The crowd was cheering without any matches actually starting. Naruto looked around as the Hokage gave a speech about the future and the will of fire. Looking at the other contestants, Naruto couldn't help but be excited. Each one offers different challenges in battle.
Getting to the end he announced the proctor for the final tournament. Genma Shiranui walked out into the arena. Going over the same rules as the Prelims, "Now would everyone except Naruto Uzumaki-Oda and Neji Hyuuga leave the arena."
"That boy looks like the Fourth Hokage." The Kazekage stated as they watched everyone leave the arena. Smiling the Hokage leaned back, "Yes. Well he is the son of the Fourth so it makes sense."
Hiruzen almost chuckled at the shift of fear that hit the snake sitting next to him. If this really was Orochimaru, than his guess was he will use the Sand Jinchuriki as a catalyst for the attack. That's what he would do anyway.
Turning to face the boy Naruto smirked, "Ready for your lesson in humility?" Naruto glared at the close range fighter. Neji just smirked, "Please I am fated to win this match."
"BEGIN!" Naruto moved first firing two arrows consecutively. Neji hit the first and dodged the next. Firing another arrow before the boy could attempt to close the distance, "Multi-Arrow Jutsu!" Turning it into ten arrows Naruto formed a hand seal.
Neji tried to jump back as all the arrows exploded in a barrage of destruction. If it hadn't been for the Byakugan he would have lost already and he hadn't even used any incredible jutsu yet.
Mito and Shikamaru sat as the match began. Hearing people take bets that Naruto would lose as if they were facts. Shikamaru watched closely as Naruto pushed Neji back already without putting anything that impressive into the fight yet. Though neither had the Hyuuga.
"What do you think Shika?" Mito asked as she watched the blond create two clones. "I think Naruto is holding back. He is slowly increasing his attacks to see what the limit is for his opponent." He new Naruto only had thirty total arrows. If the fight kept up like this he'd have to resort to close ranged fighting. Against a Hyuuga it would be suicide.
Naruto created twenty clones, putting his Yumi behind his back he had seven clones start firing arrows while the rest attacked with their wazikashi. Jumping into the air Naruto himself went through hand signs, "Fire Release! Fireball Jutsu!"
His fireball would have hit Neji head on, however with the completion of his rotation the flames distributed into the clones that were attacking him. Naruto landed a smile on his face. 'No wonder Hyuuga are so feared.'
"It's over. You're friend will lose." Shikamaru looked to his right to see Tenten from Neji's team. "His rotation is a better then even Gaara's absolute defense. Naruto should be honored he forced him to use it."
"Wind Release! Wind Gale Wolf!" The seven wolfs charged in between arrows. Neji blocked several of the arrows but a few left cuts as he could block them all.
As he clones ran out of arrows they charged as well. Neji moved quickly dispatching the wind wolves and the clones. "I told you that you stood no chance. Fate has blessed me."
"What's with this fate crap. Fate has nothing to do with this fight. I've worked my ass off to get this strong. You should know something."
Neji glared back at the blond, "And what's that?" Naruto smiled, "Your precious rotation as a weakness." Two clones appeared on each side of him.
"Fire Release: Fire Ball Jutsu!"
"Wind Release: Great Break through!"
Everyone in the stands marveled at the power of the combination. Naruto made his move as the fire started to open up. Appearing behind Neji he fired an arrow while he was still in the air. Piercing the defense, the arrow made its mark imbedding in his right chest above any major organs.
The shock still evident on his face as he fell to one knee. Neji hadn't thought anyone would so surgically break down his technique, "Surrender now Neji. I've won this fight. I haven't even used my best techniques."
"How did you break through my defense. I can't lose. Fate has deemed-" before he could finish a wind infused arrow passed by his face at an incredible speed. Smashing into the wall behind him creating a massive crater. Neji felt the blood seeping from the cut on his face, 'The arrow never touched me.'
"You're a fool Neji. Fate doesn't deem you a winner. Finding something to fight for does. Your goals, the people that you find precious."
Neji scowled, pulling his hiate off and dropping it. Naruto's expression transitioning to horror, "This is the bird cage seal. It is suppose to protect our bloodline from enemy ninja. Except the main branch uses it to control."
Sasuke was in the stands with his brother Itachi, "That seal it's.." Itachi nodded, "That is horrendous and they claim we are the most brutal clan." Shisui was also in agreement with the clan head. That is a twisted way to protect your line.
Neji attacked Naruto, though his speed had diminished. Naruto used his yumi as a staff, blocking each of the Hyuuga's jukon strikes. "I get why you hate the main branch!" Naruto yelled as he landed a hit to Neji's stomach knocking him of balance.
"I hated this village. I never wanted to come back." Naruto spun kicking the side of Neji's head causing him to tumble away. "It has hated me, scorned me, and left me for dead."
"But I found people that love me! Friends that support me, I want to help protect and change the village. You're just to foolish to see."
Naruto continued to beat down Neji. The boy could barely get a break. As Naruto completely dismantled the Hyuuga fighting style. Jiriaya had taught him much and their technique. No martial art was perfect. Everything had weakness. The Hyuuga's were that they relied on being faster. Something Neji seemed to lack against the Jinchuriki.
"I can't lose!" Neji snapped the arrow in his chest and got in range to finish the fight, "Eight Trigrams: Sixty-Four Palms."
Neji counted up as he struck each of Naruto's chakra points. The crowd went silent as they watch Naruto get wrecked by the Hyuuga boy. As Naruto fell backwards, "Call the match he is down."
Genma went to see if he was right but Naruto stood up, using his yumi to assist him, "I'm not done yet."
Neji turned around confused, this kid shouldn't be able to stand. Naruto closed his eyes focusing on his and the Kyuubi chakra. With his Byakugan Neji could see the evil chakra reopen his chakra points. Forming a hand seal, "Release!"
Seals opened around his body, dropping his yumi Naruto suddenly appeared behind Neji. Kicking him in the back, turning to face Naruto he tried to defend himself. Only Naruto's new found speed was to quick. Landing punches and kicks all over his body.
Neji dropped to his hands and knees. Feeling the cold blade of Naruto's wazikashi on his neck, "I surrender." Was all he got out before passing out.
The crowd went wild as Naruto was announced the winner. Running over he grabbed his yumi and headed towards the stands. The crowd still cheering his name.
Jumping up he sat next to his parents and sister. Kenshi ruffled his hair, "Good job kiddo. You showed great skill without giving away some of your abilities." Naruto smiled at the praise he dad was giving him.
Yui pulled him in for a hug, "That was amazing! You've gotten a lot more skilled! Even if you lose your next match they'd be dumb to not promote you!"
Naruto blushed, "I'm going to go sit with my team now." Naruto said as he left for his teammates. Sara shook her head, "The brat is to humble sometimes."
Naruto approached his team with a blinding smile, "Hey guys!" Shikamaru looked up at the blond and smiled, "Good job. You were right about needing to teach him a lesson."
"Next match will be Shin of Konoha versus Mito Uchiha." Mito got up with some excitement. Naruto grinned up at her, "Good luck Mito! You got this!"
Shikamaru nodded in agreement, "No way you're Gunna lose." Mito jumped down with confidence ready for her fight.
"May the best shinobi win." Shin gave a a smile to Mito. "Oh don't worry I will." She replied with a devilish grin.
"Begin!" Both ninja drew their tantos and attacked. Naruto was shocked at how much more skill Mito had achieved with her Kenjutsu. Blocking she slid under his guard spinning she threw two kunai barely missing the boy's face as he flipped back.
As Shin turned around he threw shiruken, "Multi-shiruken Jutsu!" Thirty shiruken flew towards the Uchiha. Activating her Sharingan, Mito appeared behind him. Attacking and disappearing just as quickly.
Naruto was baffled. Looking at Shikamaru he just grinned, "She has be training with Shisui. He is currently the fastest shinobi in the Leaf with his body flickr. She must have taken to the same technique."
Shin tried to keep up, but cuts and bruises formed all over his body. Appearing away from him, Mito performed a series of hand signs, "Earth Release: Mud Shiruken!" Three shiruken appeared from the ground flying towards Shin.
Dodging the attack he made his attempt to escape from her assault. "Earth Release: Mud Wall!" Two walls appeared cornering him just long enough for Mito to shoot out a fire ball. Hitting in front of him causing a shock wave sending Shin straight through the walls.
Mito drew her tanto again and got into a defensive position as the smoke cleared. Everyone watched with bated breath as they saw the unconscious boy. Naruto jumped up cheering for their teammate as Shikamaru just smirked.
Sasuke listened to the praise Mito was getting from the clan causing him to smile. Itachi looked at his little brother as a blush appeared on his pale skin. His gaze never falling from the girl as she celebrated her victory over with her teammates.
"I didn't know you were so good at the body Flickr!" Naruto stated as they say back down, "Yeah I want to be like Shisui so he taught me how he uses it."
"Well I'm up next so I'll talk to you two so. What a drag." Shikamaru stood up and made his "The next match will be Temari of the Sand versus Shikamaru Nara!"
Watching Shikamaru walk into the arena made Naruto's stomach twist. He wanted to be down there fighting with him. He knew it wasn't any different then when he fought against Neji but he just could shake the feeling.
Shikamaru instantly reached out with his shadows as the match began. Temari jumped back to get out of range of the boy. Using her fan on her back launched a massive gust of wind at Shikamaru.
Shikamaru used his trench knives to plant himself in place. Pulling out two Kunai he threw both of them, one up into the air and the other one at Temari using her fan to deflect the attack she made another giant gust of wind. This time though knocking the boy back.
Rolling he glanced up to see the Kunai was almost in position. Smiling he reached out again. This time Temari laughed, "Is that your limit? Please you stood no chance in this fight. Suddenly the shadow reached further. "Shadow Possession complete."
"Yeah Shika!" Naruto yelled out as he watched his friend walk Temari closer to him. The shadow user blushed at the cheering the blond was doing front he stands. Putting his trench knife on her neck he smirked, "You lost."
"Winner Shikamaru Nara." The crowd went nuts seeing another Leaf Genin win his match. Especially against a foreign ninja.
"Next match is Gara of the Sand versus Sasuke Uchiha!" Everyone cheered.as the second Uchiha was announced.
The Hokage was sitting in the kage box with the Kazekage. "The Leaf has strong Shinobi this year."
Grinning the Hokage replied, "Yes we do. It will be a promising year for our Genin. They are all skilled young rookies."
"Well that was troubling. I'm ready to nap." Shikamaru stated as he fell onto his friends laying his feet across Mito and putting his head in Naruto's lap.
"Yeah well you beat her quick that's for sure!" Shikamaru smiled up at Naruto causing him to feel warmth cover his face. "S-so Mito Sasuke is up against a tough opponent."
"Yeah he is." Mito remembered what Naruto had said. She couldn't help but be worried for the raven haired boy. He was so strong and confident but something was off about the other boy.
"Begin!" Sasuke ran through hand signs. Firing off several fireballs at the Jinchuriki. Moving before Garra's sand could hit him he flew through the are towards Gaara. He moved at a speed Naruto hadn't known he achieved.
Sand burt from where the red headed ninja towards Sasuke. Throwing up a fire barrier he stopped the attack. Throwing several shiruken and Kunai around Gaara. Sasuke attempted to ensnare the boy. Only his sand surrounded him.
Lighting the lines on fire Sasuke tried to to burn through it. Only sand exposed out destroying the wire. Appearing behind Garra before he could locate him, Sasuke used the Fire Fist Jutsu punching the Jinchuriki.
Shattering his sand armor, Gaara smashed into the ground. Blood pouring from his nose. Everyone was shocked but Naruto felt the spike of chakra from his anger.
Tiredness engulfed the crowds. Naruto started to fall asleep till Kurama inside him spoke, "Genjustu brat!" Suddenly he jerked up, "Shikamaru! Mito!"
Mito activated her Sharingan dispelling the genjustu. Looking over she hit Shikamaru on the head, "Stop pretending to sleep you lazy ass!"
"Ah! Troublesome women!" A ninja appeared about to slash the lazy Genin. Before he made contact Kakashi appeared kicking the Shinobi through the wall. Naruto looked back to see Sasuke running after the sand Genin.
"Sensei!" Mito called out. They needed a plan. Fighting could be heard from throughout the village.
Naruto picked his yumi up and fired two arrows. Hitting a sand Shinobi and a sound konouchi.
"Summoning Jutsu." Kakashi brought a small dog into view, "What's up Kakashi?"
"I need you to track Sasuke Uchiha. Take Team 7 to him." Turning to face his Genin again, "If you can get help, then do so."
Watching his three kids disappear from view left him feeling nothing but worry. He sent a Genin team after an unhinged Jinchuriki. Pulling out a kunai, He let out a deep breath as Gai landed next to him, "Ready to lose my eternal rival!"
Team 7 followed as fast as they could. Naruto only had twelve arrows left in his quiver. Coming to the edge of the village Naruto saw Shino surrounded by three enemy shinobi.
Team 7 acted quickly. Jumping down, Shikamaru caught the ninja before they could attack the Genin. Moving quickly Naruto and Mito drew their swords each killing one of the ninja while Shino killed the third.
"Thank you. I got separated from my team." Naruto smiled at the bug boy, "It's not a problem. These jerks shouldn't have attacked our village." He could tell Mito was trying not throw up.
Putting his hands on her shoulders, "Mito. I want you to breathe." She looked into his blue eyes and brought herself back to reality, "We need to help Sasuke."
"If you need, I can help track as well." Shikamaru walked up, "That would be helpful. Especially if you can locate enemy ninja."
Getting back to their pursuit. Mito took the lead, followed by Naruto and Shikamru. Shino taking up the rear of the diamond formation. Shino had his insects searching for any threats.
"There are five ninja gaining on us. I don't know their level but they are closing in." Naruto knew one of them would have to stay behind.
"I'll hold them off." Naruto looked at Shikamaru feeling his heart jump into his throat. "But Shika I could-"
"No. Out of all four of us you're the strongest. Sasuke will need your help against Gaara." Seeing the worry on the blond boys face Mito decided to jump in. "Shika is part of Team 7. We are the strongest team in Konoha. He will be okay Naruto."
Naruto tried to play off a confident smile but worry was still written on his face. Shikamaru couldn't think of not seeing the blond again either. So taking the opportunity he pulled Naruto into a hug, "I'll be okay. Now go."
Naruto looked back as he ran towards a massive chakra spike. Watching Shikamaru's back disappear from view, Naruto had to believe in his best friend.
As he focused back on the task at hand, Naruto barely dodged the puppet that launched itself out of a tree. Naruto drew an arrow looking for the attacker. "Naruto. Mito. Go ahead I'll handle this."
Mito looked at him, "Are you sure?" He nodded, insect flying out of his coat, "I'm best for this kind of fight."
Naruto and Mito made sure to keep going. Seeing his friends stay back one by one was horrifying. As his feet left the next tree a massive gust of wind hit him sending him back.
Landing he quickly got ready to fight as Temari tried to press the advantage. Only a flash of lightning flew by Naruto as Mito used the chidori to destroy the girls fan. "I'll handle her."
Naruto felt his grip tighten around his yumi as he ran towards the fighting. I need to finish this fight quickly so I can get back to my team. Naruto created a dozen clones sending them out. He was going to have to make his shots count.
Finding a tree he watched as his clones went forward to back up Sasuke. The Uchiha was barely standing now, his body looked beat up and his drive to continue was diminishing.
One clone appeared as Gaara was about to land a finishing blow. With his wazikashi in hand he used a wind infused slash to destroy the sand claw. "Sasuke. Sorry it took so long."
"Dobe you could have gotten here a few minutes earlier." Naruto smiled, "Sorry. The attack on the village slowed us down."
"Mother wants your blood!" Gaara had an evil smile, sand surrounding him. Naruto clones all surrounded the red head. Naruto knew this fight would be tough.