Minato's Daughter

Chapter 7 - Individual Battles

Miyuki

I watched as the naming board flashed two names. Obito and Gai. I couldn't help but think that it was lucky Obito wasn't fighting Kakashi, however, I wasn't sure if Obito's skill had improved enough to fight Gai on equal footing. 

"You got this Obito!" Rin yelled down at him, causing the boy to look up at the spectators with a huge grin.

"Yeah!" Obito yelled back, just as the instructor started the match.

Before Obito even had a chance to react, Gai kicked him in the face. I winced, imagining the amount of pain Obito had felt in that moment. Obito flew back, hitting the wall. He didn't get back up. 

"The winner is Gai," the instructor said as Obito was taken away on a stretcher.

"He didn't even last a second," I heard Kakashi grumble.

I didn't say anything but I couldn't help but have a small smile on my face. Obito tried harder than anyone to improve. I could only imagine what Obito's response would have been had he heard Kakashi's remark. The board made a shuffling sound as the names of the remaining genin were tossed around. Everyone's attention was on it, wondering who would be the next pair to be pitted against each other. The board slowly came to a halt, leaving two names up on the board. I couldn't help but feel surprised. 

Miyuki Namikaze vs. Rin Nohara

I heard a few gasps coming from a group of genin near me as I jumped down onto the floor, waiting for Rin. She walked down the steps and faced me when she also reached where I was standing. Her expression was blank, composed. It was almost eerie as the smile she usually wore on her face wasn't there. I glanced up above her and made eye contact with Kakashi. He stared at me, his expression almost impossible to read. 

"Begin."

The instructor's word startled me, however, I didn't move and neither did Rin. Both of us stood still, looking at each other. It felt as though both of us wanted the other to make the first move, so the other could have an excuse as to why they fought back. I took a step forward, causing her to take one back. I saw her hand reaching for her weapon pouch and immediately, I grabbed a few shuriken out of mine. I ran towards her, throwing the star shaped weapons at her. She blocked each one of them with her kunai. While she was occupied with blocking, I started my hand signs. 

"Doton, Tsuchi Nami no Jutsu!"

The ground began to move in waves as if we were on water. Rin lost her balance and fell. I noticed that she struggled to find good footing on the rippling ground. While she was down, I jumped from the ground and brought one of my legs up. As I fell, I put as much force as I could into my kick, hoping to land an attack. Unfortunately, Rin was ready and rolled out of the way. I glanced up at her, once I gained my balance. She had been training. Rin had a small grin on her face, thinking that she had me and my attacks all figured out. Unfortunately for her, I had been training with Minato on my spare time months prior to the exam.

"Suiton, Fuuma Mizu Shuriken."

A large water shuriken formed in my right hand and immediately, I threw it at Rin. Her initial surprise was all I needed. She barely managed to dodge out of the way, however, her leg still got a large gash from it. Before she had time to come up with a plan, I attacked her head on, landing a kick on her forearms as she used them to block her head. My eyes narrowed. The longer this fight continued, the more likely I would make a mistake and use my kekkei genkai. I needed to end this quickly.

Kakashi

I was surprised as to how long Rin lasted in her fight against Miyuki, however, I was curious as to why Miyuki didn't just use her crystal style and end the fight. Could it be that it was a secret? I winced as Rin landed a punch on Miyuki's shoulder. While Rin didn't have powerful attacks, any type of physical blow would cause some type of pain or injury.

"I thought Miyuki would finish Rin off in one blow," Gai said next to me.

I turned to him and saw that his eyes were glued to the two kunoichis in front of us.

"Sensei," I called, turning to the taller man.

"What is it?" He asked, taking his eyes off the match.

"Why doesn't Miyuki use cr-..." I started before being cut off by the instructor.

"The winner is Miyuki Namikaze," he stated.

I turned to look at the two who had just been fighting minutes ago. Rin was knocked out, being carried away on a stretcher. Miyuki had blood running down her arm and shoulder. She was breathing heavily. Before anyone could react, she collapsed onto her knees and before I could think straight, I felt myself jumping over the railing and running to her. 

Miyuki

"Miyuki!"

I held onto my arm, the pain of Rin's kunai still stinging. I looked up just in time to see Kakashi running over to me. He quickly helped me up and clasped his hand over the cut on my shoulder, attempting to stop the blood.

"Are you ok?" He asked.

"That's a stupid question," I responded with a smile.

He didn't roll his eyes or make say any snide remark back. Instead, his face was full of worry and concern, something that surprised me. He helped me walk up the stairs to where the other genin and senseis were watching the matches. Minato instantly ran towards our direction when we reached the top of the stairs. Gai and Kurenai were close behind him.

"She's still bleeding!" Kurenai yelled at someone. 

"Get a medic!" Kakashi ordered.

I could feel as my legs gave in again but this time, Minato had grabbed me before I could hit the ground. He carried me in his arms and started running, more than likely towards a medical-nin.

"I'm sorry I made you worry, dad," I whispered.

The room felt like it was spinning and I began to feel lightheaded. Had I really lost that much blood?

"It's ok, you did well Miyuki," I heard him reassure.

I couldn't help but have a small smile on my face as I buried my face into his chest. I felt a wave of exhaustion roll over me. The last thing I heard was dad's reassuring words before I blacked out.