~Chapter 14~

“He’s….really smart.” I said, watching as Shikamaru rubbed the back of his neck. And lazy….. I added silently.

Next up will be….” Hayate said and I watched as two more names were called up. Then smirked.

Uzumaki Naruto vs. Inuzuka Kiba

Hehe, this was gonna be a showdown.

“Well, it’s about time!! Thanks for being patient, everyone! I’m gonna make this worth your wait!” Naruto said with a grin. I rolled my eyes, ruffling his hair. He looked up at me as I handed him a cookie and heard Kiba’s reaction to his opponent.

“Oh, yessss! Thank you! Thank you!! We can take this guy, Akamaru!!!”

“Woof!”

….wow….that guy’s waaaay too cocky.

“Beat his ass Naruto.” He grinned, nodding as he chomped on the cookie.

Once they were down there I flashed over to Kurenai. “Bet?”

“How much?” She muttered.

“About….40,000 yen?” I wagered and her eyes popped before grinning. She held out her hand.

“Deal.” I shook it and we both turned to Kakashi with mischievous grins. He raised an eyebrow, looking slightly wary.

“What….?”

“Hold this. I’m betting on Naruto.” I said, handing over the money. His eyes widened as Kurenai also handed him the same amount of money.

“I’m on Kiba.”

He nodded slowly, putting the money in his weapons pouch as we returned where we were, Naruto and Kiba finally standing across from each other.

“The Seventh Round battle! Uzumaki Naruto versus Inuzuka Kiba!” Hayate announced and I sweat-dropped. Really dude? It was on the scoreboard.

“Woo-hoo!! We lucked out, Akamaru! This fight is as good as won!!!” Kiba yelled.

“Woof!”

Cocky idiots….don’t underestimate Naruto.

Don’t be so cocky, you jerk! Hey, Kiba!! Send your little puppy dog home!! C’mon….he’ll get in our way!” Naruto yelled. Kiba ginned, crouching as Akamaru stood on the ground, jumping out of his jacket, and put a hand on Akamaru’s back.

“Whatever! Akamaru fights with me, like always.”

“Aw, man….you’re kidding, right? Is that allowed?”

“The rules are clear. Animals and insects used as part of a ninja’s art….are the same as any other weapons and tools.”

“It’s like Chi you dumbass!” I called down and he nodded.

“Hmph! Fine, I do my best work with a little handicap, anyway!” Kiba stared at him for a moment before smirking.

“Who does he think he is? Two can play that game!! Sit this one out, Akamaru. I’ll handle him alone.” Kiba stated, patting the dogs head. He whined and I glanced towards Chi who was glaring at Naruto.

“Handicap. A dog is not a handicap you brat.” He grumbled and I snickered.

“Naruto! Don’t you dare let that loser beat you!!!” Sakura yelled.

Kiba looked like he was remembering something before they both held up a fist at each other, their knuckles cracking.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be kind….I’ll finish you off fast instead of dragging it out.” Kiba said.

“Oh, yeah….?! Well….right back atcha!” Naruto shot back.

“You’re not fooling anyone with that cool act.”

“Woof!” Akamaru agreed. They glared at each other, Kiba holding a smirk.

“Well then….begin!!” Hayate said, coughing as he glanced at the two of them.

Kiba crouched, his hands together in the sign for Tiger. It was the ninja art of Beast Mimicry, Down On All Fours Technique. Chakra surrounded his body and I scowled. Naruto fast but….I heard Kiba was the fastest and most wild of all the rookies.

“Here I come….” Kiba told him before he hopped towards Naruto, slamming into him and making him slam into the wall.

“He’s down for the count already, sir!” Kiba said. Does that boy never stop smirking? It’s like Sasuke all over again!

“Like I figured….” Shikamaru stated.

“There’s no way a loser like Naruto could ever stand up to Kiba!” Ino said. What’s so bad about Naruto? Sure, he sucked in the Academy. You little Genin have probably learned way less than he has.

“He’s such a wimp!” One of the Sand ninja muttered. Oh, it was Kankuro. The puppet dude. Asshole.

Sakura looked at Kakashi and I and we both winked, causing her to wink back with a smirk. I looked down to the field, a smirk of my own in place as the smoke cleared.

“What….?!” Kiba muttered.

“Don’t….underestimate me!!!” Naruto growled. I grinned.

“Go!! Naruto!!”

“Yeah!!” Lee muttered, fist pumping.

“Beat his doggy ass!” I yelled. Kakashi sweat-dropped along with most people. I mean, a teacher, rooting loudly for her student?

“Seriously! I have 40,000 Ryo on your ass and I need more cigarettes and Sake!” I added. Kakashi anime fell.

 “You talk pretty tough for someone who’s bleeding all over the place. Would you just surrender already?!”

“Woof! Woof!”

“Don’t you get it? I let you pound me….so I could find out what you’re made of!!” Kiba flinched, his teeth grinding.

“You’re so high on yourself….you just go head and fight me alone, or with your dog, or any other way you want!”

“….you’ll be sorry!” He growled, “Get him, Akamaru!!” Kiba ordered as he and his dog rushed towards Naruto.

“Woof!”

 Kiba grabbed some smoke bombs, throwing them down and I winced as I heard Naruto getting smashed around. Naruto got out of the smoke and I scowled as Akamaru chomped down on his arm, pushing back into the smoke.

When it cleared Naruto was laying down with a sitting Akamaru. “Woof!”

Wait a moment….

“All right! I did it!! nice!!”

“Woof!”

“Good one, Aka—“

I smirked as ‘Akamaru bit down on Kiba’s arm, wiping the grin from his face.

“Gotcha! Arf!!” Naruto said as he transformed back into himself.

“You--! The Art of Transformation?!”

“Darn it! I let my guard down!! Where’s Akamaru?!” Kiba yelled while Naruto’s eyes suddenly widened.

“ARGH--! You….you taste like dog! Yuck!” Naruto said, spitting.

“Over here!” A clone of Naruto announced, smiling as he held up a whining Akamaru.

“Akamaru!!”

“Amazing! Naruto was able to use the Art of Transformation right on the heels of creating his Shadow Doppelgangers! There’s no way!” Shikamaru muttered. The entire Asuma team looked shocked.

“That can’t be Naruto. No way could he stand up to Kiba….or maybe even beat him! I can’t believe….” Ino muttered as well.

“He timed his tricks flawlessly.” Temari said.

“I had no idea he was so good….” Kankuro agreed.

That’s my knuckleheaded ninja….

“I guess you’ve gotten stronger, eh….? So this time, I’m not holding back!!” Kiba announced.

“Oh yeah? Then….right back atcha!” I glanced at Kakashi, sweat-dropping.

“Remind me to teach him some insults.

“Oh, N-Naruto….Th—!” Hinata was cut off by Sakura yelling.

“That was awesome, Naruto!!”

I glanced at Kurenai, smirking at her shocked look.

“I think we’re looking at a whole new Naruto!” Shikamaru announced, wide-eyed.

“Yeah!” Choji and Ino agreed.

It really was a good choice to make him train so hard.

“I mean it, Naruto. No hold barred….no mercy.” Kiba said, flicking something to a yawning Akamaru. Rations pellet? Uh-oh.

I watched as Akamaru’s white fur turned red and he destroyed the clone that was holding him up by his front paws.

“His fur….it turned red! Wh-what the heck are you feeding that dog?!” Naruto asked.

“His name is Akamaru. It means ‘red’, you dope!!” Kiba informed, eating a rations pellet himself. His fighting style is the most wild of the rookies from what I hear….even worse than Naruto…..the rations pellet is ideal.

“Let’s do it, Akamaru!!” Kiba ordered, crouching with a hand sign and Akamaru jumped onto his back. I know that jutsu!

“Woof woof!”

“Ninja Art of Beast Mimicry!”

The man-beast doppelgangers…. I thought, watching as Akamaru shifted into a feral looking Kiba as Kiba did the same.

“The look in his eyes is freaking me out! He must be hopped up on something! Hey! Isn’t this considered ‘doping’? is this allowed?!” Naruto asked and I snorted. Wow….

“It is permitted. The Military Ration Pellets are acceptable ninja tools!”

“You’re always saying that!!”

“What? What did they just eat?!” Shikamaru asked.

“They’re called Hyorogan.” Choji informed.

“Which means….?” Ino asked.

“Hyorogan – Military Rations Pellets – are a class of nutritional supplements. People say that taking a single pill allows a soldier to fight for three days and nights without rest! They’re high in protein and are easily absorbed, and they have a relaxing effect….even as they boost energy. By now, both Kiba’s and Akamaru’s chakras are probably double their normal level....” Oh yeah, the Akimichi have that one pill thing that make ‘em extra strong....that’s why he knows so much. Or maybe he just paid attention in class.

“This is bad news for Naruto….,” Asuma muttered, “In battle situations, the pellets act as a medicine that distributes the user’s chakra uniformly to every part of his body, making it function as an animal’s does….for Kiba, it’s ideal.”

“Down On All Fours Technique!” I watched, Naruto hopping away from the two Kiba’s, clutching his now bleeding shoulder. Naruto jumped into the air, avoiding a double attack and I gasped, leaning forward.

“Shit! Chi it’s—“

“I know.” He growled, his ears laying back. Kakashi raised an eyebrow as I bit my lip.

“Take this! Man-beast ultimate taijutsu!!” Kiba and Akamaru started twirling into two huge tunnels, “Fang Over Fang!!”

I winced as Naruto flopped onto the ground.

“This perfectly illustrates the difference between our levels of strength….” Kiba said as he slid onto I landed. My eyes narrowed as Naruto coughed up blood. I saw Hinata twinge; her eyes closed and I raised an eyebrow. Does she….?

“I-I’m gonna….be the Hokage,” Naruto muttered, his hand scraping on the ground, “….I won’t lose….now….”

“You, Hokage? You can’t even beat me! No one’s deluded enough to think you really have what it takes to become the next Hokage….not even you! Tell you what, though….I’ll become Hokage in your place!”

“He’s going to die.” I growled under my breath in amusement. Sakura looked at me, confusion on her face. I nodded to the field.

“Kiba just crossed a line, dude. His ass is gonna get kicked. Hard.” I smirked, snickering to myself. Sakura turned, yelling to Naruto.

“Naruto!! Get up!” He obliged, getting up and I grinned.

“If you try to come between me….and the title of Hokage….you’ll whimper….like a whipped dog!!!”

“I knew he had a comeback in him!” I cheered quietly. Kakashi sweat-dropped.

“Geez….you’re a stubborn one, aren’t you?” Kiba questioned, pointing at him, “Let’s go Akamaru!!”

He started to run towards Naruto, going for the Fang Over Fang again.

“Hey! You can’t fool me again with the same old trick!” Naruto yelled.

“Take that!!” Both Akamaru and Kiba landed on the ground after Naruto dodged, Kiba speaking.

“We’re not done yet!!” And then they went into it again. I watched as Naruto’s eyes widened, a plan forming and the tip of my lips quirked up.

“What’s Naruto up to?!” Sakura questioned.

Naruto smacked his hands together and when the smoke cleared there was three Kiba’s.

“Aha….very good!”

“Hunh?!” Sakura asked as both she and Lee turned to him. I crossed my arms, leaning back on Chi satisfied. Though Kiba’s nose worried me.

“Watch closely….” Kakashi said simply.

“A word of warning….,” Kiba said lowly, “I was careless before, but now I’m on to you. Your Art of Transformation trick no longer works on me….and here’s the reason why….”

He turned, punching Naruto or ‘Kiba’ in the face and he slid across the ground as Kiba smirked, rubbing his nose.

“I can smell you!” never underestimate a canine’s olfactory acuity!”

Naruto moaned and I smirked. He has a plan.

“I win.” Kiba said simply. There was a puff of smoke and I snickered. Oh, he’s good.

“Akamaru!!” Naruto had shifted into Akamaru instead of himself. Kiba turned with a glare punching the Akamaru ‘Kiba’.

“Then you must be Naruto….mocking me!!!” Akamaru tumbled, rolling before, with a poof, he turned back into his real body, skidding back.

“Got watch out for the practical joker.” I mused.

The Naruto Akamaru stood up shakily before poofing into himself and kicking Kiba in the jaw.

“Take this!!”

“When did Naruto get so smart?!” Ino asked in astonishment. Really? In all the time training, didn’t you approve some? I thought with a tick mark.

Kiba sat up, rubbing his cheek before looking down at Akamaru, pausing.

“You little jerk….!” He yelled.

“Heh….before you start throwing those techniques around….you should really think about consequences….otherwise they’ll be used against you, fool!” Kiba started growling while my eye twitched.

“….very funny….” Kakashi deadpanned.

Kiba bit his hand, drawing blood but at the same time cooling down. Eventually he stood up, pulling out eight shuriken.

“Finally taking me seriously, eh, Kiba?” Naruto questioned, smacking his hands together in a hand sign, “Well, there’s a new killer move I’ve been practicing….that should end this fast!!”

“Hunh? When could he have mastered that?!?” Sakura questioned as both Kakashi and I had a question mark.

“Even now, he still has a new trick up his sleeve? Whoa….he’s amazing!” Lee said, holding up a fist. Maybe….he is a dunce though….a really strong and inspirational dunce, but still a dunce.

Naruto did a hand sign I didn’t recognize and I raised an eyebrow as Kiba spoke. “I don’t recognize the technique but all I have to do is keep you from releasing it!!!” Kiba through his shuriken, Naruto crouching down to avoid them as Kiba did the Beast Mimicry and Down On All Fours techniques, running behind him. I braced the railing before staring flatly down below. Naruto just farted. In Kiba’s face. And his sense of smell in amazing right now.

“GAAAH….” Kiba muttered, shuddering as he held his nose.

“Naruto! Now’s your chance!” Sakura shouted, gaining the blonde’s attention.

“Rats! I was overdoing it a little….but now….it’s time for me to start showing you my new move!!!” Four more Naruto’s appeared and Kiba’s one opened eye widened.

“It’s time to repay all the abuse I’ve taking up ‘til now!!!” Then he did Sasuke’s Lion’s Barrage with a little edit for his clones, calling it the Uzumaki Naruto Barrage. I sweat-dropped. Uncool bro….uncool.

Kiba smacked against the ground, coughing up blood. Naruto’s clones disappeared and Hayate came over, checking on Kiba. He stood again, speaking. “And the winner is Uzumaki Naruto!”

“Yeah!!” Lee shouted.

“Oh, yeah! That feels good!!” Sakura yelled.

“Incredible! Naruto beat Kiba!” Shikamaru exclaimed.

I smiled as he ran up the balcony stairs, grinning widely with his hands locked behind his head. Hinata gave him a healing ointment on the way and I rubbed my eye before looking at them again widely. I knew it! She does like the little blond!

“Good job, you little knucklehead.” I told Naruto, ruffling his hair and he grinned wider, if that was possible.

“Thanks!” He opened up the medicine, rubbing it on his arms and I frowned, looking down at it.

“This stuff really works! Great medicine! Wanna try some, Sakura?!” Idiot….it’s the fox’s chakra. It’s given you amazing healing speed.

“Oh Kurenai~!” I sung. She sweat-dropped, waving her hand at me.

“Go ahead.” She started mumbling under her breath and I turned to Kakashi, holding my hand out, motioning for him to give it. he sighed, pulling out the large wad of cash and Lee, Sakura and Naruto’s eyes bulged.

“Thank you, Naruto. I made a good choice betting on you.” I said, giggling evilly. Kakashi hung his head as I counted out the money, smirking.

I glanced around once I put up the money. Gaara, that Sound ninja, Lee, Hinata, Neji, Choji and Lee are left. I wonder how this will pair up….

The next match was announced and I let out an inhuman growl. Lee, Sakura, Kakashi and Naruto looked at me with a question mark as I pointed to the board with a glare.

“Fucking Hyuga’s.”

“You don’t like them?” Sakura asked. I shook rapidly.

“All Hyuga’s and all Uchiha’s are arrogant assholes. I hate their guts. There are few exceptions of that.” I stated and Naruto looked at me through narrowed eyes.

“You hate Sasuke, don’t you?”

“Just a little bit.” He snorted, turning back to the field as the two Hyuga’s stood across from each other.

“Though, I do like Hinata. She seems too shy to be like her father.”

“You know her father?” Sakura asked.

“Mhm….”

“I never dreamed we’d find ourselves fighting each other….Lady Hinata.”

“….Neji….big brother….” Hinata muttered, looking over at the boy that shared her same pupil-less lavender eyes.

“Hunh?! She’s his sister?!” Naruto shouted.

“….both are members of Konoha’s second oldest and second illustrious family, through whose veins flows the second most elite and accomplished blood….the Hyuga clan. But they’re not brother and sister….”

“How are they related? And who’s the most elite bloodline?” Sakura asked.

“The Hinome Clan is the most prestigious. Though only Hokori is left now after the war,” Kakashi said, making everyone in earshot that was listening look at me as I cross my arms, “And….well….it’s complicated….I guess you could say they’re related in the same way….that a tree branch is related to the trunk.”

“Branch and trunk?” Naruto asked.

“Yes! Hinata is a member of the Main Branch of the Hyuga clan….and Neji is a member of the Cadet Branch that supports it.” Lee said, pointing a finger towards the sky.

“….so it’s family fighting family? That’ll be hard on the both of them.” Sakura muttered.

“Not quite.” I mused. Lee nodded as Sakura and Naruto looked at me in confusion.

“There’s been a strain between the Central and Cadet Branches of the Clan Hyuga for some time….relations aren’t exactly friendly.”

“Hm….why’s that?” Naruto asked.

“….I don’t know all the details, but….it sounds like a pretty common tale among older families. The first generation of the Hyuga Clan made all sorts of rules and decrees that favored the Main Branch of the family….in order to preserve the family line and retain the purity of their blood. It’s said that member of the Cadet Branch still burn with anger and humiliation.”

“So it’s one of those fateful showdown things, then…,” Sakura muttered then turned to me, “Master Hokori? Was your Clan like that?”

Both Kakashi and Guy eyed me warily while I narrowed my eyes at her. I sighed, taking out a cigarette and focused on the field.

“My Clan, the Hinome, were among the strongest of all the shinobi Konoha were allied with. During the Third War, they were wiped out except about sixty of us. Over five hundred, slaughtered. All in one night. The six-hundredth member of my clan was actually born a week before this happened. We were a prosperous people, living deep within the woods in the Land of Grass. Only fifty-seven survived. Fifty-six because they were in Konoha during this time, one because she killed two-hundred of the enemy ninja as soon as her Kekkei Genkai was released. Every single member of our clan had the Kekkei Genkai. No matter what. Gold eyes and white hair everywhere you looked. Even if you married outside the clan. We believed in equal power. I was the daughter of the leader of the clan, actually. I had the purest blood of any, along with my little sister. We were prodigies. When all of us were alive, the Uchiha’s and Hyuga’s hated us. They believed that you needed a structured ruling. We found this stupid and unethical. It would split our people, our Clan, apart. One of the many reasons I hate those two Clans now. So, no, we didn’t have branches and all that stupid shit. We had the leader’s family and then the families that were also strong, but we all were in harmony. I’m really giving a long answer here aren’t I?” I questioned, taking a puff on my cigarette, raising an eyebrow as I looked at the field, “How about I some this all up? The answer is: no.”

They all sweat-dropped and I smirked. But Naruto asked a question this time.

“So….your really powerful?” He looked like he didn’t believe me.

“Uh….yeah?” I raised an eyebrow and he snorted.

“All you seem like to me is a dunk, smoking old lady, believe it.” My eye twitched and I punched his head, sending him to the ground.

“Ow!”

“Stupid motherfucker.” I sighed, shaking my head.

“Well…..,” Hayate said from the field, “Please begin the match! Koff….”

“Before we begin….there’s something I have to point out to Lady Hinata.” Neji began.

“….?”

“You’re not cut out to be a shinobi. Withdraw from the match!” What did that boy just say?!

“….!”

“You’re all sweetness and light….a peacemaker, not a troublemaker. You’re easily led, not a leader.” So? You don’t have to be a leader to be dedicated to your team!

“….”

“And you have no self-confidence. You’ve gotten a world-class inferiority complex….so I know you’d have been more comfortable and content staying at the Genin Level. But applicants for the higher-level Chunin Selection Exam must compete as a trio….and you couldn’t bear to let your teammates down. The truth is, your participation has been reluctant from the start….hasn’t it?” I really hate this kid.

“….N….no….you’re wrong. I….I really….wanted to change that about myself. So, of my own volition, I….”

“Lady Hinata….you’re the sheltered little baby of the Main Branch, aren’t you?”

“What?”

“A leopard doesn’t change its spots. A failure always fails. And a weak personality won’t become strong.” Naruto twitched and I raised my hand up to my mouth, biting on it as my anger flashed. I really hate this kid.

“It’s precisely because of the unchanging nature of humankind that differences between people are born…..kit’s why we’ve coined terms like ‘elite’ and ‘failure’. It doesn’t matter who you are. We’re all judged on the basis of our looks, our intelligence, our talent, or our personalities….just as we judge others in their turn. Yes, it’s a form of discrimination. And the factors that it’s based on don’t change. We have no choice….we must live within the boundaries set for us by the judgments of others. It’s as unchangeable….as the fact that I’m of the Cadet Branch of the family….and you’re a member of the Main Branch.” Naruto was shaking with anger while blood was dripping down my arm.

“I’ve seen through many things with this all-seeing Byakugan eye….and so I know….this courage you’re displaying is just a bluff! In the truest, deepest part of your heart, you’re desperate to run away from here right now.”

“N….no….I really want to….” Hinata flinched back and I narrowed my eyes.

“The Byakugan….?!” Sakura asked.

Kakashi glanced over at me, looking at my hand then went back to answer her. “They say that our Sasuke’s own Uchiha Clan can trace its origins back to the Hyuga Clan. The ‘Byakugan’ that he mentioned is one of the Kekkei Genkai passed down in the Hyuga family….an ocular art in some ways similar to the Sharingan….but in its penetrating perceptive ability….the Byakugan surpasses the Sharingan completely. Though it’s still dwarfed by the Hinome.” Sakura glanced at me, gasping at the blood on my hand.

“Master Hiroki! Your hand!” Guy glanced over and froze when he saw me. I sent a glare his way, my uncovered eye burning. That meant that it was glowing red by this point.

“I really hate that brat of yours.” He chuckled nervously, glancing down at the fight. Neji’s eyes looked fucked up from all the veins popping out, a sign the Byakugan was in play. Ugly bastard.

“My eyes can’t be deceived.” Neji said.

“….!” Hinata flinched.

“Just now, to escape my stare….you averted your own eyes….glancing towards the upper left. It signaled your recall of a past a past experience….one that brought you pain. When you subsequently glanced to your lower right….it indicated that you were envisioning physical and mental agony. In other words….you recalled your own previous experiences, and based upon those memories….you imagined the outcome of this match. You foresaw….your own defeat!!”

“I hate this brat.” I sighed, dropping my arm and watching the blood splatter on the ground.

“Even now, as you bring your arms up in front of your body as if to shield yourself….your body is signaling your desire to raise a wall between us….to create some distance from me. You implore me to come no further, to peer no more deeply into the innermost secrets of your heart….because everything I have said so far has been right on target! In addition….” Naruto is sooooo about to crack. Then again, so am I. My claws are forming and deforming on my bloody hand.

“The way you’re touching your lip….it’s another of those tender, intimate behaviors that expresses the agitation in your heart….it’s a defensive reflex….an attempt to ease your own anxieties and doubts….it’s completely clear….whether you admit it or not, that you are aware….that you can never change yourself!”

“Yes, she can!!!!” Naruto shouted and I smirked, feeling my fangs had come out. Hinata and Neji looked up and I caught him glancing at me and his eyes widened slightly before becoming normal in a split second, so fast probably no one saw it.

“You can’t just arbitrarily decide these things about other people, you fool!” Arbitrarily? Since when did he know such a big word?! “Show him, Hinata! Beat up this idiot!”

“….Naruto….”

“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!” I put my non-bloody hand on Naruto’s head. He glanced at me and I smiled slightly, nodding.

“I agree with you completely, my little idiot. This fool’s a pain in the ass.” He grinned over at me and we both looked back down to the fight, anger in our eyes. I’m surprised he ignored my red eyes and fangs.

“So you’re not going to withdraw….? Then I won’t be responsible for what happens here.” She shut her eyes and I heard a popping noise. Ah. The Byakugan. At least when it’s hers I don’t hate it.

“I….I don’t want to run anymore!” She growled, her eyes flashing open.

She got into the Hyuga style stance. “Big brother Neji….let’s fight.”

“Okay then….” He also got into the stance, his eyes going Byakugan and I felt my blood boil, wanting to rip her eyes out.

“They have the same Hyuga style, after all….even her stance is identical to Neji’s….”

“Hyuga style?” Sakura asked in reply to Lee’s statement.

“The strongest school of Taijutsu in Konoha!”

“Huh?!”

“I’ve mentioned it before, I’m sure. That ‘the strongest junior ninja is a member of my own team’! I was referring….to Hyuga Neji!” He finished as they ran at each other and I scowled, my eyes watching all of their movements. All of the hits to their insides.

“Did she get him?!”

“No….it’s just a scratch!”

“Wrong.” I sighed. They looked at me and I motioned for Lee to explain. They turned their attention to him.

“A scratch is all it would take. That’s why the Hyuga Clan is often regarded as Konoha’s most illustrious family.”

“Huh?! What do you mean?”

“In you guy’s generation anyway.” I put in and then Guy continued as they glanced at me.

“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 the foe from within. It doesn’t look like much, but….the effect grows gradually after the initial attack.”

“There’s no way of strengthening the internal organs, so….any enemy struck with that blow is going to succumb!” Kakashi finished.

“It’s a deadly type of Taijutsu. It’s pretty lowlife, to me, but I was raised hating both Hyuga and Uchiha alike.” I shrugged, gaining a sweat-drop from Kakashi.

We went back to watching the fight and I bit my lip. Even if I hate to admit it, Neji has more strength then Hinata. Though Hinata has more drive.

“Yeah, Hinata!!” Naruto shouted after she landed a hit.

“What kind of people are they….to attack the Keirakukei?!” Sakura questioned.

“Hey! Hey! What’s the Keirakukei?!” Naruto asked, causing me to sweat-drop.

“….here we go again….the insightful questions of an idiot!” Sakura sighed.

“Allow me, Sakura,” Lee said, “The Keirakukei is a kind of network of energy lines, spread through our bodies in much the same way as the human circulatory system. It’s like a system of vessels that carry chakra throughout our bodies!!”

“Oh….like passageways for chakra, eh?”

“Yes….and it’s delicately intertwined with the organs that manipulate chakra. Attack the Keirakukei….and the organs will suffer as well! “

“Whoa….I’m bowled over by your intellect….” Sakura hit Naruto for that.

“Be respectful! He outranks us!”

“Ow!”

“Where’s our respect, then?” I asked Kakashi and he shrugged.

“It doesn’t seem possible!” Sakura announced and I raised an eyebrow.

“I mean, this ‘Keirakukei’ thing is just energy lines inside the body….so how do attack something you can’t even see?!”

“They can,” Kakashi explained, “Those two….their Byakugan can see them. And Gentle Fist attacks are different from the purely brute-force, physical kind….you take your own chakra and release it through the energy portals in your portals in your hands, forcing it into the body of your foe….where it can inflict massive damage on the enemy’s Keirakukei.” I watched as Hinata slammed her palm into Neji, gripping the railing. Hinata spat out blood and I flinched.

“Shit!”

“What is it, Master Hokori?!” Sakura asked as I flipped open my eye patch, checking Hinata’s chakra signature from this far away.

“….so this is the full extent….of the Main Branch’s strength?” Neji asked.

“Hey! What the heck?! What about Hinata’s attack?!” Naruto asked but I slammed a hand over his mouth.

“Be quiet, Naruto. Hokori is checking their chakra signatures and levels.” Kakashi sighed. Lee, Sakura and Naruto looked at me in confusion.

“But….shouldn’t she be next to Hinata or something?” Neji grabbed Hinata’s arm as he neared his face, poking it.

“Dammit….I knew it.” I sighed, flipping my eye patch back down as Neji moved her sleeve up, revealing the spots.

“It….it can’t be! You mean….from the very beginning….?” Hinata asked, flinching.

“Precisely….my eyes can detect the Tenketsu!”

“Wh-what’s he saying?!” Naruto questioned.

“….Along the Keirakukei that we spoke of earlier, there are 361 chakra points….no larger than the prick of a pin. These nodes are called Tenketsu….and, in theory, if you can accurately hit them….you can halt the flow of an enemy’s chakra, or enhance it, controlling it in any way you wish. But while we’re on the topic, let me add….these Tenketsu….they’re undetectable, even  to my Sharingan eye. And regardless of having all penetrating eyes, to be able to-in the heat of battle-perceive so accurately and….” He trailed off as Neji slammed Hinata, sending her skidding on the  ground.

“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 you wouldn’t run, your defeat was inevitable. The one possible outcome was your present despair.”

“….”

“Withdraw!”

“….I….,” Hinata started to get up and I smirked, “….n….never….go back….on my word….”

“….!”

“Hinata….” Naruto mumbled as we both leaned on the rail.

“Because….that’s….my shinobi way, too….!”

“Whoa! Hinata….man, she’s got guts!” Naruto said.

“She’s a lot like you….” Lee replied.

“Yeah….I’ve noticed that she’s always watching you, Naruto….” Sakura told him.

“Hunh?”

“Come here….” Neji muttered as Hinata clutched her stomach, spitting up blood.

“Neji’s strikes on her Tenketsu nose points have completely arrested the flow of Hinata’s chakra. She’s lost the capacity to perform the Juken attacks that flood her chakra into her opponent’s body. This fight is as good as done.” Kakashi said.

I sighed.  “As much as I hate it, I agree.”

“Those eyes….so creepy!” Shikamaru muttered.

“Hinata….she won’t get killed, will she?” Ino asked.

“His level of strength….it….it’s not a fair fight! He’s just too strong….” Sakura muttered.

“Hang in there, Hinata!!” Naruto yelled. Hinata seemed to gain back strength, going back at Neji.

Eventually Neji landed another blow to her stomach and I flinched back.

“Don’t you know when to quit?” Neji asked as Hinata landed on the ground, “From the start, your attacks have been completely ineffective!”

“That was Neji’s masterstroke. It targets the heart. It’s a pity, but the girl can no longer even stand….” Guy observed.

“Seeing as the match cannot go on, I-“ Hayate began but Naruto interrupted.

“Don’t stop it!!”

“What are you talking about, you idiot?! She’s got nothing left! She’s already collapsed!!” Sakura yelled. My eyes widened, though, in shock along with everyone else as Hinata slowly got up.

“….why are you getting up? If you push too far, you really will die….” Neji muttered and I smiled as Hinata looked up, exhausted and covered in sweat and blood but still smiling lightly.

“Th-this isn’t over yet!”

“You’re not fooling anyone. I can see with these eyes….it’s taking all your strength 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 any more. Be at peace!”

“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 the Cadet Branch of our clan!” Hinata shot back, causing Neji to flinch. Then bloodlust emanated from him and he rushed forward.

“Neji….the match is already over!!” Hayate yelled as I, and every other Konoha Jonin, rushed forward. Kurenai grabbed his left arm, Guy had an arm around his neck, Kakashi had his right arm which was outstretched, Hayate had his finger tapped on his forehead and I was just growling at him, one arm around Hinata’s shoulders while my right, clawed hand was pointed towards him.

“Enough, Neji!! Before this began, you swore you wouldn’t drag the issues you have with your family’s Main Branch into this.” Guy said.

“Well….why is it that the other Jonin are getting involved? Special protection for the Main Branch, eh….?” Neji asked.

“I can give a shit less about you Hyuga’s and your ‘tragic, selfish clan’.” I mocked, spitting out a growl as my eye burned, turning red again. But it stopped as I felt Hinata’s inside throb and I caught her, bringing her to the ground as she coughed up blood. Lee, Sakura and Naruto jumped down quickly, rushing over.

“Hinata!! Hey, are you all right?!”

“She doesn’t look good. Her face is so pale….!” Sakura observed after Naruto’s question.

Hinata passed out and I looked up as well as Naruto as Neji called to him.

“Hey….hey, you! Mr. Failure! A couple of 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!”

“….!” Naruto glared, getting up.

“You wanna try me?” Naruto growled, making Neji snicker. Naruto glared before rushing forward. Punch him, Naruto….

Lee, unfortunately, leaped in front of him, stopping him.

“What….?!”

“I understand almost painfully well what you’re feeling, Naruto! But….we have to limit our battles to the confines of the scheduled fights.”

“….”

“The prospect of seeing a failure defeat a genius through sheer force of will….it really makes you look forward to the final rounds, eh….? Even though his opponent could very well be me! But even if it’s you in the finals, Naruto….I’ll have no regrets!”

“….yeah. I get it, okay?!”

Hinata coughed up blood gaining my attention. I flinched, putting a hand on her chest as did Kurenai. She’s going into ventricular fibrillation….that jackass was aiming to kill her!

I sent a glare to Neji who was smirking.

“Instead of you two wasting time scowling at me….you’d better take care of her.” I let out a growl as Kurenai asked for the medics.

“You little Hyuga jackass. I finally found one I don’t mind and won’t feel like killing on sight and you almost kill her?!” I growled, my nails going to claws as my eye flashed from gold to red rapidly, bloodlust seeping from me.

“Hokori.” Guy and Kakashi said, grabbing one of my arms each as my fangs protruded from my lips. Neji flinched back as I let out a growl.

“Naruto….if you don’t beat his ass in the finals….I will.” I said to my student who nodded, ignoring my beast-like features.

“And Neji….consider this a death threat.” I growled, turning my eyes back to him with a deadly smirk.

“After all, the Hinome clan and the Hyuga clan are sworn enemies.” He flinched again as I turned, smacking Kakashi’s and Guy’s arms off me as my features disappeared. Hinata was already carried away to the ER by the medics and I watched as Naruto swore on Hinata’s blood to win against him.

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Authors Note

Holy shit! This is 24 pages on word xD so, enjoy! Lol. Sorry for the long wait. It’s just….I kinda had my computer taken away >.> sooooo enjoy this extra long chappy!
~Mew
P.S. 40,000 yen is about $500 in the US. Hope that helps at all xD