Sharingan:Byakugan Combination

Chapter 35

Today is the day of the final part of the Chunin Exam.  I expected my dad to come home last night but he did not show up, he also was not here when I woke up this morning.  I thought I should stick around for him to show up but I did not want to be late. Maybe he is last minute training with Sasuke? I thought to myself as I left my house and began to make my way to the arena.
Over the last week I have been training on my own because Yamato had to return to his job and could not stick around to train me.  The time I had alone I spent working on my Sharingan and Byakugan.  I tried my hardest to perfect them but they are extremely difficult to perfect without a trainer.  I also spent a lot of time working on the Summoning and wind style jutsus that Yamato taught me.  It has been difficult learning by myself but I believe that I have improved a bit.
Slowly I made my way to the arena because I had time to kill due to leaving my home early.  On my way to the arena I saw Shikamaru lazily sitting on a bench.

"Shouldn't you be heading to the arena?" I asked him causing him to look up at me.

"But it's such a drag.  I have two fights and there is no way I'll win," Shikamaru said standing up "but I guess I'll have to try, since you won't let me skip huh?"

"Of course I'll make you go.  You have to try.  I have two fights too you know," I stated pointing out the obvious "And I have to fight with Nemo first and that's going to kill my chakra."
Shikamaru nods softly and started to walk slowly besides me.  My mind began to wonder how Sasuke would fair against Gaara.  The way he fought against Lee like he was ready to kill him.

"Deep inside you're full of darkness..." Gaara's voice rang in my head sending shivers down my spine. "Like me.."

"Hitomi the arena is this way." Shikamaru pointed out snapping me out of my thoughts.
I was about to continue straight instead of taking the side road to the arena.  I was so distracted by my worry for Sasuke and what Gaara said to me that I simply wasn't paying attention to where I was going anymore.

"Are you worried about Sasuke?" Shikamaru asked me, when he saw the look on my face he sighed "Don't worry about Sasuke too much.  He'll be fine Hitomi, he is a really tough fighter remember?"
I gave him a swift nod but didn't respond.  My throat felt like it was glued shut and I wouldn't have been able to respond even if I knew what to say.  Soon we were standing in front of the arena doors with Naruto, Shino, Neji, Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara.  My dad and Sasuke were no where to be found still.  The ninja from the sound village was not here either and I could see Shikamaru looking around for him because that was his first opponent.

"Well we can't wait much longer so we'll head in.  Sasuke better be here for his match or he will be disqualified.  I will be the proctor for the third part of the exams.  Follow me please."  A man about my father's age spoke as he opened the door leading us into the middle of the arena.
He stopped to talk to another man so I took this chance to take in my surroundings.  There was a group of trees at the one end of the arena but other then that it was a big open field.  The trees are a big plus because I could really use them to help deploy my trump card that Yamato taught me.

"Alright there have been some changes.  The ninja from the sound village has dropped out so Shikamaru Nara you will fight Temari of the sand."  I noticed Shikamaru tense a bit next to me as this was said.

"What a drag" He mumbled

"Alright.  The third exam begins today,  those of you not igniting will go through that door and up to the spectating stands.  Hitomi Hatake and Neji Hyuga will remain here while the rest of you immediately go to the stands until it is time for your match." The proctor said looking at his board which I'm assuming as the match lay out on it. 

"Good luck Hitomi." Shikamaru said while patting my head "You got this."

"Kick his ass Hitomi!"  Naruto yelled before following the rest of them to the stands.
I turned to face my cousin for the first time since I arrived at the arena.  Not only is Neji my cousin but he is my teacher and friend as well.  You've been taught by the best ninjas in this village there is no way you can lose. My nervousness turned to confidence and adrenaline.

"I look forward to this fight Hitomi.  Although you'll still lose." Neji spoke smirking at me "It is your destiny ever since I was chosen as your opponent."
My mind flashed to when he told me about his "destiny" the first time.  He is a caged bird and so was his father.  Neji believes that it is his duty to protect the main branch of the family or face death just like his father died prematurely.  I shook my head.

"Neji remember what I said about destiny.  You make it your own and it is 100 percent  unpredictable.  I do not care about main and side families.  I hurt for you and feel your pain because of the death of your father but just because of that your destiny is not decided.  You are free." I smile at him softly and I feel like he's fighting back a smile as well.

"I remember.  You better give this fight your all.  If you don't.. You'll lose." He smirks at me more but returns his face to serious when the instructor raises his hand.

"The battle is between Neji Hyuga and Hitomi Hatake.  Begin!"
Alright here goes nothing...

Author's Note
I'm sorry for the delay on chapters.  I have been in college and the work load was overwhelming so I found it hard to update.  I have two more chapters written and I am working on more,  I will try to update a chapter this week but there will be no promises.  The next chapter will be more excited so be ready.  I love you guys so much <3