DISCLAIMER: NO, I STILL DON'T OWN NARUTO....*sigh* WHY DO I EVEN TRY? BECAUSE NARUTO IS LIFE!!!!!

Holding Out for a Hero by Bonnie Tyler

Neji and Hinata gif

Ch 18: The Chunin Exams Pt. 6
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RIKO's POV
Eventually, after the threat Akano promised, the preliminary rounds were such a blur. I remember watching, but I was too dazed to actually watch the matches. I remember snippets of each fight.

Shikamaru won against Kin.

Naruto won against Kiba, all thanks to a simple fart to the face.

But the one fight that really caught my attention was between the two Hyugas. I grew up with them, but mostly around Neji since Hinata's father was busy training with his daughter.

I clenched my hands around the railing, watching the current match as it was about to begin.

"I never dreamed we'd find ourselves fighting each other, Lady Hinata," Neji states, looking at his younger cousin.

"Neji, big brother," Hinata says, almost nervously.

I tightened my hold on the railing, knowing that this fight would bring up past conflicts. Neji and Hinata, their bond was always tense, rocky, and especially hostile, well from Neji's side. Hinata was, and is, always nice and kind to everyone. Nervous, yes, but kind nonetheless.

"What?! She's his sister," Naruto exclaims incredulously.

I ignored Kakashi's and Lee's explanation of how the two Hyugas were related. They even dwelved into the complicated history of the Hyuga clan.

"They're cousins," I inform, catching their attention. "Their fathers are brothers, twins to be specific. That's how they're related."

Before they say anything to me, I turn back to watch what's happening below.

"Well, please begin the match," Hayate announces.

"Before we begin, I have something to say to Lady Hinata," Neji professes, narrowing his gaze at the said girl.

Hinata glances up, waiting for what he has to say.

"You're not cut out to be a Shinobi. Withdraw from the match," Neji tells her.

I mentally sigh, shaking my head. I like you, Neji, I really do. But sometimes you're such a jerk.

"You're all sweetness and light. A peacemaker, not a troublemaker. You're easily led, not a leader," Neji continues. Though, out of context, all those things are welcoming, but the way he's saying them, sound degrading. Well, that's before he starts to insult her, quite boldly.

"You have no self-confidence. You've got a world class inferiority complex. But applicants for the higher-level Chunin Exam must compete as a trio, unless they're granted permission to participate alone, and you couldnt bear to let your teammates down. The truth is, your participation has been reluctant from the start, hasn't it," he questions, narrowing his pale eyes at Hinata.

"N-no...you're wrong. I-I wanted to change that about myself. So...of my own volition, I..." Hinata stutters out, trying to stand up for herself.

I frown, a part of me pities her. She's always been the black sheep of her family and not in the rebellious way. She's mostly seen as the weak, useless, heir of the Hyuga, something her father despises. However, as I pity her, I also respect her. Hinata has dedication, a determination so raw because everyday she tries to improve herself in everything. No, she doesn't try, she does.

Neji may be one of my trusted friends, but right now, I'm betting on Hinata. In this match, I'm standing in her corner, even if she doesn't win.

"Lady Hinata, you're the sheltered little baby of the main branch aren't you," Neji questions, orchestrating the conversation to his liking.

"What," her eyes widen.

"A leopard doesn't change their spots. A failure always fails. And a weak personality won't become strong," Neji insults, disregarding Hinata's horrified expression.

My lips tighten into a thin line, my hands clenching tightly around the rail as I do everything in my will to not shout at Neji. He's crossing a line. But there's a part of me that sees this in his perspective, the part that's somewhat, barely, allowing this.

Though, that part of me becomes smaller and smaller, as I hear Neji continue his vocal onslaught towards Hinata. His words are an emotional pain and trigger to the Kunoichi. So much that it's considered bullying.

My hands tighten around the rail, so much, that my knuckles turn pale and numb. My veins run cold and vulnerable at the sight of my best friend being so...so mean.

I've never seen him in this state. He's being so cruel, I mentally whimper.

"Yes, she can," Naruto's exclamation draws me out from my state. "You can't just arbitrarily decide these things about other people, you fool! Show him, Hinata! Beat up this idiot!"

"Naruto," she states so lowly, that I barely catch it.

It's the look of gratitude that shows up on her face that makes me smile. To hear the supportive words coming from the person she likes most, that itself can be very encouraging.

"Come on, Hinata. At least talk back to him! Just hearing him has made me mad, and it's you who has to fight him," Naruto shouts, which causes me to shake my head.

I watch keenly as Hinata's look of gratitude suddenly turns to a look of determination.

"So you're not going to withdraw? Then I won't be responsible for what happens here," Neji informs.

"I don't want to run anymore," Hinata boldly states while summoning her Byakugan. "Big brother, Neji, let's fight."

"Okay, then," he agrees.

With this, both Hinata and Neji enter their Hyuga styled positions.

"They have the same Hyuga style, after all. Even her stance is identical to Neji's," Lee comments from besides me.

"Hyuga style," Sakura questions.

"The strongest form of Taijutsu in Konoha," I answer, already knowing about the fighting style.

"Huh," Naruto questions, still confused.

"I've mentioned it before, I'm sure. That 'the strongest junior ninja is a member of my own team'! I was referring to Neji Hyuga," Lee informs, confirming my past suspicions.

Below, I watch as the battle finally commences, both the Hyuga move so fast. Skillfully attacking and deflecting, it's a blur of violent strikes. It's a dance I've danced before, recalling my past experiences with Neji as we trained in our earlier years. I watch in awe as they move so flawlessly. I was, and will, always be amazed in their fighting style.

Though, I snap out of it as I suddenly watch Neji step back from Hinata's outreached palm, grunting in pain. I bite my lip in worry, even if he is acting like a jerk.

"Did she get him," Sakura yells, a bit too eagerly.

"No...it's Just a scratch," Naruto counters.

"But a scratch is all it takes," Lee informs my two teammates. "That's why the Hyuga clan is often regarded as Konoha's most illustrious family."

"Huh? What do you mean," Sakura questions.

"Among the Hyuga, there are unique Taijutsu passed down from one generation to the next! Unlike the Taijutsu that Lee and I specialize in, which is all about beatings, bruises, and broken bones. A style its proponents call Goken, or 'ferocious fist'. The Hyuga clan employs Juken, or 'gentle fist', to inflict damage to the enemy's Keirakukei, through which the chakra flows. That leads to the breakdown of the internal organs, destroying them from within. It doesn't look like much, but the effect grows gradually after the initial attack," Gai Sensei explains.

"There's no way of strengthening the internal organs, so any enemy struck with that attack is going to succumb," Kakashi adds his two cents which I already know, but still makes me worry.

Then, they enter a conversation about Keirakukei and Tenketsu, which are the pinpoints of the chakra network, and how the Byakugan can only see them. As they converse, I make it my priority to focus on the match below me.

Once again, Hinata hits Neji in the chest which makes Naruto screech with support. Even if I am siding with Hinata, I can't help myself from worrying for Neji. He's my best friend, I've known him my whole life. So, of course I'll still worry about him if he gets hurt.

Though, that's when the tides turn.

Instead of Neji being hurt, Hinata's the one who comes out injured as blood spills from her mouth. My scarlet eyes widen at the scene, my mind immediately reels back to a few seconds before. It seems that when Hinata stepped closer to finish her initial attack, Neji stealthily made his own move.

"So, this is the full extent of the main branch's strength," Neji scoffs.

"Hey! What the heck?! What about Hinata's attack," Naruto shouts, voicing almost everyone's thoughts.

But everyone ignores him, too focused on Hinata who moves forward to finish her attack. Well, that's before Neji easily stops it by grabbing her wrist, attacking her elbow. Then, with an alongnated breath, we watch as Neji pushes Hinata's left sweater sleeve to expose her arm. Pin sized bruises are painted across her pale skin, showing us the damage that Neji caused.

"I-it can't be! Y-you mean, from the very beginning," she exclaims, shocked.

"Precisely," the older Hyuga answers. "My eyes can detect the Tenketsu."

And with that said, Neji slams his open palm harshly against Hinata's chest, attacking her. The aforementioned action causes the Hyuga heiress to fall and skid back across the floor in pain.

"Lady Hinata, this is the unalterable difference in strength. The distinction that separates the elite from the failure. This is the unchangeable reality. From the moment you said that you wouldnt run, your defeat was inevitable. The only possible outcome was your present despair. Withdraw," Neji reprimands, narrowing his pale eyes at his cousin.

"I-I ....never...go back..on my word," Hinata announces, bravely, as she stands back up, smiling. "Because...that's my Shinobi way, too!"

At the sound of my teammate's familiar words coming out from Hinata's mouth, altogether, it makes me smile.

"Whoa, Hinata! She's got guts," Naruto acknowledges.

I turn, giving my teammate a sincere smile. "Yeah, now that I notice, she's a lot like you," I tell Naruto.

Sakura adds her own two cents. "I've noticed that she's always watching you," she admits.

"Huh," Naruto questions.

Instead of further questioning what we mean, Naruto and the rest of us turn towards the fight. Both Neji and Hinata eye each other, their Byakugans shining with their own emotions. Hinata wears determination like an armor along with her current confidence. Neji wears his own suit of armor made from his pride and arrogance.

Though, it seems that Hinata's strong shell crumbles when her determined posture falters as she coughs out blood. From an unwavering soldier, Hinata becomes a feeble ruin.

At the obvious signs of blood, I already know that Neji won this match. Hinata lost. Sighing, I bite my lip as I ignore the conversation happening around me. From my left, I see Naruto grip the rails, his words make me close my eyes in aggravation.

"Hang in there, Hinata," he cheers.

If Hinata wasn't so up against the odds, this cheering would have been appropriate. But Naruto's words are giving hope to a girl whose clearly lost this match, there's no way the tables could turn.

It's a false hope.

I watch with cringing eyes as Hinata pushes herself forward and towards her older cousin, ready to fight again. They both block and attack in a pace so fast, but if you look closely, Neji has the upper hand. It happens too fast.

Neji easily deflects Hinata's hand, but as they switch positions, it's then and there when he finds his opening. Raising his left arm, I watch as Neji slams his open palm against Hinata's underjaw. The effects are instantaneously as she spits out more blood.

Faltering in her steps, Hinata stubbles back as she tries to regain her balance. I clench my hands, frowning as I grow upset.

Hinata, pleas stop this. By this point you're only hurting yourself. You've already proved your worth, just forfeit, I frown.

And finally, Neji finishes his initial attack when he slams his other hand into Hinata's sternum. With that done, I watch in empathy as the Hyuga heiress falls to the floor in a defeated heap.

"Don't you know when to quit? From the start, your attacks have been completely ineffective," Neji comments, unfazed by his cousin's state.

A part of me wants know if he's actually okay, knowing that this fight is bringing up past conflicts. However, the other part of me wants to worry about Hinata's well being.

So confusing to actually stand in the middle. I empathize with Hinata, I do....but Neji's my best friend. I should be happy that he's moving on to the final round, but what he did...how he did it was so cruel. What do I feel? And for who, I sigh as the thought racks my mind.

"That was Neji's master stroke, it targets the heart. It's a pity, but the girl can no longer even stand," Gai Sensei remarks, which I find myself agreeing with.

"Seeing as the match can no longer go on-" Hayate, the proctor, starts but is cut off.

"Don't stop it," Naruto shouts.

I sharply inhale, narrowing my scarlet eyes at him as anger suddenly bubbles inside of me. "Naruto, stop it! Can't you see that this match is already over! Hinata's done, she's got nothing left," I reprimand.

Nothing upsets me more than false hope.

But it seems that I'm proven wrong because Hinata suddenly staggers up to a standing position. All of us from the Leaf seem to gasp in shock, not expecting this from the younger Hyuga. Standing up, she clutches her stomach as her lips, and chin, are stained with her blood.

Even with a defeated look, Hinata stands proudly and ready to fight, once again. This clearly upsets the older Hyuga.

"Why are you getting up? If you push too far, you really will die," he informs with narrowed eyes.

"T-this isn't over yet," Hinata professes.

"You're not fooling anyone. I can see with these eyes that it's taking all your strenght just to stand! You were burdened from birth with the destiny of the Hyuga clan's main branch. You've hated and punished yourself for your own weakness and frailty, but you can't fight your nature, or change your fate. But you need not suffer anymore, be at peace," Neji reprimands, stating what she already and clearly knows.

"But you're wrong, cousin Neji. I can see it now, that even more than me, it's you who are torn and suffering. Caught between the destinies of the main branch and cadet branch of our clan," Hinata informs, telling the truth.

Though, hearing the words come out of her mouth, Neji grows furious. And furious Neji is also impulsive. That is obviously seen as he suddenly pushes forward, intending to finish the initial attack.

"Neji, the match is already over," Hayate shouts.

Eyes widening at his rageful impulsivity, I don't think as I quickly jump from my spot and over the rail. Ignoring my teammates' calls of my name, I rush towards Neji. Though, as I reach him, I'm not alone seeing as the Leaf Jounin are here as well. I take a hold of Neji's outstretched arm, holding his bandaged forearm. Kakashi, along with Gai, hold Neji by the shoulders while Kurenai grips his other arm. Hayate stands between Neji and Hinata, stopping Neji with two fingers as he places them on his headband.

"Enough, Neji. Before this began, you swore you wouldn't drag the issues you have with your family's main branch into this," Gai Sensei reminds him.

"Well, why is it that the other Jounin are getting involved? Special protection for the main branch, eh," Neji retorts, still glaring.

I narrow my eyes at him. "No, you dunderhead! It's because you're still fighting when the match was declared over. You won Neji, don't risk elimination with your brash impulsivity," I state with a stern voice, well that's before I give him a soft smile.

Though, my smile didn't last long when Hinata suddenly coughed. Still facing my best friend, I heard the thump of what I assume is Hinata falling to the floor.

"Hinata," Kurenai cries, letting go of Neji's arm to tend to her student.

The rest of the Jounin join the older Kunoichi as well as a few Genin, meaning Sakura, Naruto, and Lee. I stick besides Neji after I let go of his arm, and just watch as the scene unfolds.

"Hinata! Hey, are you alright," Naruto exclaims, kneeling next to the fallen girl.

"She doesn't look so good, her face is so pale," Sakura states the obvious.

Turning my head, I watch as my father rushes towards the infirmary, probably to call some medics. Glancing again at the scene, I turn my head to Neji.

I sigh. "You know, you didnt have to attack her brutally. Maybe just hit most of her Tenketsu? W-wait...N-nevermind, this is the Chunin Exams, she knew what she was getting in. Sorry, I'm rambling," I state, looking away with an embarrassed flush.

Stupid, what am I saying? Don't attack her so brutally? This is the Chunin Exams, no one goes easy on anyone. Stop feeling sorry, focus and keep your emotions in check, I scold myself.

He narrows his eyes at me. "I don't even know what-"

"Yeah, just ignore me and my idiocy," I say, smiling.

He sighs, turning his gaze towards Naruto.

Great, more drama, I mentally sigh, already knowing where this is going.

"Hey, hey you! Mr. Failure," Neji calls to my blond teammate. "A couple words of advice. A true Shinobi warrior would have too much class to make a spectacle of himself by cheering during a serious match. And one more thing, you may as well accept who you are. Once a failure, always a failure," Neji says from besides me, which causes me to mentally facepalm.

Why must he insult everyone?

Naruto immediately glares at the Hyuga besides me. "You wanna try me," my teammate challenges, not one to stand back from a fight.

Neji scoffs, smirking in an obvious arrogant manner. That fuels Naruto's hot head as he suddenly rushes towards Neji.

Seeing as I'm standing next to the aforementioned Genin, I spring up and place myself in front of him. It's not to defend Neji, he clearly doesn't need any, it's more of a warning towards Naruto. With outstretched arms, I watch as Lee copies my actions, and stance, as he places himself in front of Naruto. I ignore the looks betrayal directed at me because I'm siding with Neji, but oh well.

"What," Naruto exclaims as he's forced to stop.

"I understand almost painfully well what you're feeling, Naruto! But we have to limit our battles to the confines of the scheduled fights," Lee explains. Though, when the Uzumaki doesn't reply, he continues. However his next words are directed towards Neji. "The prospect of seeing a failure defeat a genius through sheer force of will, it really makes you look forward to the final round, eh? Even though his opponent could very well be me!"

Glancing at my friend, I find him glaring at Lee upon hearing the latter's challenge.

"But even if it's you in the finals, Naruto, I'll have no regrets," Lee adds, finishing his statement.

"Yeah. I get it, okay," the blond exclaims.

Blanking out of my surroundings, the last thing I really notice is that my father is running back into the scene with a team of medics following him.

THIRD POV
"I vow to win," Naruto announces after raising a blood decorated fist.

Neji scoffs, narrowing his pale eyes at the Uzumaki. The Kiyomi standing next to him just smirks at the scene. Both Lee and Sakura are astonished with Naruto's pledge, to vow a victory against a Hyuga is, well a wow factor.

Up above on the balcony, Kankuro scoffs out a laugh, amused with the whole situation. "That kid so doesn't know his place, it's funny. He has no idea how outranked he is," he exclaims to his siblings.

Though, that's before he quietly glances to his younger brother.

Now we know there are three monsters here, but ours has an inner nature that's uniquely bad. This isn't good. Gaara's smelled blood, and now that thing is waking up. Starting to fidget, that demon that lives within him, Kankuro reminds himself, knowing the triggers to Gaara's problem.

Next, he swifts his brown gaze towards the older Hyuga and the Kiyomi besides him. But that Neji guy, you'd think that he hasn't been harmed. That he still has hidden reserves of strength. And that Kiyomi girl, she's just as ruthless. To think that we haven't seen her full strength. We've got to start planning ahead, to prepare for the final rounds. Maybe I should gather some intelligence? Naruto's an idiot, but he's a good place to start, Kankuro muses to himself, coming up with a solid plan.

So removing himself from between his older sister, Temari, and his younger brother, Gaara, he walks down his side of the balcony and up the stairs towards the said Uzumaki. When the Sand Shinobi reaches Naruto, he calls out.

"Hey," Kankuro greets. "You're a funny guy, I like that," he states as a way to make small talk.

Naruto immediately frowns, recalling Kankuro's actions with Konohamaru. "Well, you're not funny at all, and I don't like that! What the heck do you want," he questions, still frowning.

Kankuro clears his throat. "Well, you see. It's about that Neji Hyuga guy, but..."

"I'm gonna get that guy," Naruto cuts in, his sapphire eyes burning with determination.

"Fine! Fine! But that's not what I asked," Kankuro reminds the blond.

Coughing catches the attention of all the Genin. Looking down, they see Hayate standing at the center of the, now empty, arena.

"Now, then! It's time for the next bout," he announces.

Gaara, Lee, Choji, Dosu, Akano, and Shinkai all look towards the scoreboard as they await for the next match. They're the last Genins to participate in this preliminary round.

"I guess it's finally your turn! Go Lee," Gai Sensei cheers for his last student.

"No way," Lee jeers, crossing his arms with a pout. This shocks everyone around him. "I've waited this long, and if it were up to me, I'd rather be the final act!"

A little ways down the balcony, Shikamaru turns to his best friend. "Hey, Choji, you're in trouble now," he informs with a wary look.

"Only the strongest are left, what will you do," Asuma Sensei asks his last remaining student.

But as Asuma tries to bait Choji with Barbeque if he wins his match, the scoreboard turns on, shuffling through the remaining names. Eventually, the sound of the loud buzzer gains everyones attention.

Choji screeches with relief.

Riko bites her lip.

And Akano smirks.

# # # # #

AKANO SENSHI VS. SHINKAI LINGCHI

The two remaining teammates glance at each other, but nonetheless, they both walk down to the arena. Akano's smirk becomes more malicious by the second. Shinkai clenches his jaw, but other than that, his face remains passive.

They're teammates, they know each other's weaknesses, their strengths, and they also know that they won't hold anything back. If they fight, it's not to win or lose. It's a fight that they only intend to finish when the other is dead.

"Wow, is that fair," Sakura questions to her sensei. "They're teammates, comrades-"

"Sakura, these Genin aren't like the ones here in the Leaf Village. Those two grew up in Kirigakure, they were raised with the same teachings as Zabuza. They hold no bond with their comrades, teammates, they will easily cut down their own friends," Kakashi cuts in, explaining the differences.

"Then why did Akano get upset when Riko killed her other teammate," Lee questions.

"Truth is, even if Akano holds no interest in having bonds, she'll still grow upset when another Shinobi, especially from a different village, kills her teammate. When Riko killed Karasu, it was more like Konoha won against Kirigakure. So that frustration was more of a blow to her, and her country's, pride," Kakashi tells the Genin.

They only respond by nodding their heads. Riko, on the other hand, looks quizzically between the two Kiri-Nin. She landed some blows against Shinkai back at the forest, he has a sadistic sense of humor. Akano, that's the Kunoichi Riko is worried about, she's a jack of all trades; she's skilled and dangerous.

"All right! Let the tenth round battle begin," Hayate announces, starting the match.

Akano immediately smirks. "Just to clarify things, let me state this first. Shinkai, if you think that I'm holding back just for a second because you're my teammate, you're completely wrong," she tells the aforementioned before pulling out her twin katanas.

"Oh, I never doubted you for a second! Quite frankly, I'm looking forward to this," Shinkai remarks, rather smugly. You could practically hear the smirk beneath all the bandages.

The duo give each other one last menacing, and equally dangerous, glare before running towards the other.

Shinkai attacks first as he throws a quick barrage of senbon. The needles fly towards Akano like lightning, but the Kunoichi skillfully spins out of their range, avoiding them completely. However, that doesn't stop him as he suddenly makes a series of fast hand signs.

"Water Style: Water Chains Technique," he whispers beneath his breath.

Almost immediately, Akano's movements are stopped as pristine water chains develop in the floor, wrapping her legs. Moving in a snake like fashion, they tighten their hold on the Kunoichi, so tight, that a numbing feeling washes over her legs.

With his plan in place, Shinkai rushes forward before using all his weight to jump, delivering a power kick to Akano's face. Pain suddenly blossoms in the girl's cheek, but that's before she melts in a puddle.

The power of the kick should have decapitated a normal person, but Akano, who thinks very ahead already prepared for this. Emerging from behind Shinkai, she moves quickly and easily slashes at his unsuspecting back.

Shinkai yells as his back recieves the agonizing pain, so similar to a licking flame or a lash of a whip. Pushing through, he turns to Akano and his eyes darken to an ominous shade. Without making handsigns, his chakra creates two Water Clones from the moisture in the air.

Akano spins the katanas in her hands as she watches the clones surround her. Narrowing her silver eyes, she tilts her head as she tries to formulate a strategy. Though, before she gets to think, she suddenly watches as Shiknai rips off the bandages from his face. Grinning maliciously, he reveals his own set of sharpened teeth as his green eyes shine sadistically.

"Aw man! He looks exactly like Zabuza," Naruto cries, feeling fear creep up on his skin.

Making a series of lightning fast hand signs, all three Shinkai smirk. "Water Release: Water Cannon Technique," they mutter to themselves.

Inhaling a large gust of air, the hits allows all that air to turn into water. With that, the Shinkais all release a large, boiling, stream of water towards the Kunoichi. The turrents of water speed towards the girl from all directions that she barely escapes.

Barely.

Scalding water burns the flesh of her raised arms which makes her growl in pain. As her silver eyes turn to slits, she pushes through her pain and quickly runs at a clone. Being a skilled swordsman, Akano easily slices a copy of Shinkai like a piece of prepared ceviche. The water clone disperses into a puddle of water, no longer useful.

So far Akano's only been using her swords skills, not because she's weak, but she never liked the idea of revealing all her cards. Besides, she knows for certain that she doesn't need anything else to beat her teammate, and current opponent.

Again, the Kunoichi twirls around like a ballerina until she reaches another Shinkai. And like before, she doesn't hesitate to slice her katanas through his body. Narrowing her silver eyes and clenching her jaw, she watches as her victim turns to a useless puddle. It may have seemed long between attacks, but in reality, it was mere seconds.

The ginger haired Kunoichi moves quite fast, and that's without trying.

So, now it's only Shinkai and Akano left standing. No clones, or any other copies. Everyone can pretty much feel the Kunoichi's malevolent side as she glares daggers into Shinkai's skin.

Closing her eyes, she gives him one smirk.

That's when nobody expects her actions. It's all too fast. One second Shinkai sees Akano in front of him, the next, she's gone.

Well, that's before she stabs him through the back with both katanas. The swords protrude all the way through his body like a kebab.

"You're a great teammate Shinkai, you really are, but sometimes you just get in the way," Akano announces with no emotion.

Stepping back, Akano removes her swords from Shinkai's body which results to him coughing out large amounts of blood. Already knowing that her teammate's dying, she harshly pushes his weakened state to the floor.

"A-Akano-"

"You're just dead weight to me now, Shinkai. And dead weight is never useful, so I'll do you a favor," Akano tells him.

And without a second of hesitation, she raises her katanas and slices off Shinkai's head, killing him instantly. The Leaf Genin all gasp before looking away, well, not Riko.

The Kiyomi girl just stares at the back of Akano, feeling fear creep up inside her. How can she not be afraid, the girl literally just cut down her own teammate without any remorse?

Great, somehow I managed to antagonize one of the most scariest person in this competition! And as this goes on, she just grows more terrifying, Riko shudders as her tan complexion pales.

"Seeing as she killed her opponent, Akano Senshi is the winner of the tenth bout. She'll move on to the final round," Hayate announces to the audience as the aforementioned girl cleans off her katanas.

"She's a monster, to kill her own teammate," Sakura yells angrily.

"Yeah! She's worse than that Neji guy, believe it," Naruto agrees with his own exclamation.

Though, when Kakashi and the two Genin turn to Riko, waiting for her to say something, they find her frozen with fear. It's a strange sight for them, she never cowers, Riko's always the one to stand up during a challenge. But this one, mysterious and equally dangerous, Mist girl, has their teammate frightened.

But it's Kakashi who remembers why, the threat she received from Akano at the end of her match. Of course, after seeing how ruthless the Kiri-Nin is, Riko has a right to be afraid. That Akano girl is skilled and she hasn't revealed all her cards yet. Plus, Riko went against the girl's team in the forest, and she barely survived that.

"U-uh, I'm fine, just tired," Riko quickly states after feeling the stares of her team. Just tired and scared out my mind.

But as if Akano can her thoughts, the ginger girl turns towards Riko and gives a malicious smile. Well, that's before she draws a finger across her throat in a threatening manner.

Turning towards Kakashi, Riko looks at him with wide eyes. "I'm not tired anymore! I need to train. Like as soon as possible. Like right now! Right this moment," she says, pulling at his vest as a way to prove her urgency.

"Calm down, Riko. You can't just dive into training, you need to rest first," Kakashi states, pulling her off his vest.

"Right," the girl reluctantly agrees.

# # # # #

Riko didn't pay as much attention to the fights after Akano, the only thing on her mind was a replay of Akano brutally killing her teammate. And she couldn't help herself as negative thoughts rang in her head.

That's going to be me in Shinkai's place.

How am I going to survive against that much skill?

No, I'll meet a much more worse fate than Shinkai just for the fact that Akano actually hates me.

Oh, I just hope death is fast so I don't suffer....nah, I'll feel every inch of pain.

Even as the Shinobi around her were watching the fight between Rock Lee and Gaara no Subaku, Riko was too obsessed with her possible future death. However, those thoughts ceased themselves as soon as Gai Sensei's voice caught her attention.

"Lee, take them off," he announced with a thumbs up.

Confused, Riko looked up from her concentrated stare of the rail to Lee, whose standing on the statue of the giant hand sign.

"B-but Gai Sensei! You said never to do that unless I was defending the lives of the people who are precious to me," Lee stuttered.

"It's all right! I'll allow it," Gai gave him the confirmation.

Riko, who had her scarlet eyes on the older boy, saw that he was removing his leg protectors.

"Weights," Sakura questions.

"Right! Now, I can move freely," Lee announces as he drops them.

Expecting them to barely make a dent, Riko chokes out a gasp as the weights obliterate the ground below them. Her eyes sparkle with stars, amazed at the whole idea. She grins at the thought of forgoing the same training as Lee, the sheer will power of raw strength. Riko's depressing downfall disappears and turns to a blooming flower in the spring sun.

"Go Lee," Riko cheers the older boy, seeing him as her new idol.

Careening fowards, Lee leaps off the statue and jumps all the way until he's behind Gaara. With flash like movements, he directs a punch to the red head. Well, that's before he's blocked by a wall of sand.

On the bright side, the sand is too slow for his, now lightning fast, movements.

Lee now moves on to make a series of attacks. Each kick, punch, and everything else he throws, its barely blocked by the sand. Though, each time, Lee's getting closer and closer. A few mere centimeters away to making full contact.

On the stands, Riko watches with awe, envying the skills that Lee possesses. Immediately, without looking away, she calls to her sensei.

"Kakashi, why don't you ever teach us skills like that! I want to learn whatever Lee is learning! His Taijutsu is impeccable, it's amazing, it's everything! I want to be like him! I want to be Lee," Riko says with utter astonishment.

"Your words scorn me, Riko," Kakashi states, placing his hand over his heart with a wounded look.

"I don't care! Taijutsu will always be my heart's desire," she answers.

Gai laughs. "It's because he had no appitude for either Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, that Lee devoted himself so exclusively to Taijutsu. All his time. All his energy. All his focus. So that even if he lacked any other kind of abilities at all, he'd still be unbeatable as a Taijutsu specialist," the sensei informs seriously. That's before he switches his gaze towards the young Kiyomi. "And you can learn all that, too! If you devote all your time into the art of Taijutsu!"

Riko's eagerness reminds Gai of how Lee gets when he's about to learn a new technique, or anything really. She has potential and Gai can clearly see that it's directed towards Taijutsu.

Maybe...just maybe, he muses to himself.

Unbeatable, that sole word confirms Riko to her future, and everything she will become because of it.

Below, the fight between the two Genin comes to an excited turn as Lee finally connects a heeled kick to Gaara's head.

Every Genin from the Leaf, and Sand, all gasp at the revelation. Kankuro, Temari, and Baki are all shocked to see that someone actually managed to land a hit on Gaara. Sakura and Naruto are even more stunned by Lee's skills, they knew he was good, but not that good. Riko's just there in her own space, gushing at everything he's doing.

"In terms of speed, Lee can't be surpased. I thought I gave you all fair warning that this boy is really strong," Gai informs, reminding them of his earlier statement.

"Well, here we go," Lee tells his opponent with a look of determination.

"Lee! Now, explode," Gai Sensei roars, making Neji deadpan and Riko laugh.

"Yes sir," Lee calls back.

After his exclamation, the Genin watch in surprise when Lee manages to land an attack on Gaara. He delivers a sucker punch straight on the red head's face, making him fly back to the ground.

"His movements are so blindingly fast, the sand can't keep up! Whoo! Go Lee," Riko yells before cheering.

But it's like the tables turned from that point. Gaara's skin cracked which only revealed that it was an armor of sand. Then, from there Lee became the underdog.

His attacks proved useless.

Gaara has the upper hand.

Attack upon attack.

Sand and more sand.

Taijutsu versus the ultimate weapon.

It felt like eternity while watching Gaara attack Lee with grainy assaults.

With each tumble to the floor that Lee endured, Riko stands on the platform above, gripping the rail with worry. She knows that Gaara is dangerous, and she knows that Lee doesn't give up, it's a fight that won't end until someone is seriously injured. She just hopes that Lee isn't the one who sustains the damage.

As Gaara throws another wave of sand towards the barely standing Lee, Sakura yells her concern.

"Lee, no! Give up before he kills you," the Haruno shouts out.

Riko bites her lip, she narrows her eyes at her somewhat semi former crush in distaste. She knows that Sakura is also worried, but the latter doesn't believe in Lee like Riko does.

"Just keep going Lee, just give it your best! You can do it," Riko cheers, fist pumping.

And that's what he does, he keeps going by dodging the sand wave. Standing across from Gaara, Lee smiles before standing in his signature stance.

"Lee's being pushed around so brutally, why is he smiling," Sakura questions which makes Riko shake her head.

"He's about to start pushing back," Gai Sensei responds.

"Sakura, haven't you acknowledged it yet? Lee is older than us, and he's definitely stronger than he looks. He doesn't give up," Riko states, not taking her eyes off the match below her.

"Exactly! The lotus of Konoha will bloom twice," Gai agrees with the Kiyomi girl.

"For you, it ends here," Gaara says to Lee, gaining everyone's attention.

"Well, one way or another, the next move will be the last," Lee retorts with a smile.

"Gai, don't tell me you-"

"On the contrary, I did," the Taijutsu master interrupts.

"Then, that kid who's just a Genin, is able to open the Eight Inner Gates," Kakashi asks, perplexed.

"Yes, that's right," Gai answers, not looking away from the match. "He has the talent."

"No matter how much talent he has, you taught him something incredibly dangerous! The Reverse Lotus tops the list of moves that you shouldn't teach," the Copy Cat ninja argues.

From then and there, Riko ignores the conversation. She's heard rumors of the Eight Inner Gates, but she's never witnessed it once in her life. Each gate opens a door which releases an enormous amount of chakra, it's also rumored that when the gates are all open, the user becomes stronger than a Kage. Of course, there's also risks and collateral damage to that amount of power. It's a double edged sword, great power in exchange for the person's life, well only if they open the last gate, The Gate of Death.

Watching Lee with her crimson eyes, Riko acknowledges as he raises his arms in a crossed fashion. His face paints a picture of pure determination.

Below, as Lee focuses on his technique, he thinks to all the people he wants to fight and envies. There's Neji, his longtime rival and competition, the one person he's always wanted to surpass. Next, is Sasuke, a person he solely envies, his skill is equal to Neji. And finally, Naruto, a Genin who he respects, he sees himself in the blond, but they both have a determination that burns brightly.

"The Third Gate! Gate of Life, open," Lee announces with a shout.

Immediately, the pigment of his skin turns to an angry red, due to the pressure that his body is forgoing. The Genin on the stands marvel at the sight, however it's Riko who gushes the most at the show of power. She envies Lee, and everything he's showing. She wants to be like him, he's her idol.

"The Fourth Gate! The Gate of Pain, open," Lee shouts, once again, with a cry of pain.

That's where the tables turn, this time in Lee's favor. As he runs, the floor beneath him completely obliterates due to the speed and the release of great chakra. With the speed of light on his side, Lee meets Gaara with a kick to the face. The speed sends a wave of air towards the Genin, making them cower behind their raised arms.

"Gaara," Kankuro questions, looking around for his brother.

"Where did they go," Naruto asks from besides him.

"Look up," Shikamaru informs, finding Gaara suspended in the air above them, his sand armor cracking.

"But what about Lee? I don't see him anywhere," Choji says, questioning the boy's whereabouts.

"He's there, too. Lee's just too fast to be seen," Riko comments, not looking away from the fight.

Her red eyes dart around, following Gaara's body as it's being, what she assumes, kicked and punched around. Narrowing her eyes, she pays attention to how Gaara's armor is cracking by the second, and how his sand is too slow to even protect him. He's defenseless and completely vulnerable. But she also acknowledges that Lee is in pain, at least to what she can see of him. His muscles are stiff and from the looks of it, they're tearing themselves apart.

"This is the end! The Fifth Gate; The Gate of Closing, open!" Lee shouts, as he goes for the finishing blow.

Punching Gaara one last time, Lee quickly unravels his left arm bandages. Though, before Gaara can hit the floor, the bandages wrap themselves around his waist, holding him up. Pulling him up with a yell, Lee outstretches his right arm and leg.

The two connect as Lee finally performs the Reverse Lotus, hitting Gaara in the stomach with his outstretched limbs.

The onslaught sends Gaara plummeting to the floor with high speeds. Using a bit of his remaining chakra, Gaara dissipates the gourd on his back into sand as a way to soften the blow. Meanwhile, Lee contorts in pain, the Five Gates he managed to open finally takes a physical and mental toll on him.

Gaara crashes into the concrete, creating a body sized crator. Lee falls not that far away from him, His body slumping in exhaustion. The both Genin are unable to move, their bodies too tired, too worn out, full of fatigue.

But one still has a bit of energy left.

Lifting his right arm, the sand follows his commands and slowly races towards Lee. On the stands, the Leaf Genin marvel with shock at how Gaara is still able to move. Though, it's Shino who recognizes the red head's plan.

The sand slowly wraps around Lee's body, encasing itself on his left arm and leg. Lee moves, painfully, as he tries to escape the sand.

However, it's useless.

One second. One action. One hand movement. That's all it takes for everything to change. That's all it takes for the tense silence to break.

It breaks with an agonizing scream that Lee cries. The sand clutches on his limbs, crushing every bone, muscle, and nerve. His wails of pain pierce the ears of every person in the room, making them flinch. Riko clenches her jaw and tightens her hands around the rail, worry evident on her face as she's concerned for Lee's well-being.

As Lee falls down unconcious, Gaara makes a move to finish him off, allowing the sand to tower over him. But before the golden grains can reach, and luckily for Lee, Gai Sensei suddenly blocks its path, protecting his student.

The said action, one he's seen so much in his past, triggers Gaara as a sudden pain fills his head. "Ugh! Why are you...helping him," he asks, almost whimpering.

This triggers Gai of every memory he's had of Lee, of his dreams, of his training, of his journey as a Genin. Gai fondly smiles, "he's my loveable, precious, protege."

Gaara glares, "forget it." He stands up and walks away.

"The victor of this match is Gaara," Hayate informs, announcing the winner.

But then, everyone suddenly gasp. Behind both Gai Sensei and Gaara, Lee stands up with his signature stance, prepared to fight. Riko's eyes widen at the sight, perplexed by the whole situation.

His bones are crushed, how is he able to stand? Heck, he shouldn't be able to move, not after the pain his body's endured, the Kiyomi girl questions.

"Lee, it's alright. It's over. You're in no shape to be standing..." Gai says after rushing to his student, but stops himself with realization.

When Gai's cries are heard, the people suddenly realize that he's not even conscious. Riko frowns, sympathy filling her core as she stares at the scene.

Unconscious and still willing to fight? Oh, Lee...the amount of respect I have for you is unimaginable, Riko sadly smiles as Gai embraces Lee in a hug.

As Sakura tends to jump over the railing to help Lee, Kakashi stops her by explaining that her presence will only cause pain. Riko only nods in agreement, but that changes when she heard Temari scoff.

"Hmph! He never had a chance against Gaara," she states smugly.

Riko practically growls. "Say that again and I'll punch you in the face, I dare you," she yells, only to be held back by Neji.

Temari smirks, but says nothing.

"Emergency unit! Please hurry," Hayate shouts.

And immediately Ren Kiyomi and a handful of medical ninjas run into the scene. Riko calms down and watches the scene with a certain numbness.

Izumu and Kotetsu were right, they were right to warn us. The Chunin Exams are dangerous....they're deadly, Riko tells herself.

She looks over to Akano, just how deadly?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Whoo! That was Chapter 18, and a total of 7,772 words! Sorry, I took long.

Anyways, did you enjoy it?

Is Riko right to fear Akano?

Did you like how Riko idolizes Lee?

Should I make Riko learn the Eight Inner Gates? (Of course not for the Chunin Exams, that's a short period, but like during the three year period before Shippuden. She could start the training now, but she won't complete til a lot later).

Are you okay with Riko having Gai as her Sensei for the Chunin Exams?

Anyways, don't forget to

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ADIOS, Mis amigos!

?¿What book should I update next?¿

Me, I'm okay with whichever.