XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Naruto's POV (Medical Ward of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Kushina sighed, anger flashing in her eyes for a second before she managed to reign it in. "Franky yes I do son, I don't understand why it was necessary. Especially when Kakashi would've saved you should you have merely asked."
"It wasn't an option; I was there to win and failed. But I never even considered running away," Naruto answered readily.
"I would feel the same, but surely you recognize it was for nothing, right?" Kushina said lightly. "I'm not sure anyone could get through to him… and it's not because you're not good enough, but… some people are too far gone, son."
"Screw that!" Naruto responded immediately. "That attitude is what created him in the first place. He is one of the few people who understand what I'm going through, but he has no support. I can't just walk away from someone who so obviously needs help, not when I can understand their pain. I don't know why he calls me brother, but he's not wrong…"
"Of course he is." Neji chimed in confidently. "I won't pretend I don't understand your reason for fighting. I, too, would've likely done the same; however, risking my life attempting to get through to him would be wasteful. Gaara was an enemy of you with the intent to do you harm. You were better off attempting to do the same. Though I respect your wishes and admire your performance and determination."
"Don't encourage him!" Kushina snapped at the Hyuga. Kakashi seemed frozen at the tension, unsure how to interfere.
"I am not." Neji disagreed. "However, he is a man who made a choice. It does not matter how we feel about such, nor that it was foolish. Naruto had the choice and made it. Make no mistake. If I had realized just how astray the match would go, I would've interfered. But I will not shame him for acting in the way he believes was right." Kushina glared at the Hyuga openly.
"Maybe we should focus on the news we should deliver…" Kakashi objected with a nervous chuckle. "We know where we all stand and will have time to discuss it. But for now, we should focus on more important matters."
"Huh? How long was I out?" Naruto asked, confused.
"Nearly a full day." Kushina answered, calming slightly. "That final shock nearly killed you… your skin was burned all over. Even your eyes were damaged. You looked…" Kushina's voice broke slightly; the image was too much for her. But she recovered quickly, "Luckily, the Kyuubi kept you alive and, with the aid of Tsunade, was able to fully heal you. Thank Kami for that woman… Jiraiya also collected Riptide."
"Wait, who won the exams then?!" Naruto asked, shocked.
"Technically, no one!" Kakashi answered with joy. "The Kage had called the match over and even attempted to interfere. However, it seems the power of the Tailed Beast is something to behold."
"It was impressive Gaara somehow held back so many powerful shinobi. You say that is due to the Tailed Beast?"
"Undoubtedly." Kushina chimed back in. "While that feat is impressive, even infeasible for humans, the full power of a tailed beast is incredibly unique. They are rarely outclassed when it comes to power. Even multiple Kage would struggle to overcome that."
"So he was a perfect jinchuriki?" Neji asked. "I thought such was rare, especially for a mere Genin."
"It is indeed, from what I heard from rumors milling. It is apparently an ability unique to the One Tails. They are apparently calling it the "Perfect Defense." Gaara will become quite infamous…"
"He won't be the only one," Neji added. "The audience, half anyway, clapped not for the psycho but for you, Naruto."
"Unfortunately, not the Leaf civilians, but plenty of the others!" Kushina agreed happily. "My baby is a fantastic shinobi!"
"You've also been scarred." Neji taunting with a friendly smile. Before it softened slightly. "You may wish to examine it yourself. I know all too well how marks like those can make you feel…"
Naruto gasped as he raised the blanket. He was wearing no shirt, but attention was directed to his torso. Two lines snaked throughout his abdomen and abs, wrapping around his side. Each stood out on his tan skin, with a tinge of blue and purple throughout. Naruto prodded them, pleased to see they did not ache. But he was otherwise unaffected; he didn't run around without a shirt anyway.
"You did well to survive that final attack from Gaara. Or were lucky anyway." Kakashi nodded. "The technique was simple but powerful. Luckily, the Kage are discussing how to deal with him as we speak."
"Damn straight! Hope that bastard gets what's coming to him!" Kushina roared in approval. "He's likely to fry! The samurai are infamous for their unforgiving nature.
The group all flinched, however, when Naruto suddenly stood. Luckily, he was somewhat dressed under the blanket, briefs covering his modesty as he stretched and seemed utterly focused.
"How to deal with him?" Naruto asked seriously as he glanced at Kakashi. The idea of Gaara being cordoned off and treated like a monster frustrated the Blonde. His efforts would be for nothing if they killed him!
"Yes. After you passed out, the samurai and assorted shinobi subdued Gaara. It was easily done with him being exhausted. Shortly after, the Kage assembled to discuss how to proceed. The two issues being addressed are the results and promotions from the exam, as well as the fate of Gaara."
"The fate of him? Why would he be punished just for beating me?" Naruto asked.
"Attempted Unauthorized Murder, Endangerment to the Public, Disregarding the orders of a Kage, times at least two by the way, and being a damn creep." Kushina listed angrily. Obviously, his mother will not forgive Gaara soon.
"If the rumors are to be believed, such is going incredibly poorly." Neji chimed in. "The Sand accepts the blame but refuses to accept any punishment geared towards Gaara. The Leaf and Iron are determined to make Gaara pay Hokage-san due to his attempt to slaughter you. Though the samurai seem just as upset as he, they do not take treachery lightly on their grounds."
"What's the punishment?" Naruto asked nervously.
"That is the complication; I can count the previous cases with international influence on one hand. The Sand insists it is an internal matter, and they will appropriately reprimand him, offering compensation but not the perpetrator himself. The Leaf would be agreeable to such but seemed particularly offended by an ally nearly costing them such a resource," Kakashi started. He nodded at Naruto to show he meant no offense and continued. "The Iron insists the perpetrator must be punished to settle the matter. They are severe when punishing perceived slights. It is why all Five Great Villages tread lightly around them." Kakashi explained. "They've been arguing nearly the entire time you've been unconscious."
"But surely they won't execute him?" Naruto laughed.
"I wouldn't be so sure, son…" Kushina warned. "As useful as Kage finds jinchuriki, I'm not sure Rasa can risk a no here. To do so could potentially stir up the Fourth Great Ninja War…" Naruto heard such and made up his mind. As he stomped toward a close he grabbed his pants, shirt, and jacket hastily dressing himself.
"Naruto?"
"Son?"
"Naruto?"
The three sounded off in unison.
"I gotta go," Naruto informed them as he prepared to set off.
Neji merely nodded, standing by the side of the blonde.
"I will go with you, injured as you are it would unwise to go alone."
"Normally, I don't mind your can-do attitude Naruto." Kakashi said softly as he walked toward the two. "But this is a no-go; you've done enough for Gaara, and this wouldn't be forgiven if you were to intrude. Hell, the samurai would likely kill you before you reached them."
Kushina ignored this, shoving past Kakashi and facing Naruto. "Son, are you sure about this? He isn't worth it."
"Maybe, but I just feel like I need to. Someone needs to do it for him." Naruto answered plainly. "He needs a friend…"
"And if they say no?" Kushina asked sharply.
Naruto hesitated, unsure what to say.
"I'll help you, son, but don't act out if we fail." Kushina told Naruto, who nodded grimly, glad for the aid.
"Kushina!" Kakashi yelled, shocked.
"I agree that it's stupid, Kakashi. But I also recognize that look in my son's eye. No matter what we say or do, he intends to stop that meeting from going poorly for Gaara. If I can't stop him, I'll help my son. Besides, we Uzumaki are a stubborn bunch, ya know?"
Kakashi sighed but nodded. He walked in front of the group as if walking to his death. They followed him. The group was conflicted about their goal but determined anyway.
"I disagree with this course of action, but as both your sensei and your coolest Uncle." Kakashi said, his light tone of voice returning.
"You're an Uncle?" Kushina asked with a raised brow.
"I will accompany you. Hopefully, a group won't be instantly detained or killed!" Kakashi plowed forward with false cheeriness. Silently continuing on toward their destination. Naruto wasn't proud of putting Kakashi in a position he didn't want, but he was determined to see things through with Gaara.
Though Naruto heard Kakashi mutter to himself mutter a saying to himself.
"In the ninja world, those who break the rules are scum, true. But those who abandon their friends are worse than scum…"
Naruto was sure Kakashi thought they didn't hear him, and Naruto could tell the others didn't. It was an odd saying, one he agreed with but not one that would be popular with most shinobi. But he liked the quote; it made him respect his sensei even more…
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Kakashi's / Naruto's POV (Entryway of Kage Box of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Kakashi was a man who was very familiar with failure. He had failed Obito and Rin, Minato, and now even Naruto. Kakashi had pretended to be chosen randomly, but truthfully, Kushina and he had decided to have him referee the finals months ago. A subtle but effective way to ensure Naruto and his other students turned out okay. A bit against the spirit of the rules, but such was the life of a shinobi.
The task seemed simple on paper: watch two people fight, declare a winner, and announce the next fight. It was a simple and incredibly hard-to-mess-up formula. At least on paper, Genin, as skilled and powerful as Chunin or even Jounin, murderous jinchuriki, and destructive young adults, had complicated the job considerably.
Kakashi wouldn't say he regretted it. Doubtless, it had been nice to be right there. Assure his students wouldn't suffer needlessly, or anyone for that matter. It should've been simple for a former Anbu captain.
Yet Kakashi had failed; barrier ninjutsu, while rare and powerful, was not against the exam rules. In a moment, Kakashi decided not to be captured in such a way. Recognizing he was to interfere when required. Though he had tested it, first with kunai, fuijutsu, ninjutsu, the works. But he had not been able to pierce it, as everyone else. Kakashi had been forced to watch Naruto struggle against a force, even if he would've been pressed to overcome it. But unlike the others, Kakashi was meant to be the one to stop it…
Kakashi felt the iron control slip into place, calming his turbulent emotions. One did not become part of Root and the Anbu not to learn self-control, despite the moody and ashamed mindstate he had. Outwardly, he was pouting childishly about not getting his way, causing both Naruto and Neji to smile in ways they thought were subtle.
Kakashi was familiar with failure, and as such, he knew better than most how to keep going. One simply had to move on to the next task. Forget about the failure; it had no bearing on the future.
The fast pace of the group of shinobi led them to the doorway of the Kage Box within mere minutes. The doors were guarded by a milling group of relaxed shinobi and samurai. Kakashi used his infamous nature to nod at the shinobi and even some of the samurai as they drew closer. Subtly assuring them of his position and lack of evil intent. However, the two samurai guarding the doors correctly seemed less enthused to see them attempting to enter.
They stopped as they drew close to not encourage a dramatic response. One samurai marched forward, the other remaining by the large door.
"Stop, shinobi; the Five Kage and General meeting is before you.
"Whatever your business is must wait." He ordered dutifully. He was a bald young man who seemed to radiate pride. Likely a brown noser of sort, time to turn on the old Kakashi ch-
Suddenly, Naruto, exhausted but determined, marched forward. Naruto was obviously in pain, but Kakashi could also tell the Blonde was utterly determined to do this right now. The samurai flinched slightly, obviously slightly startled by Naruto blatantly ignoring his orders. The man attempted to draw his blade, but Naruto clutched a hand around his drawing arm. The man grunted as he tried to rip his arm free and draw his sword. However, Naruto's powerful grip did not waver; instead, Naruto glared at the man.
"Out of my way," Naruto replied gruffly before he shoved the man with one arm, as opposed to the typical result of a shove. Likely leading to a stumble or even fall, the man went flying into the large doors with a violent bang of metal being hit. The doors slightly caved in from the force.
"Naruto!" Kakashi admonished in shock! Was the fool finally going to get them killed? Kakashi was about to launch into action; trying to save this from becoming violent was best! However, a blur raced past him before he could intercept the angry charge of the second samurai.
The second samurai froze in shock. Naruto did as well.
"Naruto, you gotta be persuasive!" Kushina informed as she reared back her fist. "Got the hell outta our way!" Kushina roared. In an instant, she punched the fearful man, the power of which launched the man into the doors, making the heavy iron doors collapse inward. "All in the legs, son!" Kushina cheered as she marched forward. Naruto nodded, seemingly impressed, as he followed.
Kakashi felt dread but followed as well. Neji echoed such but seemed content to see the chaos through. Kushina usually got away with this sorta thing anyway.