH YOU!!?
Shikaru: (Paying no heed to any of the remarks being thrown his way, he sighed in annoyance before calling out to Baiko.) I’m not gonna bother diving headfirst into a fight I know I can’t win! I got no issue backing out now and just saving me and Nakama the trouble!
Akame: Then why didn’t you forfeit OUR match, you lazy bum!!? I would’ve loved to show up that little girl in front of this entire stadium!!
Having stood up to make this remark without realization, she turned to gaze upon the disconcerted expressions of her family members before slowly returning to her seat, her own face having taken on a pinkish hue. A short distance away, Shikamaru seemed relatively unfazed by his grandson’s decision, having made a similar one during his own exams decades prior.
Shikamaru: Well, it’s not a choice I don’t agree with. Nakama gives Airon a difficult time, and he’s a genius on a level all his own.
Temari: (This scene being almost too nostalgic for her to cope with, she buried her face in her hand as she responded.) I guess you’re right…still, I never thought in a million years he’d actually follow in his grandfather’s lazy footsteps.
Shikadai: (Even more unfazed by this than his father, he leaned in his seat and proceeded to close his eyes.) Hmm, that’s a shame…well, whatever. Time to hit the sack again.
Shikamaru promptly hit him again in reaction to his indifference, meanwhile above them, understanding continued to flourish, seemingly no one on the Kages’ balcony choosing to question Shikaru’s decision.
Naruto: Well, you can’t blame him. I wouldn’t wanna fight Nakama if I was him, either.
Hinata: (She giggled softly at this after looking around the balcony.) Hmhmhm, that seems to be a unanimous opinion.
Airon: (Unable to keep himself from grinning in light of Shikaru’s controversial choice, he turned to his intended opponent in amusement.) (See how you scare everyone off like that?)
Nakama: (Hmhmhm, well, I have you and Manako whenever I’m in the mood to fight. What more do I need?)
The sudden withdrawal having thrown him off, Baiko stumbled to move the tournament along, waiting until the complaints had mostly died down before speaking again.
Baiko: Alright, then. Shikaru Nara has withdrawn from the match, making Nakama the victor by default, so she’ll automatically advance to the semi-finals! Now, I need Hitomi Hyūga and Taigen to approach the arena to begin the second match of this round.
Taigen: (Looking at both Minto and Airon, he returned the nods both were giving him before calling out to Baiko.) I’m afraid I’ll have to withdraw, too!
Hitomi: You’ll do no such thing.
Everyone still standing in the competitors’ balcony immediately turned to Hitomi, who was glaring at Taigen with an aura of discontent and determination in his pupiless eyes. Not expecting this and wanting desperately to avoid the coming conflict, Minto was the first to speak.
Minto: Hitomi, come on, man. Just let him-
Hitomi: You stay out of this, Minto. …My fight against Kūrogane was an embarrassment. I doubt I’ll even last very long against Nakama, so this is the only opportunity I still have to display my abilities to the Kage.
Airon: (Not wanting Taigen to fight either, he quickly stepped between him and Hitomi.) And you really think that’ll be enough to gain the Kages’ approval if you haven’t already?
Hitomi: (He contemplated the possibility, but maintained his firm expression.) It’s a chance I’m willing to take…I’m not falling behind the rest of you.
Airon: (Noting the almost childish reasoning for his insistence, he shook his head slightly and tilted his head so Taigen was in his line of sight.) …Well, I’m not. Taigen, you can withdraw as you please. I’m not taking that risk.
He looked back at Hitomi after giving this demand, recognizing his new expression as an invitation to peer into his thoughts for his continuation of their argument.
Hitomi: (And if I told everyone his secret if he decided to back out, anyways?)
Airon: (The thought alone prompted his fists to tighten in fury.) (And incur my wrath later on? …You wouldn’t dare.)
Hitomi: (Seeing the intensity in Airon’s eyes, he struggled to preserve his fortitude.) (…You don’t scare me, Airon. His safety’s all you really care about. You won’t bother carrying out your threat once it’s all said and done.)
Airon: (And you would really do that to him…when there’s a chance this stunt isn’t even gonna pay off for you?)
They continued their staring contest a while longer, but eventually, Hitomi’s eyes began to wander, hinting that he was indeed reconsidering his objection. Before Airon could lay down the finishing touches of his persuasion, though, a sharp tug on his sleeve prompted him to turn around to find Taigen standing there.
Taigen: Hold on, Airon. …Just let me take care of this.
He was prepared to retort, but he quickly stopped upon seeing the determined look in Taigen’s eyes, something neither he nor Minto had the opportunity to witness on anything but the rarest occasions. Minto and Nakama saw this, as well, the former walking up to him while the latter stood there in silence, worry in her eyes.
Nakama: …Taigen…
Minto: Buddy, are you sure about this? He’s a lot faster than Ryūza. You know what’ll happen if he gets just one-
Taigen: Minto, please. …I’ve got this, don’t worry about me.
Airon: (He placed his hand on Taigen’s shoulder, spinning him around before placing his hands on both his shoulders and locking eyes.) (I want you to look at me and say it again, Taigen. …Do you really want to take this risk?)
Taigen remained silent for a minute, hinting that he had given up on this brief endeavor, only to surprise Airon seconds later with a confident smirk.
Taigen: (I do, Airon. Trust me…I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.)
Airon: (No stranger to overconfidence, he held his ground despite this claim.) (…That’s what I’m afraid of.)
This subtle warning placed Taigen on neutral ground once again, unsure of whether to keep with his decision or to trust Airon’s word as he always had before. The episode with Hitomi had already cost them and the audience more than a few minutes of valuable fighting time, though, something the latter was quickly growing tired of as Taigen’s hesitation dragged on.
Baiko: I need your final decisions!! Is your match progressing as planned or not!?
Taigen: (He looked up at Airon for just a moment longer before looking past him towards Hitomi.) I retract my previous statement! …We’re fighting.
Hitomi returned his glare after a moment’s hesitation, and the two took off towards the arena after Nakama reluctantly erected her earthy walkway once again. Still immensely worried, Minto immediately turned to Airon, swallowing his mint as he spoke.
Minto: He’s gonna pull through this without a hitch…right, Airon?
Airon had returned to leaning against the railing, his arms folded overtop it as he watched Taigen descend to the arena below. He made no attempt to answer Minto’s question, even telepathically. …There was no reassurance he could possibly give him at that moment.
Airon: (I don’t know, Minto…I honestly don’t know.)
Shikaru recognizes his limitations, but is Taigen about to reach his!!?
The End
