Bonds

Underestimation

*Unknown Time*

"You can't... YOU CAN'T BEAT ME!" he shouted. The man pushed himself to his feet, his eyes shining as he dashed forward. He slashed the projectiles with his kunai, dodging all that he could. He finally made it to the man. A large fist collided with him however sending him flying back. He was sent back into a tree, his kunai dropping the forest floor. He sat with annoyed look on his face as his body screamed at him to stop. His eyes widened as the same fist came flying at him.

He pulled himself out of the tree and dodged to the left, falling to the forest floor. He flipped so he landed on his feet. He pulled two more kunai out of his pouch, both having an explosive tag attached to the end and ran up another tree. He saw the wrist of the fist that punched him and threw it. It planted itself inside the wrist, and as he jumped off the tree, he threw the other one, both explosions causing the other to yell out in pain.

The shinobi landed on the branch, his chakra running through his veins quickly as he glared at the boy.

"How about we finish this." he stated as he dashed at his opponent.

*Current Time*

"The winner of this match is Shikimaru Nara!"

"It appears your daughter doesn't hold the same strength that your youngest son does..." Hiruzen spoke calmly. The Kazekage chuckled.

"I think the reason why my son is so strong is similar to why that blonde is, don't you agree Lord Hokage?" Hiruzen gazed at the man with a calm expression.

"Naruto doesn't completely rely on the abilities of his Bijuu like Gaara does." he retorted. The other Kage nodded.

"That may be true, but if I recall, the Hyuga had closed all of his chakra points. A chakra cloak surrounded him, something very similar to a Bijuu cloak that I've seen on my son." he shot back. Jiraiya rolled his eyes.

"This may all be true, but the boy your son fought was a strict taijutsu user. I've heard that Sayu Uchiha is very talented in all realms. And she of course has the Sharingan." Jiraiya explained. The Kazekage nodded, his eyes following the two Genin approaching the proctor.

"I suppose we will see." Hiruzen eyed the Kazekage for a moment as Genma spoke.

"Begin!"

*Balcony*

"I knew you had it in you!" Ino exclaimed as she grinned at the Nara. He rubbed the back of his head.

"It's not the big of an accomplishment, it's only the first fight after all." Shikimaru muttered. Everyone openly congratulated the lazy shinobi. Everyone but two people.

"How did you do it?" Sayu asked calmly, her eyes following the puppet user who deflected every bug that flew in his direction. Naruto folded his arms across his chest as he watched as well.

"What, beat the Neji?" Naruto asked. Sayu shook her head, her eyes falling onto him.

"No. Kakashi said that he sealed the curse seal, and yet you used it just a few minutes ago." she said. Naruto just smiled slightly.

"My sensei offered to teach me Fuinjutsu. I used it to remove the seal, and for the later part of the month, I had practiced controlling it rather than allowing it to control me." Sayu was silent as she watched him.

"It was a tough battle, but I'm now in complete control of this thing. I can stop anyone who wishes to fight me." Naruto explained as he looked down at his hand. Sayu narrowed her eyes.

"Like that sound ninja in the Forest of Death, right?" Naruto turned to her with a confused look. "Oh, did you forget about that. How you lied to me, saying there just wasn't a third shinobi. You killed him, why wouldn't you mention that?"