A's POV (Kage Box of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
A watched silently as the battle raged on below. Anyone knowledgeable of A, knew an extended silence from him was a rare and purposeful instance. The man was perplexed, simply put. This match significantly altered A's thoughts about the power of his enemies. And the future of his homeland.
Enemy wasn't quite the right word. At least for the current situation, but he thought differently. A had made his village solid and profitable, as did all his predecessors. As such, he embraced all outsiders as what they were. Past enemies who have been subjugated and conquered, present enemies he had yet to have the pleasure of crushing, and future enemies he must plan for. Most fell into either the first or second category. The other four villages represented such well. The Leaf and Stone were present enemies, ones he needed to subjugate or crush. The Sand and Mist were lesser problems. Indeed, A was annoyed they were in the same league as his village. But the Sand had been weak for a while now; it was why they had fathered such a close relationship with the Leaf. The Mist were similar to them, doubtless stronger, but busy fighting themselves. Even if Yagura's faction did win it was questionable how strong they would be.
Oh, A had signed the agreement for peace just as the other Kage had done. And similarly to them, he did so for his own reasons, primarily unrelated to peace. But A had been convinced simply because he believed his village was the strongest. The Leaf had mainly lost the Uchiha, their most prominent Hokage, and were led by the weak and feeble Hiruzen. The Mist was too busy killing themselves to be a factor. The Sand was weak, and the Stone needed a powerful, long-lasting leader. This would surely only lead to the gap between them increasing.
Now, A questioned his previous thoughts. A had been confident that his village contained the strongest and most experienced jinchuriki. He had been right, but now he noticed a problem. Naruto Uzumaki, Gaara of the Sand, and Fuu of the Waterfall were powerful despite their lack of experience. Fuu had even shown an impressive level of mastery over her beast. And the other two seemed incredibly powerful so far without using much of their beast. One of them even came from a minor village. If Fuu could fight at a level more comparable to a powerful Jounin than a Chunin now, how much stronger would she be in a few years… Strong enough to make her weak home a much more valid threat. A had a feeling the other two would grow to be a much larger problem as well. Soon his powerful brother Bee and the ever loyal Yugito may have rivals.
Sasuke Uchiha and, to a lesser extent, his family member Yuno represented another problem. Not only were Suna, the Leaf, and Taki looking like they were stronger than he had thought. But the Leaf looked to to be even more troublesome. Despite their recent failed Coup, the Uchiha clan still has loyal and skilled members. They would return with some level of their former glory in some time. Not to mention number wise the Leaf were dominating the exams.
There was little to be done for now. But it would be interesting to see which enemy would need an eye kept on them. Was the determined Uchiha the potential victor? Or one of the monsterous jinchuriki. A would watch for now, but these exams proved to him that a time of peace may need to end!
"What are your thoughts, you muscle-bound freak?" Onoki asked bitterly. The older man was still sour about his daughter having lost her battle. Onoki had doubts she had been fully ready but never imagined she would be so thoroughly embarrassed. While A had been musing over the exams, the other had been discussing the battle before them and picking the likely winner.
"That your daughter was crushed by a nobody!" A roared with anger. "Seems the Stone may be the new weakest village."
"Bah! She made a mistake, you fool. Your own are mostly gone as well." Onoki sniped back.
A felt the anger swell at that; truthfully, it annoyed him but bothered him a little. But it was best to let them think him a mindless brute. Before he could sell further, Rasa offered his own opinion.
"We all are doing relatively poorly compared to the Leaf." Rasa admittedly easily. "Luckily, the victor isn't based on the number of men but their skill. Something you shall all see when my son wins these exams."
A wanted to refute such, but as skilled as Samui was, he doubted she could contest with the jinchuriki she would have to fight against. But A could use this. He just needed the other two to do it for him. "When the hell did we agree to have Jinchuriki here anyway?" A added ensuring to sound incensed as possible. He subtly saw the flinch of Hiruzen and Rasa; they had likely hoped to avoid this argument.
"A fair point; this could be construed as a villainous thing to do." Yagura agreed with a frown and raised brow. "They are often not on the same level as their peers."
"There is no rule regarding the use of them." Rasa countered quickly. "I looked through the rules about these exams myself. It is only discouraged due to the damaged mental state usually held by them. Something I believe all three have shown to be mostly stable."
"Didn't your son kill several during the Trial of Nio?" Mifune asked confused.
"Killing is part of our job descriptions samurai." Rasa snapped back.
"To further support my ally. And to avoid continuing that conversation." Hiruzen chimed in. "The former point was true, the jinchuriki present are not guilty of anything other than being uniquely skilled. Simply because they are powerful does not mean they are unstoppable."
"Of course, the two guilty of such are defending it." Onoki chimed in with a frown. "My daughter is a skilled and powerful kunoichi. I wonder if the only reason she lost is because her opponent was a jinchuriki."
Inwardly A chuckled at such. In truth he doubted Naruto Uzumaki's victory had anything to do with the Kyuubi. No the blonde reminded A of someone…
"A fair point as a jinchuriki myself. I can confirm we are unlikely to lose to just any human." Yagura agreed. This snapped A out of his mind, listening to see if his seeds would bear fruit.
"Certainly, this isn't worthy of discussion." Rasa complained. "It's within the rules, and they have competed reasonably enough. None of them have gone on a rampage. Even if they do, we ARE all Kage here. With a literally armies worth of Jounin and Anbu here. Is there truly any need to be concerned? Hell Hiruzen even brought some shadowy new unit."
"So you don't mind if we kill your tools if they act out?" A asked savagely. The situation Rasa described could prove valuable to weaken his foes within political confines.
"It seems like an apt solution." Yagura agreed.
"Ehh, seems like a dreadful solution." Onoki complained. "They've caused little harm; we have no right to impede them."
"He is correct." Mifune agreed. "As per agreement during these meetings. No unallowed harm is to fall onto any shinobi. This is a peace-seeking meeting, after all."
"Fine!" A complained. He had expected this wouldn't bear fruit, but at the very least, it caused tension.
Yagura frowned but nodded at this as well.
"I personally am surprised by the strength of Fuu." Hiruzen spoke to break the tension around them. "Taki has always survived off their hidden location and supposed secret weapon that fuels their leader. I didn't expect they would produce a jinchuriki this strong."
"Now that you mention it, they haven't had too many battles with it present. It was always assumed they simply kept it hidden due to poor host." Rasa continues. "Perhaps they simply didn't wish to let their true power show. A risky play from a smaller village to risk their best weapon."
"There is no risk, any aggressive movement toward any villagers will have a heavy cost." Mifune interfered seriously. Rasa snorted but was silent at the reminder.
"To think your founder gave away such a powerful beast to such a weak village." A sniped yet again at Hiruzen. " A waste of potential, I'd say."
"Taki is privy to too many things that are wasted with them." Yagura agreed darkly. "Not just the jinchuriki but the Hero's Water as well."
"Say what you wish, but the clever bastards have never been crushed or invaded. Even during the wars." Onoki explained. "They used gorilla warfare to fight, and since we could not find their home, they did so fearlessly. I imagine giving them a beast they should struggle to contain was a small compromise. I'd say the "Last of the Uchiha" is in a fair bit of trouble."
"Power isn't everything." Hiruzen countered plainly. "They are both powerful, but there is a difference."
The others looked at the Hokage questionably.
"Well said Hiruzen." Mifune agreed readily. "Let's see if the former famed Uchiha can show us."
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Sasuke's POV (Courtyard of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Sasuke wielded the blade of flames as he eyed his opponent. Despite the competitive clash, Fuu seemed mostly undamaged and not tired at all. Meanwhile, Sasuke had used a fair bit of his chakra. He had thought the lanterns would be the finish to this fight. After all, it was powerful and challenging to deal with the technique, and he had managed to hide away while using it. But she had homed in on him rather quickly. And even when the jutsu did land it wasn't incredibly effective.
'I wasn't expecting this level of competition from her. I figured she was a tank but would be dealt with easily enough. It's clear to me now that isn't the case. She's durable enough to take on powerful ninjutsu head one with minimal damage. Her flight makes her quick and mobile in unpredictable ways. She also has access to some powerful insect-based forms. So far, she seems to have a basic one, more of an all-rounder form; when she unleashed that powerful explosive attack, it seemed like she lost her wings. Now, this newest form allowed her to tank five of his demon lanterns. So, there are three forms. She has an all-rounder, which increased her offense and defense to roughly a similar level, an offensive one that gave her access to ranged attacks, and a defensive one that seemed to improve her already impressive defense. I need to destroy her now before she finds a route to end this. Before she can switch!' Sasuke decided as he blurred forward.
Sasuke appeared behind Fuu; as soon as he did so, Fuu spun, attempting to backhand him, but met nothing but air. Sasuke had already reappeared before her, lunging forward with his blade. Fuu gasped as it stabbed her shallowly. With a screech of pain, Fuu jumped backward through the air to get distance; it merely played into Sasuke's hand.
'Good, I didn't think her armor would provide much defense against Besmirched Flambe. The heat simply burns from within. Which is perfect. She sacrifices speed and mobility for armor, a critical flaw when I can bypass it. And without your pesky wings, I have air superiority!' Sasuke thought as he flexed chakra all throughout his body. 'Need to use the body flicker at maximum efficiency. This fight goes to UCHIHA!'
"Fiery Reappearing Shadow Sever!" Sasuke called. Fuu was defenseless as Sasuke moved at a speed that no one under Jounin could keep up with. Merely appeared as a glowing red line that slashed mercilessly at the airborne Fuu, who screamed out pain during the barrage. Fuu landed bodily at the end of such, Sasuke standing in front of her coldly.
"Kakashi, this woman is done," Sasuke said as he marched forward. "It'll be a miracle if she even suriv-" Sasuke was interrupted as a cheerful voice yelled.
"Not yet~!" Fuu called cheerfully as she flew forward fist-first into Sasuke's back. 'She switched forms at some point!' Sasuke spat out blood as Fuu smashed into him at speed. Sending the confident Uchiha sprawling forward before he blurred and appeared across from Fuu. Wiping the blood off his face and spitting some out, the Uchiha eyed Fuu coldly.
"How the hell are you even alive?" Sasuke asked incredulously. "Your insides should be cooked!"
"Oh, I'm so lucky!" Fuu cheered. "It hurt for a while, but with Chomei, that stuff never sticks!"
"That makes no sense! You can't luck your way out of being internally immolated!" Sasuke roared, confused and angered by the seemingly unstoppable Fuu. "Also, who the hell is Chomei…" Sasuke paused as he thought. His Besmirched Flambe reappeared in his hands as now slightly battered Uchiha eyed her down. "Your beast… must make you durable, but that can't be all… you can heal." Sasuke reasoned out loud.
"Sure can!" Fuu agreed readily. "It'll take more of that to keep me down."
"Good for you. But now it's my turn for a trick. Look me in the eyes, Fuu." Sasuke said as his Sharingan spun wildly.
"Umm, sure?" Fuu said, confused as she did so. "It's cool. Your eyes can spin, I guess?"
Sasuke didn't bother to answer. Instead, he blurred to her left, fainting another lunge. Instead, he blurred above her and slashed at her head. Fuu managed to lean out of the way of this and fly upwards, seeking safety in the air. Sasuke growled as he chained his body flicker to pursue her upwards. As he did, he would blur in or out of range, slashing with Besmirched Flambe at Fuu. Yet the jinchuriki dodged and weaved each slash. Now freed of her defensive mode, she seemed fast enough to react to his attacks. The two continued their dance into the sky well above the arena. Eventually, Sasuke decided this was a waste of chakra and began to fall toward the ground while seemingly wielding his Flambe like an arrow notched in an invisible bow. "Take this! Arrow of the Besmirched: Phoenix Arrow!" Sasuke said as the blade flew forward as if shot from a bow. Fuu flinched, not expecting it to be shot, and was hit dead center. With a gasp of pain, she spat out blood and began to fall as well.
Sasuke appeared above her, now wielding another Besmirched Flambe. "This is finished." He promised as he spun and prepared a mighty slash. The blade seemed to turn blue and swell as he did. "Besmirched Despair: Brillant Disdained Flame!" As he slashed, the blade exploded outwards with blue flames. Fuu, just having recovered from the arrow, merely screamed as she was covered in the explosive flames. Before, with a boom of chakra, she was coated in a glowing cloak of it, this chakra noticeably stronger. She shook her head as if to clear her thoughts,and with a grunt of pain flew through the powerful blast of flames. Sasuke flinched at this, not expecting to tank one of his more powerful jutsu. He desperately formed another Flambe, but as he slashed it at Fuu, she caught it in her hand like a regular blade. Sasuke was shocked into silence. 'How can she hold it! The beast chakra can interact with it?!' He had little time to ponder as Fuu grabbed and held the blade with strength. Sasuke desperately pulled but could not free it. While Sasuke did so, Fuu's other chakra-covered hand seemed to form a construct that looked like some kind of horn.
"My turn, emo!" Fuu declared. "Herculean Punch!" She yelled as she slammed the fist into Sasuke's face, sending him careening towards the ground. The Uchiha was at first stunned. But gasping with pain Sasuke body flickered against the force, which managed to bleed off some speed, considerably lowering the impact of his body and the cruel hard earth. Even coating himself in chakra, Sasuke barely held consciousness as the impact sent waves of shock through his mind and body. Sasuke groaned in pain as he crawled to all fours and bodily managed to stand. Fuu could be seen standing in front of him, patiently waiting.
"By the way!" Fuuav chirped as if she had not very nearly killed him. "Chomei says your genjutsu won't work on us. Apparently, Chomei can free me from any you do land!"
Sasuke flinched at that, now understanding how Fuu was contesting his Ash Step. While it allowed Sasuke impressive speed and mobility, the most vital part of it was the subtle Genjutsu Sasuke used in tandem. The subtle Genjutsu allowed the technique to seem even quicker and made it so even those who could match it, struggle to keep up. The two used in tandem made his approach almost impossible to detect or react to in battle. But if Fuu was immune to his Genjutsu, it made sense that she would have the raw speed to respond. Sasuke narrowed his eyes as he lowered his stance.
"It seems things are getting interesting." Sasuke said with a slight smirk. "What do you fight for?" Sasuke was stalling slightly. The decisive blow from Fuu had nearly knocked him out and may have broken some of his ribs. His chakra reserves were roughly half-depleted. And apparently, he needed a new strategy for his opponent. Luckily, she didn't seem intelligent and likely wouldn't notice his ruse.
"Fight for?" Fuu asked, confused. She felt much happier now that she had landed a solid strike on the Uchiha. "Um, well, for fun, I guess… my village kinda forced me here. So mostly just having fun until it's over."
"Fun?" Sasuke asked with a raised brow. "You're doing this for fun? Then why fight so hard?"
"Like I said, my village forced me here; I assume if I fail, it'll be held against me. I can't really afford for my village to like me any less." Fuu finished with a nervous chuckle. "I also figured I could make some friends. And it worked! So, ya, I'm mostly here for fun. Besides, I doubt anyone other than the other two stand a chance; I'm too lucky."
Sasuke's entire body tensed. These exams meant so much to him; he needed to prove himself, prove the Uchiha wasn't fading, gain power, gain influence. It was no great exaggeration to say this was the most significant task he had endeavored to do. Fuu was here for mere fun and friends. Both of which Sasuke could admit to liking to some degree. But it was no true motivation. Fuu wasn't fighting for anything…
"Then I'm afraid I can't lose to you. I never could," Sasuke said, his voice now dark. It seemed as though the air around him grew hotter. His eyes spun even faster.
"Um, but I'm way stronger. So why not?" Fuu replied earnestly.
"There's a difference between us." Sasuke continued as he raised his hand. A second Besmirched Flambe appeared. "You don't want to lose. I can't." Sasuke blurred forward, slicing at Fuu's head and legs at the same time. Impressively, Fuu jumps while scrunching to avoid both slices. With a flap of her wings, she propelled herself forward, which Sasuke managed to evade narrowly with another body flicker. He appeared above her, but with shocking speed, Fuu flipped around, kicking Sasuke higher into the air violently. Before suddenly, the man managed to recover from the blow with mere grit, Sasuke surged forward, slashing both blades from the left and right. Fuu managed to catch the right one, but the left slash landed. Slicing a burning line through her midsection. Fuu flinched in pain, allowing Sasuke to weave hand signs. Before he could finish, Fuu called out in pain.
"Chomei style: Lucky Instance!" Fuu called out. Sasuke flinched, he remembered what this did to Lee, and as his chakra surged suddenly, and his jutsu lost control. Sasuke only could offer a single syllable word before the technique backfired, causing an explosion that sent Sasuke flying and stunned Fuu for an instant. Fuu smiled. The small blast barely hurt her as she powered through the blast and flew forward to pursue the injured Uchiha. Sasuke flew into the forest, crashing into a tree with a dreadful thud. Fuu prepared to finish him off, aiming a punch for him as he collided with the tree. Sasuke fought off unconsciousness with willpower alone, and mere instinct had him blur away in time to avoid Fuu's punch. The power of which tore the tree down. Sasuke attempted to use trees for cover, but Fuu flew through tree trunks as if they were paper. The branches, trunks, and fragments flying through the air added to the threat the Uchiha had to avoid. Sasuke's impressive acrobatics and use of Ash Step, to avoid the calamity.
He flew out of the forest into the sandy part of the arena. Desperate for space, he turned and managed to dispel one Flambe as he aimed at the other. Fuu emerged from the forest, flying headfirst towards a Phoenix Arrow. Fuu could not dodge or catch the attack; instead, she screamed.
"Chomei Style: Lucky Instance!" The arrow somehow spun around and instead raced for its creator. 'This is bullshit!' Sasuke ducked this as he landed but was helpless to stop Fuu from smashing into him headfirst. He skidded along the ground as Fuu stomped forward. Sasuke rose slowly, bleeding from all over and covered in burns; he stared at Fuu.
Fuu stopped with a frown. "You were entertaining, even if you seem a bit judgmental. I've had quite a bit of fun. But I think this fight is over." She replied simply.
"It can't be. I won't let it be. If only I knew you were going to be so powerful." Sasuke complained as he formed a pair of hand signs. "I would've used this from the start. Fiery Presence: Kagutsuchi." Fuu raced forward to stop this but was flung back by a massive explosion of flames.
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This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Naruto's POV (Contestant Section of Iron Arena Land of Iron)
Naruto whistled with appreciation at the fight before him. Even more so since Fuu was winning, well it seemed anyway. It was too competitive of a match to be sure. Naruto had taken a liking to the friendly lady and had never been that keen on Sasuke. He had to admit, the two had stolen the show so far. 'Shame I didn't get to fight either of them… I guess Gaara isn't the only threat.'
"Oh dear, I can't believe he will do this!" Hinata suddenly started with a gasp. "We have to get Kakashi to stop this!"
"Eh?" Shikamaru asked as he leaned against the railing beside her. "I agree it's a rough match, but it should be fine. Fuu has tanked everything Sasuke offers and doesn't seem like the killing type. Besides Sasuke is a bit anti social but not murderous."
"Sasuke isn't… normally," Hinata said with hesitation. "But I was there when he created that technique! Sensei banned it for use unless he's in a life-or-death situation. It's too powerful and destructive for a friendly battle."
"That bad, huh?" Naruto asked. "I still don't see the big deal. Fuu is crazy strong and is in control."
"It doesn't matter who wins!" Hinata replied angrily. "Someone may die!"
"I hate to say it, Hinata, but even if that is the case, it's technically within the rules of the exams." Shikamaru countered. "Besides, Kakashi is a living legend. If it was essential to interfere, he surely would."
"I suppose…" Hinata said nervously.
"Um," Naruto said. "Are you sure he even could?"
"What kind of question is that? He's a famous Jounin; of course, he can." Shikamaru replied.
"Well, look," Naruto replied bluntly. All three did so, and they were shocked by what they saw. What looked like a living, swirling, storm of fire stood in the middle of the sandy portion of the field. Sasuke looked nothing like his usual self. Instead, his body was caked in flames, which raced off his body in flares. The sand around him was melting and forming into patches of glass. Fuu, who had tanked various fire jutsu, flames, and explosions alike, stood twenty feet away. Different from the rest of the fight, Fuu seemed hesitant, unsure of how to approach. A few pieces of shrubbery that had remained unburied around Sasuke seemed to wither before bursting into flames.
"I'm not sure anyone can touch him without being hurt." Naruto mused. "Though Kakashi does know some powerful water jutsu. Soooo… maybe?"
"What the fuck?!" Shikamaru said with a grimace. "This is no mere drag; no simple water technique is gonna do anything. Do you know how hot something has to be to produce heat of that magnitude from that far away? It should be impossible to survive this technique even as a user! Yet alone maintain it!"
"It's something absurd. Something no one should attempt." Hinata explained. "Earnestly, I had little doubt my teammate would win. Not because of his power but because he will not lose until he achieves his goal. Even if it cost him his life." Hinata explained.
Naruto frowned at this before nodding respectfully at Sasuke. He was also prone to risk it all for his ideology. 'Nah I must be going crazy, I am nothing like Sasuke Uchiha.'
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Fuu / Kakashi's POV (Courtyard of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Fuu stood a short distance away, eyeing the walking, fiery, mast, that Sasuke had become. She usually wouldn't bother with caution; most shinobi had been unable to hurt her in her career. Sasuke had managed more damage to her than anyone ever had. First, his lanterns had actually managed to hurt her to a minor degree. Then his blade of fire hurt a lot. If not for Chomei healing her, Sasuke would have defeated her by now. But Fuu had been confident Sasuke had shown his best moves. And had nothing that could put her away. Now she thought the situation may be different; even from her distance, it was seriously hot! Fuu could only imagine how hot it would be up close. The guy didn't even look human anymore. Could he really survive in such a state?
Fuu's answer came when the walking infernal began its trek towards her. His gait was slow and focused as if it was taking an effort to move so slowly. As it walked, the flames that covered him seemed to be reacting. Suddenly, flaring or bursting from him. Each step led to the sand melting into glass and maintaining its molten form. The flames surrounding its head seemed to shrink before the glowing, twirling eyes of the Sharingan were present. "I try not to use this technique. In fact Shisui told me never to do so unless it was a last resort. To me my goal is worthy of risking my life. While immune to the flames and resistant to the heat, each second in this form is utter agony. This technique is a grim, masochistic pledge. To burn away all secrets, all conspiracy, all deceit. It's named after an old god who was worshiped. His very birth brought destruction. The technique is no different from its inspiration. Surrender now; I cannot guarantee you will survive the next sixty seconds if not. Someone as weak and naive as you cannot hope to better me. Not when you fight for nothing." Sasuke lectured, his voice raspy and pain-filled.
Fuu felt anger swell as a second and third set of wings sprouted from her back, and the Buji chakra's thin coat surrounding her thickened. She thought of the harsh and cold treatment of her homeland. The constant and unfair treatment. Everyone assumed she was either a monster or a tragedy. Fuu had spent her life being looking down on. Even though she was lucky to have Chomei, even though she was strong. Now, this guy was looking down on her for making the best of a bed situation? Even after doing her best and performing well she was looked down upon? No, she was done with that.
"Fuu, this is unnecessary." Chomei chimed in, sounding concerned. "The heat alone would be a test of our healing factor. And I doubt the ability is simply a burn-based one. Another Lucky Instance or Bombardier Beetle Blast would be the best move."
'I'll bet this bastard hasn't lost much speed. So bombing him won't work. It wasn't only due to him being confident we didn't know his location it worked the first time. Lucky Instance won't win the match here unless I'm careful. I must force a close combat situation that Lucky Instance can pull in my favor.' Fuu thought. Her anger had always focused on her in ways she usually couldn't.
"I may not have some grand reason to be here," Fuu said sharply, frowning earnestly for the first time in the exams. "But that doesn't make me less; you have no idea what I've been through. Maybe you have some grand purpose." Fuu said as she lowered her stance. "But I don't need any specific reason to wanna kick your ass."
"You'll wish you took the out when I offered!" Sasuke roared as he suddenly flashed forward. There was a boom as he used the Ash Step in tandem of a burst of flames propelling him forward, flames flying from his body and coating the surroundings. Sasuke had become even faster with his body switch. Despite what all logic would say, and doubtless what the shinobi in the audience balked at, Fuu didn't flinch. Fueled by rageful spite, she raced forward, her speed slightly slower than Sasuke's. They both raced forward and, without preamble, slugged each other with their right hands. The boom of the Sasuke's explosive punch burned and bruised Fuu's face but she held her ground. MeanwhileSasuke would've gone flying if not for multiple flares from his back keeping him standing. But the moment allowed a rage-filled Fuu to unleash a vicious body blow. The Iron Arena was filled with the hiss of chakra as Fuu's body cloak and Sasuke's flames met. Fuu attempted to grab the airborne Sasuke, braving the firestorm between the two. But she screamed in pain as it momentarily overwhelmed her. The brief moment allowed the Uchiha to spin in the air, flames jetting off to maneuver him and add momentum. This allowed Sasuke to spin through the air, unleashing a kick to the head that, as it impacted, cracked the ground below. Fuu went through it a second later. Sasuke stomped on the down Fuu an instant later, embedding her further on the ground. He raised both fiery palms to finish her off, before suddenly Fuu reared up and, placing both feet on Sasuke, screamed as she launched him into the air. A storm of flames followed Sasuke as he flew into the air. The orange glow from the fire lit the arena around them as they did.
Fuu stumbled for a moment as Sasuke flew through the air. 'These damn flames, my whole body feels burnt. I can barely breathe… but I'm gonna prove my point!' She glanced at her tan skin, noticing it changing color as it was burnt even through her chakra cloak. 'He seems to able to take my hits now and even offer them back. He even got faster! No! It doesn't matter! I'm lucky, and I'm not worthless!' Fuu decided as she took off with a loud boom.
She smashed into the airborne Uchiha, gritting her teeth as she did. She unleashed several powerful jabs on his body, stunning him as the pain threatened to overwhelm her at any moment. Fuu growled as she grabbed Sasuke using nothing more than willpower. To her surprise, the flames around Sasuke's face parted, allowing the Uchiha to look her in the eye.
"I was wrong about you," Sasuke said simply as he glared at her. "But my will is still stronger than yours." He concluded as suddenly the flames intensified. Fuu cried out in pain at this but didn't let go. She lifted them higher, moving noticeably slower. "Smart decision to keep me in the air. Limits my options. Unfortunately, it's been 45 seconds, and I predicted you'd do this! Fire Style: Fallen Comet!" The flames around them suddenly surged into the two, making both scream in pain. Before much else could happen, the fire exploded, sending a fiery ball containing both careening to the ground.
Kakashi's POV
Kakashi and a litany of Anbu guards appeared below, forming a loose ring around the arena and soon-to-be crash site. Each signaled purposely as they cooperated and began a technique. "Collaboration Jutsu: Great Dome of Earth!" They roared in unison. The Courtyard was soon enclosed with a large dome with a hole at the top. This cut the audience off from seeing anything, but only for a short time.
The so-called comet flew through the hole and crashed into the arena with a massive boom. The thick dome of earth surrounding the arena cracked and collapsed from the force of the blast, showing a wrecked field covered in flames and smoke. Kakashi walked forward as the Anbu stayed back to protect the stands from any more backfire. As he did, he observed the burning and leveled Courtyard. The forest was gone, trees uprooted and fragmented, strewn around the space chaotically and slowly burning to ash. The top layer of the sand portion had ultimately become charred and molten glass. The entire stone section was charred and covered in ash. The river in the center was noticeably lowered, a good portion of it seemingly having evaporated.
Most of the smoke originated at the center of the arena and the site of ground zero. As it cleared, Kakashi approached, waving away smoke and floating ashes as he did. The smoke fully dissipated, revealing quite the scene.
Sasuke was kneeling, covered in burns, bruises, and blood. His hand was buried in the ground upon first inspection. But with further scrutiny, Kakashi realized he was holding something. Fuu had been driven headfirst into the ground for the clash; the upper half of her was partially buried. Kakashi prepared to race in to check on the surely dead girl before she jerked. With a janky pull of her legs, she ripped herself free from the weak grasp of Sasuke and the hold of the earth. She stumbled as she stood, looking confused and shell-shocked. Fuu glanced at the stunned Sasuke, who hadn't moved and looked utterly perplexed she was even standing. Kakashi winced as he eyed her. Similar to Sasuke, she was bruised and bloodied from head to toe. But unlike the Uchiha, who was only burnt in patches, she seemed even coated in blistered and pink burns. Even for a jinchuriki, it was a wonder she was standing.
"U-used… Lucky Instance… it…" Fuu said in between pants. "Saved my life…" As the woman said this, she fell backward, completely splayed out and spent. "Guess I'm lucky. You win this one, emo." Fuu concluded with a chuckle.
"H-how the hell… are you laughing?" Sasuke asked, struggling to breathe while he questioned his foe.
"I- had fun," Fuu replied with a chuckle. "Plus, I might not have won, but I kicked ass. A win in my book. Good fight!"
Sasuke was stunned by this before he, too, laughed. "Fuu of the Waterfall, I won't be forgetting you anytime soon. Y-your right, it was… fun." He decided as he painfully stood up. Kakashi offered a hand but it was shrugged off. Sasuke marched over to the down Fuu and offered his hand. Fuu snorted at this but took it all the same. Sasuke helped her sit up and shook her hand with a nod. "Thank you." Fuu seemed confused by this but had no chance to question it as he marched forward and weaved hand signs. Kakashi watched with curiosity as he spat a fireball into the air, silencing the crowd and getting everyone's attention.
'Using a jutsu while that battered and exhausted? Is this guy even human?' Kakashi wondered. He knew better than most the cost of pushing yourself like this. The pain must've been unbearable.
"MY NAME IS SASUKE UCHIHA! I WILL BE THE VICTOR OF THESE EXAMS AND DEDICATE SUCH TO MY CLAN. I AM THE ASHES OF THE UCHIHA CLAN! WE WILL RECLAIM OUR FORMER GLORY!" Sasuke roared; his beaten and charred state made it only more compelling. Unlike the first time, the crowd roared in applause, and Sasuke smirked at it openly. Before, it had been held back somewhat due to his association with his defamed clan. But after such a show-stopper, the crowd seemed fully won over. Roaring in approval of the performance. Sasuke faced the Kage Box and acknowledged them with a mocking bow. With this done, he offered a nod to Fuu and Kakashi before he marched off the field.
'Looks like the crowd has found their favorite. It's not surprising, those two have no business being in these exams. And Sasuke somehow managed to beat a jinchuriki. The scariest part,' Kakashi's eye wandered over to Gaara, who still sat on the roof of the competitor's section. 'is that my gut is saying he's the worst one here. Gaara of the Sand is no mere Genin. Be careful, Naruto, this is the most dangerous exam I've ever seen.'
"Hmm," Kakashi thought as he gazed around the destroyed Courtyard. Freeing his mind to focus on his duties as the proctor. With a shrug, he stomped his foot, raising the earth beneath him to rise himself above the chaos that had become the Courtyard and get the crowd's attention.
"Well, that was quite the match. That will conclude the first day of the exams." His voice was amplified with chakra as he spoke. "We will take the rest of the day to repair the stadium for obvious reasons. Allow medical staff to ensure the victors are ready for tomorrow and celebrate victory or heal from defeat. In the capital of the great Land of Iron, we will hold a fare, a mere meager journey from here in mere hours. The Land of Iron will graciously hold this fare, with food, games, and drink aplenty. We encourage you to return tomorrow to continue the exams and wish you enjoy the fare and future matches. Before we go through ~!" Kakashi finished by pointing to the screen above the Kage Box. On it scrolled the names of the six competitors randomly paired. It continued to flash possibilities before it settled on the configuration of the next day.
"Seems we have quite the matches to look forward to ~!" Kakashi cheered as everyone took in the following matches:
First Match
Hinata Hyuga VS Gaara of the Sand
Second Match
Sasuke Uchiha VS Shikamaru Nara
Third Match
Naruto Uzumaki VS Samui of the Cloud
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Naruto's POV (Contestant Section of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Naruto glanced at Hinata, who nodded back at him determinedly. It seemed she wasn't scared of Gaara. Though Naruto couldn't help but think she should be. She offered a polite bow before she excused herself to check on Sasuke. With that, Naruto glanced around, his eyes meeting Samui. She smirked as she walked over with a odd sway to her walk.
"Seems I get to fight you myself, very cool." Samui said with a smile. "Bring you a game, Blondie. Oh, and I'll see you at the fare." She said with a wink before nodding at him and walking off to meet with her team.
"I can't decide if she likes you or wants to kick your ass," Shikamaru commented after her departure. "Glad to enjoy the lack of drama in my fight, but our favorite broody Uchiha will melt my insides. Can't decide who's worse off between the two of us." Shikamaru mused.
"She doesn't like me for one, and two no one kicks my ass." Naruto replied with ease.
"Never mind, it may really be you," Shikamaru sighed. "At least I know for a fact how screwed I am."
"Oh shut up, you lazy bastard!" Naruto snapped back. "I'm excited we're all a step closer to winning this thing. Hell, we may have already earned promotions!"
"So either I'm going to be sent on deadlier missions with more responsibilities and eventually die or be killed by the dramatic Uchiha. Really feeling excited, let me tell ya all about it. My life is such a damn drag." Shikamaru concluded.
"Oh, come on, we get to go to a fare!" Naruto said excitedly.
"Rather nap," Shikamaru replied blandly.
"The hell you are! This land is awesome and surely they'll show off some unique weapons and sights! Neither Sai nor I have been and as our team captain you must lead us through it." Tenten sounded out, now fully healed and with a big smile. "Mind if you tag along with our team tonight, Blondie? Otherwise, this lazy bastard will find a way to escape me and Sai."
"Pineapple can be rather sneaky when trying to escape social gatherings. And I am very excited about the fare. From my reading it is quite the event." Sai agreed.
Naruto roared with laughter at Shikamaru's nickname, which caused the Nara to growl, annoyed. "He nicknamed you Pineapple?! HA! Now that he mentions it, I can see the resemblance!"
"Glad you like his nickname! I was going to name you Dickless. Is that good as well?" Sai asked innocently.
"The fuck he say? I'll kill him dead!" Naruto roared as a distraught Shikamaru used his shadow possession to hold him back.
"Ya, welcome to my world, troublesome and offensive." Shikamaru said. "If you stop with the nicknames, and Tenten promises not to trick you into doing so, both of those for the entire night. I'll agree to go to the fair with the three of you." He offered. Tenten and Sai nodded with all smiles at this, and Naruto relaxed with a glare at Sai. "Lovely, let's drop off our equipment and prepare for this." With that, the group attempted to depart, but we were stopped by the sudden arrival of a sand cloud. Inside were the Sand Trio.
They all appeared in a swirl of sand. Gaara in the front, and his siblings flanked his sides from behind. Gaara held a wide smile as he stared at Naruto.
"Uzumaki, the time draws ever closer." Gaara said with a manic smile. "I look forward to seeing if you can perform as well as they just did, though I should warn you." He said as he stalked forward. Shikamaru was frozen by fear; Tenten drew a blade but noticeably kept her distance. Sai also drew him and stepped closer to Naruto. The blonde strolled forward to meet Gaara.
He felt a small amount of fear but didn't hesitate. Naruto had worked hard to be ready to face Gaara; he wouldn't shy away now. If it came to violence Naruto was ready for it.
They were inches away from each other, glaring openly. Their eyes both seemed to almost glow as they faced off. The backup of both seemed to tense at this, Sai and Tenten edging closer from opposite sides.
"I wouldn't interfere." Temari warned darkly. "Especially when I have a score to settle with you Paleskin." At odd with the tense threat she seemed to almost attempt to joke with the nickname. As if hoping to keep things from getting violent. Kankuro nodded as he stared down Tenten.
"I wouldn't suggest the two of you try anything, either." Neji's voice cut in. He was behind the two. And walked into the section as if utterly confident. "I see. I can't leave you alone for any amount of time, Naruto." Kankuro and Temari flinched, likely realizing from his match with Sasuke that they would stand no chance in a fight with the Hyuga genius.
"No need for violence, not yet anyway." Gaara stated with a smile. "Uzumaki, I will be the greatest challenge you ever face, and I will not fall to your plan. Impress me in the battle and join me, or fail to do so and die." He ordered with a chuckle. "Come, human siblings, let them play before the monster comes." He said darkly as the three disappeared in a mass of sand.
"Why the hell does that psycho want you so bad? Is both of you being jinchuriki really a reason to fight so intensely?" Shikamaru asked, utterly confused.
"It's more than that." Neji countered. "I don't fully understand it, but I recognize the look in Naruto's eyes. It's the same look he had when we clashed. For whatever reason, the other represents a challenge to Naruto's ideology it seems. Naruto is willing to go through the violence to prove a point. Though I must admit I don't understand why."
"Your somewhat right, I can't look away while someone like me is hurting, ya know? I must show him his ideals are flawed, and he needs his humanity. I'd want someone to do the same for me if I was like him…" Naruto explained while looking at his palm.
"Seems like a foolish reason to fight." Sai commented.
"This is one of these emotional things, Sai." Tenten explained. "Or male emotional things… or something."
"Or something," Shikamaru concluded with a nod.
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Ino's POV (Outside of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Ino panted as she looked around. Despite her best efforts and even seeing Choji and Yuno being taken, Ino had found no trace of where they may have gone. Worse yet, the screams of Ino and Choji seemed to stick to Ino. Were they even alive? Did she watch some of her friends die?
"Ino!" Sakura yelled as she ran over. "I heard what happened from Gai! Yuno and Choji are missing as well now?"
"Y-yeah," Ino said. "I saw it in person, Kami Sakura, I don't know what happened…"
"I was afraid to hear it would be true." Lee concluded as he walked up to the group. "How strange. From what I heard, it seemed like some kind of attack."
"There was a lot of smoke, but after it was gone, all that was left was scratches and… blood," Ino said. "I thought it might've been a body flicker, but the smoke didn't dissipate immediately, and you couldn't use it to carry others, especially against their will. You'd have to do in burst and would be just as likely to drop them anyway."
"It certainly makes no sense. Yuno was strong enough to make it in the latter exam rounds. I find it hard to believe anyone took her and the Youthful Choji." Lee added.
"The whole thing is strange. We're down a teammate, and poor Shino is missing both of his." Sakura said sadly. "Furthermore, there's no trace…"
"Indeed." Gai called out as he walked to Genin's group. "I, as well as the most kind Samurai, found no trace of them. I have been left with assurances they will look into it, and the Kage will have such addressed before tomorrow's matches."
"That's it?" Ino asked incredulously.
"We surely are gonna keep looking!" Sakura spoke openly. "Our teammates and our allies are missing!"
"Indeed, we will search all night!" Rock Lee agreed with her. But Ino's eyes widened when Gai shook his head. The other two gasped audibly at such.
"Gai Sensei-" Ino tried but was stopped as Gai suddenly lashed out, easily punching through a concrete railing. Gai flinched as if realizing what he had done, taking several deep breaths and a weighty sigh. Gai seemed to regain control of his emotions. His smile and regular expression returned. But all were stunned by the anger from the usually jovial man.
"I understand your frustration; those embedded with Youth such as yourselves can't help but want action in times of peril. But for now, we must be patient. Things are more complicated here than you know." Gai explained. "Go to the fair, have fun, and take your mind off this. That's an order." He marched off having said his piece, but his walk was slow and purposeful.
Ino looked at the others in shcok. Sakura seemed as shocked as her, while Lee looked agonized. "We gotta tell the others… You, you two have to tell the others." She decided with a flinch remembering how things were between Naruto and her. "Kakashi is supposedly a big deal. I'll try to win him over as well. Perhaps he can use his clout to help. We won't let them forget about this."
"Still avoiding Naruto?" Sakura asked with a sigh. "Fine, we need help with this anyway. Come on, Lee, the others will surely be at the festival." Sakura hugged Ino recognizing the state she was in, before running off.
"YOSH LET'S GO RECRUIT OUR ALLIES!" Lee said excitedly as he raced off to pursue his teammate.
'Focus Ino, like Anko taught us, business first, feelings after. Need to find Kakashi Sensei after a stressful day so… dive bar?' Ino nodded to herself as she set off to convince Kakashi to aid them.
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Orochimaru's POV (???)
The Snake Sannin paced around his throne room. The room was cavernous and barren, lit poorly with candlelight. Before the pacing man was Zetsu bowed patiently as his master continued his energetic march.
"This is concerning. Kabuto has yet to return." Orochimaru voiced unhappily. "He was supposed to return after silencing Tayuya. His expertise is invaluable to the switching of my body. As well as being useful to guard me."
"You have many scientists and medical experts on your team. Surely, a team of them will be able to do it in his stead. That is assuming he hasn't been delayed by a minor issue. We can otherwise guard you." Black Zetsu countered.
"Though admittedly if it was the Akatsuki we would fail though~! We would bet something happened to him. Perhaps the Akatsuki or the Leaf ran into him and silenced him." White Zetsu said simply.
"If such is true, that would be incredibly bad news. Not to mention unlikely. Kabuto could carve a path through the Leaf if he carefully avoided certain people. And the Akatsuki believes him under their thumb." Orochimaru countered. "If he is dead, that would be a shocking and brutal blow. Kimimaro and Guren, my heavies, are dead, Jugo is dead, I'm lacking powerful men, and the recent reports suggest we may face an attack sooner than later. With my weakened state this would be disastrous. If it's a strong force I will be unable to repel them myself. I was foolish to be so wasteful with my forces." The Sannin ranted. To his dismay the ever focused Zetsu broke down their problem further.
"Seven different strongholds hit throughout our territory. Two we can confirm to be the work of Akatsuki member Diedara, formerly of the stone, and Sasori, formerly of the Sand. The other five are the work of a small team. All of which were overrun with absurd speed. Two of these bases even received reinforcements and were still crushed."
"No Survivors either~!" White Zetsu sang. "Whoever they are, they're quite lethal."
Orochimaru openly cursed at this. While he usually wouldn't dare be so open around his men, Zetsu had been expected for a while now. "That reeks of an attack. Perhaps fleeing would be best."
"Perhaps, but I do have a plan you may like."