Of Matches, Winners, and Reunions pt.2
-Of Matches, Winners, and Reunions pt.2-
Amaya Minamoto vs Hikari Takahashi
Amaya stared at the screen for a moment longer, a small smile tugging at her lips as she continued to reread the names on the board. "What do you think, Sensei?" She finally asks, tilting her head back to look up at the male’s face.
Kakashi chuckles and sends her a closed eye smile in return. "That this will be interesting." He replies, glancing over to Shiori, who stood only a short distance away giving last minute pointers to her sister.
"Are the two competitors ready?" Hayate asks, his voice cracking due to his illness.
Amaya nods and takes a deep breath, she then climbs up onto the railing and jumps, landing without a sound onto the lower level below. "Saa~ Lets get this over with..." She grunts, her eyes locking onto Hikari's form as the blonde exits from the stairwell.
“Haah... Didn't expect this to happen so soon." Hikari calls as she comes to a halt, making sure to keep a moderately safe distance away from the brunette. "Though I'd rather fight when you're in full health, it'd make my winmuch more satisfying."
Amaya cracks a smile at that. "Oh? I'm not all that tired, really." She informs, tilting her head to the side slightly. "But by all means, don't let me stop you. If you wanna save this for some other time, go ahead and drop out. I'd hate for you to embarrass yourself."
The blonde’s face flushes pink with anger, and Hayate could only let out a tired sigh as the duo's relationship became all too clear. 'Great, they're rivals...' At that thought, he takes a step back. His familiar movements spurring an instant reaction from the stands above.
"GO, AMAYA! SHOW HER WHAT YOU'RE MADE OF! DON'T LOSE!" Naruto screeches, cupping his hands around his mouth as he leans over the railing.
Shiori shoots him a glare. "As if, you little punk!" She snaps before following his lead by also hanging over the protective barrier. "HIKARI! THIS IS WHAT YOU'VE BEEN TRAINING FOR! SHOW THAT MINAMOTO THE TRUE POWER OF A TAKAHASHI!"
Hayate groans at the duo's volume and rubs at his face tiredly before turning back to the two Genin. "When you two are ready, you may begin."
The two girls stiffen at his words, eyeing each other warily, neither one moving until Amaya purposefully shifts her stance.
Hikari charges forward and once close enough, brings her leg up into a well practiced high-kick before attempting a sharp strike to the abdomen.
Amaya expertly dodges both hits as well as those that follow, her eyes narrowing into a calculating glare as the blonde clicks her tongue and pivots on her heel. Already knowing from experience that Hikari’s next move would be a series of jabs and kicks, the brunette widens her stance, focusing her chakra into her arms at a steady pace.
As expected, Hikari follows through. The blonde aims a sharp right-hook and then a left before throwing in another roundhouse-kick. Amaya quickly blocks each blow with her arms, gritting her teeth at the force as it sends a jarring sensation up to her shoulder.
Seeing an opportunity in the position she had the Takahashi in, Amaya bats away the blondes’ arm and grabs ahold of her shirt. Then, after tightening her hold on the girls ankle with the other, she twists around, pumping more chakra into her arms as she flips the blonde over and onto her back.
Hikari gasps for air at the impact, quickly rolling away as Amaya punches the ground with everything she had, leaving a small crater behind where her head used to be.
Clicking her tongue, Amaya pulls her hand out of the floor, giving it a small shake as her eyes lock on the blonde’s form - which was now a few feet away. "You're getting faster."
The Takahashi doesn't reply, and the two take a moment to observe the other. A tense silence fills the air before the two quickly spring forward, their kunai's clashing with a loud clang.
“I've never seen Amaya move so fast!" Sakura awes, bringing a hand up to her chest. 'They're definitely different from Ino and myself, from the get go they haven't held back - not even for a second!'
Gai watches the fight closely as the two continue to parry each other's attacks. "Her technique only proves how skillful her clan is in Taijutsu, and she hasn't even reached her full potential yet." He murmurs, wincing when brunette received an elbow to the face as she parried off an attempted swipe to the abdomen.
"She can take a hit, that's for sure... Though I suppose she's used to it, considering who she trains with on an almost daily basis." Kakashi hums, slightly amused as Amaya wipes the blood from her nose before returning the Takahashi's hit with a kick to the stomach, sending the blonde back a few feet.
Still slightly winded, Hikari shakes off the pain wanting to corse through her back as well as her midsection and stands to her full height. "That's it!" She yells, preforming a few signs before slamming her hands onto the ground.
Amaya's brows furrow and she takes a cautious step back as the ground beneath her feet rumbles. Suddenly, and without warning, the tile flooring is pushed up by the dirt beneath it, surrounding the brunette and encasing her inside a large dome-shaped prison.
“Amaya!" Naruto exclaims, shuffling around on his feet anxiously.
Kakashi ignores the blond, humming to himself as he looks away from the fight, his gaze automatically locking on Shirori's triumphant form. "So that's how it's gonna be, is it?" He mused aloud. "Then again, I can't say I'm all that surprised." With that being said, he turns back to the fight at hand. 'Sadly, I haven't really paid much attention to Amaya's Ninjutsu abilities... Her Taijutsu is always above the mark, giving most her age a run for their money. But I can't help but wonder, which would triumph? The Takahashi's earth or the Minamoto's wind?'
Hikari could feel the corners of her lips pull into a smirk at the small advantage, though it disappears as quickly as it comes. 'There's no way she's tired out yet, even if she had it rough during the last test.' She thought to herself with a huff, her eyes narrowing. 'She'll be making her move any minute now, but I won't give her the chance! That last move should save me some time...'
With that in mind, the blonde backs away a few more feet, much to the confusion of those watching. She then kneels and makes another hand-sign, giving the ground a light tap. "Doton: Āsugōremu no Jutsu!" She exclaims and not a moment too soon, the ground at the Takahashi's feet begins to rise. It morphs into a humanoid-like figure and continues to grow larger until it was well over six feet tall.
At this moment, the side of the earth dome is broken open, allowing Amaya to make her escape. However, she doesn't have time to gather her bearings as the large Earth Golem makes its move. It surges forward with an unexpected speed, slamming her into the stone wall, and she can barely hear Naruto's screeches of "what the hell is that" over the ringing in her ears.
"You really should give up now." Hikari calls out smugly. "This jutsu is one created to specifically protect the user. It'll continue to do as I say, and it's body is connected to mine through chakra, so I can control it if I so desire."
Amaya pants, which was more like a wheeze, her eyes flicking all over the room for an advantage. 'I can't do anything as long as it has me pinned... Gotta get it off me!' At that thought, she moves her hand to her weapons pouch, pulling out a small paper bomb. 'If I don't move fast, this could be bad!'
“Oh, no you don't!" Hikari exclaims, forcing the Golem to make a grab for the brunettes hands, however, she was too late as Amaya slapped the seal onto the humanoids arm.
Then with a quickness, even the brunette didn't know she had left, Amaya claps her hands together. She then intertwines her pointer and middle fingers, keeping the tips of her thumbs touching as she pushes her hands out, palms pressing into the Golem’s stone chest. "Yōso no Mage: Kūki no Kabe!"
As soon as the words pass her lips, the brunette can feel the air around her entire body condense. Then, starting from the tips of her fingers, a wall of wind began to form, slowly pushing the golem away as it expanded.
Not even a second passes before the bomb goes off, completely detaching the humanoids arm from its body, leaving it to crumble away into a pile of dirt. Taking this chance, Amaya releases her jutsu and quickly dives to the side, stumbling slightly before regaining her balance and springing back a few feet.
The golem follows after her, prompting her dodge once more as it aims a punch.
Thinking quick on her feet, Amaya ducks once more and slides between the creatures legs, attaching paper-bombs to the two limbs as she went. She then stands, and pivots on her heel, placing one on its back as well before backing off. They detonate, sending dust and rock fragments into the air, obscuring the brunette from view for both Hikari and those above.
Hikari squints through the dust, her nerves on edge. 'That idiot! She could've killed herself with that move!' As she thinks this, there's a movement to her left. She spins and throws a kunai, which is quickly followed by a popping sound. "A Shadow Clone, eh? What are you up to?"
A moment or so passes with nothing happening. Then, as the dust begins to settle two more clones appear, one attempting to swipe the blonde’s legs from under her while the other goes for her face. The Takahashi smirks, however it quickly disappears when the clones preform a double faint and disperse as Amaya's voice rings loud and clear throughout the room from behind.
“Fūton: Reppūshō!"
***
An awed and shocked filled silence blanketed the room as everyone spectating stared at the two below.
Amaya drops into a sitting position, her body trembling in exhaustion as she stared at the blonde a few feet away.
Hikari, having been caught off guard from that last attack, took a nasty blow, sending her tumbling across the room roughly and into the wall.
The brunette looks down to her shaky hands, clenching them tightly into fists. 'That's all I have in me. I can't do anything else... Just stay down... Stay down.'
A minute or so passes and with no movement on Hikari's end, Hayate walks forward to check. He kneels next to the blonde before looking over to the exhausted Minamoto. 'Yeah, this is over.'
“Amaya Minamoto wins and advances to the next round."
The brunette huffs out a breathy laugh and falls backwards, her heart racing as the adrenaline slowly wears off. She lays there for a moment, taking deep breaths to calm her nerves, listening to Sakura and Naruto's screams of excitement with closed eyes. And it's only a second later when she becomes faintly aware of a presence appearing to her right. Opening her eyes, she locks gazes with Kakashi who stares down at her amused.
"Good job. Not what I expected, but still..."
"Thanks..."
Another silence passes, allowing Kakashi to watch as Shiori meets her sister - whose slowly coming to - and the medic nins halfway. However, before he could listen to anything being said, Amaya's voice grabs his attention once more.
"Ah, Sensei..."
"Hm?"
"I don't think I can move."
Kakashi chuckles and - much like he done with Sakura - picks the brunette up and returns to the top floor of the arena.
***
“Jeez, kid, you didn't have to go thatfar." Shiori lightly scolded as she stared down at the girl. "You could've gotten hurt from that blast! Then where'd you be?... Laid up in a hospital unable to do anything until you were given a full bill of health."
Amaya sighs and leans farther back against the railing, the cool metal soothing her warm skin. "Saa~ Sorry, Shiori-nee, it was a spur of the moment thing... I did get pretty lucky though, huh?"
"You mean, you didn't know if it'd work or not?!"
Amaya opened her eyes and gazed at Sakura as the pinkette spoke. "Nope. I was just lucky that I had enough chakra left in me for those last few moves..."
Everyone around to hear, save for Kakashi, blanched at her words.
"You could've blown yourself up!"
"Saa~ I suppose so."
"Are you crazy?!"
"Quiet down will ya? Go offon me later once I've had some sleep."
"Amaya!" Sakura groaned, massaging her temples. "Now isn't the time for your stupid puns!"
"Heh, sorry! ~"
Gai's eyes fill with tears as he kneels in front of the brunette, grasping her shoulders firmly with both hands. "Just what I'd expect from a member of the Minamoto clan! You're actions were dangerous, but what's the power of youth without a little recklessness?!... Lee! Take note!"
Lee appears behind him, notebook and pencil in hand, his own eyes shining with tears. "Yes, Gai-sensei!"
As this was going on, Hayate watched as the arena was cleaned up again. Once he was sure everything was in order, he coughs into his hand and turns to look up at the display. "Now, for the next match."
At his words everyone looked towards the monitor as names flashed across the screen. Brimming with excitement, Naruto and Lee both practically throw themselves over the railing, both chanting - praying for their turn.
Amaya sighs and slowly pushes herself up from the floor, grimacing as a sharp tug is felt in her left shoulder - an action not going unnoticed by Kakashi. She sways slightly on her feet and he reaches out to steady her, watching as she rubs the pained area gently.
"Don't overdo it." He advises, his eye trailing down to her bloodstained shirt. "When this is over, we'll get that checked out."
The brunette opens her mouth to argue but stops as Naruto begins to cheer loudly, prompting her to look back to the screen with a knowing look.
***
Naruto Uzumaki vs Kiba Inuzuka
"Yeah! It's here! It's here at last! The moment I've been waiting for! Finally I get a chance to show what I've got!" Naruto cheers, wiggling around in excitement.
Beside him, Lee deflates. "Oh.. I'm going to die of old age before I get my turn. I just wanted the chance to show Sakura and Amaya what I am made of! They're going to get tired of waiting... All I want is a chance! Is that too much to ask?!" He grumbles, hunching over depressed.
'Lee.. he's just like Gai used to be.' Kakashi muses, looking away from the downhearted boy and to his mentor. At that exact moment Gai sends him a thumbs up along with a wide, sparkly smile.
"Good luck, Naruto! Do your best!"
"You know it, Sakura!"
'It's your moment, Naruto. Go on, show us. Show us how much you've grown.'
"It's my time to shine!"
***
"Now, the seventh match. Naruto Uzumaki and Kiba Inuzuka." Hayate grunts as the two boys stand in front of him.
Naruto grins. "Sorry, Kiba, don't take it personally if I blow you away!"
"That's just what I was gonna say, only not so politely! Right, Akamaru?" Kiba retorts, his eyes flicking up to the pup resting on his head, receiving a small yip in return.
"Oh yeah? Well talking's easy! Let's see what you've gotta say at the end of the match!" Naruto replies, pointing at the two determined.
Kiba growls in annoyance. "Tch, little squirt!"
The blond watches with squinted eyes as the Inuzuka gently sets the canine down on the ground. "Wait a second, are you kidding me?! What's the puppy doing here? He's just gonna get in the way!"
"Deal with it! I never go into battle without Akamaru!" Kiba exclaims with the dog barking along in agreement.
Naruto turns to Hayate for help. "C'mon, isn't that against the rules or something?"
The sickly proctor coughs into his hand, shaking his head slightly. "No. Like Shino's bugs, they are apart of him. He is within the rules."
"Uhh..." Naruto voices, turning to face Kiba once more. "Whatever, fine with me! I do my best work with a handicap!" He exclaims, grinning cockily.
"Hah! We'll just see about that!" Kiba laughs mockingly, standing to his full height before dropping into his fighting stance, his eyes briefly moving to the pup at his feet. "Akamaru, you stay here and leave it all to me. I've got it."
The small pup barks in response but the noise is almost completely drowned out by the blond’s female teammates loud cheering from above.
“GO ON, NARUTO! YOU CAN'T LOSE TO THIS JERK!" Sakura yells with a fist-pump, stepping to the side slightly to give Amaya more room.
The brunette climbs up onto the railing and leans over, her hands cupping her mouth. "YOU CAN DO IT, NARUTO! SEND THAT PUP HOME TO HIS MOMMA - WITH HIS TAIL BETWEEN HIS LEGS!" She cheers, laughing afterwards as Kiba sends her a harsh glare.
Kakashi's chuckles at the taunt, making sure to keep a hold on the girls shirt so she wouldn't fall. 'The moment's finally here.' He muses, turning his gaze to the duo below.
Kiba moves his eyes away from Amaya's form and back to Naruto. 'Heh, I wonder how much stronger he's gotten since he's become a Genin?... Cause if he's anything like he used to be...' He thought, trailing off as a cocky smirk pulled at his lips. "Look, I feel sorry for you. So I'm gonna finish you off with one shot, 'kay?"
"Yeah, is that right? Man you're even dumber than you look if you think you could beat me." Naruto replies, a mocking smile on his lips.
Kiba growls. "You sure talk tough for such a little squirt!"
Hayate clears his throat and takes a step back. "When you're ready, you can begin."
His words prompt an instant reaction as Kiba performs a hand sign.
'ShikyakunoJutsu!' Kiba thought to himself, kneeling on all fours as chakra surrounds his body, the action revealing his now claw-like nails.
"Here I come!" The brunet warns before running forward at an unexpected speed, hitting Naruto in the stomach - sending the blond flying backwards. Kiba then glances in the proctors direction. "This little guys gonna be out for a while. You can call the match."
Not a moment too soon, however, Naruto is pushing himself up from the floor with a low grunt. The two then go back and forth once again, exchanging snarky comments and replies until finally:
"I just wanted to see what you've got! Frankly, you hit like an old lady!... You'd have a better chance of winning this if you send that puppy in to fight for you!" Naruto laughs coolly.
"You're gonna regret that!" Kiba snarls, turning to look at the small dog at his side. "C'mon, Akamaru!" The puppy barks in response and the duo charge forward. While running, Kiba reaches into his pouch and pulls out a couple of smoke bombs. He throws them Naruto's way, and they detonate immediately on impact, surrounding both himself and the blond in smoke and obscuring them from view to those above.
A moment or so passes before Naruto suddenly bursts from the smoke cloud with a cough, however, Akamaru was waiting. The small dog pounces, knocking the blond back into the smoke and earning a laugh from Kiba in response.
"He fell for it!" The brunet exclaims, jumping back once the smoke finally clears, revealing Naruto on the ground - with a patiently waiting Akamaru at his side. "Yeah! This fight is over!" He cheers again with a large grin as he kneels, his arms wide open to catch the small pup as it runs towards him. "Good doggie! Way to g—!"
Suddenly, Akamaru lets out an almost feral growl as he jumps, sinking his teeth into the boys arm.
"Hey, Akamaru! What are you doing?!" Kiba asks in disbelief, attempting to gently shake the dog off, only for the canine to bite down harder.
Not even a split second later, Akamaru disappears with a small pop, revealing Naruto. "Surprise! Got ya!” The blond exclaims, his teeth still locked around Kiba’s arm.
“You used a Transformation Jutsu!” Kiba growls in surprise before his eyes narrow into slits. “You little... Get off! Let got of me!”
Naruto stumbles back as the brunet pushes him away and spits on the ground, his expression one of disgust. “Bleh...! You smell even worse than the dog!”
“What’d you do to him?! Where is he?!” Kiba snarls as the blond moves to stand next to hisclone.
“He’s right here!” The blond informs as the clone stands, holding a whimpering Akamaru up by the scruff of his neck.
As the blond continues to cackle to himself, Kiba takes a deep breath and closes his eyes.
Amaya’s eyes narrow at the large smile forming on his face. ‘What’s he up to now?’ She wonders curiously, her eyes tracking Kiba’s movements as he reaches into one of his pouches.
‘He’s about to find out that Kiba and Akamaru have tricks of their own.’ Kurenai muses with a smile as the blond below voices his confusion.
“Naruto, if I were you, I’d let Akamaru go!” The brunet warns, flicking a small pill to the pup.
Akamaru catches the pill in his mouth and eats it, and not a moment too soon, his once cute appearance drastically changes. His teeth grow longer and sharper, and his once snow-white fur turns a deep russet color.
As soon as the transformation is over, Akamaru kicks out one of his hind legs, hitting the clone and making it disperse with a pop. Now free, the canine quickly crosses the room, returning to his owner’s side.
“What the heck happened?! What was that thing you fed him? How come all of his fur just turned red?!” Naruto questions.
Kiba’s grin turns feral. “Are you sure you wanna stick around to find out?” He replies with a question of his own before also eating a small pill. “Let’s go, Akamaru!” He calls, kneeling low to the ground so the pup could jump up and return to his usual resting place on the brunets head. Once settled, Kiba raises back up slightly and makes a hand-sign. “Gijù Ninpō: Jūjin Bunshin!” He exclaims, and as soon as the words escape his lips, Akamaru’s small, russet form transforms into a clone of Kiba.
Naruto takes a cautious step back. “He’s gotta crazy look in his eyes all of a sudden!” He mutters before turning to Hayate with squinted eyes. “Hey, wait a second, he took something! That’s not fair, that’s cheating! He ought to be disqualified!”
“Food pills. They’re just another tool, they’re allowed.” Hayate wheezes through another cough, none too bothered.
Naruto groans in exasperation. “You’re no help at all!”
“I don’t get it? What was that stuff he ate?” Shikamaru murmurs, voicing most of the Leaf Genin’s confusion.
“Those are food pills.” Chōji answers immediately after, gaining the attention of those around him.
“They’re what?”
“It’s something the military developed. An energy booster that’s so powerful, that troops who take it could fight for three days and nights without a break.” He replies before giving a halfhearted shrug. “But after extended battling, it can result in high levels of anxiety and almost total exhaustion. Right now, Kiba and Akamaru’s chakra is at least doubled in strength.”
Amaya looks away from the trio that was Team 10 and to the fight below, watching as Naruto continuously dodged attack after attack from the duo. ‘The last test alone was enough to wear anyone down...’ She muses, her fingers subconsciously tracing her newly acquired scar through her shirt. ‘Naruto’s best bet is to wear ‘em down and strike once they crash... He’s persistent, almost to an annoying degree, but he’d have to keep a constant distance from Kiba and Akamaru, and that’d be a feat within itself with the way things are now.’
“Naruto!” Sakura exclaims with a light gasp as the blond sidesteps another swipe from Akamaru.
“It’s bad news, for Naruto.” Asuma suddenly voices, gaining the Genin’s attention. “Kiba already fights like a wild beast and his chakra’s intense enough even without enhancement... The idea of these pills doubling the strength of his chakra? Well, they’re the perfect weapon for Kiba.”
“All more the reason for him to use it.” Amaya grumbles with a huff. ‘Kinda scummy in my opinion, but if it works and gets the job done, why fix it?’
Kiba makes another swipe, barely missing Naruto’s face by a few inches, slicing a few strands of his hair instead.
As the blond jumps back Akamaru surges forward, aiming for his stomach. Naruto avoids, but stumbles a bit, almost losing his balance completely. He then pivots on his heel once again at the last second, avoiding another punch as he jumps back - with the duo following closely behind.
Naruto jumps into the air to avoid another attack, earning a smirk from Kiba in response. “Now I’ve got ya! Jūjin Taijutsu Ōgi: Gatsūga!” The brunet exclaims as he and Akamaru also leap into the air. The duo then begin to spin rapidly, creating two swirling vortexes that slam into the blond - sending him to the ground roughly.
“I told ya it was gonna get serious!” Kiba sneers as he and Akamaru land a few feet away.
Naruto twitches, groaning as he attempted to push himself up. “I will... I will..be... Hokage! I will!”
“And how are ya gonna do that while lying flat on your face?” Kiba retorts with a laugh. “C’mon! Do you really believe a weakling like you could be Hokage? You must be weak in the head!”
“On your feet, Naruto!” Sakura encourages, gripping the railings tightly.
Amaya growls to herself as Kiba’s obnoxious laugh grew louder. Climbing up onto the railing slightly, she’s faintly aware of Kakashi and Shikamaru taking a hold of the back her shirt and arm. “C’MON, NARUTO! LIKE HELLI’M GONNA LET YOU LOSE TO KIBAOF ALL PEOPLE! GET UP AND SHOW THAT PUNK WHAT FOR!”
“OI! THE HELL IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!” Kiba snarls, glaring up at the Minamoto.
“WHAT DO YOU THINK IT MEANS, DOG-BREATH?!” Amaya retorts, though her sudden spike of anger is momentarily forgotten as Kakashi wounds an arm around her waist to pull her down onto level flooring before covering her mouth with his free hand.
“Why don’t we calm down, hm?” The Jounin hums cheerfully, completely un-phased as the brunette struggled in his grip.
Shikamaru shakes his head at his friend, sweatdropping at her antics. ‘Every time...’
Naruto, spurred on by his friends words of encouragement, finally stands from the floor, much to Kiba’s chargin. “Sorry, but you can forget about being Hokage, because I’m the top-dog around here!”
“You’re kidding? You’re a real glutton for punishment, aren’t ya?” Kiba asks somewhat amused as Naruto grins at him. “Okay, it’s your funeral... I’m gonna make sure you don’t get up again! Let’s go, Akamaru!”
Naruto prepares himself as the duo run forward once more. “How many times are you gonna use that move?”
“Just once more!”
As they near, Naruto jumps back but is too slow as Kiba throws a few more smoke bombs, effectively trapping the blond as he and Akamaru repeat their previous attack.
“What’s going on? I can’t see!” Shikamaru groans, squinting his eyes as if it would help him see through the smoke.
Kakashi chuckles knowingly, releasing Amaya from his hold as she became too invested with the fight to struggle anymore. “Very clever.”
Sakura turns to him curiously. “Huh?”
“Wait. You’ll see.”
Not a moment later, the smoke disperses, revealing three Kiba’s facing one another as they stood in a half circle.
“Woah... Perfect! Good one, Naruto! Brilliant!” Sakura praises, a wide smile forming on her lips. “He’s made himself look like Kiba, so now Kiba doesn’t know which one to go after! He’s gotta be careful or he might attack Akamaru.”
“And meanwhile, Naruto is safe to attack either one! Brilliant idea! WHOOHOO!” Lee cheers ecstatically.
Sakura nods happily. “He’s got ‘em completely stumped! Hah!”
Amaya steps forward and leans against the railing. “If his senses are as sharp as he claims, Kiba can still sniff ‘em out, but it’s still a good way to change the flow of the match.” She murmurs, imagining different scenarios in her mind. “If Naruto plays his cards right and soon, he might finally gain the upper-hand.”
“Okay, so I see you’ve gotten better at the Transformation Jutsu, but you forgot one little thing! I admit, you look just like me and that threw me off for a minute, but I still know which one is you. You can’t hide from me! Wanna know why?” Kiba asks before surging forward, punching one of the clones in the face, sending it to the floor. “I can smell ya, Kid. There’s just no way of getting past our sense of smell. Tough luck, games over.”
As the brunet laughs, the attacked clone disperses to reveal Akamaru. Kiba’s laugh halts immediately before he angrily turns to the remaining clone. “So it’s you messing with me!” He snarls, though his rage is quickly quelled once he attacks the remaining clone - which had promptly dispersed to also reveal Akamaru. “What?!”
Suddenly, the first Akamaru stands and disperses with a pop, this time revealing Naruto. The blond runs forward, and as Kiba spins to face him, he kicks the brunet in the face, sending him backwards.
As he sits up and as Naruto laughs smugly, realization comes to Kiba, prompting him to send the real Akamaru a guilt-filled look before it’s replaced by rage. “Little squirt!” He snaps, turning his attention to Naruto.
“A smart Shinobi, is careful how he uses his jutsu. Otherwise it’s liable to come back and bite him in the butt!” Naruto taunts, giving the brunet a thumbs down. “Dummy!”
Standing, Kiba takes a deep breath and bites his fist. Once calm enough, he reaches into his pouch and pulls out eight shuriken.
“Heh, so are you finally getting serious, Kiba?” Naruto questions smugly, nodding his head as he makes a hand-sign. “Good, that means it’s time to unveil something special I’ve been saving. My super-secret killer move!”
Kiba halts momentarily. “Your what? You’ve gotta be kidding me.” He grunts, though when Naruto’s expression remains the same he can’t help but snort. “Hah! “Super-secret killer move”, get out of here! It’s a bluff!”
“Yeah? Well try me and find out!”
At the blond’s response, Kiba runs forward, throwing the shuriken in his hands. However, Naruto jumps back, dodging every one. Snarling, Kiba then makes a hand-sign. “Shikyaku no Jutsu!”
Naruto lands, and after safely regaining his footing he looks up, only to be met with a punch that sends him backwards. Skidding to a stop, the blond doesn’t have time to react as Kiba is at his side once more, hitting him again.
Shaking off the pain, Naruto quickly stood, prompting Kiba to charge forward once more. However, this time Naruto blocked the oncoming punch and took hold of Kiba’s arm, throwing the brunet across the room. “I will be Hokage! I will never lose to you, or anyone here!”
At his proclamation, Kiba laughs. “Dream on, Kid! How can you beat me, when you can’t keep up with me?” He replies before going on the attack again.
Naruto jumps back, receiving a scratch to his arm. Kiba pivots on his heels, following close after, and Naruto is too late to react as he’s hit again and sent flying.
“Hah, you wanted me to get serious, so I got serious! You get it now? You were just kidding yourself, you never even had a chance.” Kiba mocked through heavy pants, becoming increasingly tired with the blond’s tenacity.
Once again, and much to Kiba’s chagrin, Naruto stands. “I absolutely..will not lose!” He proclaims, looking Kiba dead in the eye. “Guess that means you’re out of luck.”
“You’re a scrappy little squirt, I’ll give ya that!” Kiba states, taking a deep breath.
Naruto smirks and makes a hand-sign. “That’s enough of this! It’s time to unveil my new technique!”
Not wanting to give him anymore chances, Kiba charges forward. He slides past Naruto before quickly backtracking, aiming to attack the blond from behind. However, before he could do anything, Naruto unsuspectingly farts right in the brunet’s face.
Kiba, due to his clans enhanced sense of smell, stops immediately, his expression becoming one of immense disgust. And not even a second passes before he’s quickly backing off, wanting to get as far away from the blond as possible.
Amaya facepalms, the sound alone earning her a few concerned and understanding glances from those near her. “Saa~... When I said he had a chance in gaining the upper-hand, this isn’t what I intended...”
Kakashi sighs, feeling as if he aged another year due to the blond’s unpredictability. ‘Who said Naruto had run out of gas? The poor guys jutsu lead him right into it.’
“Ugh! Nasty!” Kiba coughs, his eyes squinted as he cupped a hand over his nose and mouth with a gag.
‘Was that his new “super-secret killer move”? I wonder... I mean, he always was unpredictable.’ Kakashi mused again, his eye moving down in Sakura’s direction when she spoke up.
“Whatever works, Naruto! You slowed him down, at least!”
“I wish I could say I planned it!” Naruto babbles out, pushing his embarrassment aside for the time being as he makes another hand-sign. “But anyway, the time has come to unleash my new technique! Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!” He exclaims as four clones appear and surround Kiba on all sides. “You’ve kicked me around pretty good so far! Now it’s payback time!”
Kiba’s eyes take in each clone one by one, his annoyance rising by the second. “Well?!”
As soon as he questioned the blond’s next move, one of the clones surged forward and punched Kiba in the face.
Then as the clone lands, the real Naruto uses its back as a launching pad - sending himself up into the air as the remaining clones attack.
They kick the brunet up and into the air, and Naruto takes this chance to kick Kiba in the face, sending him back to the ground roughly. “Uzumaki Naruto Rendan!”
‘Hm... A new technique?’ Kakashi muses to himself with a hum, somewhat surprised that the blond actuallyhad another move up his sleeve. Somewhat. ‘I’d say he picked that up from watching Sasuke. At least he changed the name... Sort of.’
As the clones disperse, Hayate makes his way over to check on the groaning brunet. Once satisfied, he backs away - coughing into his hand. “The winner is Naruto Uzumaki.”
“WHOOHOO!”
“YES, NARUTO! THAT’S MY TEAMMATE, WAY TO GO!”
Listening to Lee and Sakura cheering to her left and the surprised comments from Team 10 on her right, Amaya shook her head at the absurdity of it all, though that didn’t stop her from gracing the cackling blond a proud smile when he returned to the upper-level.
***
“Alright, we’ll now pick the names for the next match.”
Everyone turns to the display at that, watching the remaining names flash across the screen - the pick surprising everyone in the room.
Hinata Hyuuga vs Neji Hyuuga
All is silent as the two make their way towards the proctor.
Neji sends the shyer Hyuuga a look of disdain. “I never thought you and I would have to face each other, Hinata.”
“Nor I, Brother.” She replies, her voice wavering slightly.
“What’d she call ‘em?!”
“Brother?! Those two are brother and sister?!”
At Sakura and Naruto’s confused responses, Kakashi hums. “They’re both descendants from the Hyuuga clan, one of the most ancient and honorable families of the Hidden Leaf Village... Not actually brother and sister.”
“Okay, but they’re related somehow, right?” Sakura prods, turning her attention away from the duo below momentarily and to her sensei.
“Yes, in the way a branch in a great tree is related to its trunk. Technically, they’re more like cousins.” Kakashi answers.
Naruto’s eyes squint. “The trunk.. of a tree?”
“Yes. Hinata belongs to the family’s main household, directly descended from the head of the clan. While Neji’s family is just a side branch of the clan.” Lee informs, turning in their direction.
“Still, they’re family and now they have to fight each other... I feel for them, it must be hard.” Sakura murmurs, looking down to the duo below.
“Yes, but...”
“But what?”
Lee sighs. “It may not be as hard as it seems... I have heard that for many generations now, that there has been some bad blood between the two families.”
Naruto is the one to ask this time. “Hmm.. and why’s that?”
“I have never known the specifics. But you know about the blood-line traits of the great ninja clans like the Uchiha, Minamoto, and Hyuuga, special techniques and abilities unique to those families? The first generation of the Hyuuga clan made all sorts of rules and decrees that favored the main branch of the family. It seems some branches in the family broke these rules.”
“Huh?” Naruto and Sakura questioned.
Lee shakes his head. “Anyway, it is said that because of that, there has been friction between the branches of the clan.”
“So it’s like this match is a family feud!” Sakura muses in realization.
Amaya hums to herself, not once taking her eyes off the two Hyuuga’s throughout the whole conversation. ‘It’s a shame that children have to get involved because of their father’s pride... Seems like poor Hinata is caught up right in the middle of it, in some way.’
“Look, they’re about to start.” Kakashi cuts in, switching the subject for the time being.
“Alright, you may begin when ready.” Hayate informs, taking a step back to give the two more room.
Neji readies his stance. “Before we do this, a word of advice. Hinata, listen to me.” He orders, prompting her to meet his gaze. “Withdraw now. You know you were never meant to be a ninja.”
Hinata’s eyes widen at his words, though Neji continues unperturbed.
“You’re too kind and gentle, you seek harmony and avoid conflict. You allow yourself to be easily swayed by others... Admit it. You have no confidence, you feel inferior to everyone else here. It would’ve been better for you to simply remain a Genin, but to register for the Chunin Exams, you need a team of three people. You never even wanted to take part in these exams, but Shino and Kiba did and you couldn’t bare to let your teammates down, could you?”
Hinata shakes her head frantically. “No! You’re wrong!... You’re wrong, I wanted— I had to find out... I did it because I wanted to see if I could change.”
Neji scoffs. “Hinata, you are the pampered offspring of the Hyuuga’s main branch.”
“What...?”
“People can’t change, no matter how hard they try! They can’t run away from their true nature. A failure will always be a failure.”
“What an asshole! That’s such a close-minded way of thinking!” Amaya grunts, gritting her teeth at the male Hyuuga’s belittlement.
Beside her, Naruto growls lowly to himself. ‘Listen to this guy!’
“People are judged by their true nature.” Neji states before elaborating further. “It is the way of the world. That is why we have an eliteand why there are outcasts... We can change our physical appearance, improve our skills with training and study, but ultimately we are judged by what we cannot change... What cannot be changed must be endured. We are who we are, Hinata, and we must live with it. Just like I have to live with the fact that you were born into the elite of our clan while I am from a lesser branch.”
“I understand these things because I see the world clearly, through my Byakugan... Despite your brave words, what you’re really thinking is that you’d like to run, run as far away from here as you can.”
“No, you’re wrong!” Hinata exclaims, shaking her head once more. “You’re wrong about me!”
Sakura turns to Kakashi. “Byakugan...?”
“It’s the Kekkei Genkai or bloodline trait of the Hyuuga. A visual jutsu like Sasuke’s Sharingan.” The Jounin explains before continuing, “In fact, they say the Uchiha clan’s Sharingan was derived from the Byakugan sometime long ago. But for sheer power of insight, the Byakugan is the stronger of the two.”
Neji makes a hand-sign. “Byakugan!”
Veins appear around his eyes, giving him an even more intimidating stare. “My eyes cannot be deceived! Just one moment ago, in the slightest of movements, your gaze drifted to the upper-left corner of the room. I saw at that moment, you were thinking of your past, your bitter past. And then, almost immediately after, your gaze drifted to the lower-right - it was a mere flicker of the eyes, but to me it revealed all of your mental and physical suffering. You’re seeing your old self and wondering if your life has prepared you enough for this moment. You’re picturing the outcome of the battle, you see yourself losing.”
His eyes then moved down her to stance, observing the way Hinata held herself. “And the way you’re holding your arms in front of your body like that? It tells me you’re trying to build a wall between us to keep me at bay. You want to keep me from reading the deepest recesses if your mind, and why? Because everything I said is true. Shall I go on?”
By this point Hinata was trembling, obviously flustered and unsure of what to say or do.
Neji ignored her silence and continued anyway. “That familiar gesture of putting your finger to your lips?... I know that it’s a desperate attempt to suppress your rising panic - made all the more desperate because you know it’s futile! It’s all futile, Hinata. You are what you are, whether you admit it or not. You already know.”
“THAT DOES IT!”
Amaya jumps, startled as Naruto suddenly lost his composure beside her.
Everyone turns to the blond as he begins speaking once more. “WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO TELL HER WHAT SHE CAN OR CAN’T BE?!” He roars once more before addressing Hinata. “GO ON, HINATA! SHOW THIS GUY HE’S WRONG!”
When Hinata doesn’t do anything but stare up at him wide-eyed, Naruto tightens his grip on the railing and leans forward. “HINATA! YOU’RE JUST GONNA STAND THERE AND TAKE THAT?! DO SOMETHING, YOU’RE DRIVING ME CRAZY!”
“N-Naruto, calm down...” Amaya murmurs, resting a hand on his shoulder only to be shrugged off.
Hinata bows her head for a moment before looking up at Neji as he turns to face her.
“If you don’t forfeit the match, you know what will happen.” He warns.
Despite the underlying threat, Hinata begins to make hand-signs. “Byakugan!” She exclaims, activating her Kekkei Genkai as she dropped into a fighting stance. “Defend yourself, my brother!”
Neji scowls at her change in mood but follows her example. “Very well then.”
Both stay completely still for a minute, evaluating one another closely before finally charging forward. Hinata attacks first, jutting her palm forwards with a burst of chakra.
Neji - as expected - blocks expertly, weaving side to side as the younger female quickly followed through with a few more jabs. Then, after seeing an opening, he counters - though Hinata is able to block each of his attacks with one of her own.
This continues for a few more minutes, both repeatedly attacking and countering before Hinata finally surges forward - aiming for Neji’s abdomen - though her fingers barely graze the fabric of his shirt as he takes a quick step back.
They pause once again, making sure to keep their stances and Byakugan ready for the slightest change in movement.
“Did she get him?!” Sakura questions, leaning forward to as if to spot any changes in Neji’s appearance.
Naruto shakes his head, just as invested. “No way! She hardly touched him!”
“Even so, a glancing blow is enough. That is what makes the Hyuuga clan the most of formidable of fighters.” Lee comments, not taking his eyes off the fight.
Amaya nods in agreement. “Saa~ they’re definitely someone you wouldn’t want to go up against alone, that is unless you’re sure you can go head-to-head with their speed and reflexes.”
“What does? What are you two talking about?” Sakura questions, looking between the battling duo and the two Taijutsu users to her right.
“Like the Minamoto, their Taijutsu is a unique one. It’s been passed down for generations.” Gai informs, watching as the two Hyuuga shift positions slightly before continuing. “It’s not the kind of Taijutsu Lee and I employ. We tend on inflicting external damage, we use crushing blows to raise contusions and break limbs, pounding our enemy. The Hyuuga way is to attack their opponents internal organs and chakra network through which the chakra flows. Their way is more.. subtle.” He then shrugs. “Perhaps not as thrilling to watch, but it gradually takes effect with devastating results.”
“You see, you can’t build up your internal organs, no matter how hard you train.” Kakashi adds, earning Naruto and Sakura’s attention. “Even the toughest ninja is vulnerable to this kind of attack.”
Hinata and Neji continue circling one another, neither one attacking for a moment until they both finally surge forward at the same time, their hits harder and faster than before.
This time, Hinata makes a move for Neji’s face. However, he blocks the attack once again, the counter prompting them both to jump back - separating them a good few feet apart.
“HINATA! WAY TO GO!” Naruto cheers boisterously, feeling oddly proud of the shy Hyuuga.
Sakura, on the other hand, was still reeling at the information Gai and Kakashi shared. “They attack the chakra network?! These people are amazing...”
Naruto turns to her at that. “Yeah, you could say that again... So, what is the chakra network, anyway?”
Sakura lets her head fall back as she groans. “Don’t you know anything?”
Lee smiles and turns to Naruto. “Here, I will explain it... It is the complex system of circulatory canals that distribute chakra throughout the body, similar to a persons vascular system - the veins around arteries that carry blood.”
Naruto hums with a nod. “I get it! Only these veins carry chakra not blood.”
Lee’s bushy brows furrow slightly as he nods thoughtfully. “Uh.. basically. Furthermore, the chakra network is so closely interwoven with all the most vital internal organs, that they are virtually one in the same. Therefore, when the network is attacked, these organs suffer damage as well.”
“Wow, Lee! How’d you ever get to be so smart?!” Naruto asks innocently, though that didn’t stop Sakura from bonking him on the top of the head at his rudeness.
“IDIOT! HOW’D YOU EVER GET TO BE A GENIN?!” She screeches out over the blond’s whimpers of pain.
Amaya turns to Lee and bows. “Sorry about him, Lee! He didn’t mean for that to sound so rude...” She apologizes, though he waves her off with a bright, sparkly smile.
Sakura sighs and turns away from Naruto, focusing on Kakashi instead. “But, Sensei... How do they know where to strike their opponent? I mean, the chakra network is invisible to the eye, right? So, how do they know where to land their blows?”
“You’re forgetting their Byakugan... There are few things invisible to those eyes. What’s more, when they strike a blow, it’s a little different from a normal attack. A small, but intense burst if their own chakra is released from their hand, it drills into the opponents body, directly attacking his chakra network.”
Hinata charges forward once more and Neji makes sure to meet her halfway, both moving so fast that those above couldn’t tell what happened when the two suddenly froze in place.
“Did she get ‘em?!” Amaya questions aloud, angling her body in a futile attempt of seeing past Neji’s still form.
Suddenly, and after a tense silence passes, Hinata coughs up blood. “So that’s it, huh? That’s all there is to the main branches power?” Neji asks, almost smugly.
“Wait... What is going on?! I mean, I saw Hinata hit Neji perfectly!” Naruto exclaims.
Hinata bats away Neji’s hand - which was pressed against her chest - in response before aiming for his face a second time. However, Neji easily blocks the oncoming attack and brings his free hand up, jabbing two of his fingers into her forearm.
Then, after a moment of staring the younger Hyuuga down, Neji pushes the sleeve of her jacket up, revealing her pale arm covered in multiple pea-sized bruises.
Hinata gasps in surprise, her eyes widening at the sight. “B-but, you mean...? All this time, you—“
“That’s right...” Neji interrupts, his eyes briefly flickering down to her arm. “I could see your chakra points the whole time.”
“Damn...” Amaya grumbles, pity and disappointment bubbling in her stomach for the shy Hyuuga. ‘I guess this fight is over then...’
“Huh? What is he talking about?” Naruto asks, looking around at those near him in hopes of an explanation.
Luckily Kakashi delivers. “On the chakra network, there are three-hundred and sixteen energy centers - or chakra points - and each are only about the size of the head of a pen. Hitting one directly can affect the chakra flow, either halting it or increasing it, depending on how the attacker strikes the chakra points.”
“Theoretically,” he continues, “Doing so allows a ninja to gain complete control over an opponents chakra flow. But these chakra points... They’re undetectable, even to my Sharingan eye... And even beyond his ability to see the chakra points, he can target them accurately, even during intense battle.”
Not wasting another moment, Neji strikes Hinata a second time. Slamming his palm into her chest, he sends her flying back. As she hits the floor roughly, he walks forward - completely unbothered. “Look, Hinata, I’m completely out of your league and that won’t change. This is what separates the elite from the failures. You may not like it, but it’s a fact.” He pauses, taking in her fallen, wheezing form before continuing. “From the instant you said you wouldn’t run anymore, your fate was sealed. And now, you’re consumed with hopelessness.” He takes another step closer. “Now this is your last warning, Hinata. Forfeit this match.”
Hinata pushes herself up and into her knees, attempting to stand. “I... I-I never.. go back.. on my word!” She insists, slowly standing to her full height. “Because that too, is my nindo. My ninja way!” She states determinedly, activating her Byakugan once more.
Neji’s scowl deepens as he does the same. “Bring it on!”
However, before Hinata could move as much as an inch, she winces - clutching her chest as she coughs up more blood.
Neji’s stance never wavered.
‘Neji’s hits to Hinata’s chakra points have completely stopped her chakra flow. That means she can no longer send chakra into her opponents body to fight in the Gentle Fist Style. This match is as good as over...’ Kakashi thought, his eye then focuses solely on the male Hyuuga. ‘I never imagined there would be someone this powerful here... I’m afraid that even as strong as Sasuke is, he is no match for Neji.’ His gaze then falls onto the brunette before him. ‘Amaya, on the other hand, would possibly be a bad match up for him, but she hasn’t completely mastered her family’s technique yet - at best, she’d just be able to hold him off for a few minutes before losing.’
‘It looks like Neji is gonna win this match. This girl just doesn’t have what it takes to bring him down.’ Gai thought to himself, proud of his students achievement but also concerned about his current behavior.
Ino shudders, worry filling her eyes due to her former classmates current state. “Woah, did you see his eyes? Do you really think he’s gonna try to kill her? He wouldn’t...”
“Doesn’t it seem like the difference in strength makes it unfair? He’s just way too strong. It’s a mismatch! Seriously!” Sakura murmurs.
Amaya sighs, briefly meeting the pinkette’s eyes. “Sadly, that doesn’t matter right now. It’s simply shitty luck that Hinata got matched with him at all.”
Listening to all of the commentary around him, Naruto’s brows furrow worriedly - though that doesn’t stop him from cheering the girl on. “GO, HINATA! YOU CAN DO IT!”
Egged on somewhat by the blond’s words of encouragement, Hinata runs forward once again.
The two enter another Taijutsu battle, neither giving any room for for openings. Taking a chance, Hinata goes for another attack, though Neji is too quick as he side-steps to the left, tripping her up.
Hinata falls forward and Neji takes the chance. Jutting his hand upwards, his palm makes contact with her chin, sending her backwards. She tumbles across the floor roughly before finally skidding to a stop, clutching her chest with another wet cough. It takes her a moment to gather herself, but once she does, she’s charging forward once more.
Neji decides to make his final move. Once again, he meets her head-on, slamming his hand into her chest a second time. Almost instantly, Hinata’s Byakugan fades and she falls to the floor face-first.
“You just don’t get it, do you?” Neji asks, looking down at her unconscious form. “Your strikes were ineffective the very start. You’re finished.” And with that, his own Byakugan fades and he turns to walk away.
Hayate walks forward, his gaze falling from Neji to Hinata. A moment passes as he waited for her to make any sign of movement. Seeing none, he decides to officially end the match. “Since she’s no longer able to continue this match—“
“NO! DON’T STOP THIS MATCH!”
Everyone turns to look at Naruto, startled by his yell.
“Naruto!” Sakura calls sternly, her eyes narrowing. “What on earth are you doing?! Hinata’s had it! You can see she’s unconscious, can’t you...?”
Sakura trails off, immediately taking notice as Hinata attempts to push herself from the floor.
The female Hyuuga eventually stands, clutching at her ribs tightly, her pants filling the stunned silence of the room.
“What do you think you’re doing?! If you continue to fight, you’re going to die.” Neji snaps, his annoyance growing at the girls behavior.
Uncharacteristically, Hinata meets his gaze, a small, confident smile tugging on the corners of her lips. “I’m far from.. finished!”
Neji reawakens his Byakugan in response. “Give up the tough guy act! I can tell you’re barely standing... You’ve been carrying a heavy burden, having been born to the main branch of the Hyuuga clan, and you’ve cursed and blamed yourself for being weak. But look, people can’t change the way they are. That’s just how it is. Just accept defeat and you won’t have to suffer anymore!”
Hinata shakes her head no in response. “No, you’re wrong, Brother. You’ve got it backwards. You see, I can tell.. that you’re the one— You’re suffering much more than I.”
“I what?!” Neji questions furiously.
Hinata smiles. “You’re the one whose all torn up, about the main and side branches of the Hyuuga clan.”
Enraged, Neji growls and charges forward.
“Neji, no! The match is over!” Hayate yells, running forward in hopes of intercepting the male Hyuuga. ‘Oh man...’
“Stop him!” Amaya yelps with a gasp, becoming faintly aware of the disappearance of the three Jounin near her.
As Neji nears his cousin; Gai, Kakashi, and Kurenai all suddenly appear - all three holding the boy in place as Hayate stands between him and Hinata, jutsu at the ready.
“Neji! Get ahold of yourself, you promised me you wouldn’t let this whole head family thing get you riled up!” Gai scolds, keeping his arm firmly in place around the boys neck and shoulders in a loose chokehold.
“Why are you and the other Jounin butting in?! The head family gets special treatment, huh?!”
Before Gai could respond, Hinata lets out a gasp and falls to her knees.
Kurenai gasps in response and lets go of the boys arm as she jumps up and races to her students side. “Hinata!... Hinata!”
“Screw this!” Amaya snaps, gritting her teeth as she climbs up onto the railing, jumping down to the lower-level.
“Amaya!” Sakura yelps before she, Lee, and Naruto follow the brunettes lead immediately after.
By the time the four reach them, Kurenai has Hinata on her back. “Hinata, you okay?! Hey!” Naruto questions worriedly, kneeling by the girls side.
Hinata opens her eyes, blinking up at the blond sluggishly. “N-Naruto... I just... I— Do you...” Whatever it was, she never got to ask as she trails off, passing out on the spot.
“Hey you, loser.” Neji calls out suddenly as Kakashi and Gai release their holds on him, drawing everyone’s attention to him for the moment. “I have two pieces of advice for you.” He informs, locking eyes with Naruto. “First of all, if you intend to call yourself a Shinobi, stop that stupid cheering of yours. It’s disgraceful. And second, once a failure, always a failure - you can’t change that.”
Naruto stands and slowly turns to face him. “We’ll see about that.” He growls, his fist clenching tightly at his side.
Neji smirks, almost tauntingly - the action enraging Naruto, making him charge forward with a yell.
However, he doesn’t get far as Amaya suddenly appears at his side. She trips the blond up and grabs the back of his jacket, then by pivoting on her heel, she spins them both around while simultaneously wrapping her arm around his neck in a chokehold - keeping the blond firmly in place as Lee moved to stand between them both and Neji.
“What are you two doing?!” Naruto yells, his gaze moving from Amaya to the back of Lee’s head as he squirmed in the brunette’s hold, prompting her to kick the bend of his leg, sending him to the floor on his knees.
“Naruto, I get where you’re coming from, believe me! But the rules say all fighting must be done officially in a match...” Lee explains, a small smirk forming on his face at the thought. “The loser beating the gifted genius through sheer willpower, now wouldn’t that make for an exciting match? Even if I am the one whose going to have to fight Neji... Of course, if you ended up fighting him, that is fine, too!”
Amaya sighs and uses her free hand to give the blond a playful yet very painful noogie. “Give it a rest... You need to calm down, acting this way isn’t gonna help anybody.” She advises, pressing her knuckles down harder onto his scalp - earning her a screech of pain in response. “Besides, you still have a chance to fight him in the finals, don’t blow it here, idiot!”
“Alright! Alright!” Naruto babbles, prompting the brunette to release him from her hold and allow him to stand. “You win, Lee, Amaya.” He grumbles, sending one last glare in Neji’s direction before returning to Sakura, Hinata and Kurenai’s side.
Lee stands and turns his attention to Gai, giving his mentor a thumbs up and a sparkly smile. ‘How was that, Gai-sensei?!’
Gai stares at him for a moment before returning the sentiment. ‘Good one, Lee! Nice going!’
Kakashi gives Amaya an appreciative nod. ‘As usual, leave it to one hothead to calm another with the promise of a beat down...’ He thought to himself with an amused hum. That is until Amaya turned her focus onto Neji.
“Oi!” She calls, meeting Hyuuga’s gaze head-on. “Since you’re so willing to criticize others, I have two pieces of advice for you. First of all, if you intend to call yourself a Shinobi, I suggest you get your attitude in check. It’s disgraceful. And second, while your taking a look in that mirror, see if you can find that stick up your ass. Your so tightly wound up, you’re becoming a little unhinged.”
‘Always the wisecrack...’ Kakashi internally groans, though he was somewhat pleased at the brunettes actions.
Neji scowls, taking a step forward. “What?!”
Rolling her eyes, Amaya turns away from him and begins walking towards her teammates. “An elite, as you so kindly put it, doesn’t need to stress how superior they are in power or strength - it should be obvious to those around them. Only those who are insecure or overcompensating forsomething, do it.” She then pauses and looks at him over her shoulder. “And since you’re so enthralled with the prospect of fate and destiny, I wouldn’t get so bigheaded on your win today. From the moment youpicked a fight, your fate was sealed... Congrats you now have one more person wanting to kick your ass.”
Neji opens his mouth to retort but stops as Hinata coughs up more blood - her actions sending nearly everyone into a panic.
Kurenai unzips the girls jacket and places a hand on her chest, her eyes growing wide as a gasp escapes her. ‘Oh no... She’s going into cardiac arrest! Was he really trying to kill her?!’ She questions, glaring over in Neji’s direction.
Noticing the Jounin’s look, the male Hyuuga’s scowl melted away to form a smirk. “I wouldn’t waste your time glaring at me when you should be taking care of her.” He calls out to her smugly.
‘Pompous bastard!’ Amaya thought, glaring fiercely at him over her shoulder.
Clicking her tongue, Kurenai looks away and towards the observers. “Get a medic! And hurry up!”
Not a second later, three medic-nins were running though the double doors. “We’re coming!” One calls out, unrolling a cloth stretcher as he neared.
The other two knelt by Hinata’s side, checking her vitals before they made any move to lift her. Soon enough, gasps from the duo fill the room as they began to scramble about with their supplies.
“She has no pulse!”
“This is very serious, she’s got ten minutes at best!”
“Lets get her to the emergency room, now!”
“Stand back.” One orders, making those surrounding the girl back off - giving the med-nins space. They quickly place the Hyuuga on the stretcher and stand, hurrying her out of the room.
‘Oh, Hinata... I hope she’ll be alright.’ Amaya thought to herself, biting her bottom lip worriedly.
“Hinata...” Naruto murmurs, looking down to the small puddle of blood at his feet - obviously belonging to the aforementioned. Kneeling, he rubs the tips of his fingers through the red liquid before clenching his fist tightly. He then stands and turns to face Neji - who had been watching him closely up to that point - and raises his fist.
Everyone watches the blond with bated breath, waiting for him to speak. And when he did, it did little to ease the tension in the room.
“I vow to win!”