Warnings:  This is a fan fiction crossover featuring Naruto and Bleach.  In no way shape or form do I own the series and/or its characters.  This story however is an original idea that I have had for a while now and decided that it is time that I got around to writing it.  Some of the characters may seem a bit OCC so please don’t hate me for it!

Key Guide: “regular speech”, ‘thinking to one’s self’, *mental speech*, (author notes), bold - Kyuubi & Shirosaki speaking, italic - attacks/jutsu, -spirits/hollows speaking-, [translation], =zanpakuto speaking=, ~Hogyoku speaking~, +flashback+

Chapter 25 – tower fight

When Ichigo regained consciousness Naruto handed Ichigo back his zanpakuto.  Both teams had to find their second scroll.  It turned out that Team Seven was also looking for an earth scroll.

“We should possibly part ways this way we may have a better chance to find the scroll we need.” stated Sai.

“No offense Sai but with you injured and Sakura in no shape to fight, we stand better odds together.” stated Naruto.

“I have to agree with Naruto.  The only member who is actually fit to fight is Sasuke.” stated Ichigo.

“I still don’t understand why you are willing to help us out.” stated Sakura.

“Because it’s our job to help others in need.” replied both Naruto and Ichigo in unison.

“You will get used to them as they are always like this.” stated Haku.

Lucky enough both Special Team One and Team Seven came across two teams near the tower that had the scrolls that they needed.  The two teams took off for the tower as they separated each going in their own way.  After completing one last final test the groups where lead to the battle arena within the tower.  The hokage was there to welcome them all to the tower.

“From here on the battles you fight will be much harder as you will be forced to fight teammates and/or friends and even family.  If you wish to bow out please step forth.” stated Sarutobi. Sai along with another man with glassed stepped forth.  Sai couldn’t continue on as his arm was clearly broken.  The other man raised the most question. “Kabito Yakashi if I am not mistaken this is your seventh time taking these chunin exams.  Every time you have dropped out just before the fights within the tower.” stated Sarutobi.

“Perhaps I am quite happy with just being a genin.” he replied.

*And I am my monkey’s uncle.  He stinks of that damn snake.* growled Kyuubi darkly.

*Perhaps he is either a spy or works for Orochimaru.  When we get a chance we have to warn the hokage about what happened.* stated Shiro.  Ichigo and Naruto could see Kisuke approach the hokage as he whispered something into Sarutobi’s ear.  Sarutobi nodded his head as he told the group that they would be able to rest up and take care of any wounds that they had.  Kisuke looked at both substitutes motioning for them to follow him.  Both Naruto and Ichigo followed Kisuke as they both had a guess at what this was about.  No doubt the former captain sensed their high release of spiritual pressure which caused some questions and concerns.

When Kisuke confronted the two along with Sarutobi about what the former captain had sensed, the two had told them about what had happened within the forest of death.

“The Akatsuki.  It isn’t the first time that I have heard about this group as Jiraiya had told me about them and them gathering all of the Jinchuriki.  It seems that my old student is mixed up with their lot.” stated Sarutobi.

“Not to mention that he has teamed up with the sand village to attack us.  He is also the leader of the sound village.  He happened to attack both Sasuke and me branding us with these curse marks.  I had used Zangetsu to purge Saskue free of his.  We also had informed him the truth about his clan.” stated Ichigo as he showed both Kisuke and Sarutobi the mark of the hollow of his neck.

“This does sound dreadful.  No doubt that Orochimaru plans to strike sometime during these chunin exams.  Can you both speak to Gaara and find out when?” asked Sarutobi.  Both Ichigo and Naruto nodded their heads as Kisuke unsheathed Benhime from his cane.

“Let’s take care of that curse mark Ichigo before it raises any more problems for you.” stated Kisuke.  Ichigo nodded his head as he could feel Kisuke pour his spiritual pressure into his zanpakuto.  The tip of Benhime pressed against Ichigo’s skin as he bit his lip to prevent from crying out in pain as he could feel the curse mark burn away.  Kisuke retracted his blade to see that Orochimaru’s curse mark was completely gone.  “That should do it Ichigo.  Once more thing before you both go.  You can’t use your zanpakuto’s for this trial as it would prove an unfair advantage.  Besides this is a test of your skills and ninja not Soul Reapers.” stated Kisuke.  The two substitutes nodded their heads that they understood as they reported back to the arena.

Once at the arena everyone reported to the higher stands as they began to pull names at randome to begin the fights (all the fights happen the same way in the series except for the curse mark doesn’t pop up on Sasuke and Gaara doesn’t seriously injure Rock Lee).  After Naruto’s fight with Kiba he went back up to join his teammates to watch the next fight.  The board names rotated revealing Haku vs Neji Hyuga.  Neji shot a glare at his cousin Hinata.

“Be grateful that you aren’t facing me as it seems that fate had interviened this time as you would lose if you face me.  I am far superior to you Hinata.” stated Neji as he brushed past Hinata.  Naruto’s eyes changed flashing over to Kyuubi’s as a low deep growl rose from his throat.

“Easy Naruto you don’t need to do anything rash.” Ichigo growled pulling Naruto away from Neji.  Neji just shook his head as he proceeded down to the arena floor.

“Naruto…… thank you.” Hinata stated quietly.

“Hinta ….. I was much like you once as I hid from my troubles.  That was before I meet Ichigo and became a part of his family.  Ichigo was the one who taught me how to fight and stand up for myself.  You should do the same.” stated Naruto.  Hinata approached Naruto quickly as she kissed him on the cheek.  Naruto’s blue eyes widened in shock as Hinata dashed away joining her team.  Memories came screaming back into Naruto’s head of the young Hyuga girl being kidnapped by the cloud village, Kumogakure.  Naruto cried out alerting the Hyuba clan of the kidnapping as he fought the ninja trying to free Hinata.  By then the leader of the clan came killing the ninja.  When the Hyuga leader turned to strike at Naruto, Hinata stopped him.

+Flashback+

“Father please spare him.  He came to my rescue and warned you all of the betrayal from the cloud village.” cried Hinata.

“I will spare him for you my daughter.  Now bid farewell to your young gentleman.”  Hinata went up to Naruto kissing him gently on the cheek.

“I hope that you weren’t hurt……”

“Naruto Uzamaki.”

“I have seen you before in school as I have always seen you off training by yourself.  Perhaps one day I can become a strong ninja.” replied Hinata as she quickly kissed Naruto one again on the lips before dashing away blushing a deep shade of red.

+End Flashback+

“Naruto are you all right?” asked Ichigo noticing the visible blush across Naruto’s face.

“I’m fine.” replied Naruto.

*If I didn’t know any better, I would think that you have taken a liking to her.* laughed Kyuubi.  Both Naruto and Ichigo turned their eyes to watch Haku and Neji’s fight.  Neji had fired up his Byakugan.

“Watch carefully Hinata as the same fate will befall you.” stated Neji.

“Don’t worry about your cousin Neji Hyuga.  Worry more about your fight.  Certain Kill Ice Spears!”  Spears of ice rose up heading straight for Neji.

“Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven!” Neji cried out as he rotated quickly in one spot destroying the ice spears.  “I am going to end this fight quickly.  Eight Trigrams Sixty-four Palms!”  Neji moved in quickly striking sixty-four points of Haku’s chakra network shutting the ice user down.  “Eight Trigrams One Hundred Twenty-Eight Palms!”  Neji moved in closer striking Haku again causing the ice user to cough up blood.  That’s when the proctor stepped in stopping the fight.

“That’s enough Hyuga.  You are going to kill him.” yelled out the proctor.  Both Naruto and Ichigo had flash stepped down to the floor catching Haku before he fell to the ground.  “I declair the winner of this match Neji Hyuga.”  Naruto dipped his hand into Haku’s blood as his red Kyuubi eyes glared at Neji.

“I vow that you will pay for hurting my teammate.  You don’t deserve to call yourself a member of the Hyuga clan Neji.” growled Naruto deeply.

“Easy Naruto.  Save it for the second stage of the chunin exams.” hissed Ichigo as the medics came to carry Haku off the arena.  The board changed revealing Ichigo Kurosaki vs Hinata Hyuga.  “Looks like a have a fight to win.”

“You better win this Ichigo as we still have a war to stop.” Naruto hissed into Ichigo’s ear as his eyes returned back to normal.

*Don’t worry Naruto, we will go easy on your girlfriend.* Shiro laughed.

*Stuff it Shiro!* replied Naruto.

Hinata came down from the bleachers approaching the arena floor as Naruto headed back up stairs.

“May I ask you a question Ichigo Kuroaski?” asked Hinata.

“Sure thing Hinata.”

“Is it true what Naruto said about you?  About how you made him stronger?”

“I guess.  My family and I had taken him in when he had no one, no family, or friends.  We gave him that.  I gave him that as I consider him not only my friend but a brother.” replied Ichigo.

*Be careful of her kekkigenkai as she can see our chakra network.  Not like it will be able to shut me out.* replied Shiro.

“Ready and begin!” cried out the proctor as Ichigo prepared himself for Hinata’s attack.  Hinata just simply raised her hand.

“I give up.  I can’t fight someone that Naruto considers family, a brother, and a friend.” replied Hinata.  Everyone looked shocked at this gesture.

“Then I guess that Ichigo Kurosaki is the winner.  Now we can prepare for the second stage of the chunin exams.” replied the proctor.