"Booooooorriiiiinnnnng."
Ino booed at Shikamaru the moment he made his way back to the stands after his fight with Temari. That Suna girl sure made him work for it, but he was sooooo close!
What a troublesome woman.
"Your match was boring, but you could have won if you had put in just a little more effort into it, Shika." Ino said as she used her index finger and thumb to illustrate her point by narrowing the distance between the two until a small gap was left. "You were so close."
"At least he made it to the third stage, pig."
"What did you say, forehead?"
"Troublesome." Shikamaru muttered before taking a seat and slumped in it. "Why am I even in the exams?"
"So that you have a chance to be chunin?" Sai supplied helpfully with that permanent fake smile on his face. "Or maybe because Asuma-sensei entered you guys even without asking for your opinion?"
"More like the latter." Asuma said with a good-natured laugh that the other senseis followed. The senseis are also all gathered in the same area as their students although they had claimed a corner for themselves beside their students. Some of their other jonin friends are here as well. Even Rin is here.
Shikamaru glanced back at the resident artist in Team 13. His team and Team 7 had made amends with Team 13 and Haku, but there is still an awkward atmosphere between them even if the wielder of ice had given them his forgiveness. The only person that is not bothered by the awkwardness is Naruto, whose family had somehow managed to let the notoriously stoic Hiashi agree to let the two Uzumaki-Namikaze adults be Haku's godparents.
"Go Neji nii-san! Show them that the Hyuga clan has the better dojutsu!"
"Hn. The sharingan is better." Sasuke gave his clan's trademark grunt as he and Neji both start to make their way down to the arena for their coming battle.
"I have to agree with my cousin there." Obito said with an exaggerated nod.
"Don't you dare lose, teme! I want to fight you in the finals!"
"Beat Sasuke, my eternal rival! Only then we can have our most youthful-"
Lee's loud encouragement went unheard by the two prodigies as they jumped down to the arena.
This is a battle between the prodigies of the Hyuga and Uchiha clan. There has always been a 'friendly' rivalry between the two clans due to their respective dojutsu, but never were there a match as public as this to determine which dojutsu is stronger.
Their clan's honour now rests on their shoulders. This is no longer just about them alone; this is now about the honour of their clan.
What is Kizashi playing at to purposely pit the two prodigies from two rival clans together in this exam?
"Ne, Haku. Who do you think will win?"
"I can't say for sure." Haku admitted to Hanabi as the rest of the Konoha 15 listened on. Haku had always been a very insightful individual with a keen eye for details. There's always a good reason on why he has certain opinions on certain issues.
"It really boils down to who can utilise their clan techniques better. Both the Uchiha and Hyuga clan techniques have their own strengths and weaknesses. It is like asking you to decide whether a sword or a spear is a better weapon. You can't. They are both deadly weapons despite the differences. The strength of the weapons ultimately rests on the wielder."
"Don't sit on the fence, Haku. Just tell us who you think will win." Hanabi said in an annoyed tone as she leaned against the railing and peering down at the arena below with Haku beside her.
"If Neji is truly capable of using the true ways of the Gentle Fist, then Sasuke won't stand a chance. If Neji didn't managed to learn it, then Sasuke will definitely win."
"Since when do you know about the true ways of the Gentle Fist? And no one has been able to use the true ways of the Gentle Fist in like forever, not even Otou-sama. And didn't Otou-sama tell you to address him as your father as well?"
"Hanabi, to me, the word 'father' is a word that is synonymous with that murderer. Even I don't call Minato-san by that and he is my godfather."
"…Sorry."
"It's alright."
"If anyone is capable of achieving the feat in using the true ways of the Gentle Fist, it will be Neji nii-san." Hinata broke the awkward atmosphere as she stood by her siblings. "Neji nii-san is a genius. He will succeed where the rest of us fail."
"Is it that hard to use the 'true ways of the Gentle Fist'?" Kiba asked curiously with an air quote motion of his fingers. "This is the first time I had even heard of it."
"It is not exactly a secret, but not many people outside our clan will know about it since currently, no one in our clan is capable of using it, including me, Hanabi, and even our father. It is just that hard to achieve it. I don't know if Otou-sama trained Neji nii-san to attempt to achieve that level of power during this one month, but if anyone can do it, it is Neji nii-san. He is a true prodigy in every sense of the word."
"Not even your father achieved it?"
Hinata gave a nod of affirmation.
Whatever words anyone else within their group wanted to say was cut off as the match between Sasuke and Neji finally started. Neji immediately went in to engage Sasuke in a taijutsu bout but Sasuke shot fireballs at him for Neji to keep his distance. Anyone who knows what a Hyuga is capable of will never want to engage them in a taijutsu fight.
"Go Neji nii-san!" Hanabi cheered excitedly from where she is and waved her hands at her cousin who is a small dot on the arena below. "Beat the emo out of Sasuke!"
"Go teme! Don't you dare lose!"
Dodge, deflect, throw a shuriken, jab, jump, kick.
Neji systematically bulldoze his way through Sasuke's fire-based jutsus as he tries to force his Uchiha opponent into a taijutsu fight. If he can force Sasuke into one, victory will be his to claim.
Sasuke had obviously been through rigorous training for this exam. The list of jutsus that he is able to use had obviously grown and his physical speed is now a lot faster. His moves are a lot more fluid which means his taijutsu is also definitely a lot better now.
Kai!
Neji broke the genjutsu Sasuke had tried to put on him with his sharingan. The byakugan sees through everything, a genjutsu of that level will not fool his eyes.
"Fire Release: Great Flame Flower!"
A multitude of fireballs rain down on Neji's location as he used a Kaiten to defend himself from the fiery inferno. Sasuke couldn't possibly have that much stamina to spam jutsus on this level just as he doesn't have as much stamina to keep using Kaiten repeatedly. They may be opponents in this match, but there is one thing the both of them can definitely agree on right now.
This match has to be quick. Their jutsus are just that chakra intensive for the both of them to sustain for long. This will no longer be a problem when they grow older and their chakra reserves got bigger, but they don't have such a luxury right at this moment.
The winner of this match will be decided within minutes.
A flurry of shurikens emerged from the flames as Neji whipped out a kunai each in both his hands and deflect them all. With his byakugan, he can see Sasuke climbing the tall walls of the arena and going through hand seals with a scroll in hand.
For his age, Sasuke's chakra reserves is by no means small. If even Sasuke needs a scroll to help him with his next jutsu, that jutsu must be a very chakra intensive and potent one. Some shinobis do employ the use of scrolls to help them in using the more chakra intensive jutsus. It is not a common or favoured practice, but it does have its use when you don't have much chakra to spare. Kakashi-sensei is well-known for keeping a few scrolls on his person to help him with the Summoning Technique even if he is capable of summoning his hounds without the help of scrolls. Naruto had also mentioned that Kakashi-sensei had used that particular method in their team's scuffle against Zabuza to summon his pack of ninja hounds during their team's botched up C-rank mission.
"Uchiha Flame Formation!"
An enormous cylindrical barrier of flames erupted around Neji and caged him within. The only entrance and exit to his flaming prison is the singular small opening in the direction where Sasuke is at. Sasuke is going through another set of hand seals at a rapid speed and Neji can see how much chakra Sasuke is concentrating into his left hand with the use of his byakugan.
That is definitely an extremely dangerous technique given the amount of chakra Sasuke is pouring into it.
"Chidori!"
Called it.
The sound of chirping birds resonated across the entire stadium along with the surprised gasps of the spectators. This is the famed technique of Hatake Kakashi, the Purple Lightning of Konoha. The destructive powers of his signature jutsu is known far and wide throughout the Elemental Nations.
Neji got himself into a stance as he braced himself. That jutsu is a frightening one to face if you are on the receiving end of it, but this isn't the end of the world. His clan head and uncle had personally trained him for the exams.
With his uncle's help, he had finally managed to step into the realms where only a few in their clan before him managed to. With his uncle's help, he had finally begun to grasp and understand the true ways of the Gentle Fist. It is a power of their taijutsu style that only a select few Hyugas had managed to reach and achieve in their clan's history. You don't need to have overwhelming strength to possess this power. You just need a lot of talent and skill to comprehend it, qualities that only a lucky few are born with in their clan's history.
He is one such lucky individual.
The true ways of the Gentle Fist is available to all Hyuga clansmen regardless of their status as a main or branch house member. However, this aspect of their clan technique cannot be truly taught or explained even from those who had achieved it, it must be felt and experienced. It is like coming to a sudden realisation and also a little like achieving nirvana and reaching your inner peace. This elusive and unexplainable aspect of the Gentle Fist is why only so few of their clansmen throughout their history had managed to learn and use it in combat.
As it is, all jutsus will fall before the might of the Gentle Fist style Neji will be using from now onwards. Currently, the Hyugas may be weaker than the Uchihas when it comes to a contest of strength between the two clans, but that does not mean that the Hyuga's jutsus and techniques are inferior.
Their clan's true powers are just that much harder to unlock.
Sasuke dashed towards Neji in a burst of speed with lightning crackling in his hand. The Uchiha Flame Formation had trapped Neji in with no way out and Neji is not confident that the Kaiten can stop the sheer offensive power of the Chidori. There is only one way left.
Neji met Sasuke's charge with his own, chakra flaring from his hands as his byakugan revealed to him the best way to stop Sasuke's jutsu.
"Eight Trigrams Mountain Crusher"
The more powerful variation of the Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm unleashed a powerful wave of chakra that sent everything in its way to fly away from the blast. Like Neji had predicted, Sasuke cut through the wall of chakra with his Chidori and continued his charge.
Time to pull off the technique that no other Hyuga had managed to pull off in the last thirty years.
"Eight Trigrams Negation Strike"
To everyone's else visible surprise, Neji went to jab at Sasuke's Chidori with only a small shroud of chakra coating his hand. The shock got even bigger when the Chidori was forcefully cancelled as it sputtered and died.
Neji had stopped the Chidori simply by jabbing his index and middle finger at Sasuke's hand.
"What? How-"
"You are in my range of divination. Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!"
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
Sasuke barely managed to escape as he jumped backwards after he forced Neji to abort his attack. What the hell?! How did Neji managed to stop his Chidori with just a simple jab of his fingers?! How are his fingers not fried after that?!
Neji walked out of the flames surprisingly unscathed.
"Allow me to let you in on something, Sasuke." Neji spoke calmly as he adopted a taijutsu stance. "It seems that most of Konoha had forgotten about it since the last known user of this style had passed away more than thirty years ago, but the true strength of the Gentle Fist is not restricted to simply shutting down our opponent's chakra pathways like what many believed."
Sasuke didn't bother replying as he popped a Soldier Pill into his mouth to replenish his diminishing reserves. He will feel the side-effects after the exams are over, but right now he needs all the extra boost he can get. It is time to unleash his more destructive jutsus.
"The true strength of the Gentle Fist is to negate all forms of chakra. This is why our clan had never bothered to learn anything outside of our taijutsu style. There isn't a point to it. A highly advanced user of the Gentle Fist can destroy any chakra-based substance with the Gentle Fist, but a true practitioner of the Gentle Fist can negate any ninjutsu with a single touch and our eyes can see through most genjutsus. It doesn't matter what it is. As long as it is made with chakra, our Gentle Fist can destroy and negate it completely as long as I have the amount of chakra required to do so. It's just that not many in our clan's history have the ability to grasp the workings behind it. Unfortunately for you, I just did. I am not yet a master in it, but it is enough to defeat you."
Sasuke's eyes widened momentarily at the revelation and the implications behind Neji's words. If what Neji said is true, then the repertoire of ninjutsu that he knows is now useless in the face of Neji's Gentle Fist since a touch is all he needs to negate it. Genjutsu is out of the question since the byakugan can see through most illusions, he had also tested that out earlier. Neji isn't boasting about the byakugan's ability to break through genjutsus.
He is now forced into a taijutsu match with the Hyuga genius.
"I have nothing against you, and like Haku-nii, I think that the rivalry between our clans to see who has the strongest dojutsu is a stupid one. However, my clan's pride now rests on my shoulders and it is time to remind the world the true strength of the Hyugas since right now, I am the only person in my clan capable of utilising this aspect of our clan technique. You, a ninjutsu specialist, are simply unlucky to have me as your opponent."
Sasuke prepared himself for the inevitable taijutsu bout that he is forced to take part in as Neji dashed at him with a burst of speed. The flames of the Uchiha Flame Formation had died down since the chakra used to sustain it from the scroll is now used up.
Sasuke fired the first attack as he spits a volley of small fireballs at Neji with Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique. Neji didn't falter in his charge, but merely coated his hands in chakra once more and diffused each of the incoming fireballs with a single touch.
Sasuke's eyes widened at the confirmation of Neji's claim. His fireballs were indeed negated with a single touch.
The two prodigies engaged each other in a series of blows the moment Neji closed the distance. Sasuke is able to match Neji briefly due to the enhanced insight provided to him with his sharingan, but he soon found himself in a disadvantageous position as Neji's blows began to overwhelm him.
Neji is known as a taijutsu prodigy for a reason.
A jab of Neji's fingers at Sasuke's left arm caused it to go limp immediately. Another few jabs on his torso sent Sasuke flying back and crashing into the ground from the unexpected force.
No matter how much he tried, Sasuke is just unable to get back up again. He can't even feel his chakra within him. Damn it! He is his father's son and the child of a clan head! This is making his entire clan look bad!
Stand up, Uchiha Sasuke!
A tap of Neji's fingers on his shoulder sent him falling down face first into the dirt once more.
"I'm sorry, Sasuke, but this is what it is."
"Winner: Hyuga Neji!"
The crowd roared at the announcement of the victor from the sickly proctor, Gekko Hayate. Neji knelt down and began to undo the damage he dealt onto Sasuke with a few taps of his fingers. In a show of sportsmanship, Neji gave Sasuke a helping hand and helped him stand on his feet once more.
"The next time we fight, I will not lose."
"I will be looking forward to our rematch, Sasuke."
The crowd exploded into cheers and applause once more as Neji and Sasuke did the seal of reconciliation to show that whatever animosity between them in this match is now gone. The two clan prodigies joined hands and raised it up together as a sign of unity between the two dojutsu-wielding clans, giving the crowd another chance to go wild with their cheers and screaming. Their respective clan members had all stood up and gave their heartfelt applause to both genins for the wonderful display they had just put up. Sasuke heaved a mental sigh of relief when he spotted his parents and brother. His father has a small smile on his face despite his loss. He is not angry at him for losing.
Furthermore, the two genins can also see their Hokage giving a near unnoticeable yet obvious approving nod at their actions with a small smile on his face.
It was only then that the two prodigies realised just what the Hokage is playing at to pit the two prodigies from the rival clans together. It was to show to the world that despite their individual differences and rivalry between their clans, Konoha is united as a whole.
Whoever wants to mess with Konoha will have to face the combined might of all of the clans that reside in Konoha. It will be foolish to even think about trying to provoke dissent between clans to cause disharmony in Konoha because it will not work.
Konoha is strong. This is the first shinobi village to be founded and there is a good reason why it still stands at the top of all the other shinobi villages after three world wars. Haruno Kizashi is making a statement to the world to tell anyone who has funny ideas to back off.
Neji gave another subtle glance at the Kage box. The Kazekage and the Raikage are also here to spectate the match of their village's genin(s) that had made it to the last stage of the exams. There's no way they didn't catch the hidden and subtle middle finger that their Hokage is giving them with the display he and Sasuke had put up earlier.
Haku is right. The rivalry between their clans is a stupid one. This match isn't even important.
Hanabi's match will be next. That is the important one considering who she is facing. Her next opponent is skilled but Hanabi is a genius in her own right. Neji doesn't know what Hanabi had done in preparation for her match, but he doesn't doubt that she will win.
"Neji, why is there a seal on the back of your neck?" Sasuke questioned curiously when a small paper seal revealed itself when Neji's long hair shifted a little from its usual position. "Did you put it there yourself? What is it for, if you don't mind me asking?"
Sasuke's sudden question got Neji very alarmed. Who put a seal on the back of his neck of all places without him knowing?! When did this happen?! This is dangerous!
Neji quickly tore off the paper seal from his neck and made to throw it away but it was too late.
BOOM!
"G-Glitters?"
Neji can only look at his entire body, which is now covered in sparkling pink glitters from top to toe, including his hair.
His HAIR.
He can already imagine how long it will take for him to get rid of all the glitters from his perfectly maintained hair.
"Haku…"
Neji let out an uncharacteristic threatening growl as he activated his byakugan and spotted his adoptive older brother up on the spectator's stand. Haku is sporting a rare mischievous grin.
"At least no one will be forgetting about you and our match anytime soon." Sasuke added in dry humour as they both quickly made their way back to the stands. The crowd is already roaring in laughter at Neji's predicament and Neji doesn't want to remain standing in the arena under the crowd's gaze in this pink sparkling state.
The worst part is that he will probably have to continue his subsequent matches in this state since there's no way to get rid of all the glitter in time. Should he just quit now to save himself the embarrassment?
Damn it, Haku. Why go through on your promise now of all times?! Can't you just wait until the matches are over?!
"HAHAHAHA! Did you see Neji nii-san's face? HAHAHAHA!"
"Good job, Haku!" Obito-sensei gave me an approving pat on my back as he too burst out in laughter with Hanabi and the rest of our little group. "I have always known that you have potential as a fellow prankster!"
That's what Neji gets for sticking me with the girls with that stupid sealing tag. Thankfully, Naruto has bucket loads of glitters to spare, especially the sparkling pink ones. These glitters are leftovers from her prankster days and she was very eager to help me with my revenge.
Revenge is sweet.
"Haku-nii."
Neji and Sasuke made their reappearance back to where we are at and the entire group roared in laughter once more when the sparkling pink Hyuga genius appeared once again with a low growl.
"Get this off me. I know you can do it."
"You sealed my movements for two hours that other night. The glitter will also only be there for two hours. Relax and have some fun, Neji. It is only two hours."
Neji is visibly shaking in annoyance as the laughter around us escalated in volume. Even someone as stoic as Kakashi-sensei is laughing at Neji's plight.
Got to appreciate how useful seals are.
The scoreboard at the centre of the arena blinked as it updated the results of the battles thus far.
Nara Shikamaru vs Temari- Winner: Temari
Uchiha Sasuke vs Hyuga Neji- Winner: Hyuga Neji
Hyuga Hanabi vs Omoi
Yuki Haku vs Gaara
Aburame Shino vs Shimura Sai
Uzumaki Naruto vs Rock Lee
Hanabi will be fighting Omoi from Kumo. We have nothing against Omoi, but the both of us have a special form of resentment towards that particular village that he comes from. Hanabi is going to get very vicious in her battle later.
"Cheer for me, people!" Hanabi waved her hands excitedly as she started to climb and sit on the railings. She is definitely too lazy to take the stairs. "Wish me luck!"
"All the best, nabi-chan!" Obito-sensei waved back with equal enthusiasm from where he is sitting beside Rin and Kakashi. "Show them the results of your training!"
"Ne, Haku, any words of encouragement?" Hanabi turned around with that usual cheeky look of hers as she sat on the railings.
"I will laugh at you forever if you lose."
"Haku! What kind of encouragement is that?!"
"You two can stop flirting now, Mr and Mrs Yuki. I have read that-"
"Shut up, Sai."
"Sensei, I think my heart is broken." Sai turned around to Obito-sensei with a dead look on his face. "Why does my teammates treat me in this manner all the time? I am only telling them the truth."
"My poor Sai-kun! Come to your sensei! Your sensei will give you a healing hug!" Obito-sensei wailed out dramatically as he opened his arms wide and glomped the expressionless Sai. Somehow, waterfalls worth of tears is spilling out of his eyes. Did he learn that from Gai-sensei? Is there a jutsu for it? Seems likely.
I am trying very hard not to freeze my idiotic sensei and teammate into cubes of ice right now.
"Haku-nii! When are you proposing to Hanabi-chan?"
"Shut up, Naruto."
"Remember to invite us to your wedding too, alright?" Kiba hollered out as Akamaru woofed in agreement at his partner's words. Team 10 is already too busy laughing out loud with the other senseis. Even Team Gai joined in.
"That would be nice. Why? Because-"
I release a sudden chill that got everyone in the vicinity to clamp their mouths shut.
"Shut. Up. Before I freeze everyone here into ice cubes and dump you into the Naka River."
"Awww, Haku-chan is embarrassed!" My sensei with an obvious lack of self-preservation cooed at me and Hanabi from his location. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about, Haku-chan, nabi-chan! In fact-"
"I'M OUT OF HERE! BYE!"
Hanabi escaped by immediately jumping down into the arena from the railings to face her opponent in battle.
Traitor.
"AWW! Even nabi-chan is flushing! So cute! I should really- AHHH! Haku! Not the face! NOT THE FACE! DON'T FREEZE MY FACE!"
"Take a deep breath, in… out… in… out…"
Hanabi mumbled to herself the moment she landed onto the arena below and took deep breaths to calm herself down and get rid of the flush on her face.
Stupid sensei and stupid Sai. Can they not expose her thoughts every single time they are together? Have they no considerations whatsoever to a maiden's heart? She is a girl! Her skin isn't as thick as guys are!
Haku is still the stupidest of them all.
Stupid Haku.
Hanabi put on her stoic Hyuga mask as she walked to the centre of the arena. Her opponent, Omoi from Kumo, is already there waiting for her.
She will destroy him. She will destroy anyone from Kumo if she has the chance to do so. They had hurt Haku enough. The scars on his arms are a constant reminder to them on how close they were from being captured as slaves.
Haku had nearly died trying to save her. She herself would be Kumo's slave if she didn't have the fortunate luck of meeting Haku in Kiri.
Omoi gave her a small polite nod as she walked up and stood opposite him a few meters away, a gesture that Hanabi ignored. Right now, she couldn't be bothered about manners and decorum. She couldn't care less even if this Omoi guy is a genuinely nice guy despite the village he came from.
He is from Kumo, that is enough reason for her to fight with the intent to kill.
Kumo had hurt Haku.
They will pay.
The crowd had gone deathly silent. It is no secret that she was kidnapped and Kumo had almost succeeded in their plans. How she made her way back to Konoha is a secret to anyone outside of their village, but everyone in this stadium knows enough about the Hyuga clan's hatred towards Kumo shinobis in general.
And right now, a Kumo genin is being pitted against her.
"Are the two of you ready?" The proctor asked as he looked at the two of them. Omoi gave a nod while Hanabi simply activated her dojutsu in response.
"Match start!"
The proctor jumped back just as Hanabi dashed towards Omoi. Omoi had drawn his blade which is now coated with electricity and slashed at Hanabi. Hanabi ducked and unleashed a Vacuum Palm which Omoi dodged. Omoi leapt back and began to run through several hand seals.
"Lightning Release Bullet: Powerful Breath!"
A condensed surge of lightning appeared in Omoi's fist and he punched in Hanabi's direction. A powerful lightning bolt was unleashed as it tore the ground open and launched itself towards Hanabi.
"Kaiten!"
Hanabi defended herself with the move her father and cousin had both found time to teach her shortly after she became genin. It's time.
Time to let Kumo taste their own medicine.
"Nabi-chan is about to use that now. Keep your eyes peeled, Haku-chan, Sai-kun. Hanabi is really strong now. She is a genius. She took only one month to achieve the same proficiency that I did in two years."
"Just what did you teach her?" I asked in curiosity as I looked at my goofy sensei. He is very excited at watching Hanabi's match and had moved out of his seat to lean on the railings to get a better look. Rin is also equally curious; it seems that he had kept this a secret even from her. Their actions had also got the entire group extremely curious.
"My specialty: Fire nature transformation. I taught her a number of fire jutsus as well."
"But didn't Neji said that Hyugas don't learn any other forms of jutsus other than the Gentle Fist since they don't need them?" Tenten asked curiously as she voiced the question that everyone has in their heads.
"Hanabi will never reach the same proficiency in the Gentle Fist as what Neji did. I know that, Hiashi-sama knows that, nabi-chan herself knows that. Nabi-chan has always been a very smart girl, but her true talent lies in her ability to control and transform her chakra however she wishes. Her chakra control is exceptional even by the Hyugas' standards."
"But Hinata's chakra control isn't bad either!" Ino said in reply. "And how will having good chakra control help her now?"
"Like her name, Hanabi is like an exploding firework. Funnily enough, her chakra is also fire-natured, the same as mine. Also, I said that she is able to control and transform her chakra perfectly, it is not exactly the same thing as chakra control even if they are very similar."
"You mean she is able to change the nature of her chakra and master it in a very short amount of time." I deduced the unsaid words from what Obito-sensei is revealing to us. "You taught her how to master the fire nature transformation in just one month."
"Actually, nabi-chan said that it was your idea to let her use ninjutsu and taijutsu at the same time to be a nintaijutsu user. She said that it was your idea to combine shape and nature transformation into the Hyuga's taijutsu style. Nice idea, by the way. I don't think anyone else had thought of that."
"She mastered fire nature transformation in a single month?!" Asuma-sensei asked with a gobsmacked expression on his face and his cigarette dangling from his opened mouth. From the looks that the various senseis and jonins around us are giving Obito-sensei, Obito-sensei didn't tell anyone else about it, not even Rin.
"I told you people she is a genius, didn't I?" Obito said with an extremely smug look on his face. "She didn't manage to master it yet, but it is good enough for this exam. I'm not sure how far she can go a year from now and I really don't want to imagine how destructive she can be when she finally grows into an adult."
"Hanabi does have a love for explosives and anything that goes with a bang." I admitted and shuddered in thought at the reminder of the exploding kunai that had nearly ended my life some years back. "She likes to see things go boom."
"Obito." Kurenai-sensei asked warily from where she is sitting beside Asuma-sensei. "Just what did you teach your genins? Teaching them fire transformation when you only had them for a few months? Are you crazy?! That is chunin or jonin level stuffs!"
"Nabi-chan is the crazy one, not me!"
Change the chakra, feel the heat, let it burn. Remember the training, remember the sensation of burning things down.
Hanabi repeated the mantra in her head as she let her chakra transform its nature to fire. Her mastery in chakra control had made it easier for her to manipulate how her chakra flows within her as she spread her chakra evenly throughout her chakra pathways and slowly emit themselves from the various tenketsu points on her body.
Her entire form is sizzling, an indication that she is doing things right.
Hanabi put her hands in a Tiger seal as she started the jutsu that Obito-sensei had helped her to invent and perfect after many sleepless nights for the both of them.
"Fire Release Chakra Mode!"
The effect was instantaneous.
Hanabi's surroundings was blown back by the explosive force of power that she released as she coated her body with a raging inferno. The only known user of such a technique is the current and Fourth Raikage of Kumogakure, who uses lightning instead of fire. The theory behind the jutsu is easy enough for any shinobi to understand, but hardly anyone is able to replicate it since the chakra control required to use such a technique is ridiculously absurd. On top of that, the user needs to have a very high level of proficiency in their chakra nature transformation and transform their chakra's nature while controlling their chakra flow with absolute precision simultaneously.
Using this jutsu is like trying to do two different things at once. If she has to make a comparison, it will be like trying to look left and right at the exact same time.
Somehow, she managed it with her sensei's help. She knew her chakra control is good enough to even rival some jonins. Her chakra control had always been the best even among her siblings and she is a genius when it comes to fire nature transformation. It is a talent she didn't knew she had until she approached Obito-sensei with her idea after seeking her father's permission to try this out.
She is going to annihilate the Raikage's genin with a variation of his signature technique.
From what she and Obito-sensei knew, the Fourth Raikage's signature jutsu allows him to increase his physical parameters. His speed, strength, and reaction time are all enhanced in this form which allows him to even match Namikaze Minato in speed although their Yellow Flash is said to be a little faster in this department. The Raikage's lightning armour is also strong enough to deflect most attacks on contact, making it a jutsu that allows its user to possess both strong offense and defense.
Fire may not allow the user to experience lightning fast reactions like electricity can, but it made up for it with the sheer offensive powers it provides. Right now, Hanabi's Gentle Fist is able to burn through anything that stands in her way. Already, the area around her is melting from the heat she is giving out. She is also purposely wearing fireproof clothing in this exam with seals hidden and sewed in her clothing for this very same reason, courtesy of Obito-sensei. It would be embarrassing if her clothes burned off from her own jutsu. Obito-sensei had said that there is a good reason why the Raikage tends to go shirtless whenever he enters combat in his Lightning Release Chakra mode.
With a flicker, Hanabi reappeared in front of the shocked Omoi, who barely managed to deflect her strikes with his sword. Seeing his Kage's signature jutsu being reproduced like that must have been a great shock. The crowd were also temporarily stunned into silence when she first started the jutsu. Even the Raikage had stood up in agitation.
Good. She will use this same power that she now wields to obliterate the Kumo genin. How will the Raikage feel about this? To see a jutsu similar to his being turned upon on his people?
His reaction will be a satisfying one to watch.
"Fire Release: Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm!"
Instead of a normal chakra blast, a wall of fire was emitted from Hanabi's palm and pushed Omoi back. Hanabi kept up with her assault, trying to get into physical contact with Omoi to burn his tenketsu points with her fingers. Unlike the usual Gentle Fist taijutsu style, in this mode, a single touch of Hanabi's fingers will burn her target's tenketsu point and render it useless permanently. She can very well cripple him for life. Omoi can say goodbye to his shinobi career once she is done with him.
Omoi isn't letting her the chance to do so as he blocked her strikes with his sword but it is getting increasingly futile. The extreme heat from Hanabi's fire armour is steadily melting the metal blade. Omoi's sword isn't going to hold for long.
Omoi let out a blinding flash of light from his body to try and blind her but Hanabi is not going to fall for such a simple trick. Unlike the stupid Uchihas and some of her equally stupid clansmen, she is not overly reliant on her eyesight in combat. Haku had shown her time and time again in their numerous spars since they were young that it is a bad idea to rely on her sense of sight for everything.
She will not lose.
"KAITEN!"
A flaming tornedo of flames erupted around her as she blew up the entire area with a casual spin. Omoi got himself caught up in it and landed at the far end of the arena with burns sporting throughout his body. Hanabi didn't waste any time and used a shunshin to close the distance, her fingers burning with intense flames and ready to end her opponent in more ways than one.
"I forfeit!"
Hanabi pretended to be unable to stop herself in time as she let her momentum carry her forward. She can always say that it was too late and she was too slow to react anyway. She is pretty sure that the Hokage will back her up on this. No one in Konoha has a favourable view towards Kumo shinobis after the stunt they pulled so many years back.
She wants payback for what they did to her and Haku.
The proctor had tried to interfere but even he is too far away. The heat that she is emitting had forced even him to keep a significant distance away from her during the match. The proctor won't be able to stop her in time.
Good. Just a little more-
There was a sudden presence at her back and Hanabi spun around on reflex to lash out at whoever had sneaked up to her without her realising until it was too late. Not just any random stranger has the capability to get past the byakugan. Whoever it is, this person is dangerous.
A chilly palm caught her wrist despite the amount of hot flames coating it.
"Enough, Hanabi. He had forfeited. There's no need to stoop to their level, don't stain your hands with blood unnecessarily."
"Haku?"
The shock of Haku's appearance caused Hanabi's mind to come to a standstill. It was only a few seconds later when she finally realised that Haku is holding on to her wrist with his bare hand.
Her entire body is still burning with fire.
"You idiot!" Hanabi scolded her crush as she quickly ended her jutsu to prevent it from harming him even further. "Who told you to catch my wrist with your bare hands?! Your-"
"I'm fine, see?" Haku showed her his palm, which had somehow remained undamaged from her flames and Hanabi quickly held it to inspect it further up close. "Your flames need to be hotter than that to hurt me."
"You-! You IDIOT!" Hanabi let her worries and exasperation out in the only way she knows how as she conked Haku on the head, only to fail when a small pane of ice got in the way.
"Oi, oi. I have a match coming right up. Don't hurt me."
The proctor had managed to reach Omoi in time while Hanabi is busy tearing into Haku for his seemingly reckless and suicidal move. Hayate stood in between Omoi and the distracted Hyuga heiress. Omoi is still wincing in pain from his burns when the medics on standby reached him and pulled him out of the area. Even when Hayate announced Hanabi as the winner, the Hyuga in question is still trying to maim the last known Yuki, who remained unaffected and unfazed at Hanabi's behaviour.
"Ahem."
A cough from Hayate brought Hanabi out of her funk, who suddenly realised that the entire stadium was watching the debacle.
"Go back up to the stands. It is my turn now." Haku said coolly as he gestured to the stands with a slight twist of his head. "Any words of encouragement before I face the deranged Suna guy in a fight to the death?"
"I will laugh at you forever if you lose." Hanabi threw Haku's earlier words back at him with a glare. She still hasn't fully forgiven him for that act he pulled earlier. He could have gotten his entire hand burnt off!
"You won't have the chance." Haku replied as Gaara appeared not far from where he is with a sand shunshin and a maniacal look in his eyes. Haku simply whispered three words to her as Hanabi took her leave.
Hanabi walked towards the stairs that lead back up to the stands where their friends are, the words Haku had whispered just loud enough for only her to hear resounding in her mind. That alone is enough assurance to her.
"I will win."
That idiot. Those three words aren't really the three words she wants to hear, but she will take whatever she gets.
If Haku says that he will win, then he will win.
Because she believes in him just as he believes in her.
It is as simple as that.