Chakra Wizard
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Like the title says, not much happening here. Should make for a nice setup, though, hopefully*_* lol Anyways, enjoy
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
Chapter 077: Quick Intermission
With Manako hoisted onto the stretcher and ready to go, the medical-nin lifted it up and began carrying it towards the arena exit, only to be stopped after a few steps in that direction.
Manako: I’ll be going up to the balcony if you don’t mind. …I can get treatment after this tournament is over.
He looked back and exchanged smirks with Airon while the two medics looked at each other in confusion. They eventually began walking away, leaving Airon unsure but relatively confident they were following his request as he allowed his back to fall against the base of the crater. Several seconds passed before he finally looked up and saw the tournament proctor descending its walls as he made his way towards him.
Baiko: There’s only one more match. So, if you’d prefer, we can take an intermission to allow you time to build your stamina back up.
Still aching throughout his body, Airon continued gazing up at the sky as he lifted his hand slightly and flexed all five fingers simultaneously, twice in order to convey how much time he wanted to recuperate.
Baiko: Are you sure? We can allow you more time if you need it.
Airon: (Pulling out his sword, he slowly picked himself back up and inserted it into the ground in front of his now crossed legs, creating a makeshift stand to hold onto to keep himself upright.) Huhh…huhh…it’s all I need.
Still not entirely convinced, Baiko eventually gave in and turned to face the stands.
Baiko: The tournament will undergo a ten-minute intermission to allow the final two contestants time to recuperate! When that time is up, I ask for Airon Namikaze and Nakama to make their way to the center of the…uhhh…arena!
He looked around as he spoke, stumbling as he finally noticed the numerous holes left in the stadium walls, destroyed trees scattered about on the opposite end, not to mention the two enormous craters left by Airon’s Rasenshuriken, one of which he was still currently standing in.
Boruto: Hehehehe, wonder how they’re gonna top that.
Itachi: (He looked off to the side just slightly in order to face him.) Yeah…it seems this match went to you.
Boruto: (More modest than his father, he gazed off towards the stadium exit, which Manako had just disappeared through.) Ehh, I wouldn’t say that. They were both pretty knocked out by the end, so I’m willing to bet Airon said something to convince Manako to step down.
Itachi: (He smiled and looked down at his nephew-in-law upon hearing this.) Hmhm, that sounds like him. …So, we’re still at a stalemate, then.
Boruto: Hehe, guess so.
The matter of victory was quickly settled between the contestants’ fathers. However, on the balcony above the stands, their grandfathers found much less harmony in their opinions of the match’s results.
Sasuke: That’s NOT what happened, idiot!!
Naruto: Haha, face it, Sasuke!! I won, you lost!! Quit moping!!
Sasuke: Like hell you did!! The match was a draw, you saw it!! Manako stepped down because he was too exhausted to move on!! They both were!!
Naruto: Please, you’re just making up crap to feel better!! Airon’s still raring to go, you saw it-
Their debate came to an abrupt end as two swift blows came to the backs of their heads, courtesy of the elder’s wife.
Sakura: It doesn’t matter who won and how anymore!! Now get over it!! It was a draw and Manako let Airon take the win!! Simple as that!!
Naruto: (He continued rubbing the back of his head as he looked up at her with one eye squinted.) Oh…so you’re taking Sasuke’s side, is that it?
Sakura: (She took a step back as her eyes widened with embarrassment.) I, uhhh…well, no, I-
Sasuke: Hmph, you see, Naruto? It’s evident that Airon’s victory is only official. The match was a draw, plain and simple.
Naruto: Rrrrgh…
Before he can throw another retort, his gaze was drawn behind him by a tugging on his sleeve, done by his own smiling wife.
Hinata: Naruto, you can’t fight over your grandchildren like this. Just be happy they both gave their all and that one of them will be moving on. Does it really matter which of them won?
Naruto: (Contemplating her point for a moment, he returned her smile and glanced back down at the arena floor.) Yeah, I know…
The argument now settled, all four of them proceeded to lean back over the railing, though Naruto immediately took the opportunity to place his head next to Hinata’s ear.
Naruto: Just doesn’t change the fact that Airon had more chakra left at the end.
Sasuke: I’m standing right next to you, idiot.
Their argument momentarily rejuvenated, the village leaders sitting behind them took a moment to watch them in amusement, some even reflecting on similarities shared between this and other past events.
Konohamaru: Hmhm, it’s like they’re watching their sons’ exams from twenty years ago.
Kurotsuchi: Hmhmhm, yes, I do remember that.
Chōjūrō: Another fantastic year, as I recall.
Darui: Though it probably looks kinda dull after what we all saw today.
They all nodded in agreement, equally surprised by the prowess the current generation of shinobi had shown them over the past month.
Konohamaru: One more match…I wonder how it’ll play out.
Gaara: (As he nodded in agreement, he noticed his nephew and grandchildren walking down to the stands out of the corner of the eye.) Where are you going?
Sabure: (She turned and smiled just as she began descending the steps.) To go stand with the others.
His curiosity piqued, Gaara and some of the other Kage looked off towards the contestants’ balcony to find more genin standing there, not only from the finals, but from the preliminaries, as well.
Minto: Hey, what’s going on?
Inase: (Among the first to arrive with Kei, she smiled as she explained.) We thought it would be nice to assemble everyone here for the final showdown. …Or rather, Manako did.
She glanced over at the corridor entrance as she spoke, to the side of which sat the loser of the previous match, the hilt of his katana rested over his shoulder. He was immediately greeted by Nakama, who was quick to bring up her suspicions on the nature of his defeat.
Nakama: You let him move on to the last round, didn’t you?
Manako: (He smiled and looked down at Airon, who was still sitting at the center of the larger crater.) Hmhm, he’d probably have more luck than I would, anyways. …Besides, he said he had one more thing he was hoping to save for you.
Nakama: (She looked down at Airon, as well, smiling in amusement at this revelation.) Hmhm, I’m betting he does.
From behind them, Kemono and Mukinu suddenly arrived at the balcony, prompting several other finalists sitting in the stands to take notice of the gathering.
Ide: Hmhm, that does look like fun.
Inojin: Hm? What is it?
Irezumi: (He got up and followed Ide and Kenji up the steps as he explained the situation.) It seems everyone is gathering on the balcony. I think it’s only suitable the three of us go join them.
Sai: (Looking over at the balcony to confirm this, he smiled cheerfully up at his grandson.) Cheer them on. We’ll do the same from here.
Irezumi returned his smile as he reached the top of the stands and walked over towards the entrance of the corridors, their movements gaining the attention of the members of the Uchiha clan sitting in the section nearest the balcony.
Katsuto: Hey, sis. Look.
Akame: (She was already in the process of standing up as he spoke.) I noticed. …Come on. Manako’s probably over there, too.
Sarada: Don’t give him a hard time, alright? He’s probably still exhausted.
Akame: (She nonchalantly adjusted her hair as she walked away.) Don’t see how we can’t.
As Sarada sighed in disappointment, further down in the same section, Kūrogane and her mother’s team also started moving, some being more hesitant than others.
Shikaru: Huhhh, man, this blows. What’s wrong with the seats we got?
Inoka: (She grabbed the back of his shirt in an effort to hoist him up.) We’re going to stand with everyone else, you bum. Now get up and come on.
Shikaru: (He smacked her hand away as he gritted his teeth in annoyance.) Fine, jeez. …Man, it’s just stupid, though.
Kūrogane: (Already making her way up the steps, she turned back to them and chuckled softly at their antics.) Hmhm, just come on, Shikaru. Everyone else is heading over there, anyways, so you don’t really want to be left out, do you?
Shikaru: (He looked up at her for a moment before heaving a sigh.) Huhh, whatever.
Towards the front of the stands, even some of the foreign contestants sitting in the stands took notice and decided to join the gathering.
Z: Ahhh, got us a little shindig over on the other balcony, do we? Hey, c’mon, let’s bounce.
Sakebi: (He didn’t bother moving or even looking up as he sat in his seat, head rested against his fist.) Why? We got front row seats right here.
Tomoi: Cause Z said so, dumbass. Now move it.
Sakebi: (He cringed slightly at the insult, proceeding to eye Tomoi as she jogged up the steps directly behind Z.) (Huhh, figures.)
As Sakebi got up lazily to join his teammates, in the section directly across from them, Kagetsu was attempting to leave behind from his own, freezing up with fear as the more sane of the two spotted him trying to sneak away.
Izumi: Hey, where’re you going?
Kagetsu: (He turned around slowly as he struggled to think of an excuse.) Uhhhh…to piss?
Izumi: (Not buying it, she looked over at the balcony upon realizing it was far more crowded than before.) Hey, what’s going on over there?
Vito: (Noticing, as well, he fiddled his hands together as he wheezed his guess as to what was going on.) Hnhnhnhn, looks like all the other competitors are, hnhnhnhn, going to stand on the balcony together. Hnhnhnhn, I think Kagetsu’s tryin’ to, hnhn, sneak over there without us.
Izumi: (Listening to this with embarrassment, she turned towards Kagetsu in anger as the latter remark reached her ears.) Yeah!? And what hell’s your problem, huh? Trying to leave us behind!?
Kagetsu: (He dug his fingers into the sides of his head as he fought to contain his frustration.) (Goddamn it, Vito!! Freaking loon!!)
Succumbing to their demands, Kagetsu dragged behind them as they followed the others towards the corridor entrance, leaving only one genin who had reached the preliminaries still sitting in the stands.
Ayumi: You’re not going to join them, Raiden?
Raiden: (He kept his head and arms rested over the seat in front of him.) …Nah.
Suzaku: (He looked away in minor frustration before turning back to him.) Go on and follow them, son. …There wouldn’t any point in them all gathering if you weren’t there with them.
Now intent on avoiding further lecturing from his father, Raiden heaved a sigh and lazily got up to head towards the top of the stands. As he finally vanished into the corridors, the balcony had already become swarmed with the other genin to compete in the third stage of the exams, much to the discomfort of those who were there originally.
Nakama: A little crowded now, isn’t it?
Inase: (Hmhm, well, it was Manako’s idea first. Don’t blame me for not thinking it through.)
Those who didn’t immediately approach Manako or Nakama began chatting amongst one another, with some being particularly less popular than others. Distinct among these were Izumi and Vito, and embarrassed by their antics, Kagetsu shied away from them as much as possible, catching the attention of his primary acquaintance throughout the exams.
Z: You ain’t lookin’ too chill, dog. You good?
Kagetsu: (He gazed awkwardly over at his teammates as he replied.) If I can sick them on somebody else, I will be.
Z: Hehe, hey now, those are your homeboy and homegirl, you dig? You gotta give ‘em some love every now and then. Don’t go pushing ‘em away when there ain’t no call for it.
Kagetsu: (He looked over at them again, contemplating his words before turning back around with an almost disgusted expression.) …Yeah, sure. Good luck.
Nakama: (She approached them after noticing they were otherwise alone, smiling in amusement at Kagetsu’s remark.) Hmhmhm…I suppose an apology is in order, Kagetsu?
Kagetsu: (Turning to face her in surprise, he shrugged to the side in response to her offer.) Eh, you’d just insult me if you did. Besides, it is what it is. …Just make sure you go all the way, then it makes me look better for getting beaten by you.
Z: (He grinned before slapping him across the back.) Hehe, now you feelin’ it, dog.
Nakama: (She giggled again at their antics.) Hmhm, I’ll be sure to do my best.
She opened her mouth to say something else, though not before noticing off of the corner of her eye that Taigen was cowering behind Minto, who had locked eyes with a visibly irritated Ryūza.
Ryūza: What are you doing here?
Minto: (He moved his leg in front of Taigen’s face as his frown deepened.) He’s one of the genin who made it through the Forest of Death, just like the rest of us here.
Ryūza: He made it through the Forest of Death…but he is not, nor was he ever a genin.
Minto curled his fists and gritted his teeth upon hearing this, prompting Taigen to sink further behind him. Ryūza remained unfazed, though, at least until a voice he identified with spoke up in protest.
Sabure: Brother.
He turned in surprise to find his sister standing a short distance away, apparently distraught by his actions. Before he could respond to her, though, he was approached by Hitomi, who appeared equally disturbed by his remarks.
Hitomi: Move aside.
Hesitating a moment out of pride, Ryūza eventually gave in and walked away, not even bothering to look back at Minto or Taigen. Once he was gone, Hitomi’s angry expression turned to one of remorse, kneeling down next to Minto’s leg and looking down at Taigen, turning away as he opened his mouth to speak.
Hitomi: I apologize, Taigen. …My pride got the better of me.
Taigen: (Unsure to what to say, he looked away as memories of his unveiling reentered his thoughts.) …It’s all over now. …But thank you, Hitomi.
He smiled up at him to confirm his thanks were genuine, prompting Hitomi to return the gesture before standing up, at which point he immediately noticed Minto’s wandering gaze and turned to find that he was looking over at his younger brother, who was leaning over the railing alone. Seeing the uncertainty in his eyes, Hitomi gave him a reassuring glance and tilted his head off in Raiden’s direction, prompting Minto to smile before walking over beside him, looking down at the arena and hesitating as he opened his mouth.
Minto: Guess it was no question that it would ultimately come down to those two.
Raiden: (He looked up at him as he spoke, turning away and silently scoffing when he found he wasn’t looking at him.) Of course not. …Even the Uchiha and our clan don’t stand a chance against them.
Minto: (He paused despite having a reply in wait, praying silently that it didn’t instigate another argument between them.) …Depends on which Uchiha and which member of our clan.
Again, Raiden looked up once he finished, this time meeting his brother’s gaze head-on. They locked eyes for several seconds as Minto tried his hardest to maintain his blank expression, heaving a sigh of relief and disappointment when Raiden began walking towards the other end of the balcony, at which point an onlooking Inase came forward and set her hand on his shoulder.
Inase: (It’s a start.)
Minto: (He nodded feebly and gazed back down at Airon, who was still sitting in the crater attempting to gather his strength.) (Yeah…just a start.)
A short distance away, Sabure slowly walked up to Manako, who was leaning against the far end of the balcony, gazing off to the side at the arena below as he waited for Airon to finish recuperating. Noticing her approach well in advance, he turned to look up at her once she came close enough, causing her to flinch slightly which brought a smile of amusement to his face.
Sabure: You…you alright?
Manako: (He continued smiling as he looked off to the side, grinning as he paused.) I’ve been better…but at the same time, that’s not exactly true, either.
Sabure: (Surprised by his new change in personality, she smiled back until another thought entered her mind.) …Sorry about your loss.
Manako: Hmhm, I should be the one apologizing for yours. Unlike me, you had nothing to do with mine. …Besides, he’s my rival. We can never truly beat one another.
He gazed down at Airon as he spoke, meanwhile she attempted to stop blushing in light of his own modest remarks. When her cheeks returned to their usual pale color, she glanced down to where Airon was sitting, having never taken the time to deeply examine his character until now, and smiled as she turned back to Manako.
Sabure: He must be a good friend to have.
Manako: Hmhmhm, well, he’s also my cousin. So I couldn’t really get rid of him even if I wanted to…and speaking of cousins.
Surprised, Sabure looked up to find Akame and Katsuto had arrived at the balcony at long last. Shooting Manako one last glance, Sabure quickly walked away as Akame and Katsuto leaned next to the railing in front of him, surprised to find him smiling.
Akame: You look…happier than usual.
Manako: (The corners of his mouth moved inward slightly as he looked back down at the arena.) I guess you could say that.
Akame: (She followed his gaze all the way to Airon, frowning slightly at the sight of him.) Why’d you give him the match? You probably would’ve had an easier time using Susanoo than whatever he decides to do.
Manako: Susanoo’s too slow and insufficient against her method of attack. It would’ve been impaled multiple times over before I even got in range to attack her…besides, I’ve strained my eyes enough already.
He looked up at Akame to find she was unconvinced, prompting him to heave a sigh of annoyance as he went further into detail.
Manako: And this tournament’s supposed to be a display of skill as much as it is a contest. He’s still got things he hasn’t shown the audience, whereas I’ve got nothing new to add. …Does that answer your question?
Akame: (Displeased but satisfied, she returned her attention to the arena floor.) …Yeah.
Katsuto: Yeah. Long as you didn’t lose outright.
Manako: (His now blank expression morphed into a frown upon hearing his obnoxious remark.) Actually, we were both completely exhausted when we collapsed in the arena. He would’ve recovered long before I did, so technically I did lose.
Katsuto: What!!?
He didn’t complain for very long before Manako’s gaze discouraged him from doing so, and not long after that, Airon finally stood up from his spot in the crater, using his sword as an aid in doing so. He immediately set his sights on Nakama, smiling as he held up two fingers and motioned for her to join him, the former gesture which she returned. Before she could step over the railing onto her newly formed pillar of earth, though, she was cut off of Kūrogane, who proceeded to sneakily hand her a bottle of water.
Kūrogane: You might need this.
Nakama: (She smiled up at her before looking around and leaning inward.) Thanks…but isn’t this almost like cheating?
Kūrogane: (She chuckled in amusement before glancing over at Airon.) Hmhm, I’m sure he’ll thank me later.
Seeing the humor in this, as well, Nakama thanked once more before being called over once again, this time by Manako. As she walked away, Kei crept up behind Kūrogane after witnessing the entire exchange, clearly confused by its context.
Kei: What, is she gonna give it to him or something?
Kūrogane: (She smiled and shook her head in amusement before leaning over the railing, glancing up at him briefly as she did.) You’ll see, Kei.
Towards the other end of the balcony, Nakama approached Manako expecting to hear another send-off, somewhat surprised when he held out his slightly opened hand. Hesitantly clasping it in her own, her eyes widened further as she pulled away and realized he had slipped her something of his own, both of them smiling once she looked to see what it was.
Manako: Make him pay.
Nakama: (She giggled in amusement before walking back in front of her pillar.) I promise nothing.
Stepping over the railing and onto the column of earth on the other side, her hair fluttered about slightly as it descended back into the ground. She proceeded to walk over to the rim of the crater housing her opponent, looking around the arena briefly before her hair began moving again. At the same time, both craters and any other minor damage done to the arena floor closed up and rose back to ground level, making the entire arena flat once again as the people in the stands marveled at her abilities.
Nakama: Good as new.
Airon: (Unimpressed, he smiled and shook his head.) (Hmhm, showoff.)
Having taken their positions, they both looked over at the match proctor, exchanging amused looks when they found him already backing away to a more safe distance. Up in the stands, the audience silently awaited their fight to begin, while in the balcony above them, last-minute discussions took place regarding the conditions of the two contestants.
Naruto: How much chakra do they have left?
Hinata: (She activated her Byakugan and scanned over both genin, her eyes expanding slightly as she looked over her grandson.) Nakama has barely used any chakra since the tournament began, even creating those pillars in between matches. Airon, I can’t say for certain…but I would estimate that it’s only ten…no, maybe closer to five percent.
Sakura: (Her eyes also grew with surprise as she recalled Airon’s confidence leading up to the match.) And he expects to defeat her with only that much chakra?
Naruto: (He smirked in amusement, much more confident in Airon’s success rate than either of them.) Hehe, well, five percent of HIS chakra is still quite a lot, Sakura. …He’ll make the most of it. That’s for sure.
The others having settled on this response, silence overcame them as Baiko looked over both contestants to ensure their preparedness before raising his arm.
Konohamaru: It all comes down to this.
Gaara: (He nodded in agreement as he leaned forward.) And it’s sure to be a spectacle on par with the one that preceded it.
Baiko: Now…if both of you are ready…begin!!
The other Kage copied Gaara’s movements as Baiko’s arm fell, at which point Airon rushed forward with his sword at the ready.
In the dense forests surrounding the Leaf Village, two young children – one a black-haired boy, and the other a black-haired girl – walked through the trees together until they came across a small strip of treeless terrain. The boy grinned upon finding it and immediately ran out toward its center, while the girl seemed much less confident, or perhaps less enthusiastic, about what they were doing there.
Nakama: Do you really want to do this?
Airon: Hey, you’re the one who showed ME up yesterday. I still gotta get you back for that.
Nakama: (She glanced off to the side as she recalled their first meeting the previous day.) Okay…then do I really have to do this?
Airon: Hehe, why? Did you not wanna?
His smile slowly vanished as he noticed the melancholic expression on her lowered face.
Nakama: I thought you said we were supposed to be friends.
He leaned forward in order to hear her better as she repeated the statement, immediately becoming filled with regret upon hearing it clearly. After thinking over it for a moment, though, he smiled before waving his arms to get her attention again.
Airon: That’s what a spar is, though. Just a pretend fight between friends, right? No one actually gets hurt when they’re just sparring. If I do get hurt again, I’m dumb for letting it happen. If you get hurt…heh, well then kudos to me for pulling it off.
She couldn’t help but smile at this, and after some further consideration, she nodded to assure she was okay with this, prompting him to step back a ways as he pulled out a single kunai.
Airon: You ready?
Nakama: (She nodded once again, smiling as she remembered some of his words from the day before.) I’m fine. …This might actually be a lot of fun.
Airon returned the gesture before assuming a battle-ready stance, counting down three seconds in his head before charging forward as her hair began fluttering about. Hardly a second later, he leapt back to dodge the first of many earthy protrusions as back in the tournament stadium, his thirteen year-old self did the same eight years into the future.
Can Airon really best his second-greatest opponent with only five percent of his chakra!!?
The End
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Chapter 077: Quick Intermission
With Manako hoisted onto the stretcher and ready to go, the medical-nin lifted it up and began carrying it towards the arena exit, only to be stopped after a few steps in that direction.
Manako: I’ll be going up to the balcony if you don’t mind. …I can get treatment after this tournament is over.
He looked back and exchanged smirks with Airon while the two medics looked at each other in confusion. They eventually began walking away, leaving Airon unsure but relatively confident they were following his request as he allowed his back to fall against the base of the crater. Several seconds passed before he finally looked up and saw the tournament proctor descending its walls as he made his way towards him.
Baiko: There’s only one more match. So, if you’d prefer, we can take an intermission to allow you time to build your stamina back up.
Still aching throughout his body, Airon continued gazing up at the sky as he lifted his hand slightly and flexed all five fingers simultaneously, twice in order to convey how much time he wanted to recuperate.
Baiko: Are you sure? We can allow you more time if you need it.
Airon: (Pulling out his sword, he slowly picked himself back up and inserted it into the ground in front of his now crossed legs, creating a makeshift stand to hold onto to keep himself upright.) Huhh…huhh…it’s all I need.
Still not entirely convinced, Baiko eventually gave in and turned to face the stands.
Baiko: The tournament will undergo a ten-minute intermission to allow the final two contestants time to recuperate! When that time is up, I ask for Airon Namikaze and Nakama to make their way to the center of the…uhhh…arena!
He looked around as he spoke, stumbling as he finally noticed the numerous holes left in the stadium walls, destroyed trees scattered about on the opposite end, not to mention the two enormous craters left by Airon’s Rasenshuriken, one of which he was still currently standing in.
Boruto: Hehehehe, wonder how they’re gonna top that.
Itachi: (He looked off to the side just slightly in order to face him.) Yeah…it seems this match went to you.
Boruto: (More modest than his father, he gazed off towards the stadium exit, which Manako had just disappeared through.) Ehh, I wouldn’t say that. They were both pretty knocked out by the end, so I’m willing to bet Airon said something to convince Manako to step down.
Itachi: (He smiled and looked down at his nephew-in-law upon hearing this.) Hmhm, that sounds like him. …So, we’re still at a stalemate, then.
Boruto: Hehe, guess so.
The matter of victory was quickly settled between the contestants’ fathers. However, on the balcony above the stands, their grandfathers found much less harmony in their opinions of the match’s results.
Sasuke: That’s NOT what happened, idiot!!
Naruto: Haha, face it, Sasuke!! I won, you lost!! Quit moping!!
Sasuke: Like hell you did!! The match was a draw, you saw it!! Manako stepped down because he was too exhausted to move on!! They both were!!
Naruto: Please, you’re just making up crap to feel better!! Airon’s still raring to go, you saw it-
Their debate came to an abrupt end as two swift blows came to the backs of their heads, courtesy of the elder’s wife.
Sakura: It doesn’t matter who won and how anymore!! Now get over it!! It was a draw and Manako let Airon take the win!! Simple as that!!
Naruto: (He continued rubbing the back of his head as he looked up at her with one eye squinted.) Oh…so you’re taking Sasuke’s side, is that it?
Sakura: (She took a step back as her eyes widened with embarrassment.) I, uhhh…well, no, I-
Sasuke: Hmph, you see, Naruto? It’s evident that Airon’s victory is only official. The match was a draw, plain and simple.
Naruto: Rrrrgh…
Before he can throw another retort, his gaze was drawn behind him by a tugging on his sleeve, done by his own smiling wife.
Hinata: Naruto, you can’t fight over your grandchildren like this. Just be happy they both gave their all and that one of them will be moving on. Does it really matter which of them won?
Naruto: (Contemplating her point for a moment, he returned her smile and glanced back down at the arena floor.) Yeah, I know…
The argument now settled, all four of them proceeded to lean back over the railing, though Naruto immediately took the opportunity to place his head next to Hinata’s ear.
Naruto: Just doesn’t change the fact that Airon had more chakra left at the end.
Sasuke: I’m standing right next to you, idiot.
Their argument momentarily rejuvenated, the village leaders sitting behind them took a moment to watch them in amusement, some even reflecting on similarities shared between this and other past events.
Konohamaru: Hmhm, it’s like they’re watching their sons’ exams from twenty years ago.
Kurotsuchi: Hmhmhm, yes, I do remember that.
Chōjūrō: Another fantastic year, as I recall.
Darui: Though it probably looks kinda dull after what we all saw today.
They all nodded in agreement, equally surprised by the prowess the current generation of shinobi had shown them over the past month.
Konohamaru: One more match…I wonder how it’ll play out.
Gaara: (As he nodded in agreement, he noticed his nephew and grandchildren walking down to the stands out of the corner of the eye.) Where are you going?
Sabure: (She turned and smiled just as she began descending the steps.) To go stand with the others.
His curiosity piqued, Gaara and some of the other Kage looked off towards the contestants’ balcony to find more genin standing there, not only from the finals, but from the preliminaries, as well.
Minto: Hey, what’s going on?
Inase: (Among the first to arrive with Kei, she smiled as she explained.) We thought it would be nice to assemble everyone here for the final showdown. …Or rather, Manako did.
She glanced over at the corridor entrance as she spoke, to the side of which sat the loser of the previous match, the hilt of his katana rested over his shoulder. He was immediately greeted by Nakama, who was quick to bring up her suspicions on the nature of his defeat.
Nakama: You let him move on to the last round, didn’t you?
Manako: (He smiled and looked down at Airon, who was still sitting at the center of the larger crater.) Hmhm, he’d probably have more luck than I would, anyways. …Besides, he said he had one more thing he was hoping to save for you.
Nakama: (She looked down at Airon, as well, smiling in amusement at this revelation.) Hmhm, I’m betting he does.
From behind them, Kemono and Mukinu suddenly arrived at the balcony, prompting several other finalists sitting in the stands to take notice of the gathering.
Ide: Hmhm, that does look like fun.
Inojin: Hm? What is it?
Irezumi: (He got up and followed Ide and Kenji up the steps as he explained the situation.) It seems everyone is gathering on the balcony. I think it’s only suitable the three of us go join them.
Sai: (Looking over at the balcony to confirm this, he smiled cheerfully up at his grandson.) Cheer them on. We’ll do the same from here.
Irezumi returned his smile as he reached the top of the stands and walked over towards the entrance of the corridors, their movements gaining the attention of the members of the Uchiha clan sitting in the section nearest the balcony.
Katsuto: Hey, sis. Look.
Akame: (She was already in the process of standing up as he spoke.) I noticed. …Come on. Manako’s probably over there, too.
Sarada: Don’t give him a hard time, alright? He’s probably still exhausted.
Akame: (She nonchalantly adjusted her hair as she walked away.) Don’t see how we can’t.
As Sarada sighed in disappointment, further down in the same section, Kūrogane and her mother’s team also started moving, some being more hesitant than others.
Shikaru: Huhhh, man, this blows. What’s wrong with the seats we got?
Inoka: (She grabbed the back of his shirt in an effort to hoist him up.) We’re going to stand with everyone else, you bum. Now get up and come on.
Shikaru: (He smacked her hand away as he gritted his teeth in annoyance.) Fine, jeez. …Man, it’s just stupid, though.
Kūrogane: (Already making her way up the steps, she turned back to them and chuckled softly at their antics.) Hmhm, just come on, Shikaru. Everyone else is heading over there, anyways, so you don’t really want to be left out, do you?
Shikaru: (He looked up at her for a moment before heaving a sigh.) Huhh, whatever.
Towards the front of the stands, even some of the foreign contestants sitting in the stands took notice and decided to join the gathering.
Z: Ahhh, got us a little shindig over on the other balcony, do we? Hey, c’mon, let’s bounce.
Sakebi: (He didn’t bother moving or even looking up as he sat in his seat, head rested against his fist.) Why? We got front row seats right here.
Tomoi: Cause Z said so, dumbass. Now move it.
Sakebi: (He cringed slightly at the insult, proceeding to eye Tomoi as she jogged up the steps directly behind Z.) (Huhh, figures.)
As Sakebi got up lazily to join his teammates, in the section directly across from them, Kagetsu was attempting to leave behind from his own, freezing up with fear as the more sane of the two spotted him trying to sneak away.
Izumi: Hey, where’re you going?
Kagetsu: (He turned around slowly as he struggled to think of an excuse.) Uhhhh…to piss?
Izumi: (Not buying it, she looked over at the balcony upon realizing it was far more crowded than before.) Hey, what’s going on over there?
Vito: (Noticing, as well, he fiddled his hands together as he wheezed his guess as to what was going on.) Hnhnhnhn, looks like all the other competitors are, hnhnhnhn, going to stand on the balcony together. Hnhnhnhn, I think Kagetsu’s tryin’ to, hnhn, sneak over there without us.
Izumi: (Listening to this with embarrassment, she turned towards Kagetsu in anger as the latter remark reached her ears.) Yeah!? And what hell’s your problem, huh? Trying to leave us behind!?
Kagetsu: (He dug his fingers into the sides of his head as he fought to contain his frustration.) (Goddamn it, Vito!! Freaking loon!!)
Succumbing to their demands, Kagetsu dragged behind them as they followed the others towards the corridor entrance, leaving only one genin who had reached the preliminaries still sitting in the stands.
Ayumi: You’re not going to join them, Raiden?
Raiden: (He kept his head and arms rested over the seat in front of him.) …Nah.
Suzaku: (He looked away in minor frustration before turning back to him.) Go on and follow them, son. …There wouldn’t any point in them all gathering if you weren’t there with them.
Now intent on avoiding further lecturing from his father, Raiden heaved a sigh and lazily got up to head towards the top of the stands. As he finally vanished into the corridors, the balcony had already become swarmed with the other genin to compete in the third stage of the exams, much to the discomfort of those who were there originally.
Nakama: A little crowded now, isn’t it?
Inase: (Hmhm, well, it was Manako’s idea first. Don’t blame me for not thinking it through.)
Those who didn’t immediately approach Manako or Nakama began chatting amongst one another, with some being particularly less popular than others. Distinct among these were Izumi and Vito, and embarrassed by their antics, Kagetsu shied away from them as much as possible, catching the attention of his primary acquaintance throughout the exams.
Z: You ain’t lookin’ too chill, dog. You good?
Kagetsu: (He gazed awkwardly over at his teammates as he replied.) If I can sick them on somebody else, I will be.
Z: Hehe, hey now, those are your homeboy and homegirl, you dig? You gotta give ‘em some love every now and then. Don’t go pushing ‘em away when there ain’t no call for it.
Kagetsu: (He looked over at them again, contemplating his words before turning back around with an almost disgusted expression.) …Yeah, sure. Good luck.
Nakama: (She approached them after noticing they were otherwise alone, smiling in amusement at Kagetsu’s remark.) Hmhmhm…I suppose an apology is in order, Kagetsu?
Kagetsu: (Turning to face her in surprise, he shrugged to the side in response to her offer.) Eh, you’d just insult me if you did. Besides, it is what it is. …Just make sure you go all the way, then it makes me look better for getting beaten by you.
Z: (He grinned before slapping him across the back.) Hehe, now you feelin’ it, dog.
Nakama: (She giggled again at their antics.) Hmhm, I’ll be sure to do my best.
She opened her mouth to say something else, though not before noticing off of the corner of her eye that Taigen was cowering behind Minto, who had locked eyes with a visibly irritated Ryūza.
Ryūza: What are you doing here?
Minto: (He moved his leg in front of Taigen’s face as his frown deepened.) He’s one of the genin who made it through the Forest of Death, just like the rest of us here.
Ryūza: He made it through the Forest of Death…but he is not, nor was he ever a genin.
Minto curled his fists and gritted his teeth upon hearing this, prompting Taigen to sink further behind him. Ryūza remained unfazed, though, at least until a voice he identified with spoke up in protest.
Sabure: Brother.
He turned in surprise to find his sister standing a short distance away, apparently distraught by his actions. Before he could respond to her, though, he was approached by Hitomi, who appeared equally disturbed by his remarks.
Hitomi: Move aside.
Hesitating a moment out of pride, Ryūza eventually gave in and walked away, not even bothering to look back at Minto or Taigen. Once he was gone, Hitomi’s angry expression turned to one of remorse, kneeling down next to Minto’s leg and looking down at Taigen, turning away as he opened his mouth to speak.
Hitomi: I apologize, Taigen. …My pride got the better of me.
Taigen: (Unsure to what to say, he looked away as memories of his unveiling reentered his thoughts.) …It’s all over now. …But thank you, Hitomi.
He smiled up at him to confirm his thanks were genuine, prompting Hitomi to return the gesture before standing up, at which point he immediately noticed Minto’s wandering gaze and turned to find that he was looking over at his younger brother, who was leaning over the railing alone. Seeing the uncertainty in his eyes, Hitomi gave him a reassuring glance and tilted his head off in Raiden’s direction, prompting Minto to smile before walking over beside him, looking down at the arena and hesitating as he opened his mouth.
Minto: Guess it was no question that it would ultimately come down to those two.
Raiden: (He looked up at him as he spoke, turning away and silently scoffing when he found he wasn’t looking at him.) Of course not. …Even the Uchiha and our clan don’t stand a chance against them.
Minto: (He paused despite having a reply in wait, praying silently that it didn’t instigate another argument between them.) …Depends on which Uchiha and which member of our clan.
Again, Raiden looked up once he finished, this time meeting his brother’s gaze head-on. They locked eyes for several seconds as Minto tried his hardest to maintain his blank expression, heaving a sigh of relief and disappointment when Raiden began walking towards the other end of the balcony, at which point an onlooking Inase came forward and set her hand on his shoulder.
Inase: (It’s a start.)
Minto: (He nodded feebly and gazed back down at Airon, who was still sitting in the crater attempting to gather his strength.) (Yeah…just a start.)
A short distance away, Sabure slowly walked up to Manako, who was leaning against the far end of the balcony, gazing off to the side at the arena below as he waited for Airon to finish recuperating. Noticing her approach well in advance, he turned to look up at her once she came close enough, causing her to flinch slightly which brought a smile of amusement to his face.
Sabure: You…you alright?
Manako: (He continued smiling as he looked off to the side, grinning as he paused.) I’ve been better…but at the same time, that’s not exactly true, either.
Sabure: (Surprised by his new change in personality, she smiled back until another thought entered her mind.) …Sorry about your loss.
Manako: Hmhm, I should be the one apologizing for yours. Unlike me, you had nothing to do with mine. …Besides, he’s my rival. We can never truly beat one another.
He gazed down at Airon as he spoke, meanwhile she attempted to stop blushing in light of his own modest remarks. When her cheeks returned to their usual pale color, she glanced down to where Airon was sitting, having never taken the time to deeply examine his character until now, and smiled as she turned back to Manako.
Sabure: He must be a good friend to have.
Manako: Hmhmhm, well, he’s also my cousin. So I couldn’t really get rid of him even if I wanted to…and speaking of cousins.
Surprised, Sabure looked up to find Akame and Katsuto had arrived at the balcony at long last. Shooting Manako one last glance, Sabure quickly walked away as Akame and Katsuto leaned next to the railing in front of him, surprised to find him smiling.
Akame: You look…happier than usual.
Manako: (The corners of his mouth moved inward slightly as he looked back down at the arena.) I guess you could say that.
Akame: (She followed his gaze all the way to Airon, frowning slightly at the sight of him.) Why’d you give him the match? You probably would’ve had an easier time using Susanoo than whatever he decides to do.
Manako: Susanoo’s too slow and insufficient against her method of attack. It would’ve been impaled multiple times over before I even got in range to attack her…besides, I’ve strained my eyes enough already.
He looked up at Akame to find she was unconvinced, prompting him to heave a sigh of annoyance as he went further into detail.
Manako: And this tournament’s supposed to be a display of skill as much as it is a contest. He’s still got things he hasn’t shown the audience, whereas I’ve got nothing new to add. …Does that answer your question?
Akame: (Displeased but satisfied, she returned her attention to the arena floor.) …Yeah.
Katsuto: Yeah. Long as you didn’t lose outright.
Manako: (His now blank expression morphed into a frown upon hearing his obnoxious remark.) Actually, we were both completely exhausted when we collapsed in the arena. He would’ve recovered long before I did, so technically I did lose.
Katsuto: What!!?
He didn’t complain for very long before Manako’s gaze discouraged him from doing so, and not long after that, Airon finally stood up from his spot in the crater, using his sword as an aid in doing so. He immediately set his sights on Nakama, smiling as he held up two fingers and motioned for her to join him, the former gesture which she returned. Before she could step over the railing onto her newly formed pillar of earth, though, she was cut off of Kūrogane, who proceeded to sneakily hand her a bottle of water.
Kūrogane: You might need this.
Nakama: (She smiled up at her before looking around and leaning inward.) Thanks…but isn’t this almost like cheating?
Kūrogane: (She chuckled in amusement before glancing over at Airon.) Hmhm, I’m sure he’ll thank me later.
Seeing the humor in this, as well, Nakama thanked once more before being called over once again, this time by Manako. As she walked away, Kei crept up behind Kūrogane after witnessing the entire exchange, clearly confused by its context.
Kei: What, is she gonna give it to him or something?
Kūrogane: (She smiled and shook her head in amusement before leaning over the railing, glancing up at him briefly as she did.) You’ll see, Kei.
Towards the other end of the balcony, Nakama approached Manako expecting to hear another send-off, somewhat surprised when he held out his slightly opened hand. Hesitantly clasping it in her own, her eyes widened further as she pulled away and realized he had slipped her something of his own, both of them smiling once she looked to see what it was.
Manako: Make him pay.
Nakama: (She giggled in amusement before walking back in front of her pillar.) I promise nothing.
Stepping over the railing and onto the column of earth on the other side, her hair fluttered about slightly as it descended back into the ground. She proceeded to walk over to the rim of the crater housing her opponent, looking around the arena briefly before her hair began moving again. At the same time, both craters and any other minor damage done to the arena floor closed up and rose back to ground level, making the entire arena flat once again as the people in the stands marveled at her abilities.
Nakama: Good as new.
Airon: (Unimpressed, he smiled and shook his head.) (Hmhm, showoff.)
Having taken their positions, they both looked over at the match proctor, exchanging amused looks when they found him already backing away to a more safe distance. Up in the stands, the audience silently awaited their fight to begin, while in the balcony above them, last-minute discussions took place regarding the conditions of the two contestants.
Naruto: How much chakra do they have left?
Hinata: (She activated her Byakugan and scanned over both genin, her eyes expanding slightly as she looked over her grandson.) Nakama has barely used any chakra since the tournament began, even creating those pillars in between matches. Airon, I can’t say for certain…but I would estimate that it’s only ten…no, maybe closer to five percent.
Sakura: (Her eyes also grew with surprise as she recalled Airon’s confidence leading up to the match.) And he expects to defeat her with only that much chakra?
Naruto: (He smirked in amusement, much more confident in Airon’s success rate than either of them.) Hehe, well, five percent of HIS chakra is still quite a lot, Sakura. …He’ll make the most of it. That’s for sure.
The others having settled on this response, silence overcame them as Baiko looked over both contestants to ensure their preparedness before raising his arm.
Konohamaru: It all comes down to this.
Gaara: (He nodded in agreement as he leaned forward.) And it’s sure to be a spectacle on par with the one that preceded it.
Baiko: Now…if both of you are ready…begin!!
The other Kage copied Gaara’s movements as Baiko’s arm fell, at which point Airon rushed forward with his sword at the ready.
– Eight Years Prior –
In the dense forests surrounding the Leaf Village, two young children – one a black-haired boy, and the other a black-haired girl – walked through the trees together until they came across a small strip of treeless terrain. The boy grinned upon finding it and immediately ran out toward its center, while the girl seemed much less confident, or perhaps less enthusiastic, about what they were doing there.
Nakama: Do you really want to do this?
Airon: Hey, you’re the one who showed ME up yesterday. I still gotta get you back for that.
Nakama: (She glanced off to the side as she recalled their first meeting the previous day.) Okay…then do I really have to do this?
Airon: Hehe, why? Did you not wanna?
His smile slowly vanished as he noticed the melancholic expression on her lowered face.
Nakama: I thought you said we were supposed to be friends.
He leaned forward in order to hear her better as she repeated the statement, immediately becoming filled with regret upon hearing it clearly. After thinking over it for a moment, though, he smiled before waving his arms to get her attention again.
Airon: That’s what a spar is, though. Just a pretend fight between friends, right? No one actually gets hurt when they’re just sparring. If I do get hurt again, I’m dumb for letting it happen. If you get hurt…heh, well then kudos to me for pulling it off.
She couldn’t help but smile at this, and after some further consideration, she nodded to assure she was okay with this, prompting him to step back a ways as he pulled out a single kunai.
Airon: You ready?
Nakama: (She nodded once again, smiling as she remembered some of his words from the day before.) I’m fine. …This might actually be a lot of fun.
Airon returned the gesture before assuming a battle-ready stance, counting down three seconds in his head before charging forward as her hair began fluttering about. Hardly a second later, he leapt back to dodge the first of many earthy protrusions as back in the tournament stadium, his thirteen year-old self did the same eight years into the future.
Can Airon really best his second-greatest opponent with only five percent of his chakra!!?
The End
That intertwining of the timelines at the end may or may not have turned out a little sloppy, but I’ll let you guys be the judges of that. xd
