Unknown Inn, Konohagakure
Morning has come. Three figures sit down for breakfast, discussing their plans.
Jiraiya begins, "The Chuunin Exams start in three hours. I'll assist the Third Hokage with Shin while Esdeath handles external threats. During the exams, I'll patrol in the shadows to ensure nothing unexpected occurs."
Satria contemplates quietly, recalling an earlier conversation with Fatalis about an untested technique.
Flashback:
Satria, training in a forest with Kiyohime, struggles to channel Fatalis' energy in his Calamity Rider form. His attempt ends in an explosion, leaving a crater and himself injured.
[Fatalis: Partner! This is too dangerous; we should stop!]
Lying in pain, Satria sighs. "I'll master it someday, but not today."
End Flashback.
Returning to the present, Satria addresses Jiraiya. "Have you prepared sealing tags for the First and Second Hokage? Orochimaru's Edo Tensei weakens them, but they're still formidable."
Jiraiya nods. "Don't worry, I've prepared for that. But are you certain Naruto should face the Suna Jinchuriki? He's their trump card."
"Trust him," Satria replies confidently. "Naruto will surprise you. Gaara will be one of his greatest allies in the future."
Esdeath, eager for battle, interjects, "What about me?"
"You'll handle the invaders and assist Konoha's shinobi if needed. If anyone asks, say you're Jiraiya's ally," Satria instructs.
Jiraiya grins. "Now, let's enjoy the final day of the exams."
•
The arena is alive with cheers as spectators gather to watch the matches. Participants wait anxiously, except for Sasuke, who remains absent.
From the Hokage's seat, the Third greets the Kazekage. The tension is palpable as Gaara glares at the Kazekage with intense hatred. After a brief exchange, the Third announces the start of the final round.
In the stands, Satria and Esdeath observe. "That's Orochimaru in disguise," Satria notes. He also notices Gaara's unstable demeanor.
Esdeath smirks. "This is getting interesting."
The Third Hokage's speech ignites the crowd, and the matches begin. The first fight: Uzumaki Naruto vs. Hyuuga Neji.
Naruto stands across from Neji, full of determination. "I told you, I'll win!"
Neji activates his Byakugan, scoffing. "We'll see how long your delusions last."
The match begins, with Naruto throwing a kunai before charging in. Neji deftly dodges and counters with Juken strikes, targeting Naruto's chakra points. Naruto reels in pain, retreating to assess his opponent.
Spectator POV
Esdeath, puzzled, asks, "Why does Naruto look so hurt? The strikes seem light."
Satria explains, "That's the Gentle Fist style. It damages internal organs and chakra pathways."
"Hmm... impressive," she replies, intrigued.
Back to the Fight:
Naruto summons shadow clones and attacks in unison. Neji dismantles them effortlessly, striking the original and delivering a harsh truth.
"You can't change fate, Weakling. Those destined to lose will always lose."
Naruto, undeterred, smirks. "You talk too much." He creates more clones, attempting a surprise attack, but Neji counters with his Kaiten, a spinning chakra barrier that repels everything.
Naruto grits his teeth. "This guy's tough... but I'm not giving up!"
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Man with Gender Equality: "Naruto! Beat that prick! Don't listen to him!"
Evil Spirit: "What was that spin move? Impressive defense."
Shin: "That's Kaiten, a Hyuuga clan technique that repels attacks with a chakra barrier. Naruto will need to get creative."
_________________________
Despite repeated failures, Naruto refuses to back down. He summons another wave of clones but is again repelled by Kaiten.
Neji, confident, activates his Eight Trigrams technique, trapping Naruto in a deadly zone. "This is the end."
But Naruto, battered and determined, stands tall. "You don't know me, Neji. I never quit!"
Spectator POV
Esdeath watches intently. "This boy... he's something else. I'm beginning to see why you trust him, Shin."
Satria grins. "Told you."
•
The crowd roared in excitement, but tension filled the arena as the battle unfolded.
"You are within the area of my 8 Trigrams."
Neji's voice carried both authority and finality. His stance was perfect, and his Byakugan glinted with precision as he prepared his finishing move.
Naruto struggled to rise, but his determination was unwavering.
Neji moved in an instant. "Trigrams, Gentle Fist Art: 8 Trigrams 64 Palms!"
Neji's strikes landed with devastating accuracy, each blow closing Naruto's chakra points. By the end of the technique, Naruto collapsed to the ground, gasping for air.
The referee hesitated, stepping closer. "Is it over?"
But Naruto, trembling and bruised, pressed his palms against the ground and attempted to push himself up.
Neji smirked. "I've sealed all 64 of your chakra points. Standing is impossible now."
Naruto clenched his teeth, pain etched across his face. "Ku...so..."
Neji's smile widened. "Frustrated, aren't you? Kneeling before the power of destiny you can't escape. Working hard to reach your dream—what an illusion."
Spectator POV
Esdeath's piercing eyes followed the match intently. "What is he doing now? That blonde brat looks like he's ready to break any moment."
Satria exhaled smoke from his cigarette, his gaze fixed on Naruto. "Neji's closed all his chakra points, cutting off his ability to use techniques. Even standing should be torture now."
"Then it's over?" Esdeath asked, her tone disappointed.
Satria chuckled. "No, not yet. Look at him. Even in this state, he's still trying to fight. Watch closely. This match is far from over."
Naruto POV
Pain shot through Naruto's body with every breath. His limbs felt like lead, his chakra unresponsive. For a moment, despair clawed at him.
Then, like a spark, memories of Hinata and Lee's battles flooded his mind—Hinata's courage despite the odds, Lee's unwavering resolve.
Naruto gritted his teeth, forcing his body to move. "Ku...so..."
Neji's confident expression faltered as Naruto began to rise. "He... no way..."
Naruto grinned through the pain, his voice resolute. "I told you, didn't I? I don't know when to give up."
Neji's eyes narrowed. "Why continue? The result won't change. Surrender, and spare yourself the humiliation."
"Urusai, dattebayo!" Naruto barked, his grin widening. "I've got my reasons."
Neji's confusion turned to irritation. "What are you talking about?"
Naruto's expression darkened. "Why, when you're this strong, do you act like you've already given up? Why did you crush Hinata, someone who's doing her best, without a second thought?!"
Neji froze for a moment, his fists tightening. "That has nothing to do with you."
Naruto shook his head. "Mocking her, calling her a failure... I don't care about your Head Family or Branch Family issues. But I won't forgive anyone who labels someone else a failure!"
____________________
Man with Gender Equality: "This kid... it's like I'm watching a hero's journey unfold in real time. Damn, that speech gave me chills."
Evil Spirit: "Ara-ara, what an intriguing boy. His resolve, that fire in his eyes... I wonder what trick he'll use to win."
____________________
Neji's eyes softened for a brief moment. "So, you want to understand? Fine. I'll show you what binds me—what binds the Hyuuga."
He removed his headband, revealing the green seal etched into his forehead.
Naruto's brow furrowed. "What's that?"
Neji's voice turned cold. "This is the Caged Bird Seal, inscribed on me when I was four. A reminder of the destiny I cannot escape."
He recounted the Hyuuga clan's tragic divide, his father's fate, and the curse that chained him to the Branch Family.
Naruto listened in silence, his fists trembling. Finally, he shouted, "I don't know the pain you've been through, but it's a mistake to let it define your entire life!"
Neji scoffed. "Enough talk. You're hopeless." He charged forward, striking Naruto's stomach with his Gentle Fist.
Naruto fell to the ground again, his body motionless.
Neji turned to the referee. "It's over."
A strained voice cut through the silence. "Don't... run away..."
Neji turned in disbelief to see Naruto standing again.
Through labored breaths, Naruto grinned. "I stand by my own words. Because that's my Nindo. My ninja way!"
Suddenly, Naruto's chakra flared. An orange aura enveloped him, crackling with raw energy.
Neji's eyes widened. "What is this?"
The crowd erupted in astonished murmurs.
Spectator POV
Esdeath leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "That orange chakra... is this the Kyuubi you mentioned?"
Satria nodded, his grin widening. "Yeah, the Nine-Tails. Now watch how he turns this around."
•
With newfound speed, Naruto closed the gap between him and Neji in an instant, attacking with renewed vigor. Neji retaliated with his Kaiten, deflecting Naruto's shuriken, but his movements grew sluggish.
"I don't care about Hyuuga's destiny!" Naruto shouted, clashing kunai with Neji. "When I become Hokage, I'll change the Hyuuga too!"
Neji's Byakugan caught Naruto creating a clone in the crater, but before he could react, the real Naruto emerged behind him.
"Take this!" Naruto's punch connected with Neji's jaw, sending him crashing to the ground.
The referee stepped forward, raising his hand. "The winner is... Uzumaki Naruto!"
The crowd exploded into cheers.
Neji, lying on the ground, stared at the sky. "A failure... defeated me..."
Naruto extended a hand, smiling. "There's no such thing as a failure. You just have to believe in yourself."
Spectator POV
Esdeath couldn't hide her grin. "Amazing... that boy. His strength, his heart... he's going to be someone remarkable."
Satria chuckled, lighting another cigarette. "I told you, didn't I? He's the kind of person who changes the world."
Esdeath gave him a sly glance. "Since when did you smoke?"
"...Since now," he replied with a smirk.
To be continued.