The Path of Prodigies!_Despite it All

Mifune's POV (Kage Box of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)

"It seems fortune frowns at you, old friend," Rasa said while radiating joy. While he valued the Leaf as allies, especially with his village struggling, it felt good to see what many considered the strongest village suffering a bit. Besides, the shrewd elder likely saw the bright side. "While you may have shown some talent thus far, you are losing Genin like flies. Your chances of victory dwindle."

"Only if one is short-sighted, my old friend." Hiruzen countered with a friendly smile. "The tournament is merely a method to display talent. The victory of it means little. I am grateful my Genin are being tested so thoroughly. Besides, next are two of my most promising Genin."

"Ah, you refer to the Genius of the Hyuga and the Ashes of the Uchiha." Onoki added with glee. Knowing one of Hiruzen's best prospects would be out brought him a petty joy. If he was fortunate, they may just kill or maim each other.

"The Uchiha's are still alive and well. Several members survive and continue to live, and we are about to see one who proudly continues his clan." Hiruzen responded as if not phased by the subtle reminder.

"Such a shame it is then that either the diminished Uchiha's will be shamed or the great Hyuga humbled. From what I hear, both have proven to be remarkable shinobi." Onoki continued.

"I would put my money on the Hyuga; his records are flawless. Though I wouldn't mind the Uchiha being victorious either." A roared happily. His thoughts needed no explaining.

"Beneficial indeed that the spawn of both villainous clans will clash." Yagura agreed. "Hopefully, they both fall today."

"Villainous? Neither clan is one of questionable morals. Furthermore, it is bold of you all to flex your intel gained on us so plainly. Bolder still for you, Yagura, to wish grief on my shinobi in my presence." Hiruzen's calm facade merely cracked, and the total weight of his killing intent filled the room.

Yagura offered his own as his guards drifted closer, hands on the hilt of their blades.

Tsunade and Jiraiya stalked forth to back Hiruzen. Rasa allowed some metal to drift through the air but remained seated. His guards watched warily but watched all the same.

Onoki and A laughed at the spectacle, seemingly unaffected by the intense air.

"They have killed many of my men. Of course, they are villains." Yagura said darkly.

"Such is the nature of war. We did not start them." Hiruzen countered. "We may have benefited from them doubtless. But it would be most ironic to hear you judge others for spilling blood."

"He makes a fair point, you know," Rasa added. "Your home is called the Bloody Mist for a reason."

Yagura growled but sat. "Regardless, one of them will not continue on. I will enjoy watching your men tear each other apart."

"Of course, otherwise, it wouldn't be very fair for you." Hiruzen countered evenly.

Mifune could only sigh. Kage never did seem to change all that much.

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Hiashi / Mikoto's POV (Audience Section of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)

Hiashi sat patiently as he awaited Neji to arrive to begin the duel. He sat among a small group of servants/bodyguards and his daughter. It was vital for him to be here today. While the Hyuga were an infamous clan that had influence throughout the land of fire, it would never do to be complacent as a leader. A good showing today would surely do well by his clan. Though, if he were to be honest, it was questionable who would be the one to do so. Hinata had grown as of late. Supposedly, his men suggested it was due to training sessions with Neji. While shameful of a heiress he allowed it, Hinata had become strong enough to beat Hanabi easily. Hanabi was no weakling either; if not for Neji, she would be known as a genius. Seeing his eldest become worthy of her status had brought him a trim level of joy. As such he allowed the behavior. Besides, the knowledge that he had created what Neji had become bothered him.

He was well aware of the hatred Neji felt for the main house. Hiashi had been the one to agree to the order for Hizashi to be slain. It had been reasoned that doing such would allow them to appease the Cloud Village after their conflict. Without risking the exclusivity of the Hyuga Bloodline to the Leaf. While it had hurt him, he knew it had crushed the young man. Surely he resented Hiashi deeply. Hiashi knew he should've told the boy it had been Hizashi's idea, but he would likely think he was lying. Besides, the spite had served Neji well. Hiashi was the strongest Hyuga ever known on the battlefield. None could claim the same accomplishments nor maintain service as both a clan head and shinobi. As of late though, Hiashi had begun to gain a belief. That Neji had potential that shattered Hiashi's own. Already a Side Branch member being so strong was controversial. Worse yet, the boy was motivated against the Main House.

Of course, things were more complex. As much as she had grown, Hinata likely could not best some of those who had competed thus far. Likely, it would fall down to Neji to win. But what would the boy do with the influence? Was it right for Hiashi to stop him? What meant more to him? The legacy of his fallen brother? Or the family he had been entrusted to maintain? Before Hiashi could delve too far into his thoughts, Hanabi pulled his sleeve.

"Hanabi." He acknowledged. A subtle sign of permission for her to continue. And the dutiful daughter she was, she had waited for it. Image was everything for this family.

"Father, who should we hope to win here?" Hanabi asked with a scowl. It was no secret to Hiashi that Hanabi intensely disliked Neji. It made sense to him. After all, Neji was responsible for solidifying Hinata's spot. However, she was wise enough to defer to clan judgment before her own. Shame she was the younger one. Hopefully, Hinata can gain an attitude befitting her power soon.

"A good question, daughter, yet the answer is simple." Hiashi entered lecture mode. He knew he must instill wisdom in his children when possible. "Neji may be a side branch, and his intentions are unclear. But the Uchiha, at one time, were our main rivals. They had a reputation of a similar level to our own. Their power rivaled ours as well. Despite our best efforts, we never seemed to establish ourselves as their betters. At least…"

"Until they committed treason." Hanabi finished. Hiashi nodded, pleased that his daughter kept their history in mind.

"Indeed, this led to their fall, of course. Such an event was an undeniable tragedy. But the Hyuga were fortunate through it all; the fall of our comrades cemented us as the prominent clan amongst the Leaf." Hiashi explained. "If Sasuke manages to defeat a prodigy of ours it could be disastrous for our reputation. The correct choice would be to hope Neji will defeat Sasuke."

"But do you think Neji can defeat Sasuke?" Hanabi asked curiously.

Mikoto's POV

"Well, of course, I think my baby will win," Mikoto answered with confidence only a mother could have. "Sasuke barely does anything these days except for training, not to mention he's my little prodigy."

Kushina laughed but accepted the logic quickly enough. "Not worried about him fighting the prodigy of the Hyuga? They say the only person that can beat a genius is another genius."

"No, my son, he… well, the attempted coup of the Uchiha was always something he seemed to feel strongly about. He always felt the Uchiha must've been framed or tricked somehow." Mikoto explained. "Shisui and I spent a lot of time trying to explain that our brethren in the Uchiha had earnestly made a… selfish ploy against our home. But even if that were the case, Sasuke would continue. He intends to find out the "truth," as he puts it. Redeeming our clan in the process. He has trained with that idea in mind. Seemingly attempting to forge himself into a legend so great that people have no choice but to celebrate us again." Mikoto sighed to herself as she finished. She appreciated what Sasuke was trying to do. Kami knew she missed Fugaki and wished he had not been involved. But she simply wanted her child to be happy. Sasuke sometimes seemed only to live for his ambition.

Hiashi's POV

"That's what he's trying to do?" Hanabi asked incredulously. "He's trying to change the very traditions we follow? The Branch has always served us."

"Indeed," Hiashi answered. "He has forged himself with this goal in mind. He works tirelessly towards it. His mind learns everything as quickly as possible, he seems to have talent in all fields. He has become what some call a prodigy, a genius; the title matters little. The point being Neji has become a shinobi that may well surpass even myself."

"Surely you exaggerate." Hanabi asked.

Hiashi did not answer as his mind dwelled on the night that Hizashi was sent to his death. He had been beside himself yet had hidden it well. Hizashi had been a brother he had been grateful for. One that, after his death, Hiashi felt he was undeserving of. It had been the best choice, as Hiruzen had remorsefully told him; Hiashi knew his clan could not survive without him. As such, he had agreed to his brother's plan. It had worked as they thought it would. Hiashi, as both clan leader and brother to the fallen, had been left with the duty of telling Neji. Neji had begun training at that point and had already shown his level was above his peers. It had been a training session Hiashi had interrupted to tell him the news. Hiashi, as much as he felt for the child, had to maintain his image. So he had said the news bluntly and harshly, hoping to skip the denial phase. It had worked, but not quite the way he had expected. Neji had sent a glare that, for a moment, only one, but a moment all the same, in that moment Hiashi had felt fear.

At that moment, he had no doubt Neji would surpass him and, in the process, change the very foundations of the Hyuga clan. He could not say anything about that now. Nor could he acknowledge it. The clan head's job was to maintain the status quo, after all. Yet, if Hiashi was genuinely doing his job, he would have done something to stop Neji. To correct him. But how could he?

"No, no, I do not," Hiashi replied. "I believe Neji will win this match."

He hoped so as well.

Both Mikoto and Hiashi

"The path of a prodigy isn't for the faint of heart. Yet Sasuke walks it without hesitation. He'll win."

"The path of a prodigy isn't for the faint of heart. Yet Neji walks it without hesitation. He'll win."

Both Mikoto and Hiashi said with utter confidence.

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Yuno's POV (Contestant Section of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)

"Who do you suppose will win?" Shino asked simply. "I had hoped to get the opportunity to fight either of them. I must admit I doubted my ability to best them if such did happen."

Yuno shook her head at Shino. Personally she hoped to fight someone who was rather unskilled. But Shino was a subtle battle junkie. Seeming to enjoy growing as a shinobi and testing himself. Her mind drifted to her other friend who was nervously tapping the seat she sat in. Yuno inwardly sighed as she glanced over at Hinata. She loved the shy girl to death. She was one of the few people other than Yuno and Mikoto who could hold Sasuke's attention. Even rarer she had somehow befriended her anti-social teammate. At first, Yuno thought the gentlewoman might have won over her cousin's affection. Yet time proved it to not be the case. Instead, he seemed to simply enjoy Hinata's kind and respectful demeanor. Yuno swore Sasuke needed to date someone. Even a guy! She wouldn't judge! He needed to go out more somehow. But it was because of Sasuke's lack of social skills that Yuno was sure Neji would lose today. Yuno had seen how easily he had crushed those odd shinobi who had attacked the two of them. Even had sparred with him. Yuno wasn't sure anyone would be defeating her emo cousin.

"W-well, I don't mean to offend you, Yuno, but I'm unsure anyone stands a chance against N-eji-san. He was quite strong before the month and has only grown more." Hinata managed to choke out. Yuno was stunned in silence as she witnessed Shino subtly eye her to see if she was furious. But she was nothing of the sort! Hinata was slowly coming out of her shell.

"No way, Hinata! You've grown so much cutie!" Yuno yelled as she hugged the shy girl, who turned red and seemed to try to pry herself free. She really was adorable. "But sorry, but Emo down there ain't losing today."

"I also side with Neji," Shino said, easily betraying Yuno. "We spared a fair bit back in the academy. As much as I hate to admit it, I never did come close to defeating him."

"You both suck!" Yuno said playfully. "Sasuke will prove me right." Yuno inwardly chuckled as Shino visibly reacted to the childish insult. And Hinata spat out apologies. She loved her friends… even when they were incredibly traitorous.

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Naruto's POV (Contestant Section of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)

Naruto eyed the field intensely, only somewhat listening to the conversation around him.

"I simply can't decide between Duckbutt and Monk," Sai said with a slight frown. In truth, he was copying a frown he had seen earlier. Being normal took hard work, after all.

"Duckbutt and Monk?" Lee asked, confused. "I am unsure of who you are referencing."

"I assume he means Sasuke and Neji. Duckbutt would be Sasuke? I suppose his hair does kinda look like that. And Neji does kinda dress like a monk." Shikamaru lazily drawled. "At least your nicknames make sense now."

"Pineapple makes sense." Sai countered

"Actually no it doesn't if you don't want to be skewered." Shikamaru replied as if it was an often-said line.

"I do not." Sai said simply.

"Then shush." Shikamaru said.

"He does raise a good point! I was most looking forward to testing my youth against both of them! Though I suppose fighting for the victory will be enough!." Lee concluded as he jumped up and down, seemingly ecstatic for the fight.

They seemed somewhat on the fence about Sasuke fighting Neji, and honestly, Naruto was too. He had hoped he would be the one to kick Sasuke's ass. That prick had always shot him looks when they walked by. As if he thought he was simply too good to be even in the same room as him. Though Naruto supposed if someone other than him was to kick Sasuke's ass, it may of well of been Neji. Could Sasuke somehow beat Neji?

"Hey, you drag. Do you think Neji has got this thing?" Shikamaru asked, seemingly aware Naruto had drifted off mentally.

"Of course." Naruto responded with ease.

"Ah good to see you all again Naruto. From what I've heard your Neji's teammate, perhaps you have an idea of what we can expect from this match?" Samui asked as she sauntered over. Omoi walked slowly behind mumbling as if he was in a trance.

Naruto had no time to respond, suddenly being hugged and picked up by Fuu.

"Naruto! How are you, friend!" Fuu asked excitedly, spinning the blonde around and squeezing the life out of him. Just how strong was Fuu?!

"Fuu, we talked about being touchy all the time. It's what?" Samui said calmly with a patient smile.

"Uncool," Fuu said morosely, setting Naruto down gently. "Was just happy to see him."

Naruto gasped as he recovered his breath. "Anyway, ya, Neji has this thing in the bag."

"Cool. Hopefully I win big then Blondie." Samui replied with a smirk as she leaned against the railing of their section. She had told Bee of his meeting of who he dubbed "Mr. 9". It was interesting to meet someone who carried B's burden yet seemed not to be as insane. Besides Samui enjoyed Naruto's bold yet kind personality. It was pretty cool.

"Of course, he was the hardest fight I've had. Or felt like it was anyway." Naruto explained.

""Blondie," Yuno said with air quotes. "here refers to him beating Neji in their little grudge match." Yuno explained as she, Shino, and Hinata joined the group. Most seemed shocked by the knowledge Naruto had bested Neji.

"You become a bigger drag every day." Shikamaru complained.

"Oh, exciting there in the field~!" Fuu sang as she seemed to float into the air. "I'm so lucky to see this~!"

"Kick his ass, Neji!" Naruto roared, running back to the railing to watch things closely.

"Y-y-you can do it, cousin!" Hinata choked out.

"Good spirit, princess!" Yuno laughed. "Wrong side though. Go TEAM UCHIHA!"

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Neji / Sasuke's POV (Pathway to Iron Arena Courtyard - Land of Iron)

Neji marched down the staircase toward the battle. Indeed, he did not feel nervous; his life had been one endless struggle. He had taught himself how to fight, how to survive under the cruelty of the Main House, and even taught Hinata how to fight. He had never honestly had a choice in the matter and had known no alternative. He had learned to weaponize his spite and hatred to motivate himself. Compared to that one, Sasuke Uchiha would be child's play.

Yet that felt like an empty lie. Somehow, Neji knew Sasuke was an obstacle he would struggle to face. He knew of the Uchiha's story that the Leaf had dismantled his clan. It was commonly accepted that the clan had planned a coup. From what he had garnered, Sasuke believed differently. Truthfully, Neji was ignorant; he did not know which side was proper. Regardless, he did not hold it against Sasuke. How could he? To be judged by circumstances outside of your control was something he was incredibly familiar with. Being resentful and focused on it was something he could relate to. But Naruto had beaten the worst of it out of him. He wondered if anyone had done so for Sasuke? Naruto would have done so if he had been here. Shouldn't he?

Neji couldn't though. As much as he wished for Sasuke to find the peace he had started to experience, he represented another clan. As much as he could relate, he needed this opportunity. The Hyuga clan's future looked bright with Hinata as the current heir. But if he could win here and raise the clan's reputation, it would do wonders for how the Main House and villagers regarded the Side House.

He had no doubt Sasuke would reach the same conclusion. It was funny how Neji couldn't claim to know the man. It was a certainty to him, though he would be thinking something similar to what he was. It pained Neji to admit it, but he may have to obstruct Sasuke from his goal to protect his own goal.

It would be sad. But the day would be won for the Hyuga.

Sasuke's POV

Sasuke had always been someone who enjoyed battle. He never felt as peaceful or in control as when he was in battle. He wasn't some crazed berserker fighting meaninglessly. Not some crazed killer determined to kill those who wronged him. Sasuke searched for truth and redemption. The best method of obtaining them had been apparent from the start. He had to become a shinobi so great that he could have the influence to learn what he needed to know. So powerful he alone would redeem the clan from their past sins. So, he had learned to excel in battle and love it.

Sasuke's gut told him he was in for quite the battle indeed. Neji Hyuga was someone he could respect. The man had always been the rival to his first-place spot in the academy, often switching places over the years. Sasuke, when he was younger, slightly resented it. But as he aged, he had learned to appreciate the competition. It made him better. Yet he could not deny he would enjoy finally settling the matter.

Neji would undoubtedly be a tricky opponent to deal with, but it is not an impossible hurdle. He respected his quest to attempt to rise in the station and offer his brethren the same. Sasuke even wished him success; none of that would stop him, though. His ambition would clash with Neji's; the one with greater ambition would overtake the other.

The day would be for the Uchiha.

He finally entered the courtyard. As he did, Neji marched in as well. Sasuke noted his eyes fearlessly locked with his. He seemed just as sure of his victory as Sasuke was. It mattered little to him. Truthfully, he knew he would win today.

Kakashi, the Copy Cat ninja, stood in between them. He seemed for all the world to be utterly interested in reading a smut book, of all things. It didn't fool Sasuke, though he could read the tension in his body and the intelligence in his eyes.

He stared at Neji, wondering just how strong he was. If Sasuke could have his way, he would win this without showing off too much of his kit. Best to start slow and crush him once he shows an opening.

Kakashi read off the rules, but Sasuke paid no heed; instead, they attempted to glare the other into submission. It wasn't effective, of course, but neither had activated their eyes yet. Both consented.

Kakashi seemed to vanish as he called. "Begin!"

Sasuke and Neji seemed to blur to many in attendance as they raced forward, each aiming to end the fight before it could start. Neji thrust his palm into Sasuke's face, hoping to stun him. Easily allow Neji to finish him with his Gentle Fist techniques. Sasuke casually leaned his head out its way and sent a hook to the counter. Neji slid under this, turning it into a slide tackle. Sasuke smirked as he allowed himself to be knocked off his feet, going with the force and drawing kunai as he did. This allowed him to meet eyes with Neji as he flipped now above him. He allowed his arrogance to show as he flicked his kunai for Neji's chest. Take a small amount of care to aim for non-vital areas. Neji didn't even seem to flinch as he flicked his fingers against the dull side of the kunai, deflecting them. They both skid as they turned, facing each other again. They blurred forward, Sasuke electing to launch kunai and shuriken at absurd speeds. Neji somehow deflected these with his bare hands as he met the charge. As they got within swinging distance of each other, Sasuke watched as Neji deflected and caught a kunai swinging it for his throat. Sasuke caught it with his own blade. The two paused as they attempted to overpower the other. Sasuke had to stop laughing as he released the kunai and landed a jab on Neji's ribs. The Hyuga grunted but, instead of flinching, landed a low kick that made Sasuke stumble. Sasuke used the stumble to dodge a palm to the chin. He barely managed to see Neji attempt to slam a palm into his ribs and desperately locked his hand with his. This seemed to shock Neji, and Sasuke used his hand to form a technique and smirked as Neji, this time, did flinch.

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" Sasuke called a giant fireball and raced forward. He lost sight of the Hyuga in the flames. Sasuke smirked before suddenly a wall of pulsating blue crashed into him. He saw darkness for an instant before he saw the ground racing towards him. He skidded on the ground painfully before he flipped onto his feet. He saw Neji standing about twenty feet away; the ground in that distance looked smoothed as if someone had sanded it.

"My kaiten technique is quite large now. Makes for a brilliant counter." Neji said smugly. Neji looked relatively unscathed, though the ends of the sleeves of his robes were charred.

"I suppose that tickled Hyuga. I was hoping to end this quickly. But you're not just hype; I should offer you the honor of taking this seriously." Sasuke offered graciously.

"Hmm, typical of a Uchiha to look down on someone," Neji responded. You shouldn't play with your betters."

"I haven't met any of those," Sasuke said with a wide smile. His Sharingan was now active. Despite the banter, both smiled at each other. A bit of respect had been won by the first clash. But now it was time for Sasuke to show just a little more. "Did you know just activating the Sharingan offers a Uchiha a litany of boost to the user. By activating it, my chakra grows, my speed increases, and I become more powerful. Truthfully, I hope you were holding back a good amount. The real fight begins now."

Sasuke wasted no more words for him. He surged forward and saw Neji flinch and prepare to spin, perhaps use that jutsu again. Sasuke stopped him with a mighty leg sweep. Neji's leg flew out from under him, and he fell to the ground. Before Neji could even touch the ground, Sasuke slammed his foot into his midsection with such force that it cracked the concrete beneath. He attempted to slam a fist into Neji's face, but the Hyuga managed to kick Sasuke back. It only stalled him for a moment. Neji wisely tried to rise to his feet. It only gave Sasuke a good target. He savagely slammed his knee into Neji's face. He skidded back as Sasuke weaved through hand signs.

'He's nearly twice as fast!' Neji thought as he attempted to land on his feet.

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" Sasuke called his jutsu, smaller than a human earlier, the size of a large boulder. Impressively, Neji managed to jump to his feet and call out his own technique.

"Kaiten!" He barely managed to get it up in time. The fireball was quickly dispersed by it. But Sasuke had expected such; he raced in just as the dome dissipated. Only to nearly be beheaded by a palm to his face. He stumbled back, shocked Neji had managed to react to him. "Byakugan!" Neji called out with a frown. The two paused to glare at each other.

'Damn it! I wanted to end things before he could get going!'

Neji's POV

'He nearly finished me before I could even get warmed up!' Neji thought angrily.

Sasuke Uchiha had thought he was an easy mark. Time to show what hand-to-hand with a Hyuga was really like. Neji surged forward. Sasuke looked to dodge a palm strike and was shocked when Neji jabbed his left forearm. Sasuke flinched in pain at that. Neji launched a kick for his face on his left side. Neji saw him attempt to block the kick, but his arm lagged behind, likely useless from the gentle fist strike. Neji's foot slammed into Sasuke's face, sending him skidding along the ground. Neji shared the same ruthlessness Sasuke had shown earlier, chasing him down and slamming his palm into Sasuke. Sasuke screamed shrilly before bursting into inky smoke that wrapped around his limbs!

"Kai!" Neji screamed, allowing him to see Sasuke throwing a kunai at him as he leaped back. Neji dodged it messily, somewhat out of sorts, but confident despite it. He eyed Sasuke, who seemed to be scanning his arm with his Sharingan. "Painful, as I'm sure you are aware of. Closed-off chakra points can be quite the injury. A single-point shutdown can affect an entire limb. You are skilled, but can you fight when down an arm?"

"Unlikely…" Sasuke replied plainly. "Though not impossible to fix."

Neji nearly laughed at this. "Perhaps if you were a Hyuga instead of a Uchiha, sure. Though your eyes will be unable to locate the chakra point. They lack the visual prowess to do such. I ensured to aim for one you are blind to. No bigger than a grain of rice."

"I see it." Sasuke replied. Before Neji could offer his doubt, he saw the chakra surge healthily in the affected arm. Sasuke drew a scroll with shocking speed and summoned a giant windmill shuriken. He spun in place to increase the speed and power of the throw. Buying Neji just enough time to leap to the left of it. His eyes allowed him to see a second one spinning through the air behind, aimed to bisect him,

'Hidden in the shadow of the first. Wise.' Neji thought as he fired an air palm against the ground to raise him above the blade.

"Expected." Sasuke countered calmly. As he made a hand seal, the shuriken below Neji exploded into fragments. Several scratched Neji before managing a mid-air Kaiten to repel the rest. Sasuke merely yanked his hands back, revealing wire held in both. The wire tightened around the Kaiten before suddenly the Kaiten faded, allowing the wire to tighten around Neji. "Disappointing," Sasuke said with a frown before he weaved yet more hand signs. "Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!" A powerful, searing stream of flames raced along the wire set to incinerate Neji before suddenly Neji stomped, and two pillars of earth shot up, breaking the wires and blocking the fire. Sasuke's eyes widened as he shifted his stance with a grin. 'He was holding back!'

"Earth Style: Earth Shrapnel!" Neji called as he slammed his hands into the pillars of the earth. Both suddenly broke down before the debris of such shot forward with a whistle through the air. Sasuke stumbled back, managing to dodge most but suffering a scratch on his cheek. Neji wasn't bothered as he suddenly was launched forward by a plank of earth that launched him like a catapult. Neji was within striking distance by the time Sasuke turned back. Sasuke surged forward; in a split second, he had, Sasuke had summoned his famed fiery Katana. It mattered little, for Neji's technique was bigger. "Ten Yari!" Neji yelled as he spiraled his own body towards Sasuke. A chakra shell similar to the Kaiten formed around him but was more of a rough line than the sphere it usually was. The mass of chakra smashed into Sasuke, sending him flying into the forest. Neji bounced off the ground once disorientated from the spinning before landing on his feet roughly. Waiting to see if Sasuke would-.

Sasuke's POV

'That was way too close. If that had hit fully, it would've knocked me out, if not killed me.' Sasuke thought as the unaware Neji was rendered speechless by Sasuke's knee driving into his ribs. Neji stumbled back; Sasuke allowed such as he suddenly was behind Neji, stomping a foot into the crook of Neji's knee. Neji cried out as he dropped to his knees; Sasuke slammed his foot into Neji's back, forcing him against the ground. The Hyuga, likely shocked or in pain, was frozen as Sasuke lowered his head to address him.

"I am much too fast for you." Sasuke said simply before he flickered away.

With a roar, Neji rose to his feet, seeming infuriated by Sasuke's behavior. Sasuke merely smiled as he prepared his next assault. Neji seemed to flinch as Sasuke punched him in the face. Neji, with grit, managed to stay on his feet, lashing out with a wild palm thrust. Sasuke merely appeared above, driving both his feet into Neji's skull and slamming him into the ground.

"You should surrender." Sasuke offered to the damaged Neji, who rose to his feet. "You won't be able to contest my technique."

"I learned from a good friend that one shouldn't back down merely because the odds are against them." Neji offered. "Besides, every technique has a weakness."

Sasuke felt his rage fly at those words. He had said them before he had been taken, accused of helping the Uchiha. "Every technique has a weakness." He had said it plenty of times as he had helped Sasuke train.

"How dare you." Sasuke said furiously. Neji raised a brow quizzically, but Sasuke only saw red.

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Kakashi's POV (Courtyard of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)

Kakashi had watched with rapt attention as the two battled. The dominating person switched as often as they swapped blows. It was easy to watch Naruto's fight. He had been holding back for most of it, and once he had shown some of his true power, he had trounced Tenten quickly enough. Neji had not drawn so lucky.

When the teams were first made, there had been whispers that Kakashi would be given Sasuke. At the time, he had been the only Jounin Sensei they believed would be able to help a Uchiha efficiently grow. In fact the original draft for Team Seven had Sasuke, Naruto, and a young woman named Sakura Haruno. Kakashi had been willing, but Shisui had come and offered to be Sasuke's sensei. So, the current Team Seven was born. Kakashi had come to love his not-kids'-kiddos.

Neji, in particular, had reminded him a bit of himself. He had also been held as a prodigy, in some ways a greater one than Sasuke or Neji. He had also at first been cold and distant, if not outright antagonistic, with his teammates. And also had carried some significant family baggage. But unlike Kakashi, Neji had turned it around without anyone dying. Go figure.

Sasuke was similar to him in specific ways, all the ways that made Kakashi worry. He held the same determined gleam in his eye. Neji had it, too, but Sasuke held a level of desperation and intensity Neji hadn't gained. The falling of the Uchiha clan had been a harsh affair, taking the heir to the most prominent clan in the Leaf almost a prince really. And turning him into a pariah in some ways. While still treated relatively, the dishonor clearly offended Sasuke, and he would change it. Sasuke had no doubt; he wasn't arrogant or simply uncompromising.

Somehow, something Neji had said seemed to have set off the Uchiha. And what had been a competitive back and forth became a one-way beatdown. Neji seemed helpless in the face of Sasuke's barrage. Each time he managed to see him, it would be just in time to be hit. If he counter-attacked, Sasuke appeared behind, smacking him down harshly. Neji crawled to his feet and fell into his stance. Sasuke appeared above Neji, aiming for another head stomp; Neji barely managed to dodge, merely to walk into a stunning jab. Sasuke appeared on the opposite side of Neji, uppercutting him into the air. Neji landed painfully but, within a second, climbed to his feet.

Neji looked battered and rough. Covered in bruises and minor cuts, it was clear he was overwhelmed by the impressive speed Sasuke could achieve. Yet his eyes glared at Sasuke without fear or hesitation. Sasuke smiled as he blurred forward with his signature flicker. In desperation or perhaps simply guessing, Neji fired off an air palm, which somehow managed to smack Sasuke out of the air. Sasuke grunted in pain but soon continued his flickering.

'Will he figure it out?' Kakashi wondered as Sasuke suddenly flickered above Neji, smacking him into the ground. 'Eagle taught you, Neji… show me you learned about his guts!'

Neji crawled out of the ground with a groan before springing to his feet. He spun with a screaming, "KAITEN!" Sasuke disappeared before it could smack him but suddenly reappeared, bouncing off the Kaiten. Sasuke bounced off the ground with a groan before standing up slowly. Kakashi was happy to see Neji show some ingenuity in extending his Kaiten like that, but he would need a lot more. "Earth Style: Dance of the Hyuga." Neji called. "I see the weakness of your technique!"

Sasuke eyed Neji warily, likely realizing the fight thus far was in his favor. Therefore, it would be risky to rush in when his opponent was switching tactics. Neji had tapped the ground once with his foot. Sasuke raised a brow at this before suddenly leaping high into the air, narrowly avoiding an earth spike. Sasuke merely smirked, glad to see Neji still had some fight in him. Before he flickered behind Neji, he was aimed for his neck. Neji shockingly ducked, grabbing Sasuke by his collar and slamming him into the ground. The earth wrapped around Sasuke, securing him to the ground. Sasuke spat a miniature fireball no bigger than a grain of sand into Neji's face. Making the Hyuga miss the finishing palm strike for Sasuke. Who somehow managed to flicker through the stone prison, shattering it. Sasuke leaped away, seeming to seek some distance, yet the second he touched the ground, it surged forward, throwing Sasuke at Neji, who fired off an air palm at the approaching Uchiha. Sasuke flickered past this, attempting another neck chop to Neji. Yet somehow, he tripped, the ground around Neji suddenly becoming upraised. Before Sasuke could attempt to flicker away, a small width of stone wrapped him up. Leaving Sasuke defenseless. Both he and Kakashi watched as Neji prepared his strike. "Your body flicker isn't teleportation," Neji explained to the wide-eyed Uchiha. "It simply allows you to move through the air at absurd speeds. Making it appear as though you do. Once I realized that I knew all I must do was bait you into doing so predictably, then cut off your mobility. Today, the Hyuga are victorious!"

"Heavenly Canon!" Neji yelled as he slammed his palms coated in chakra into the immobile Sasuke. The earth-binding Sasuke shattered from the force as Sasuke flew back. Neji panted as he eyed the down Uchiha.

"S-sensei. He's do-own." Neji said, exhausted. He deactivated his earth technique and Byakugan. Truthfully, it was good Neji had managed to defeat him when he did. He was almost out of-

Kakashi blinked, and suddenly, Sasuke was in front of Neji. His blade of flames activated, and his Sharingan blazed. "Slash of the Fading Embers." Sasuke offered quietly. Neji seemed frozen before he looked down to see an angry red line on his torso that had burned through his clothes. "I made it less intense; otherwise, it would have fried your insides. You did well, Neji Hyuga; you made the Hyuga proud." Sasuke offered.

Neji crawled to his knees, gasping in pain. "How are y-you standing? I-... I hit you with my He-heavenly Canon."

Kakashi had nearly asked himself. He had been watching and could've sworn it had connected. Yet it hadn't.

"You were a much stronger opponent than I had thought," Sasuke explained. "The Ash Step I use to blitz my opponents was something I hoped to shock everyone with. Along with Slash of the Fading Embers. You even made me use one of my aces."

"Th-at-"

"It was my Deceitful Dodge." Sasuke explained simply. I use my Ash Step in a tiny instant to skillfully evade blows and act as if they landed; this, in conjunction with a very subtle Genjutsu via Sharingan, allows me to utterly fool my opponent. From there, with your guard down, I was certain Slash of the Fading Embers could bypass your eyes. I was right."

Kakashi felt stunned but kept his composure. Besides, he was happy to see his student not suffer any substantial injuries. But Sasuke had done something Kakashi wasn't sure any mere Genin could do. Defeat Neji Hyuga convincingly.

The winner is Sasuke Uchiha!" Kakashi called out with false excitement. He eyed the medics as they carried the alive and barely conscious Neji out of the arena. Sasuke eyed him suspiciously before teleporting away. The crowd clapped excitedly, though noticeably, the Leaf Village section was the most silent, yet one thing was undeniable. Sasuke Uchiha was now the one to beat in the exams.

Sasuke faced the crowd proudly, Sharingan blazing, adding to the intensity of his gaze. "THE UCHIHA STILL STAND PROUD!" Sasuke roared, and the audience shared in his energy, even the Leaf seeming to respond positively.

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Mifune's POV (Kage Box of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)

Stolen novel; please report.

Mifune mind whirled at the end of the latest match, as he was sure the others did as well. While the exams had barely begun, the Leaf Village had already made its mark. Sure, they had already lost several Genin. Yet, they had shown a roster of powerful and skilled Genin in the process. Tenten, another orphan in their broken world, had shown unique abilities with a bloodline he was sure would be sought after these exams. Naruto Uzumaki had defeated her while holding back, and if the ending of their little match was an indication, she had much more to show. Two promising young men from their village had clashed, clarifying one thing. Clouded as the backgrounds of the clans were, they were still producing top-tier shinobi. Unlike Naruto, who had seemed comfortably ahead of his opponent, Neji and Sasuke had been a close match. Neji had hailed from the current most prominent clan of the Leaf. The infamous and regal Hyuga clan. Users of the legendary Byakugan had been known for years for their shocking power and powerful vision. Sasuke hailed from a clan once held in a similar position, if not more significant, marred by a failed coup orchestrated by his father. The Uchiha had been largely forgotten, a small amount of shinobi for most of the lower echelon. Sasuke had shown such ideas to be foolish. The two had displayed combat prowess Mifune had come to expect from most Jounin. Even more tellingly, Sasuke had defeated Neji convincingly; he had managed to overwhelm even the mighty Byakugan. It seemed the Uchiha would not yet fade; their fate lay in the hands of the decisive victor.

Mifune glanced around the room, taking in the stressed faces of four of the Kage. Hiruzen looked downright smug now and radiated pride for his Genin consistently making such an explosive performance. Mifune knew if he had felt a small crumb of worry seeing the future of the Leaf, the others must be feasting on it. The only one who looked remotely comfortable was Rasa. Seemingly happy to have Hiruzen as an official ally now.

"Well, seeing the Uchiha remnants do their clan proud is good," Rasa said with wary cheer. He also knew that even as an ally, this didn't bode well with the other four. Yet Mifune sensed he still held that old confidence. What was that sandman planning? "A proper showing from the Hyuga as well."

"What are you feeding your kids, Hiruzen." Onoki complained, seemingly defaulting to belly aching to process the newfound power of the Leaf.

"Nothing more than the Will of Fire." Hiruzen replied curtly. As well composed and disciplined as he was, he was still obviously smug, as he explained.

"Apparently, I need that pilled and fed to my men." A added holding his head up as if bored. A was never Mifune's favorite Kage. Much too quick to anger, too sure of his own abilities, and too willing to forgo morality for the sake of his home.

"It is not something that can be given but must be earned through a shinobi's journey in life." Hiruzen lectured.

"Save me the bullshit." A and Rasa said at once. Both men glared at the other as if not pleased to share an opinion with each other. They nodded once before sending both glares toward Hiruzen.

"That young man strikes me as a believer of justice," Yagura said gravely. "He may very well become a threat one day…"

Mifune frowned at that as the Kage and their guards all tensed. The room was suddenly full of tension as the unsaid implications of what Yagura had said settled into the room. Mifune sensed an opportunity. The other Kage likely were unaware of Ikam's existence, while the Leaf had encountered him several times. Mifune needed information on the slayer of his student; perhaps a show of support here would set the foundations for the Lands of Iron and Fire to become closer. Besides, Mifune was sure Hiruzen wouldn't miss the value of the mighty Land of Iron, the neighbor to the Land of Wind and Lightning, becoming an ally.

"Perhaps so, but we are all at peace for now. No need to concern yourself with a battle that hasn't happened." Mifune offered diplomatically.

"Indeed, Sasuke has shown himself to be loyal and dedicated." Hiruzen added.

"Yet he offered the glory to his clan as opposed to his home." Onoki sniped with a smug smile.

"Clans often try to be independent even from their own homes." Yagura said darkly.

"Please refrain from speaking." Rasa asked darkly. Yagura quirked a brow at this but shook his head and allowed the point to die for now.

Mifune wondered if the exams could stop being so exciting.

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Gaara's POV (Roof of Contestant Section of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)