Narrator

Naruto and Neji squared up glaring at each other, they seemed to had completely forgotten about the others. The tension in the field was immeasurable. Kurenai went to officiate, but Kakashi held a hand up. Merely shaking his head, no. They needed to indeed cut loose. This proved to be wise as the two started at close range immediately. Neji tried for a palm thrust to the face, but Naruto ducked and drew his tanto. Slashing at the Hyuga's legs, Neji backflipped to escape this. Leaping forward and unleashing a barrage of finger jabs. Naruto wisely used his tanto to block these until one of the jabs landed.

Naruto puffed into smoke.

"Nice job, jackass!"

"Ya, you beat one of us!"

"Only took like seven moves!"

"Might as well have been a thousand!" Clones called out as they walked into the clearing. Neji's eyes scanned around but couldn't identify the blonde from the clones. "Now, let's get him with one of our newest moves! Naruto Hammer!" Clones called out in unison as they fired off each other towards the Hyuga, who was dodging quickly enough. "Naruto Reflect!" The clones kept the blonde missing flying manual, redirecting them with numbers if needed. Neji constantly dodged but was getting closer and closer to getting hit.

"Damn you! Kaiten!" Neji called. Spinning in place, he was surrounded by chakra that destroyed the clones slamming into it.

There was a lull of action as the smoke cleared. "You realize I see you and your copies in the forest around me, right?" Neji asked.

"Do you know which one is the real one?" Naruto asked.

Neji growled. Before, more clones charged. He met their charge, tearing through them before seeing one of the explosive clones enter. They attempt to grab the Hyuga, but with Kaiten, he manages to escape unscathed.

"Hey, Neji!" Naruto called as he fell. From above, the Hyuga. "Block this!" Neji seemed to take this to heart. Immediately reactivating Kaiten. Naruto smiles as he pulls his tanto and assumes the stance he had earlier in mid-air: "Uzumaki Style: Rising Spiral!" Once again, a twisting amount of chakra flowed from the tanto focused on the top of Kaiten. The two techniques clashed, spinning oppositely, the two attacks grinding together. This caused an explosion that rocked the field. As the dust settles from the attack. Neji stumbles unharmed but is obviously dazed from being in the center. Naruto smirked as he called again, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

The blonde was once again surrounded by clones. He led a charge with others stopping to fire kunai, shuriken, and Naruto hammers. Neji saw the widespread assault coming but merely growled, matching their charge once again. A blonde missile fired off directly at the Hyuga, which spun out of its way. In the process, spinning kicked another flying clone out of the way. Swiping a kunai out of the air aimed for his neck, he clashed with another clone. The two pushed their blades, trying to overpower the other. Immediately dropping the knife, Neji unbalanced the clone. Dispelling it with a palm strike. As he did, he blocked a roundhouse from another but was hit by another clone who landed a hard body kick on the Hyuga. Neji stumbled back in pain but quickly rolled when he noticed another flying clone coming from above. As he recovered his stance, he ducked a slash from a Naruto. Another tried to sweep his legs. But Neji merely jumped into the air with a call of "Kaiten!" All the clones attacking the Hyuga were knocked into the air. All but one popping. Neji smirked as he landed and dashed to where Naruto would land.

"This is crazy," Choji whispered, amazed.

"Naruto!" Ino called out concern when she saw how hard Kaiten hit the blonde.

"This very well could be over. Neji is absurdly strong for a Genin. I have sparred against him several times in class. And only managed a little. Naruto should be proud to do this well. Unfortunately, Neji seems keen on ending this."

"Shame, I thought blondie had more spunk than that," Yuno said, seemingly disappointed.

"Just you wait! Naruto is gonna turn this around!" Ino retorted instantly.

Naruto fell towards Neji, seemingly out of it from the hard blow. As the blonde drew close, Neji merely smiled as he spun again. "This is the price of defying fate! KAITEN!" The dome returned, and the blonde slammed into the top of it. He bounced upwards and fell again. Neji merely continued his rotation. The blonde bounced again, now bruised and bloodied. Neji stopped his rotation and chambered his hand. As Naruto fell from the sky defenseless, Neji mercilessly called out. "PALM BOTTOM!" He slammed his palm into the blonde, and Naruto coughed up a bit of blood as he flew back. Rolling on the ground and stopping in a heap.

"This is done. That is the weight of fate." Neji said coldly as he stomped forward. Naruto had done reasonably well, but seeing that he had failed was disappointing. A small part of the Hyuga hoped he would be proven wrong today.

"Where the fuck you going?" Naruto called out. He stood on his feet. He was covered in dirt with an occasional bruise. He had a bit of blood flowing from his mouth and oozing out of a cut on his forehead. But he stood firm, even smiling at the Hyuga. "You really should've finished me when you had the chance," Naruto said, his smile growing. "That would've been a great finish! But I prefer to end things with a bang! Shadow Clones: Walking Landfield Jutsu!"

Neji's eyes widened, first at the blonde still standing. Then, there are numerous wells of chakra glowing throughout the field. As he scanned the area, he saw he was surrounded by exploding clones hiding underground. A damn tunnel system had been caved in by them! He spun desperately as the clones exploded. Creating a massive explosion. Coating everything in a dust cloud.

"Why must he blow everything up?" Kakashi complained while watching. Kurenai seemed to be glaring at him. The Cyclops wondered if it was the brutal fight, the potential lethality of it, or the destruction of her training field. Kakashi would be putting some earth jutsu on display after this.

As the ground cleared, Neji stood mostly unharmed except slightly singed. He stumbled but received no pity. With a shout, several blondes flew from the air, hitting Neji in tandem. Before Neji could fly away, they grabbed the Hyuga and held him up. Each holding one of his limbs and lifting him in the air, restraining him, "I'M ENDING THIS NOW!" Naruto called as Neji saw him, and a clone flew above the air. One was holding the other Naruto by the hands. Flipping through the air, the two build speed. Neji touched two fingers from two clones holding him, dispelling them and freeing his arms. Unfortunately, this led to his upper half falling. Neji, realizing he would not have time to avoid nor the freedom for Kaiten, crossed his arms over his face. Filling them with chakra, he mounted the best defense he could muster. Naruto flew in hard, screaming, "NARUTO BATTLE AX!" His foot slammed into the Hyuga. The blow sent the Hyuga into the ground, cracking the concrete below. His arms saved him somewhat, but his back and skull still crashed into the ground. Only Neji's determination kept him conscious. The two clones holding him were expelled from the harsh impact. Naruto jumped back and waited. He was certain Neji couldn't tank a hit like that, but it never hurt to be sure. Once ten seconds passed, the blonde decided to approach the Hyuga carefully.

"LET'S GO BLONDIE! BLONDES FUCKING RULE!" Ino cheered excitedly.

"Haha! Who knew Naruto had it in him?" Choji agreed, happy to see his friend succeed.

"I wouldn't be so sure," Yuno interjected.

"Why not? Naruto laid him out." Choji asked

.

"That's because Neji's playing him," Shino informed them.

"Otherwise, Kurenai and I would be down there," Kakashi informed.

"Naruto…" Ino said quietly. She wanted to warn him, but he would likely be furious if she did.

Naruto approached and held out in front of him. Twenty feet away, ten, five. Neji had yet to move. As Naruto got into arms reach, the Hyuga sprung up with a roar. Naruto prepared for this and countered with a thrust. But Neji seemingly had seen this already, having thrown a kick to counter the thrust. He kicked the blonde off balance. And with a smile, he prepared his new technique. "You're in my range. One Palm!" Neji dashed forward. Naruto attempted to counter with a slash, but Neji landed a finger on his shoulder before he could. Naruto could feel his arm numb and hesitate. This was all Neji needed to continue the assault. "Two Palms!" One went high and low, making the blonde stumble back. "Four Palms! Eight Palms! Sixteen Palms!" Naruto seemed utterly defenseless, the pain seeming to overwhelm him. "Thirty-Two Palms!" Naruto was barely standing. Neji merely growls viciously as he moves to finish the blonde. "Sixty-Four Palms!" Naruto flew back and landed flatly on his back. Neji fell to his knees. Both panted on the ground. With a groan, Naruto crawled to his feet, picking up his tanto as he did so. Neji sighed as he rose as well.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"Are you running on empty?" Naruto asked.

"Yes, I see you're struggling to mold chakra. Surrender."

"I planned for this, actually," Naruto stated simply as he made a new stance with his tanto, holding it up for a downward slash. "I don't need chakra for this technique. "Uzumaki Style: Raging Wave!"

Naruto slashed downward, his sword glowing as he did so. Once he reached the bottom of the swing, chakra burst from the blade in a quick, straight line. Neji was shocked but twirled by instinct. "Fate has spoken! Your future is decided! YOU CAN'T CHANGE ANYTHING! KAITEN!"

"Then I'll break my fate! I'll show you! YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR OWN LIFE!" Naruto screamed. Naruto's newest technique slammed into the barrier as the two yelled their fury. There was a clash of chakra as the two ground against each other. But the domed seemed to bend inward before shattering. The wave of chakra hit the Hyuga. The blow knocked him back and burnt him. On his chest was a slash as if he had been cut by a blade. There was silence as everyone waited to see if Neji would rise again. But the Hyuga did not. The final blow had knocked him out.

Kakashi appeared to check on the Hyuga. Once he was happy that Neji was stable, he stood and stared at Naruto. Kurenai appeared as well. The shock on her expression as well. "Naruto Uzumaki wins the spar!" She called. Both teams cheered happily, seeming to have enjoyed the fight and the victor. "What the hell are you teaching them, Kakashi?" She asked. "Chunin would've struggled to do anything against either."

"Oh, they both carry heavy burdens," Kakashi explained simply.

Kurenai rolled her eyes at the lack of info on the answer. But they were both interrupted by a waking Neji. Even as damaged as he was, he rose to his feet. Stomping over the blonde. Kurenai went to interfere, but Kakashi stopped her again.

Neji arrived, barely standing in front of Naruto. Naruto was hurt but managed to stand firm. "You actually defeated me. You were nothing special ye-"

"Listen, our circumstances are important; they help make us who we are. But they are not the only factor. Things are never set in stone. The only time they are is when we give up. I could never become Hokage, but I never would give up. I don't have much in this world. But I have my willpower, my drive, my dreams. So one day, when I AM Hokage, I'll set the branch members free." Naruto said as he walked forward, holding out his fist. Neji seemed to stare at it, unsure of what to do. But with a small smile, he met the fist.

"I apologize for my actions. I look forward to working with you. Loser." Neji said.

"You too, you absolute ass." Naruto countered.

Ino felt the pressure building inside her dissipate. The fight was over. Somehow, Naruto had won, and even better, the men seemed closer. Choji and Shino were both happy to see the blonde win. Yuno merely seemed fascinated with the blonde.

Kakashi merely smiled. He wondered if Minato and Rin would be proud.

Jiraiya chuckled from the trees nearby. It had been murder getting here in time, but it was well worth it. Kushina had written to him informing the Sage of the match the blonde was involved in. Jiraiya had to see the fight. See if the kid had his father in him. The blonde had actually knocked off Neji decisively as well. He had even shown guts. The man was one he hadn't met yet. A busy man like the Toad Sage was often on the go. But the blonde had Kushina, so he was not worried. Yet, in that fight, it was like watching Kushina and Minato battle together again. A mix of viscous planning and sharp instincts had allowed the blonde to win. Jiraiya wanted to introduce himself severely but has yet to do so. He would get the blonde as a tutor as soon as he was promoted. After this performance, Jiraiya had no doubt he would soon see his godson. But for now, he would wait. "Soon, Naruto, soon."

A group of five traveled to a structure well known to Leaf Shinobi but now abandoned. An old holdout of the Uchiha symbolizes their independence, even once they join the Leaf. The Uchiha Hideout was the former base of the Uchiha. The Saninn had heard cats were maintaining the grounds. But seemingly knowing the four were there, avoided them. The Saninn may have sent some men to investigate. The five were led by quite a famous man. Orochimaru of the Sannin walked with his most potent and trusted soldiers. His right-hand man, Kimimaro, was a younger man with white hair that was parted with an odd zigzag pattern. His forehead was marked with markings that told of his Kaguya clan heritage. His eyes seemed almost lifeless, just green orbs impassively observing their surroundings. He wore a lavender kimono wrapped in the braided rope his elites were gifted. He might just be his strongest soldier. A likely candidate for his newest host. The utterly loyal man was a favorite soldier. Walking to his left was a woman with a most unique kekkei genkai. Crystal Style was a tempting choice as a host, but she was widely helpful. Once he had removed the young boy from her life, she had shattered. A bit of manipulation and Guren had become a useful tool. Her unruly, spiky, pale blue hair pulled into a bun but still spilled out onto her face. She had a cold expression that fit her beauty. She wore a green turtle neck dress with one long sleeve and a short one. As well as brown gloves and boots. Lastly, and certainly not finally, was his most dubious ally.

Doubtlessly powerful and helpful, his loyalty was impossible to guarantee. He had served a master slain by the Leaf but had not given details. Merely demanding to work with the Sannin in exchange for the destruction of the Leaf. While not necessarily his end goal, it would be worth his time for what the man self-named "Zetsu" offered. He could move undetected at high speeds, making him perfect for the more fragmented Sound Village. In battle, he was a simple fighter using earth jutsu and his travel to kill his opponents. After all, the man had killed several when Orochimaru had sicked them. Rarely would Orochimaru gather his leaders so at once, but the circumstances demanded a show of force. The group that was waiting to meet them was uniquely dangerous. Orochimaru was sure they would be victorious in a pitched battle, but it was impossible to guarantee due to the powers of his newest allies.

The group finally arrived at the main chamber of the room, seeing their other party waiting. Ikam sat on the throne, seemingly expecting the other group. Next to him stood a woman with a remarkable resemblance to Kushina. But she was shorter and slightly thinner. Orochimaru wracked his brain before releasing who it must be. Mishio Uzumaki, the infamous thief of the Uzumaki. She had stolen the mask before a team of Leaf had captured them from her. Using it as a bargaining chip to form an alliance. He had sworn her dead. At the very least, she would be ancient. But Orochimaru sensed no transformation; she somehow was still young. The man standing to the left of Ikam was even more shocking. Standing next to Ikam was the man of history, Ashina Uzmumaki, who had helped seal the tailed beast. The founder of Village Hidden in the Whirlpool. If Mishio should be dead, Ashina should've been rotten. Two dead shinobi stood alive and well next to Ikam.

"Ah, Ikam, Uzumaki, clever in a simple way, I suppose." Orochimaru started.

"You may forgive me, but I must hide my identity. As far as history is concerned, I'm a dead man. I prefer it that way. Also, refrain from calling us that accursed name. It is my shame the world even knows it." Ikam replied as he stood. "Mishio, put on the mask I gave you." The woman nodded, silently doing so. Putting on an unnerving mask that showed some ghoulish face of a woman. The eyes of the mask seemingly glow in the dark room.

"Ah the Amanojaku Mask." Orochimaru observed. "Said to see the hearts of all. An effective lie detector. Quite wise when dealing with a snake."

"Of course, no offense to you, but in business situations like this, I find it best to have honesty. Even if forced." Ikam replied evenly.

"No matter, how did my drug perform?" Orochimaru asked hungrily.

"Mizuki did receive a noticeable power boost but was still defeated handily. It increased his speed and strength. Not to mention, he had become as durable as stone. Blades are not even able to pierce his skin. I must admit I intend to buy some from you."

"Kukukukuku, it seems it worked as expected. Excellent. I have enough on me for this, Guren!" Orochimaru called. The woman walked forward with a large duffle bag, sitting it a couple of feet in front of the Uzumaki.

Ashina silently walked forward and grabbed the bag. After checking its contents, he returned it to his group, nodding towards Ikam once satisfied. "It was Wonderful doing business with you, Orochimaru. I'll be in touch about that seal you asked for. But remember, if you find a Uzumaki, report it to me."

Orochimaru merely nodded with a smirk. Ikam glared at the Sannin but gave up once it was clear he would not be cowed. Orochimaru's group left with caution. Then, tension in the air disappeared until Ikam could no longer feel them. He would have to be careful of that snake. He may very well be the death of him after all.

Sai was woefully conflicted. He never really had his own personal thoughts. Years of training had seen to this. He always thought towards whatever the objective had been stated as being. He didn't mind this; sure, he had read books that discouraged him from having work as his life. But reading those books was against the rules anyway. Sai knew his existence was a poor one. But he felt nothing for it or did anyway. Now, Sai had thoughts and opinions and even smiled without meaning once. He knew this meant he was compromised, but to his life, he couldn't stop. Danzo compelled him to report this, but he succeeded. He had failed, but such wasn't accepted by the Root. Besides, he had read in a book that double negatives cancel out. He blamed Tenten and Shikamaru. Shikamaru was oddly understanding; his intelligence made him relate to Sai to some degree. Shikamaru also explained various social constructs very well. Tenten was supportive not only regarding befriending Shikamaru but also in general. To such a degree, Sai was sure she was either trying to seduce or manipulate him. Since Root rarely engaged in breeding, he doubted the first one. She was almost certainly a deserter or spy if she tried to manipulate him. Sai knew he should report this to Danzo but chose not to. After all, he may not feel anything, but he remembered he used to hate the man.