Various POVs (Team Nine’s Training Ground - Hidden Leaf Village)

  X-X

  Naruto’s POV

  Ino went over with Team Nine towards the treeline to give the two of them space, Kakashi was unseen and had made his intention of spectating their fights clear. The rules were simple: anything was permitted outside of death. Kakashi would ensure nothing too grizzly would ensue. But for the most part, they would allow them to cut loose. Naruto was grimly pleased; he had hoped his teammates would become similar to his best friends. Now, they were locked in earnest combat, neither with much love. Naruto didn't mind a good fight, but a grudge match like this never felt good. But Naruto thought it was necessary; Neji would never change unless he proved himself an equal.

  "I can't believe it comes to this just because you're such a miserable man." Naruto snarked at Neji. "Fighting your own teammates just to prove your dumb ideology. I had thought a Hyuga above that bullshit."

  "Do not pretend you don't want this just as badly as I, Naruto," Neji replied evenly. We both are the type to stand boldly when facing our ideals; the two of us would always clash. It is better to get it out of the way; in truth, it is for your own good. Once you understand your place in this world, I'm sure you'll find peace."

  "We're not alike as you say. You don't believe in anything, you were dealt a bad hand and decided it was impossible to improve. I would never give up nor declare I know the future of myself or others. You're right, and I did want this a bit as well. But you're the one who started this. Enough talk, let's settle this!"

  Neji merely nodded as the two charged forward to meet. Neji smirked as his Byakugan activated; he struck out with a single finger but had to abandon the strike. Naruto ripped his blade from its sheath, and when he did, Neji ducked a slash for his neck; he attempted to smash his elbow into Naruto's face. Naruto lowered his head into the blow, managing to reduce its force. As he did, he slammed the handle of Riptide into Neji's head. Neji stumbled back as Naruto pushed his advantage.

  However, Naruto cursed as Nej, even off-balanced, slapped his blade away and managed to jab him in the face. Naruto, stunned, suffered two finger jabs at his stomach before he stumbled, back forming a hand sign just before Neji head-kicked him.

  Naruto puffed into smoke. He had switched out with a clone. During his charge, he had subtly summoned several, and by substituting with one, he managed to fool the genius. Those lessons paid off after all.

  "Nice job, jackass!"

  "Ya, you beat one of us!"

  "Only took like seven moves!"

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

  "Damn you! Kaiten!" Neji called. Spinning in place, he was surrounded by chakra that destroyed the clones slamming into it. In an instant, he had managed to clear out the group of clones.

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

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

  Neji was not deterred by Naruto's shock and charged into the forest into his army. The bastard had guts, it seemed. Naruto watched as the Hyuga charged through the forest and tore through his clones.

  Neji rolled under several kunai and even flying clones, firing off his own and eliminating the distant ones. Several tried their luck up close. One attempted an outright dive on top of him but was kicked away. Another attempted a slide tackle, but Neji hopped over it and landed on it, killing it. As he landed, two more were met with face jabs. Neji locked eyes with the real Naruto, who stood a short distance away from atop a tree with four clones.

  As Neji dashed forward, Naruto and one of the clones threw the other two, attempting to wipe Neji out with the other clones. However, Neji weaved around both easily and drew ever so close. Naruto nodded to the remaining clone and charged forward to meet Neji.

  The clone made an earnest effort, throwing a one-two combination, but Neji snaked around the blows and elbowed the clone in the face. Shocked to see it didn't dispel. Neji's eyes widened as he leaped over the clone desperately. Naruto smirked, unsurprised he had caught on, but it was too late! "Shadow Clone: Walking Landmine Jutsu!" The clone swelled before exploding, and the blast sent Neji flying uncontrolled toward the blonde.

  "Hey, Neji!" Naruto called as Neji fell, the blond diving down to meet him. "Block this!" Neji seemed to take this to heart. Immediately reactivating Kaiten even while he fell. Naruto smiled as he pulled his tanto and assumed his stance earlier in mid-air. "Uzumaki Style: Rising Spiral!" Once again, a twisting amount of chakra flowed in a spiral from the tanto focused on the top of Kaiten. The two techniques clashed, spinning oppositely; the attacks ground in an awful-sounding clash. This caused an explosion as they combusted against one another, rocking the forest, blowing down the trees around it, and almost seeming to extend the clearing. As the dust settled from the attack. Neji stumbled out unharmed but obviously dazed from being in the center. Naruto, however, had come out fine and had expected the explosion. He made his favorite hand signs as he dashed forward. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

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

  "This is crazy," Choji whispered, amazed.

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

  "This very well could be over. Neji is absurdly strong for a Genin. I have sparred against him several times in class. And never managed much. Naruto should be proud to do this well. Unfortunately, Neji seems keen on ending this."

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

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

  Naruto heard them all as he fell. While everyone had warned him the bastard was good, this was insane. He was barely hanging on, even with an army of clones and his new Kenjutsu. He couldn't let this bastard beat him, not while his new friends were watching!

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

  "This is done. That is the weight of fate." Neji said coldly as he stomped away from the downed blonde. Naruto had done relatively well, but it was disappointing to see that he had failed. A small part of the Hyuga hoped he would be proven wrong today.

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

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

  "Why must he blow everything up?" Kakashi complained while watching. Kurenai seemed to be glaring at him. The Cyclops wondered if it was the brutal fight, the potential lethality of it, or the destruction of her training field. Kakashi would be putting some earth jutsu on display after this. It would take hours to fix the ground, though maybe he could get Yamato's help…

  As the ground cleared, Neji stood mostly unharmed except slightly singed. He stumbled but received no pity from Naruto as he continued his assault. The bastard had juggled him for Kami's sake; he deserved a good beating! With a shout, several blondes flew from the air, hitting Neji in tandem. Before Neji could fly away, they grabbed the Hyuga and held him up. Each holding one of his limbs and lifting him up in the air, restraining him, "I'M ENDING THIS NOW!" Naruto called as Neji saw him, and a clone flew above the air.

  One was holding the other Naruto by the hands. Flipping through the air, the two build speed. Neji touched two fingers from two clones holding him, dispelling them and freeing his arms. Unfortunately, this led to his upper half falling. Neji realized he would not have time to avoid nor the freedom for Kaiten. He wrestled his arms free and guarded his face, though he suspected Naruto let him. Filling them with chakra, he mounted the best defense he could muster. Naruto flew in hard, screaming.

  If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  "NARUTO BATTLE AX!" His foot slammed into the Hyuga. The blow sent the Hyuga into the ground, cracking the concrete below. His arms saved him somewhat, but his back and skull still crashed into the ground. Only Neji's determination kept him conscious. The two clones holding him were expelled from the harsh impact. Naruto jumped back and waited. He was certain Neji couldn't tank a hit like that, but it never hurt to be sure. Once ten seconds passed, the blonde decided to approach the Hyuga carefully.

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

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

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

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

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

  "Otherwise, Kurenai and I would be down there," Kakashi informed. Having apparently been among them. "Neji may be a bit of an ass, but he's worked hard to reach the level he has. It's not only Naruto who's willing to put it all out there…"

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

  Naruto approached Neji slowly. He was certain the bastard would lurch up, but somehow, he'd still be standing. Twenty feet away, ten, five. Neji had yet to move.

  However, the second Naruto drew within reach, Neji struck. The Hyuga lurched forward with such speed Naruto was caught nearly off guard. Naruto prepared for this and countered with a thrust. But Neji seemingly had seen this already, having thrown a kick to counter the thrust. He kicked the blonde off balance. And with a smile, he prepared his new technique. "You're in my range. One Palm!" Neji dashed forward. Naruto attempted to counter with a slash, but Neji landed a finger on his shoulder before he could. Naruto could feel his arm numb and stop his attack. This was all Neji needed to continue the assault.

  "Two Palms!" One went high and low, making the blonde stumble back in pain. Each blow brought a growing numbness to spread. "Four Palms! Eight Palms! Sixteen Palms!" Naruto seemed utterly defenseless, the pain seeming to overwhelm him. Neji was struck so fast, and furious Naruto could not react before the next landing. "Thirty-Two Palms!" Naruto was barely standing at this point. Neji merely growls viciously as he moves to finish the blonde. "Sixty-Four Palms!" He finished with a lightning-fast pace of blows that ended with a double palm strike. Naruto flew back and landed flatly on his back. Neji fell to his knees. Both were tired, but Naruto could not afford to give up now. If he was exhausted, Neji had to do even more so. With a groan, Naruto crawled to his feet, picking up his tanto as he did so. Neji sighed as he rose to match him.

  "Are you running on empty?" Naruto taunted. "Cause I got plenty left in the tank."

  "Yes, you are correct. But I can see you're struggling to mold chakra. You won't have access to Ninjutsu or the apex of your Kenjutsu. Surrender."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  "You don't know my dream…" Neji accused.

  "Course I do; you might not have said it, but your anger clarified it. You resent the Hyuga for the injustice toward the Side House. And if I were in your shoes, what I'd want more than anything is to make it right. That's why we shouldn't be enemies; as allies, we can help each other reach our goals, regardless of how lofty they are." Naruto explained.

  "You truly believe a nobody and a Side House Member will ever have the power to change anything?"

  "Of course, but even if we somehow couldn't, guys like us will be way happier fighting than just giving up…" Naruto trailed off, waiting to see if his words would finally reach Neji.

  "I suppose your right… I look forward to working with you. Naruto Uzumaki…"

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

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

  Kakashi merely smiled. He wondered if Minato and Rin would be proud. His team might just make it after all…

  X-X

  Jiraiya’s POV

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

  Orochimaru’s POV (Ruins of Uchiha Hideout - Fire Country)

  A group of five traveled to a structure well-known to Leaf Shinobi in the past but now abandoned. An old holdout of the Uchiha's a symbol of their independence even once they had joined the Leaf. The Saninn had heard cats were maintaining the grounds. But seemingly knowing the four were there, they avoided them. Perhaps the Saninn would send some men to investigate in the future, but for now, they were unimportant.

  The five were led by quite a famous man. Orochimaru of the Sannin walked with his most potent and trusted soldiers. His right-hand man, Kimimaro, was a younger man with white hair that parted with an odd zigzag pattern. His forehead was marked with markings that told of his Kaguya clan heritage. His eyes seemed almost lifeless, just green orbs impassively observing their surroundings. He wore a lavender kimono wrapped in the braided rope his elites were gifted. He might just be his strongest soldier. A likely candidate for his newest host. His best weapon by far…. Walking to his left was a woman with a most unique kekkei genkai. Crystal Style was a tempting choice as a host, but she was widely useful without taking her over. Besides, she deeply resented him somewhere in her heart. Once he had removed the young boy from her life, she had shattered. A bit of manipulation and Guren had become a pretty helpful tool. Her unruly, spiky, pale blue hair pulled into a bun but still spilled out onto her face. She had a cold expression that fit her beauty. She wore a green turtle neck dress with one long sleeve and a short one. As well as brown gloves and boots. Lastly, and certainly not finally, was his most dubious ally.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  AN

  Remastered: It took a while, but it turned out nicely. I hope this fight equals the vision I originally had in my head. Definitely feels a lot better after the rework.