Disclaimer: Naruto is the property of Masashi Kishimoto while Slime is the property of Square-Enix. I'm merely using them for my own personal entertainment.

Chapter Ten

Standing on the top of the Hokage Tower, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but watch over the visitors who were arriving in his village today. It was the day of the finals for the Chuunin Selection Exam; a big day for ten young genin who will put both their dreams and lives on the line for the prestige of their own villages. He stood silently on the tower, flanked by both Raido and Anko as the cart carrying the Kazekage of Sunagakure no Sato arrived through the gates. Seeing that his counter-part in from Kaze no Kuni is checking in along with the two representatives from the Order, one of his eyebrows curiously rose. "So it begins," he finally said as he turned around to leave the tower to make his way to the stadium in which the main event of the Chuunin Selection Exams will take place. "Come, it wouldn't look well to have our guests waiting for us in our own home."

As Naruto walked through the bustling streets of the village, his thoughts were on the past month. Over the month, he refined a few skills and learned a few more; on top of learning of a few revelations surrounding the Kyuubi no Yoko. As much as he appreciated learning more about his mother, the thought of great and terrible Kyuubi being stuck in a cage since the founding of the village left him in a sour mood. For a demon, or beast and it preferred to be called from the few times he met the Kyuubi face to face, he can understand why the bijuu has such hatred for humanity. It's been used as nothing more then as a tool, trapped inside of a Jinchuuriki for so long; it would explain why it hates him so much. His grandfather didn't have much input on the matter, saying that the issue with the Kyuubi stems from the village itself. And Jhadow wasn't much help either saying that even though the Kyuubi is stuck inside of him and hates him; he said that he should at least be respectful towards the fox. He also said that he should not rely on the Kyuubi's strength and if his hand is forced is that he should combine it with his own. That left him a bit confused but he let it be.

Though with the revelations, more questions appeared. He knew that the black furred kitsune wasn't just him seeing things, it was truly real. Jhadow told him that it wouldn't bother him and it really hasn't aside from going over things in his dreams. It was weird because in the dreams, Naruto was just going through the motions that Khadow told him to go through and he couldn't actually talk to him at all. The only time he was able to communicate with him was when he initially met with the Kyuubi. That meeting though led to questions for his cousin who would casually evade them without much effort.

So lost in his thoughts, he almost missed his destination, the Hyuuga Clans compound. Fortunately, he was broken from his thoughts by the sight of his best friend, Hinata who was released from the hospital as of yesterday. He couldn't help but feel happy at seeing her walking about, but the sight of the bandages wrapped around her forearms darkened his mood. It reminded him of exactly who put her in the hospital in the first place and what he intends to do to the person later that day. Walking up to her he couldn't help but take in her appearance, aside from the bandages; he felt that light blue blouse looked good on her. "How ya doing Hinata-chan," he asked as he finally reached her.

The kunoichi smiled at seeing him, but was a bit confused. "I'm doing fine Naruto-kun," she said before finally deciding to voice her confusion. "Um… Naruto-kun, did something happen with Karasu-sama?"

Raising an eyebrow, he couldn't help but feel confused now himself. As far as he knew, nothing really happened between both him and his grandfather. Sure the old man seemed a bit stressed out with the coming arrivals from the Order and having to worry about his own safety in the tournament but he was going to be fine. He had the utmost confidence in his abilities and he was sure that he can handle Sabaku no Gaara. There was no doubt in his thoughts that he was going to face off against the Jinchuuriki of the Ichibi. That was going to be a troublesome fight. Seeing that he was once again about to be lost in thought, he shook his head and replied to his best friend, "Everything's fine Hinata-chan. Why do you ask?"

"Um… it's just that you aren't wearing you're robes. Not that you don't look good without them, it's just… odd… and you're eyes are a bit darker now. And is you're hat eating something?" Naruto had no idea why she'd turn her head away from him towards the end; though he put it aside at seeing the faint redness of her cheeks; so he figured that it must be her condition that he never talked to her about for some reason.

Looking down at himself, he didn't know why it was odd to be wearing something else besides his robes. Though he will admit that it was weird at first to have finally worn something else besides his robes and it was only at the insistence of the Pervy Sage about a week ago. He said that the robes weren't ideal for general use as a ninja. When he went back home later that day, for some reason, his grandfather smacked his forehead and commented on how his own personal style easily reflects his cousins when he was the same age.

It wasn't much really; Naruto just opted to wear a baggy pair of orange shorts, a black t-shirt with an orange vest over top. He had no idea why but when he paid a visit to his cousin, he felt happy to know that the older man thought that he looked badass; especially with the newly replaced straw-hat which is almost literally a signature trait for the family to wear.

As for his eyes, well he must have progressed further then he thought in the style his cousin showed him.

"Eh, Pervy Sage said I needed new clothes and Gramps said that I could spread my wings a little," he said as brought his attention back the kunoichi at his side. "They felt a bit weird at first, but now they feel fine. My eyes, well I've been doing lots of super hard training!" He then lifted his hat off of his head and let it rest on his back; revealing an orange skinned toad sitting on top of his head munching on a cookie. "This here is Gamakichi, I was able to summon him during my training and now we're friends!"

"Yo," the small toad said after it downed the rest of its cookie. He then peered over Naruto's head to look him in the eyes. "Hey Bro, is this you're…"

Hinata quickly turned her head away, blushing up a storm at what the toad was insinuating; especially with holding out its pinky while grinning. However Naruto was lost to what the toad was talking about and said, "Yea, Hinata-chan is my best friend."

The girl nodded however to her disappointment; honestly the boy could be so dense. She returned the greeting back to the small toad began to walk with him towards the stadium. "I think that you stand a chance against Neji-niisan," she finally said after fidgeting a bit. Naruto couldn't help but chuckle at his friend's expense. Of course he stood a chance, he knew the boy since they were little; but he also knew that the boy was fully capable of manhandling Rock Lee; the boy who he defeated himself to advance in the Exams; though in that fight he didn't use any Ninjutsu at all.

"Of course I can beat him," he began with a smirk as he glanced at Hinata. "If I wanted to I could beat him in one move." His expression soon darkened. "My Will is stronger then his, and I have a better reason to fight then he does. No one is allowed to do to you like he did and get away it." He stopped and looked back as he placed his hat back over on top of Gamakichi, noticing that the girl had stopped and is looking at him with her eyes wide; idly noting that her face was turning redder then before. "Are you okay Hinata-chan?"

It was her turn now to shake her head before catching up. "I'm fine. Just be careful Naruto-kun. Don't let your anger get the best of you."

He chuckled amusedly. "I won't Hinata-chan. I'm just going to give him the beating of a lifetime." The girl could only shake her head as they soon neared the stadium. After reaching the entrance, he left her to head to where the finalists were to enter.

However before he was fully able to leave her, she gave him a quick hug, "For good luck." With that she darted off into the stadium, leaving a confused yet happy chuunin-hopeful alone pondering about what happened. Though Gamakichi just chuckled about it and when asked, the toad would raise comments that just went over the boy's head.

Finding the entrance wasn't too hard; it was guarded by two masked Konoha ANBU who told him to follow the signs upon confirmation that it was him. As he reached the room which was opened up to the arena floor and the stands on the opposite of the stadium, he was greeted with the faces of those who he will be pitted against and his teammate Sakura.

The young kunoichi looked more or less the same with her usual attire but adopted the same kind of hat that he is wearing and is carrying a bo staff. It wasn't that hard to believe really; he knew that she was being trained by his cousin but this was the first time that they saw each other since the last round of the exams.

As he approached her, he couldn't help but look at the other finalists; noting glares sent his way from both the red-headed boy Gaara, and Neji. He noticed that Kiba took a sniff of the air before turning away in a sneer; confusing him a bit. Shikamaru looked indifferent at his entrance, but Chouji at least gave him a wave along with Neji's teammate, Tenten. The last boy he saw there was the other Suna-nin, the one with puppet strapped to his back; he gave Naruto a condescending look before turning away.

The only one missing was Sasuke and Naruto couldn't help but feel a bit sheepish at that. It would stand to reason that with being personally trained by Kakashi for the past month that they might be late to even this. He understood the reasoning behind Kakashi taking only Sasuke under his wing for the month; and he can only assume that Sakura as well from having his cousin train her. Naruto can only hope that he isn't too late for the match; though knowing that this is important, he couldn't honestly see Kakashi being late to this. If he was, then it might be possible that he might be late for even his own funeral as odd as that may be.

Ignoring everyone else, and trying to banish the rising anger from his mere glance over at Neji, he approached Sakura who was looking out towards the stands. "Hey," he said as he stood by her side.

Turning her head, she saw him and returned the greeting only after taking in his new appearance. "Hey Naruto, how have you been," she asked as she fully turned towards him.

"Eh, I've been good," he returned with a shrug before summoning three cookies. He slipped one into his shirt, another under his hat and took one for himself. He noticed that Sakura looked a bit confused for only a moment before understanding from previous experiences with Slime. "I've done lots of super training with my Uncle, Pervy Sage. It looks like you've done lots of super training too with Jhadow-oniisan too!"

She blushed from the praise and played with the rim of her hat as she held her staff behind her with one hand. "Well I wouldn't call it super training," she began before Naruto interrupted her.

"Of course it is, just look at you." Looking over her, he could tell that she is much more fit then before and the way that she is holding herself there with the staff in her hands showed it. "What he did for you was indeed super training!"

"Well… he did give me a taste of what you went through over the course of the month but it was focused on a few things."

"Like bojutsu," he curiously asked, not really knowing of her skill with the weapon but seeing it in her hands it wasn't much of a question.

The kunoichi nodded as she met his eyes and held the weapon behind her back now with both hands before her expression turned sour. "He also beat the basics into me."

Naruto just chuckled at that, his shakujo ringing. "Well Gramps did that to me as well and still does every now and again. If its one thing that he beaten into my thick skull is that the basics are the most important thing anyone can have."

"Yea, that's what Jhadow-sensei said too. Though it wasn't all pure physical training; he challenged me mentally as well and had me study this one book he had called, 'The Art of War,' by some guy named Sun Tzu. It's really interesting with what is said in the book." She leaned in closer to the multiclass ninja and lowered her voice to a whisper as she raised a hand to help cover her voice. "I think Jhadow-sensei lives by it. No offense Naruto, he's a war loving nut who feels that it's his art."

Hearing that, he couldn't help but sheepishly rub the back of his head with a strained grin. "Well he is a bit weird…" He didn't finish the statement because the stadium became silent. Looking out of the room, Naruto immediately understood why.

In the highest stand, overlooking the arena floor, both the Hokage and Kazekage stood at attention with three men. He instantly recognized his grandfather, and even if he didn't know the other two men, he knew enough about them to at least identify them on sight.

"Who are they," he heard his teammate ask, obviously confused as to who the men in the stand could be to have the honor of being seated with the Kage's.

"They are the Elder Council within the Order." He then pointed to his grandfather. "That's my grandfather, Karasu no Kami. The man in white is Tarobo no Kami; and the man in red is Ajari no Kami." The other two newly identified men wore the same kind of robes as Karasu.

"Are they really important men?" Naruto glanced at his teammate and noticed that she was glancing at him as well.

"They are the men who help Sojobo no Kami, the head of the Order, lead the organization. They are literally his right hand men. Their influence is quite possibly greater then any one Kage. They govern the many branches that pay respects to the deities that fall within their domain, whether it's Light, Dark, or Between." At the end of that, he noticed his teammate's confusion across her face. "You've heard of the Noble Children before right? Well Amaterasu falls under Light, Tsukuyomi is Between, while Susanoo is Dark. Each of them falls under one of those three domains within the pantheon and it is these men that make sure that the Sect's that fall under them are running smoothly." After explaining that, he couldn't help but wonder why both men were there. They were his grandfather's equals in hierarchy, but why would they be here to see him of all people? Why did they deem this of importance to judge him?

"Wait a minute," Sakura said, looking as if realization dawned on her. "If you're grandfather has such responsibility, then why does he live in Konoha?"

That caught him off guard as well; it was a good question that he couldn't deny. Aside from the yearly gatherings, he doesn't do much of anything for the Order. It is odd when he is supposed to handle a domain within the Order. "Um… I don't know really, I think it has to do with me. My mom was a kunoichi and he probably just wanted to raise me where she wanted us to live."

At hearing that, she fully turned towards him and blinked owlishly at the boy. Shock written clearly across her face; it was quite a bit of personal information on his family that he just shared with her and he couldn't blame her for that. Hell, most people only hear the name of the organization and just know that it deals with the various religious sects scattered across the continent. She was just given a crash course on bare basis of how the Order runs; it was sure leaving her stumped for a bit.

He didn't let her go for too long because he had a question of his own. "Sakura, where is Sasuke?"

Hearing the question, she shook her head to break out of her daze and looked ready to speak with an odd look in her eye; however it wasn't to be. The Hokage called for everyone's attention.

Anko had no idea of what to make of the situation as she followed the Hokage into the Lords Box. Already waiting for them was both Karasu and Jhadow; the older of the two was sitting in one of the five seats set in place for the Kage's and the Elders. His grandson of course was sitting on the railing, looking out over the arena floor; such a sight left her speechless at the blatant disregard for protocol that all guards are expected to show. She let it pass though as the Hokage let it go.

Finally recognizing them as they approached, Karasu stood while Jhadow flipped back over. "Well, well finally decided to show up eh Hiruzen-dono," Karasu said as he gave the Hokage a bow which was soon followed by Jhadow who seemed to be sharing in the mass excitement of the tournament. "My grandson here was getting a bit antsy waiting here."

"Shut it you old Bird," Jhadow retorted with a smirk. "I just can't wait to see how the Kid does along with Sakura-chan!"

Chuckling, Hiruzen gave his friend a bow which was followed by both Anko and Raido. "It is good to see you as well. We were just looking over the gate, watching the guests enter. Though I am curious, what kind of men are both Ajari and Tarobo?"

The monk took a seat while Jhadow moved to his side. Seeing this, Hiruzen took the center seat, right next to the monk and both Anko and Raido stood at his sides. "Well they are like me," the monk answered while looking at the Kage right in the eyes. What ever he was implicating was lost to her; though she guessed that it had to do with his position in the Order. "Though are both more strict in their responsibilities then I am. Tarobo as per being of the Light faction and taking over the position of Elder for Sojobo once he became Grand Elder, is a young hotheaded man who feels that everything should be managed. Nothing running unaccounted for or against protocol; he doesn't care much for me or the Dark faction in general. Ajari, well he's a young one too, not as hotheaded as Tarobo, but he's a sharp one he is. Pretty wise too, was nominated for Grand Elder years ago, but was passed over for Sojobo when I wouldn't take it up…"

"Wait you were in the running for being the big honcho of the Order," Anko interrupted, much to the amusement of both old men.

Scratching his long nose, Karasu chuckled. "Well I didn't want it, it was too much trouble and being in charge of it really would have gone against my Lord's teachings. Do you remember how I once told you that there were many lands that fell under one of three things?" The kunoichi nodded, but she noticed the curious expressions on both the Hokage's face as well as Raido's. "Well each land falls under the domain of one of three things. Just as the Order is broken into three domains, the lands fall under the same thing. Actually, the Order was setup to follow the domains of the lands. They can either be of the Light, Dark, or Balanced. This land however falls under the Dark, and so it is my Lord's domain. The Order was setup years ago as sort of an experiment to see how the others handle being here."

"So you're saying that the land falls under the Divine Darkness," Hiruzen stated. "What is the difference between these domains?"

"Nothing much besides being created by one or both of the two Lords," Jhadow answered for his grandfather. "It just means who has precedence over it. Think of them as a Daimyo; being the lord of an area of land; they have control over that area and allow what is to be done there. It is exactly the same thing with the Lands. They are either controlled by one or both. With Gramps at the head, it wouldn't have gone well for the original intention of the organization."

"Well that's that, but back to my peers," Karasu said, changing the subject back despite how insightful it was into the beliefs of myths behind the teachings of the Order. "Ajari, well he's generally a calm and composed fellow but he has quite the temper. Also the last time we met, he was very stressed out over something…"

"Any idea what that would be," the Hokage asked once again, trying to think of how to handle these men.

"Could be because I don't run things within my domain like they do." The monk offered with a shrug. "I just tend to supervise and make sure they don't get too out of hand at times. That could be why…"

"He was picking up you're slack," Anko deadpanned at the monk who had the decency to look sheepish.

"The Divine Darkness is very lax with both his children and his domain."

"I'm sure he is," Hiruzen stated before glancing to the entrance to the box. "Ah welcome Kazekage-dono, Tarobo-dono, and Ajari-dono." Walking into the box was the three men who arrived earlier at the gate together and their bodyguards. The Hokage stood up to greet each man. "It is honor for you to be here today and watch this spectacle with us today. Are you tired from the trip here?"

"Ah Hokage-dono, the honor is ours for you to welcome us into you're home," the Kazekage returned as he matched his counter-part's bow. From what Anko could tell, she couldn't see much of the man as he was covered by either his white and blue robe or the facecloth that only revealed his eyes beneath his hat.

"It is indeed an honor to be here today and to see the young hatchlings compete," Ajari greeted as he bowed. Anko couldn't see how he could be young; he looked just as old as the Hokage! Unlike the Kazekage, she was able to see his head and his red eyes that matched both his robes. He was also taller and larger then everyone else there. "It has always been an interest of mine to see these games but duties have always kept me away."

The third man chose to remain silent as if such things were beneath him; which might be true according to what she just learned before the arrival of the foreign visitors. He certainly looked the part standing in his white robes with that regal air around him. As insulting as he was, Anko couldn't believe that the Hokage let it be once again. As she studied each dignitary, she took note of their long noses, bald heads, and similar shakujo's which greatly reminded her of Karasu. She never met anyone else with a nose like his before and it was interesting to see it here; she pondered if it was a requirement within the Order to have noses like that and that when they ascend within the ranks that the process happens as part of a ritual.

Once the initial greetings were over, each dignitary took a seat; the Kazekage sat right next to the Hokage. Ajari sat on the other side of Karasu, while Tarobo sat next to the Kazekage. As they moved to their seats, she took notice of each of the four bodyguards that came in. Two followed the Kazekage and looked like typical jonin from Sunagakure no Sato. The other two wore hooded cloaks that matched their superior's robes. Each one however silently stood at attention by the side of their lord, and seemed ready to spring into action at any moment. The only ones who seemed relaxed with the tension were both Karasu and Jhadow; especially her neighbor, he seemed to be enjoying this a bit too much for her liking, though she did catch him sneaking glances at the guard in red every now and then.

After a few moments of small talk about what each man was expecting from the chuunin-hopefuls, the Hokage stood up and walked to the front of the box. He was soon joined by the three Elders and his fellow Kage. It would be only a moment later that the chuunin-hopefuls stepped out onto the floor of the arena and stood at attention with Genma before them.

Though there were only nine standing below, Anko couldn't help but ponder over the lack of a certain Uchiha. She knew that many came today to see him fight; to see the legendary prowess of the Uchiha clan that once proudly stood before…

She shook her head of such thoughts; those were in the past and better off there. Though, she did find it curious that the boy was missing now of all days. Surely his sensei, Kakashi, would have been punctual for once; the masked jonin is usually punctual for important meetings and events. Not being here with Sasuke was sure to aggravate the numerous lords and potential clients who were expecting to see the boy perform. There was no word of either shinobi, so they will have to play this carefully just so the guests are not too offended.

"Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, welcome and many thanks for gathering here today at Konohagaure for the Chuunin Selection Examination," the Hokage announced, his voice ringing throughout the stadium. "I would like to offer many more thanks for Ajari no Kami, Tarobo no Kami, and Konoha's own Karasu no Kami, to take time from their busy schedules within the Order as the Elder Council…" Said men waved at the gathered audience as the people seemed to begin to whisper in hushed, revered tones. "And I'd like to thank Kazekage-dono for being with us today as well." He looked over the chuunin-hopefuls one last time, before addressing the audience. "Well without further ado, we will now begin the final round between the ten candidates who advanced from the preliminaries. So please sit back and enjoy the show."

Once that was done, they all moved back to their seats, but it wasn't before long that the Kazekage made a comment, "Ten? It seems as if one is missing right now Hokage-dono."

"You only have nine down there Hokage," Tarobo said, speaking for the first time since he arrived. "Such an un-orderly event."

"Now, now Tarobo-dono," Karasu interjected. "I'm sure that the lad is merely running late. Nothing to get hung up over…"

"I know that this is supposed to be an exam," Ajari decided to add. "But he would be penalized for this would he not?"

Anko couldn't see any of their faces, but she knew that the Hokage had to be frowning when he nodded his head. "That is correct Ajari-dono. If he is late for his match, it would be considered that he forfeited the match and his chance at being promoted as dictated by the rules set forth for these exams."

The red clad monk leaned forward in his chair and folded his fingers under his chin. "That is fascinating Hokage-dono. So there is a charter in place that all Hidden Villages as part of you're alliance adheres to for these exams?"

The Hokage nodded. "Yes, even though our alliances are nothing more then verbal agreements, the charter is written and adhered to by all participants of the alliance. Any who break from the guidelines are severely penalized by the alliance for negligence. After all, these exams are a substitute for an actual war within a controlled environment where each village can showcase its ninja to potential customers."

The monk thought it over a few times before leaning back into his chair. "Well as fascinating as it is, I am definitely looking forward to seeing both Karasu-dono's grandson, the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki fight against Kazekage-dono's son, the Ichibi Jinchuuriki." As casual as the comment was spoken, it threw residents of Konoha in a loop as they stared at the monk in shock; such information about Naruto was highly classified and even then, Anko was told that the information on the Bijuu fell under Karasu's responsibility. For this man to know about that and the other boy, it shouldn't have been possible unless he shared the information with his peers, but from looking at Karasu, she couldn't help but feel believe that he didn't share that with them. "It'll be interesting to see how a Jinchuuriki raised by Karasu-dono will fare against another."

"He has the right stuff," Jhadow suddenly interjected, catching the attentions of every person there. Ajari and especially Tarobo were shocked by the blatant breach of protocol by the man speaking out like he did and not directed at the one who he's protecting. "He will not fall to the likes of the Ichibi Jinchuuriki."

"Oh confident are we," the Kazekage said, getting in on the conversation now. "Is it because he has a more powerful demon within him that you say that or is it because he is the grandson of you're master?"

Both Jhadow and Karasu blinked a few times before looking at each other and repeating the same action. Jhadow then looked back at the Kazekage and pointed down at the arena floor where the rules were being explained to the genin by the referee, Genma. "Well, we are kin," Jhadow casually answered, not at all intimated by the questioning glances sent his way. "What reason does either of us need to believe that he will win aside from being family?"

"Yes well either way he'll have to defeat his opponent Hyuuga Neji first before he can have a chance to face Gaara," the Kazekage calmly returned before turning his own attention back to the arena floor. "Even then, Uchiha Sasuke may in fact beat him if he defeats my son."

"If the insolent hatchling decides to show up," Tarobo sneered as he leaned his elbow.

Standing below on the dirt floor of the arena, Naruto stood before his opponent Neji. He may have mellowed a bit after a month, but if he was to be honest with him, there was no way that he was going to let him get away with hurting Hinata like that. She was one of, if not, the sweetest person that Naruto had ever met. Seeing Neji's smug face across from him for the first time since they've seen each other a month ago brought his foul mood back.

Most likely seeing his foul mood rising, Neji asked with a smirk, "You got something to say monk?"

Hearing this, Naruto's eyes narrowed on the older boy and raised his fist before him. "Last time we met, you left in a lousy mood after what you did to Hinata-chan, and seeing you again really isn't helping any Bastard." The younger boy took pleasure in seeing the smug look change ever so slightly on Neji's face. "I feel as if I hit you at least a hundred times that it should make me feel better." He then lowered his head so that his hat covered his eyes. "After all, I did vow on Hinata-chan's blood that you spilt; that I would give you the beating of a lifetime. After all, she is my best friend and it's only right that I return the favor back to you with interest."

Seeing that both boys were done, Genma decided to begin the match. "I'm not as weak as you may think I am if you truly believe that you can give me a beating of a lifetime," Neji stated as he took up his familiar fighting stance. "I can't wait to see the despair in your eyes when the truth about losers finally dawns…" He didn't get the chance to finish Naruto was suddenly in his face with his palm open.

Before anyone else knew it, Naruto slapped Neji, and the resulting strike sounded as if thunder exploded above. "One," the monk said with a smile as he then backhanded the boy and sending him onto the ground. "Two… I'm feeling just a little bit better now."

"Lucky shots," Neji muttered as he got up and wiped the blood off his lips. Seeing that Naruto was just standing there, leapt at the unprepared boy and stuck the boy's chest with a palm strike; driving chakra into his foes lungs; a strike that would have felled anyone but the toughest of foes. "How does this feel Loser?" Smirking at the injured boy, his own smirk faded once he saw the smirk on the smaller boy.

"You should pay more attention," Naruto muttered weakly as he disappeared in a plum of smoke.

Surprised at the sudden disappearance of his opponent, he didn't the movement within the smoke before him. "Three," Naruto shouted as his fist collided with Neji's face. Unlike last time, Neji stumbled a few steps to the side and in his daze, he didn't notice that once again Naruto was in his face and latched onto his wrist.

"Four," a new voice shouted and all Neji saw through his pain filled vision was the monk lifting up his hat and an orange blur smashed into his face. With the younger boy holding onto his arm, he couldn't roll with the blow and was held in place.

As he turned to face Naruto and lash out at him, Neji only caught a glimpse of yellow eyes under Naruto's hat before it was lowered once more. This action though allowed a blue blur to burst forth from under Naruto's shirt and smash into his face once more. "Five," Naruto shouted as Slime retreated back into his clothes. "And six!" He pulled Neji back smashed his fists into the older boy's face once more. This time though, he let go of Neji's wrist and let him fall to the ground where he laid there for only a moment.

He knew that Neji had no idea as to what had just happened; he never actually broadcasted his knowledge in the skill of using Kage Buunshin. It wasn't something that he really needed; just something that he knew would help if needed. He truly believes in his own strength and skill to be able to defeat Neji on his own, but this also doubled as a test; so he had to show off his skills in other areas.

What he did was when the older genin was sprawled out onto the ground; he replaced himself with a clone. After spending some time with his cousin, he learned that shouting the techniques when used doesn't actually help in using them. All he needed was to just remember how to perform the jutsu and it would work. That was only partially right; he allowed the clone take a hit for him to catch Neji off guard. Which he did with the help of both Gamakichi and Slime who both struck the boy before retreating back to him.

"Impossible," Neji growled as he flew back onto his feet. "I am the number one rookie from last year's class. Hailed as the greatest genius of the Hyuuga clan in years, how could I have let him catch me like that?"

"Oy Bastard, I still owe you ninety-four more hits," Naruto stated as he stabbed his shakujo into the ground where it stood upright. He then took his own stance, one that he learned from his grandfather.

Growling at Naruto's actions, Neji flew at him, with the veins around his eyes pulsing. As he neared Naruto, his hands flew lashing out at the smaller boy; however each strike was deflected and parried. Then all of a sudden, Neji went flying over Naruto's head when he overextended a strike.

Pivoting in his spot, Naruto was graced the sight of Neji in a low stance with both arms extended outward. "You are within field of my divination," Neji stated as he glared at Naruto before launching himself at the monk. "Juukenho: Hakke Rokujuuyon Sho!"

Before Naruto knew what happened himself, Neji repetitively jabbed his fingers into his body and kept spinning around him. As this was going on, he made sure to keep both Gamakichi and Slime safe; so as the swift blows came he did his best to protect his friends. When Neji finished, he calmly said, "Sixty-four palms," as he allowed his catch his breath. Once he finished saying that, Naruto flew backwards in a delayed reaction. "Mr. Referee, it is over, I blocked off each and every tenketsu in his body; he can no longer stand or pose as a threat…"

"Fuck that," Naruto growled as he struggled to prop himself onto his elbows. Through the haze of both pain and the concerns of both Gamakichi and Slime, he was able to hear the arrogant boy. There was no way he was going to go down to a few taps like that. He was Uzumaki Naruto, the grandson of Karasu no Kami. The multi-class ninja of Konohagakure no Sato; he doesn't need chakra to kick ass. It makes it easier, but he doesn't need it. But damn having all of his points closed hurt like hell though. "I still owe you ninety-four more hits you bastard and what you just did just added to that!" With pure strength of will alone, he flipped up onto his two feet; much to both Neji's and the Genma's amazement. "I am not going to stop until I pay you back for what you did to Hinata-chan!"

"Yeah you tell him Bro," Gamakichi shouted from his now uncovered head as he clung to it. "Kick his ass for what he did to your girlfriend!"

"She is not my girlfriend," Naruto shouted as he looked at the smirking toad on top of his head. "She's just my best friend who just so happened to be a girl!"

"Right, keep telling yourself that," the toad muttered as he turned his focus back on Neji.

Ignoring the pain, Naruto dashed off towards his shakujo but Neji threw himself in between his path. Seeing this Naruto went to throw a punch at Neji's face but was surprised when his fist met air. "What the," Naruto questioned as he looked down to see Neji's smirk.

"You cannot defeat fate," the older boy stated as he gave Naruto a vicious double palm strike to the chest as he tripped over his body. The force of the blow caused the monk to fly the rest of the way to his shakujo and crash into it. Landing haphazardly as he did, Gamakichi was thrown off by the sheer force of the landing and laid sprawled out on the ground. "It is over now; you really can't do much against me without chakra at this point. Striking at those points does more then denies you your chakra; they leave you in such a weakened state that fighting back is impossible. You being able to stand up right afterwards is worthy of being notable for a loser such as you." Glaring at him through the pain, Naruto couldn't help but feel his anger rise at what the boy said next. "Just so you know, beating Lee doesn't necessarily mean that you can match me; I normally dominate him in our spars, so don't even bother stripping your clothes. It is your fate to lose here today."

Struggling to get up and actually using his staff to hold himself up, the monk growled out, "Shut up you bastard. No way in hell will I lose to you, and just so you know it is possible to reopen the tenketsu!"

"And how will you do that?"

The monk brought his hands together and snarled out, "Pure strength of will!" With that said, he then began to dig deep within his being. Searching for his chakra, if he could find a sliver, he can will it out. He knows he can, he did it before in the past with Hinata; though she wasn't as skilled as boy before him. Growling in frustration, he knew that it was beginning to frustrate him until he felt it. That little spark of energy within him that he latched onto as if it was a lifeline.

Grabbing hold of it, he began to drag it from his core, willing it through his body until all of his tenketsu's were sudden opened and his chakra exploded from his body in a brilliant blue light that wrapped around his body. "How is this possible," Naruto barely heard Neji say over the raging chakra that shrouded him.

Once the flare of chakra settled back within his body, he looked at Neji and narrowed his eyes. "Now I'm ready to end this. Just so you know, after what you did, I hope that you're ready for a thousand years worth of pain!"

"Let's give it to him Bro," he heard Gamakichi shout as he leapt back onto his shoulder. "Let's show him that no one messes with family or friends!"

"Yeah," he growled out as he forced his body to lunge towards his opponent. His body protested, most likely from the forced reopening of his tenketsu and such exertion after performing such a feat. It felt slightly sluggish, and it was because Neji was able to duck beneath the swing of his shakujo.

As the older boy was about to launch his own counter attack to Naruto's exposed midsection, Gamakichi dove and kicked Neji in the head. After returning to his perch, Naruto backed away from the older genin to give him some space. That blow didn't do more then slightly daze the boy, but if his body was going to act as such, it was foolish to charge as he did. He needed a better plan then just charge and smack him around silly until he was happy again.

So he did the only thing that really came to mind in his current condition, he performed the Kage Buunshin no Jutsu and four copies of himself appeared in a burst of smoke. Noticing that he was about to perform the jutsu, his friend hopped off of his shoulder and back to the ground to better allow the boy to blend in. The boy knew that this was his best bet; Neji wouldn't be able to distinguish him from his copies and with them swarming the older boy, he wouldn't be able to properly defend against it.

As he and his copies neared Neji, he saw his confusion and nervousness; obviously from not being able to tell which is which and knowing that Naruto is indeed a skilled fighter if he was able to perform well early on. Naruto liked seeing that. To see the older and contemptible boy squirming was pleasing, however that was short lived when both he and his copies smashed into a whirling barrier that shot forth out of Neji. The copies disappeared in the same manner from wince they came while he spun through the air and landed ungracefully back on his feet. Looking at the boy, he noticed the slight indention in the ground and instantly knew what had just happened. Being as close to the Hyuuga Clan as he was, it wasn't that hard to figure out what happened. He was quite sure that the Hyuuga who were in the stands were shocked at the display as well because just now the boy, who is a of the branch house, just performed a technique that is only taught to the heir of the main house.

"Hakkesho Kaiten," Naruto growled as he glared at Neji. "When did you learn that?" He had a fairly good idea how, and didn't really hold him in contempt for doing so since both his grandfather and cousin taught him that techniques are bound to be passed on without the notice of the practitioner someday. This was just an example of it without the aid of a doujutsu like the Sharingan. However, it did make facing off against Neji more problematic.

The technique was for all intents and purposes a powerful defense. Perfect, not in any way of the word despite how many of the Hyuuga and now most likely Neji would say that it is. He knew that such a feat uses a massive amount of chakra; expelling that much and making it a solid whirling dome of protection would require it to be so. He didn't look winded, but Naruto could tell that he was posturing and enjoying the fact that the multi-class ninja was giving him time. This was time not Naruto didn't freely give, it was forced because he now has to add in this new variable to counter it as well; like before he couldn't just charge in.

He could easily see the smirk on the older boys face when he slid into the classic Hyuuga Juukenho stance. However, the boy ignored his question and asked his own, "That jutsu, what was it? My Byakugan couldn't tell them apart."

Seeing that the boy ignored his question, he decided to ignore his as well; besides giving away a technique like that is paramount to suicide. Once a technique is revealed, it can be countered, just like he was preparing to do now that he knew Neji knew such a technique. Creating more copies of himself, both he and his ten copies flew towards Neji once again and attacked from different angles.

As he approached this time, he could still see the indecision on Neji's face, but he also saw the arrogant smirk just before the boy once again spun and created that domed barrier of his once again. Each copy crashed into the barrier and disappeared in a burst of smoke while the real one spun through the air once more but landed harshly on the ground. He could only glare weakly at the older boy as he proudly stood from where he repelled the last attack.

"As it was destined," the genin began as he stepped out of the impression in the ground. "I was to win. Fate had declared it so that I would win and that a loser like you would lose."

"Is that so," Neji heard from behind and froze up as the Naruto who was lying on the ground disappeared in a burst of smoke. "Let me show you a technique that Kakashi-sensei taught me." It was then that Naruto performed his technique. "Konohagakure Hiden Taijutsu Oji: Sennen Goroshi!"

Neji was sent flying and stayed air born for quite some time before painfully landing on the ground face first. Before he could get up and at least sooth his stinging rump, Naruto shoved him back into the ground forcefully while stepping on his back. The monk saw the old glance over his shoulder and the look of pure rage in those pale eyes. However he couldn't do anything about it because Naruto hand him pinned with his shakujo raised to stab down into him. The match was over and Neji had lost.

"Winner Uzumaki Naruto," the referee announced.

Hearing that, Naruto got off of the boy and walked away, feeling much better after that beating. He kept his word and gave Neji the beating of a lifetime while making him feel a thousand years worth of pain. It was more then enough to avenge his best friend. As he gathered his things and Gamakichi, he had to wonder why he went to such lengths like he did in punishing Neji. He'll have to ask his family later about that.

As he left the arena, his eyes drifted from the box where his family sat to the stands, trying to find where his best friend was. His thoughts turned to them as he wondered if they were proud of him.

"That was," Ajari begun as he watched the older boy carried out of the arena, "most interesting." Leaning back, he then turned his attention to Karasu. "What style of fighting was that Karasu-dono? I've never seen it before."

"There was no style," Tarobo sneered with distaste from his seat. The entire time he held the entire match in contempt. "He powered his way through the use of dishonorable tricks that the ninja are prone to use. And what was with that secret technique? It was nothing more then a kancho!"

Anko could barely hold back her annoyance at the lack of respect that the man had for the people of the village that he was in. Disrespecting the way of life for a ninja in a ninja village was borderline suicidal; his life was assured though for being an Elder and being a major political and religious figurehead in the Elemental Nations.

Hiruzen merely chuckled at the statement much to Anko's own surprise before he said, "He only used one jutsu throughout the entire fight." Just as before though, even though Anko couldn't see his face, she could tell that he was frowning. "Though the Sennen Goroshi is merely a joke that Tobirama-sensei once used on me when I was a young genin after someone else used it on them…" Anko couldn't help but glance off to the side where she saw Jhadow looking a bit sheepish at the trip down memory lane. "An old friend of both Hashirama-sama and Tobirama-sensei once used it on them during a spar. His name was if I remember correctly was Kuroki Kage…"

"You mean the legendary warrior who each hidden village pays homage to by use of his name when the current age of ninja began," the Kazekage interrupted much to everyone's surprise, especially the younger ones present at the time. Though as a Kage, he had to have some knowledge of it and the Hokage merely nodded.

"Why yes of course, the very same," Hiruzen said, getting over his surprise quickly. "Though when Kage used it, he shouted kancho! When Tobirama-sensei used it back in the day, he made the name more elaborate and I passed it onto my students…" For some odd reason, Anko noticed the Kazekage nod his head. "It's become more or less running gag over the years."

"Regardless," Karasu finally said interrupting the current conversation. "Naruto-kun performed marvelously; though I'm not sure how he would be graded for his performance however."

The Hokage looked thoughtful for a few moments as he seemed to replay the match in his mind. "Well he didn't show much but showed restraint in the use of his techniques and much skill. I was honestly not expecting him to have both a toad and that little blue companion his has hidden on him. It's a bit early to properly judge, but he did show decent planning during the fight despite his aggressive stance early on."

The Kazekage seemed reluctant in giving his own piece, "He is indeed quite skill, making the fight completely one-sided until Hyuuga Neji managed to land that combo and cripple the boy from just that one opening that he himself was very fortunate to have gotten. Until he managed to reopen his tenketsu, he was outmatched and then it balanced it. I will reserve judgment on his promotion Hokage-dono, but he did show some tactical sense during the fight. His early usage of Kage Buunshin was interesting with how he managed to counter the fabled Hyuuga Hakkesho Kaiten."

"He did," Hiruzen stated with a nod. "Most of it happened in the end though; early on what he displayed was for show when he didn't really need it. He needed to use some tactics to overcome his opponent once they were on a more even playing field." He then straightened up. "He does have more chances to show whether or not he is worthy of promotion."

"So you break down each and every fight and take note of what each and every single participant did while putting on a show for the public," Ajari stated as he leaned back into his chair.

"That is pretty much how things go but we aren't the only ones judging, there are other officials as well. They are around in the stands and it is with their feedback that we properly judge who is worthy and who isn't." Hiruzen then leaned towards Ajari. "It is with this that the results to see who is worthy of promotion is normally seen the day after the tournament. The tournament is merely for show to showcase our young and upcoming ninja to various potential clients."

"With that in mind, with a better performance from one village over another, you will hinder them economically while showing that you have big sticks and know how to use them to others who may wish to strike at you." From her position at the Hokage's side, she could see Ajari casting the Kage a sidelong glance. "So how would the absence of Uchiha Sasuke be seen then by others?"

"Speaking of which, where is the boy," the Kazekage asked. "The crowd is growing quite restless; there is little doubt that this next match is one that they'd enjoy the most in seeing. Especially me, I'd like to see him fight my Gaara."

The Hokage sighed before he could answer however; Raido leaned down next to him. "Sir, there has been no word about the boy," the scarred jonin whispered that the kunoichi could easily hear. The others could possibly as well, but gave the two the privacy that master and servant deserved out in public. "Perhaps before the crowd begins to make a fuss we should disqualify him…"

The aged leader acknowledged what his bodyguard said to him and nodded his agreement. "He has not appeared at the designated time that the tournament began and he has still not appeared before his own designated match. So as per the guidelines laid down by the Chuunin Selection Exam Charter, Uchiha Sasuke will be disqualified."

"Hokage-dono, please wait a little bit longer before making that decision," the Kazekage formally pleaded. "The majority of leaders here today are mainly here to see the boy compete. He is of the Uchiha Clan, and those of us from Kaze no Kuni would like to request that our own Gaara be given the opportunity to fight him."

Anko couldn't help but feel the weight of the Kazekage's words as he said them and could only imagine the pressure that it place on the Hokage. He is the man who leads Konohagakure no Sato, the backbone of Hi no Kuni's military, and this was nothing more then a direct challenge at his authority. But it was also a move against the rules of the Charter, which were written down at the sacrifice of countless men and women. To do such a thing would be a spit in the face of each person who died for this system.

"You seem to be awfully concerned to have this match Kazekage-dono," Hiruzen carefully replied in even tones as he knew of the weight of what is transpiring.

"There is no better opponent then an Uchiha to show off the quality of my village's ninja to these clients," the fellow Kage returned as he focused on the arena below. "It is a great opportunity for us."

"The insolent hatchling isn't here," Tarobo growled as he glared at the Kazekage. "By all rights by the silly rules you ninja wrote the boy is to be disqualified!" For some odd reason to Anko, the Kazekage seemed a bit wounded by the words spoken from the disrespectful Elder. "If he is to be disqualified, then he is to be disqualified, no exceptions are to be made for him just because of his bloodline."

"That is indeed true, if any other would be disqualified; then he is to be disqualified as well," Ajari stated.

"If my grandson was to not appear, then he'd be disqualified as well," Karasu added in which both of the other Elders agreed to; albeit a bit reluctantly. "I'm sure that seeing that the brat hasn't appeared yet would put off the crowd as well. So he should be punished accordingly."

It was then that Jhadow decided to add his own thoughts to the conversation, "The bastard has been given ample time to arrive; and then he had until the end of the first match to appear. His time is up, by all rights the bastard is to be disqualified, regardless of lineage!" At the end of this, Anko couldn't help but notice the dark smirk that crossed the mans face before he seemed to share a look with the Hokage who had his own hidden smirk that she couldn't see.

"They are right Kazekage-dono, Uchiha Sasuke is hereby disqualified," Hiruzen announced before sending Raido down to the arena to inform Genma of the final decision, much to the Kazekage's disappointment.

With this called, Gaara was declared the winner and would be facing Naruto in the next round. Before that match could be seen however, there were still three more matches waiting to be seen.

As she watched the two kunoichi, Haruno Sakura and Kuno Tenten step onto the arena floor, she did not notice how pleased her Hokage was. He will not tolerate any of his ninja harm a fellow comrade. He decided that the boy finally needed to be humbled.

Author's Note: Sorry this chapter took so long to come out. I was hit by a case of writers block and couldn't get back into working on this chapter for about three weeks. It is during this time that I came up with a few other story ideas. I'll share them with you so you can get a feel for them before I begin working on them.

1) I've seen a few stories on the site about the origins of the Rikudo Sennin. As some can already tell, I already have my own origins for the Rikudo Sennin. This will be a companion piece to the "The Monk" predating the events by many years. We know now that Uchiha Madara awakened the Rinnegan before his death so it is related to the Sharingan; most likely the final stage of development for the eyes. What we also know is that the Sharingan was said to have been a mutation of the Byakugan. Will most likely be a one shot or one I'll go back when I feel like giving away more and more of the Rikudo Sennins life.

2) This next story is a crossover with Rosario + Vampire. Mikogami the headmaster of Youkai Academy hires a team of ninja to protect the academy and to see if they can do a better job then the Safety Committee as a means of finally phasing them out. Will be a Naruto/Moka pairing.

3) Another crossover but with Teen Titans. There are quite a few stories out there where Naruto becomes Red X, how about one where he isn't. This will be it, but he won't be a simple thief causing trouble for the Titans.

4) This next story is a pure Naruto story. It'll take place shortly after Naruto graduates from the Academy, but he won't be the one that we all know and love, but one who has no choice but to become a ninja just to make a living in a town where no one will give him a job. It is during the week off before the Gennin Orientation that he'll meet someone who will give him the chance and maybe offer him more then what everyone else has.

These are just rough summaries of my plans for stories. I'll be working on these before I get back to "The Monk" but not before I get a second chapter of "Golden Eyes" in. Despite only two reviews telling me to continue it and not giving much else for input I will.

Well this note went on for a bit, so if you have any comments on my plans, please review the chapter first and tell me your thoughts on it. This will help me improve myself and see how people like the direction of the story that I'm taking it in.