XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Kakashi's POV (Courtyard of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Kakashi had watched with rapt attention as the two battled. The dominating person switched as often as they swapped blows. It was easy to watch Naruto's fight. He had been holding back for most of it, and once he had shown some of his true power, he had trounced Tenten quickly enough. Neji had not drawn so lucky.
When the teams were first made, there had been whispers that Kakashi would be given Sasuke. At the time, he had been the only Jounin Sensei they believed would be able to help a Uchiha efficiently grow. In fact the original draft for Team Seven had Sasuke, Naruto, and a young woman named Sakura Haruno. Kakashi had been willing, but Shisui had come and offered to be Sasuke's sensei. So, the current Team Seven was born. Kakashi had come to love his not-kids'-kiddos.
Neji, in particular, had reminded him a bit of himself. He had also been held as a prodigy, in some ways a greater one than Sasuke or Neji. He had also at first been cold and distant, if not outright antagonistic, with his teammates. And also had carried some significant family baggage. But unlike Kakashi, Neji had turned it around without anyone dying. Go figure.
Sasuke was similar to him in specific ways, all the ways that made Kakashi worry. He held the same determined gleam in his eye. Neji had it, too, but Sasuke held a level of desperation and intensity Neji hadn't gained. The falling of the Uchiha clan had been a harsh affair, taking the heir to the most prominent clan in the Leaf almost a prince really. And turning him into a pariah in some ways. While still treated relatively, the dishonor clearly offended Sasuke, and he would change it. Sasuke had no doubt; he wasn't arrogant or simply uncompromising.
Somehow, something Neji had said seemed to have set off the Uchiha. And what had been a competitive back and forth became a one-way beatdown. Neji seemed helpless in the face of Sasuke's barrage. Each time he managed to see him, it would be just in time to be hit. If he counter-attacked, Sasuke appeared behind, smacking him down harshly. Neji crawled to his feet and fell into his stance. Sasuke appeared above Neji, aiming for another head stomp; Neji barely managed to dodge, merely to walk into a stunning jab. Sasuke appeared on the opposite side of Neji, uppercutting him into the air. Neji landed painfully but, within a second, climbed to his feet.
Neji looked battered and rough. Covered in bruises and minor cuts, it was clear he was overwhelmed by the impressive speed Sasuke could achieve. Yet his eyes glared at Sasuke without fear or hesitation. Sasuke smiled as he blurred forward with his signature flicker. In desperation or perhaps simply guessing, Neji fired off an air palm, which somehow managed to smack Sasuke out of the air. Sasuke grunted in pain but soon continued his flickering.
'Will he figure it out?' Kakashi wondered as Sasuke suddenly flickered above Neji, smacking him into the ground. 'Eagle taught you, Neji… show me you learned about his guts!'
Neji crawled out of the ground with a groan before springing to his feet. He spun with a screaming, "KAITEN!" Sasuke disappeared before it could smack him but suddenly reappeared, bouncing off the Kaiten. Sasuke bounced off the ground with a groan before standing up slowly. Kakashi was happy to see Neji show some ingenuity in extending his Kaiten like that, but he would need a lot more. "Earth Style: Dance of the Hyuga." Neji called. "I see the weakness of your technique!"
Sasuke eyed Neji warily, likely realizing the fight thus far was in his favor. Therefore, it would be risky to rush in when his opponent was switching tactics. Neji had tapped the ground once with his foot. Sasuke raised a brow at this before suddenly leaping high into the air, narrowly avoiding an earth spike. Sasuke merely smirked, glad to see Neji still had some fight in him. Before he flickered behind Neji, he was aimed for his neck. Neji shockingly ducked, grabbing Sasuke by his collar and slamming him into the ground. The earth wrapped around Sasuke, securing him to the ground. Sasuke spat a miniature fireball no bigger than a grain of sand into Neji's face. Making the Hyuga miss the finishing palm strike for Sasuke. Who somehow managed to flicker through the stone prison, shattering it. Sasuke leaped away, seeming to seek some distance, yet the second he touched the ground, it surged forward, throwing Sasuke at Neji, who fired off an air palm at the approaching Uchiha. Sasuke flickered past this, attempting another neck chop to Neji. Yet somehow, he tripped, the ground around Neji suddenly becoming upraised. Before Sasuke could attempt to flicker away, a small width of stone wrapped him up. Leaving Sasuke defenseless. Both he and Kakashi watched as Neji prepared his strike. "Your body flicker isn't teleportation," Neji explained to the wide-eyed Uchiha. "It simply allows you to move through the air at absurd speeds. Making it appear as though you do. Once I realized that I knew all I must do was bait you into doing so predictably, then cut off your mobility. Today, the Hyuga are victorious!"
"Heavenly Canon!" Neji yelled as he slammed his palms coated in chakra into the immobile Sasuke. The earth-binding Sasuke shattered from the force as Sasuke flew back. Neji panted as he eyed the down Uchiha.
"S-sensei. He's do-own." Neji said, exhausted. He deactivated his earth technique and Byakugan. Truthfully, it was good Neji had managed to defeat him when he did. He was almost out of-
Kakashi blinked, and suddenly, Sasuke was in front of Neji. His blade of flames activated, and his Sharingan blazed. "Slash of the Fading Embers." Sasuke offered quietly. Neji seemed frozen before he looked down to see an angry red line on his torso that had burned through his clothes. "I made it less intense; otherwise, it would have fried your insides. You did well, Neji Hyuga; you made the Hyuga proud." Sasuke offered.
Neji crawled to his knees, gasping in pain. "How are y-you standing? I-... I hit you with my He-heavenly Canon."
Kakashi had nearly asked himself. He had been watching and could've sworn it had connected. Yet it hadn't.
"You were a much stronger opponent than I had thought," Sasuke explained. "The Ash Step I use to blitz my opponents was something I hoped to shock everyone with. Along with Slash of the Fading Embers. You even made me use one of my aces."
"Th-at-"
"It was my Deceitful Dodge." Sasuke explained simply. I use my Ash Step in a tiny instant to skillfully evade blows and act as if they landed; this, in conjunction with a very subtle Genjutsu via Sharingan, allows me to utterly fool my opponent. From there, with your guard down, I was certain Slash of the Fading Embers could bypass your eyes. I was right."
Kakashi felt stunned but kept his composure. Besides, he was happy to see his student not suffer any substantial injuries. But Sasuke had done something Kakashi wasn't sure any mere Genin could do. Defeat Neji Hyuga convincingly.
The winner is Sasuke Uchiha!" Kakashi called out with false excitement. He eyed the medics as they carried the alive and barely conscious Neji out of the arena. Sasuke eyed him suspiciously before teleporting away. The crowd clapped excitedly, though noticeably, the Leaf Village section was the most silent, yet one thing was undeniable. Sasuke Uchiha was now the one to beat in the exams.
Sasuke faced the crowd proudly, Sharingan blazing, adding to the intensity of his gaze. "THE UCHIHA STILL STAND PROUD!" Sasuke roared, and the audience shared in his energy, even the Leaf seeming to respond positively.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mifune's POV (Kage Box of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Mifune mind whirled at the end of the latest match, as he was sure the others did as well. While the exams had barely begun, the Leaf Village had already made its mark. Sure, they had already lost several Genin. Yet, they had shown a roster of powerful and skilled Genin in the process. Tenten, another orphan in their broken world, had shown unique abilities with a bloodline he was sure would be sought after these exams. Naruto Uzumaki had defeated her while holding back, and if the ending of their little match was an indication, she had much more to show. Two promising young men from their village had clashed, clarifying one thing. Clouded as the backgrounds of the clans were, they were still producing top-tier shinobi. Unlike Naruto, who had seemed comfortably ahead of his opponent, Neji and Sasuke had been a close match. Neji had hailed from the current most prominent clan of the Leaf. The infamous and regal Hyuga clan. Users of the legendary Byakugan had been known for years for their shocking power and powerful vision. Sasuke hailed from a clan once held in a similar position, if not more significant, marred by a failed coup orchestrated by his father. The Uchiha had been largely forgotten, a small amount of shinobi for most of the lower echelon. Sasuke had shown such ideas to be foolish. The two had displayed combat prowess Mifune had come to expect from most Jounin. Even more tellingly, Sasuke had defeated Neji convincingly; he had managed to overwhelm even the mighty Byakugan. It seemed the Uchiha would not yet fade; their fate lay in the hands of the decisive victor.
Mifune glanced around the room, taking in the stressed faces of four of the Kage. Hiruzen looked downright smug now and radiated pride for his Genin consistently making such an explosive performance. Mifune knew if he had felt a small crumb of worry seeing the future of the Leaf, the others must be feasting on it. The only one who looked remotely comfortable was Rasa. Seemingly happy to have Hiruzen as an official ally now.
"Well, seeing the Uchiha remnants do their clan proud is good," Rasa said with wary cheer. He also knew that even as an ally, this didn't bode well with the other four. Yet Mifune sensed he still held that old confidence. What was that sandman planning? "A proper showing from the Hyuga as well."
"What are you feeding your kids, Hiruzen." Onoki complained, seemingly defaulting to belly aching to process the newfound power of the Leaf.
"Nothing more than the Will of Fire." Hiruzen replied curtly. As well composed and disciplined as he was, he was still obviously smug, as he explained.
"Apparently, I need that pilled and fed to my men." A added holding his head up as if bored. A was never Mifune's favorite Kage. Much too quick to anger, too sure of his own abilities, and too willing to forgo morality for the sake of his home.
"It is not something that can be given but must be earned through a shinobi's journey in life." Hiruzen lectured.
"Save me the bullshit." A and Rasa said at once. Both men glared at the other as if not pleased to share an opinion with each other. They nodded once before sending both glares toward Hiruzen.
"That young man strikes me as a believer of justice," Yagura said gravely. "He may very well become a threat one day…"
Mifune frowned at that as the Kage and their guards all tensed. The room was suddenly full of tension as the unsaid implications of what Yagura had said settled into the room. Mifune sensed an opportunity. The other Kage likely were unaware of Ikam's existence, while the Leaf had encountered him several times. Mifune needed information on the slayer of his student; perhaps a show of support here would set the foundations for the Lands of Iron and Fire to become closer. Besides, Mifune was sure Hiruzen wouldn't miss the value of the mighty Land of Iron, the neighbor to the Land of Wind and Lightning, becoming an ally.
"Perhaps so, but we are all at peace for now. No need to concern yourself with a battle that hasn't happened." Mifune offered diplomatically.
"Indeed, Sasuke has shown himself to be loyal and dedicated." Hiruzen added.
"Yet he offered the glory to his clan as opposed to his home." Onoki sniped with a smug smile.
"Clans often try to be independent even from their own homes." Yagura said darkly.
"Please refrain from speaking." Rasa asked darkly. Yagura quirked a brow at this but shook his head and allowed the point to die for now.
Mifune wondered if the exams could stop being so exciting.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
???'s POV (Perimeter of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
He and his comrades moved silently and unseen around the Iron Arena. The groups were not from one village or organization but a joint unit of several different groups. Stone Anbu, Mist Anbu, Cloud Anbu, Sand Anbu, and the Leaf were the mysterious, fully blackened Leaf Anbu chosen for this. They were a group of experienced Anbu set to guard the exams as they went on. After Ikam attacked the Land of Iron, the Samurai were on high alert and assisted all Five Villages, providing additional security if they were to go on. This had been the force created to do such. Yet the six members from the newly formed Leaf Anbu group had stopped the patrol, staring at the field below with an intensity that baffled the other Anbu.
"He has become quite the shinobi; he takes after them both." One spoke.
"Seems the two of them kept their words." The other offered.
"Guys, we all know we can't afford to draw attention." A third female voice called out. The one who had complimented Sasuke walked on. Yet the one who spoke of an oath stared still.
"That's a different life now." The female voice spoke sadly. The first man turned and walked on.
"I know," He offered simply. "I just won't forget."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Naruto's POV (Contestant Section of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
It took more control than Naruto thought he could stop himself from assaulting Sasuke. Only Neji, still alive and conscious, stopped him from doing so before checking on his teammate. In all honesty, he was shocked; he had been sure Neji would defeat anyone he ran into. Well, other than Gaara and himself. His battle with him even now stood as his most challenging fight. It had felt as if Neji had made little to no mistakes in it, and if not for Naruto's famed durability, Neji would have likely won. To see Neji not only defeated but overwhelmed shocked Naruto. He had heard of Sasuke's reputation but figured it was merely hype.
"Naruto, for once in your life, please don't be a drag. It sucks to see your teammates lose, but he was more than fair about it." Shikamaru demanded and or pleaded.
"It's alright Naruto Neji looked pretty cool down there."
Naruto wondered internally how they caught on to his frustration so quickly before glancing down and noticing his hand had crushed the metal railing separating them from the rest of the crowd. He chuckled awkwardly, forcing himself to relax. 'I suppose Sasuke was fair… I'll only kick his ass a little when I get the chance…'
The three flinched at Yuno's loud cheering, followed by Hinata's quiet admonishments. Shino walked over to their group, seemingly not wanting to be associated with his loud, attention-getting teammate. Naruto frowned at this grumpily but allowed it. He would've done the same had Neji won. Before he could continue congratulating himself for his patience, Samui chimed in, breaking his concentration.
"Omoi, it's your turn. Please for my sake try to hold on to your cool." Samui offered to her currently silent teammate.
Naruto glanced at the board, seeing they had already genuinely selected the next match.
Mangetsu Hozuki VS Omoi of the Cloud
The rest of the group stared at Omoi, who had apparently been silently muttering to himself. Almost trance-like in his demeanor. "What if I trip and stab myself with my own katana? What if I need to remember the hand signs for my jutsu? Or if the referee secretly hates me and sabotages my chances? If I do too bad, A-sama will likely punish me. What if he banis-" Omoi likely would have continued for quite a while before Karui seemingly raced from her seat and beelined for her teammate.
"Karui!" Samui suddenly yelled. "Omoi needs encouragement." while the others watched in intrigue as Karui grabbed Omoi by his top collar and proceeded to trip him off his feet and spin in a circle. Surprisingly enough, Karui was strong enough to bodily lift and spin Omoi, picking up speed. Omoi flailed now, seemingly shocked out of his stupor. But it was much too little, much too late. Karui roared as she threw Omoi like one might throw a dripping waste bag. Omoi offered a cry of fear as he fell towards the ring. Shikamaru, Shino, Lee, Yuno, and Hinata stared at Karui owlishly.
"Cool throw." Samui thanked Karui with a high five. Karui nodded with a shit eating smile. Before she turned and saw all the others staring at them.
"The fuck is all of y'all's problem?" Karui asked bluntly, somehow seeming to think throwing one teammate like a frisbee was normal.
"Oh! Oh! Oh!" Fuu said excitedly, hovering slightly above Karui. "Throw me next!"
"I thought it was kinda funny." Naruto agreed as he roared with laughter.
"Omoi can be a worry wart. Karui is pretty good at disrupting such." Samui calmly with a smirk.
"Ya he was pussy footing around. Can't stand it. Besides, he wouldn't be worth sensei's teaching if he couldn't tank a fall like that." Karui assured before she whipped around and dashed off.
"She seems really troublesome." Shikamaru offered to break the silence.
The group watched as Karui dashed off, now chasing a complaining Shikamaru.
"Hopefully she doesnt hurt him too bad." Naruto said as he pondered if he should help his good buddy.
"I hate my team." Samui complained. Naruto could only laugh nervously.