Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, Bleach, or Inuyasha! I only own the OCs!

Harems:-

Naruto: Kushina, Sakura, Hinata, Kurana, Kohaku, Haku, Fem. Gaara, Ayame, Fu, Shion (The hot priestess who wanted his baby in the movie)

Gintsuki: Benihime, Tsunade, Kurenai, Temari, Tsume, Anko, Hikari, Mei Terumi, Nii Yugito, Kasumi

Chapter 16: Prelims part III

Everyone was surprised as Kiba was taken by Medic-nin to the tower's infirmary. Gintsuki smiled a little sad, "Sorry Kiba…I guess I went a little overboard."

Kiba chuckled weakly, "It's alright Gintsuki... I know now I will be never be a match for you…you are a true Alpha." The Medic-nin placed Kiba on a stretcher.

Gintsuki walked back upstairs he had no wounds at all.

Kurenai greeted him with a hug, "Gintsuki-kun, thank you for going easy on my student. I can tell you are much stronger than you showed earlier."

Gintsuki hugged her back, "You're welcome Kurenai-chan."

Kurenai smiled sultrily at her man, "Gin-kun…I told you to call me Nai-chan!"

Suddenly Anko popped out of nowhere hugging Gintsuki as well, the Snake mistress pouted, "No fair Nai-chan, I want Gintsuki-kun to hug me too!"

Gintsuki blushed deeply feeling their breasts pressing against his back and face, 'Man how did I ever get the love of these two gorgeous women?'

Several of the other guys were jealous of the three.

Kushina giggled and imagined herself and her son in their places, 'Naru-chan…soon sweetie, soon during the one-month break before the finals!'

Benihime in her civilian illusion raised an eyebrow, 'So Gin-kun's found two more mates already? But I shall be his alpha woman!'

Hayate announced, "Alright now it's time to select opponents for the next match."

The board lit up again and everyone watched.

As the Medic-nin were carrying Kiba. Hinata stopped them nervously, "Uh…Um…" She held up a container of ointment, "T-This is a healing salve for Kiba-kun and Akamaru…"

Kiba spoke, "Nice of you to worry about everyone else …but save some of that concern for yourself!"

Gintsuki using his enhanced hearing was listening in, 'Hmmm…Hinata looks afraid…it's understandable. poor girl gets her strength from Naruto but with him currently in the infirmary dealing with Orochi-teme's curse seal I'll have to give her the strength Naruto would."

"There are only eight of you left…Sasuke, Hikari, Kohaku, Choji, Neji, Lee, one of the Oto genin…and that girl from Sunagakure." Kiba looked deadly serious now, "Listen Hinata…If they pair you off against the Suna-nin…withdraw immediately! And not just her! The same goes for Neji. If you have to face him, don't fight. Forfeit. He's so cruel to you…You'd be torn to pieces."

Neji glared at a now shaky Hinata.

"Well then, the next match will be…" Hayate announced showing the boards' chosen opponents, Hyuga Hinata VS Hyuga Neji

Poor Hinata looked terrified out of her wits. Neji just smirked darkly. He would show everyone how worthless Hinata was.

"Ugh…" Kiba groaned this is exactly want he feared.

'Hinata…' Kurenai thought scared for her surrogate daughter.

Gintsuki narrowed his eyes, 'Hinata looks terrified. Damn it! Poor girl…'

Sarutobi thought, 'These contests get more and more intriguing.'

Neji and Hinata walked down to the arena floor, though Hinata was reluctant.

Neji said coldly, "I never dreamed we'd find ourselves fighting each other…Hinata-sama."

Hinata whispered, "Neji Ni-san…"

Hikari was shocked, "Are they siblings?"

Gintsuki explained, "Both are members of Konoha's oldest and most illustrious family, through whose veins flows the elite and most accomplished blood…The Hyuga Clan. But they're not brother and sister."

Sakura looked at him, "Then…how are they related sensei?"

Gintsuki continued his explanation, "Well…it's complicated…I guess you could say they're related in the same way…That a tree branch is related to the trunk."

Hikari titled her head, "Branch and trunk?"

Lee spoke up, "Yes! Hinata-chan is a member of the main branch of the Hyuga clan…And Neji is a member of the cadet branch that supports it."

"So it's family fighting family?" Sakura looked sad, "That'll be hard on both of them."

Lee nodded, "Yes…except." He put his hand under his chin in a thinking pose.

Sakura looked to Lee, "What…?"

Lee said grimly, "There's been strain between the main and cadet branches of clan Hyuuga for some time…Relations aren't exactly friendly."

Hikari asked, "Why's that?"

Lee explained, "I don't know all the details, but…it sounds like a pretty common tale among older families. The first generation of the Hyuuga clan…made all sorts of rules and decrees that favored the main branch of the family…in order to preserve the family and purity of their blood. It's said that members of the cadet branch still burn with anger and humiliation."

Gintsuki nodded and looked down at the two Hyuga, "So it's one of those family showdown things…it's been a long time since I last saw one of these…I have a bad feeling about this match."

Hayate announced, "Well...please begin the match!"

Neji got into position, "Before we begin…There's something I have to point out Hinata-sama…" He glared at her, "You're not cut out to be a shinobi…Withdraw from the match!"

Hinata gasped.

"You're all sweetness and light…a peacemaker not a troublemaker. You're easily led not a leader."

Hinata looked down at her cousin's words.

"And you have no self-confidence. You've got a world-class inferiority complex…So I know you'd have been more comfortable and content staying at the Genin level. But applicants for the higher-level Chunin selection exam must compete as a trio..and you couldn't bear to let you teammates down. The truth is, your participation has been reluctant from the start…hasn't it?"

Hinata denied his words, "N…No you're wrong…I…I really…wanted to change that about myself…so, of my own volition, I…"

Kurenai remembered, 'Hinata…' She recalled explaining to Hinata's ice-cold father on the day of the team genin exams about Hinata's ninja career and the bastard just allowed her to take her without any arguments at all from his end. Hiashi declared Hinata to be weaker than even her seven year old sister Hanabi. Kurenai frowned down at Neji, 'In her own way, Hinata is trying to improve herself.'

"A leopard doesn't change its spots. A failure always fails. And a weak personality won't become strong."

Hinata was feeling more and self-conscious as Neji continued degrading her.

Gintsuki's eyes flashed red and his curse mark pulsed . 'Why that…Heartless bastard!' His claws lengthened and his fangs were bared. Rip like markings began to cover his skin. Gintsuki like Sesshomaru was a genius even among his kind, but Gintsuki was humble unlike Sesshomaru he never boasted how weak others were. He hated people like Neji.

Benihime looked at him worried, 'Gin-kun… I haven't seen him this angry in five centuries.'

Neji continued, "It's precisely because of the unchanging nature of mankind that differences between people are born…It's why we've coined terms like 'Elite' and 'Failure'. It doesn't matter who you are. We're all judged on the basis of our looks, our intelligence, our talent, or our personalities…Just as we judge others in their turn. Yes, it's a form of discrimination. And the factors that it's based on don't change. We have no choice…We must live within the boundaries set for us by the judgments of others. It's as unchangeable… As the fact that I'm of the cadet branch of the family…and you're a member of the main branch."

Gintsuki trembled barely reigning in his KI and the curse seal now covered him. His hand was clenching tightly to the rail crushing it. Several people sensed his KI and got scared. Gaara was trembling in terror. Anko was trembling too but in lust.

"I've seen through many things with this all-seeing Byakugan eye…and so I know…this courage you're displaying is just a bluff!"

Hinata tried to deny his words, "N..No…I really want to…"

Sakura looked at her sensei, "The Byakugan…?"

Gintsuki reigned in his KI and those who sensed it could breathe easier. He crossed his arms over his chest but his curse seal was still covering him, "They say the Uchiha clan can trace its origins back to the Hyuuga clan. The Byakugan that he mentioned is the kekkei genkai passed down in the Hyuga family…a dojutsu similar to the Sharingan…But in its penetrating perceptive ability…The Byakugan surpasses the Sharingan completely."

Sasuke glared daggers at Gintsuki, 'How dare he claim that my holy dojutsu is inferior to that freaky white eye!'

Neji silenced Hinata by activating his Byakugan without handseals. the veins under his eyes bulged out and his pupils were now visible, combined with his hateful look at Hinata made him look almost demonic.

Hinata averted her gaze and looked elsewhere. She began trembling terrified.

Neji smirked, "My eyes can't be deceived. Just now, to escape my stare…you averted your own eyes…glancing towards the upper left. It signaled your recall of a past experience…one that brought you pain. When you subsequently glanced to the lower right…It indicated that you were envisioning physical and mental agony. In other words…You recalled your own previous experiences, and based upon those memories…you imagined the outcome of this match…you foresaw your own defeat!"

Hinata was trembling holding her arms up.

"Even now, as you bring your arms up in front of your body s if to shield yourself…Your body is signaling your desire to create a wall between us…To create some distance from me. Because Everything I have said so far has been right on target!"

Poor Hinata was trembling like a leaf on the wind. Tears began to form in her beautiful lavender eyes. One trembling hand was brought towards her lips.

"In addition…"

Gintsuki growled angrily his KI building up again.

"The way you're touching your lip…it's another of those tender intimate behaviors that expresses the agitation in your heart…It's a defensive reflex…An attempt to ease your own anxieties and doubts…It's completely clear…whether you admit it or not, that you are aware…That you can never change yourself!"

Gintsuki could take no more and smashed the balcony bar, "YES SHE CAN!"

Everyone gasped looking to the silver-haired young jonin trembling in rage with rip markings decorating his body.

Kurenai looked shocked, "Gintsuki-kun?"

Hinata snapped out of her self-pity party to see the brother figure of her Naruto-kun angry.

"You can't just arbitrarily decide these things about other people you bastard!" Gintsuki roared, "Show him Hinata! Beat up this bastard!"

'Gintsuki-san,' Hinata looked to him feeling braver all of a sudden, "Gintsuki-san…"

Gintsuki bellowed flaring up his youki, "Come on Hinata! At least talk back to him! Just hearing him has made me angry, and you're the one who's fighting him! Beat him for Naruto! Naruto's in the infirmary waiting to hear if you passed the exam or not! Do it for Naruto! Prove to Kushina that you're worthy of Naruto!"

Kurenai looked at him, "Gintsuki-kun…"

Kushina pumped her fist in the air, "Do it Hinata-chan! Show me that you help my Sochi!"

'Naruto-kun…' Hinata imagined Naruto's smiling face in her mind drawing strength and courage from the image.

Neji looked back, 'He's strong but so annoying!'

When he looked back to Hinata he was surprised. Hinata no longer had the look of terror. Now she looked serious like the tiger hidden beneath the mouse.

'Gintsuki-san thank you…Naruto-kun…watch me… Kushina-sama, I will prove to you that I can be a good wife for Naruto-kun!' Hinata thought now going through handseals.

In the infirmary, Naruto sneezed twice, "Achoo!" 'I wonder who's talking about me?'

Neji noticed, 'The look in her eyes is different now…' "So you're not going to withdraw…? Then I won't be responsible for what happens here."

like Neji's eyes earlier the veins under Hinata's eyes began to pop out.

Hinata remember Naruto helping everyone through the first exam and his encouraging words.

"NEVER UNDERSTIMATE ME! I DON'T QUIT AND I WON'T RUN! I'LL ACCEPT YOUR STUPID QUESTION! Even if I end up a genin my whole life! I'll still become Hokage even if by pure stubbornness! I never go back on my word...That's my nindo...my ninja way!"

Hinata revealed her own Byakugan, "I…I don't want to run anymore!" she lowered into her clan's Jyuken stance, "Neji ni-san…let's fight…"

Neji lowered into the stance as well, "Okay then…"

Lee gasped, 'That's!' "They have the same Jyuken style after all…Even her stance is similar to Neji's."

Sakura asked, "Jyuken?"

Lee clenched his fists, "The strongest taijutsu style in Konoha! I've mentioned it before I'm sure…that 'the strongest junior ninja is a member of my own team'! I was referring to Hyuga Neji!"

Instantly Hinata and Neji were off trading Jyuken blows. Everyone watched the battle of the Hyuga. Hinata apparently got a hit.

Sakura looked surprised, "Did she get him?"

Gintsuki shook his head, "No it's just a scratch..."

Lee explained, "But a scratch is all it would take. That's why the Hyuga clan is often regarded as Konoha's most illustrious family."

Hikari looked confused, "Huh? What do you mean?"

Gai took over the explanation, "Unlike the taijutsu that Lee and I specialize which is all about beatings, bruises, and broken bones-A style its proponents call Goken or 'ferocious fist'…The Hyuga clan employs Jyuken or 'Gentle Fist,' to inflict damage to the enemy's keirakukei, through which the chakra flows. That leads to the breakdown of the internal organs, destroying the foe from within."

"It doesn't look like much, but…the effect grows gradually after the initial attack." Gintsuki said, "There's no way of strengthening the internal organs…unless you have a unique body alternating kekkei genkai, So any enemy struck with that blow is going to succumb!"

Hinata and Neji continued their Jyuken showdown it was as beautiful as it was deadly.

Hinata actually started winning, 'Yes, even I can…'

Shino thought, 'Hinata's pushing him…!'

Kurenai watched her student, 'Hinata…'

Kushina cheered, "Yeah, Hinata-chan!"

Sakura was confused, "What kind of people are they…to attack the Keirakukei?"

Gintsuki looked to Lee and nodded.

Lee nodded back, "Allow me, Sakura-chan. The Keirakukei is a kind of network of energy lines, spread throughout our bodies much the same way as the human circulatory system. It's like a system of vessels that carry chakra throughout our bodies!"

Gintsuki took over, "You might say the keirakukei is a passageway for chakra."

"Yes…and it's delicately intertwined with the organs that manipulate chakra. Attack the Keirakukei…and the organs will suffer as well!" Lee finished his speech.

The young Gai clone clenched his fist looking at his rival.

Gai looked to his pupil, 'It's understandable…Lee regards Neji…as his greatest foe, So…'

Sakura said, "It doesn't seem possible! I mean this 'Keirakukei' thing is just energy lines inside the body…So how do you attack something you can't even see?-!"

Gintsuki spoke, "They can. Those two…their Byakugan can see them. And Jyuken attacks are different from the purely, brute-force, physical kind. You take your own chakra and release it through the energy portals in your hands, forcing it into the body of your foe..Where it can inflict massive damage on the enemy's keirakukei."

Hinata and Neji both struck at the same time.

Everyone watched anxiously to see.

But then Hinata suddenly coughed up blood as her heart throbbed painfully from Neji's strike.

Neji spoke disappointed, "So this is the full extent…of the main branch's strength?"

'N…Not yet…' Hinata pushed Neji's hand away and aimed a Jyuken strike of her own.

Neji deflected and gripped her arm with one hand and jabbed two fingers into her arm.

Gintsuki narrowed his eyes, 'What a fighter!'

'D…Don't tell me…' Kurenai thought.

Sarutobi analyzed Neji, 'My, my…it seems those who've called him the greatest genius in the Hyuga clan history haven't overstated the case.'

Gaara watched trembling in barely restrained bloodlust as she smelled blood.

Gintsuki looked towards her and released a small burst of demonic KI, 'Control your host Shukaku.' The effect was instant, Gaara calmed down and looked at Gintsuki with actual fear.

Benihime looked to Gaara, 'Heh, it would appear Shukaku-chan is as crazy as ever! But she was never a match for me and she certainly will never be a match Gintsuki-kun, Naruto-kun, or Juubi-sama!'

Neji pulled Hinata's jacket sleeve back revealing dozen of tiny red marks on her arm which resembled bug-bites.

Hinata was shocked, "It can't be! You mean..from the very beginning?-!"

"Precisely…my eyes can detect the Tenketsu!"

Gintsuki said, "Along the Keirakukei that we spoke of earlier there are 361 chakra points…No larger than the prick of a pin. These nodes are called Tenketsu…and, in theory, if you can accurately hit them…You can halt the flow of an enemy's chakra, or enhance it, controlling it in any way you wish. But while we're on the subject let me add…These tenketsu…they're undetectable, even to a Sharingan eye and even my enhanced vision. And regardless of having all-penetrating eyes, to be able to-in the heart of battle-perceive so accurately and…"

Neji struck Hinata and sent her flying with a palm strike. Hinata skidded across the floor and she was breathing heavily to show her body was hurt from Neji's attacks.

Everyone watched stunned.

"Hinata-sama...This is the unalterable difference in strength…The distinction that separates the elite from the failure. This is the unchangeable reality." Neji said, "From the moment you said you wouldn't run, your defeat was inevitable. The only possible outcome was your present despair…Withdraw!"

Hinata struggled and began to rise, "I…n…never…go back…on my word…"

Gintsuki watched, 'Hinata…'

Hinata actually managed to rise to her feet, "Because…that's…my shinobi way, too…!"

Gintsuki smiled, "Whoa…Hinata…she's brave…just like Naruto!"

Kushina looked down with a smile, 'Hinata-chan I would love to have you as a daughter-in-law!'

Sakura nodded, "I noticed that she's always watching Naruto-kun…"

Gintsuki chuckled, "Too bad he's too dense to notice!"

Hinata panted exhausted.

Neji reactivated his Byakugan, "Come here…"

Suddenly Hinata felt another painful throb in her chest and coughed. Blood flew from her mouth.

Everyone looked shocked.

Kurenai frowned, 'That kid is already at her limit…One more attack and she'll…'

Gintsuki said grimly, "Neji's strikes on her Tenketsu node points have completely arrested the flow of Hinata's chakra. She's lost the capacity to perform the Jyuken attacks that flood her chakra into her opponent's body. This fight is as good as done." He thought just as grimly, 'But I doubt that, against a fighter like Neji, even own Naruto would prevail. Naruto has yet to awaken his full capabilities as a Juubi and he's dealing with the Curse seal put on him by Orochimaru as well.'

Gai was expecting, 'It seems inevitable. Neji will win.'

Gaara trembled feeling her 'mother's' excitement at the sight of blood.

Neji glared murderously at Hinata.

Ino who had been allowed to return to watch the final matches trembled terrified, "Those eyes…so creepy! Hinata…she won't get killed, will she?"

Sakura was trembling too, "His level of strength…it's…it's not a fair fight..He's just too strong!"

Kushina clenched her fist worried, "Hang in there Hinata-chan! Remember you're doing this for my Sochi!"

'Naruto-kun…!' Hinata thought.

'The look of strength is back in her eyes.' Neji thought.

Hinata rushed at Neji and began to deliver no-chakra charged strikes which Neji dodged with ease. 'Naruto-kun…I've watched you for years! Why is that…? I don't know what it is, but…When I watch Naruto-kun…I feel a wellspring of courage bubbling up inside me. I feel like if I just do my best…then even I…am worth something! That's how I start to feel!'

Neji then palmed Hinata under the chin. Everyone looked worried.

Kurenai watched her student with worry, "Hinata…" 'You always had a habit of quitting…but at some point, you started trying to change. you trained constantly…desperately…But on missions, you were always full of mistakes. You faltered. you were weak and you never had faith in yourself. But that's no longer true…The Hinata I see now…has a look in her eyes…Unlike anything I've ever seen!'

Hinata rushed at Neji again, 'Naruto-kun! I've been watching you for so long, but now at last…I can feel your gaze even from afar…you're finally watching me!'

Neji struck Hinata in the chest. The Hyuga princess fell to the ground.

"Don't you know when to quit? From the start, your attacks have been completely ineffective!"

Kurenai frowned, 'Please…Hinata call this off. You have lost the match, But you succeeded in changing yourself! You did a great job!'

Gintsuki remembered Hinata's earlier words. He looked grim. 'She truly has heart just like Naruto…'

Gai spoke, "That's Neji's master-stroke. It targets the heart. It's pity, but the girl can no longer even stand…"

Hayate announced, "Seeing as the match cannot go on, I-"

"Don't stop the match just yet Hayate!" Gintsuki replied.

Sakura looked at him worried, "What are you talking about sensei?-! She's got nothing left! she's already collapsed!"

Gintsuki pointed at the floor, "Not quite yet. I think she's got more left than you think Sakura."

Sakura and the others looked and were met with a complete shocking thing, Hinata was shakily getting up again!

Neji asked, "Why are you getting up? If you push too far, you really will die…"

Hinata rose up, 'It's because I want to prove myself...to the mother of the person I've loved for so long, who's watching me…And in front of his mother…I can't bear to look uncool!'

Neji activated his Byakugan again.

Hinata announced, "Th-This isn't over yet!"

"You're not fooling anyone." Neji said coldly, "I can see with these eyes…It's taking all your strength just to stand! You were burdened from birth with the destiny of the Hyuga clan's main branch…You've hated and punished yourself for your own weakness and frailty…But you can't fight your nature..or change your fate. But you need not suffer anymore. Be at peace!"

Hinata said weakly, "But…you're wrong, Neji ni-san…I can see it now…That even more than me. It's you who are torn and suffering…caught between the destinies between the Main branch and Cadet branch of our clan!"

Neji looked shocked before a look of absolute hatred appeared in his eyes. He then charged at Hinata with the full intent to kill her.

Hayate shouted, "Neji…the match is already over!" He rushed to stop him alongside the other Jonin.

The other Jonin immobilized Neji. Gintsuki had stopped Neji's arm gripping it hard causing pain to Neji, Gai was holding Neji from behind from advancing. Kurenai was ready with a kunai aimed at his leg, and Hayate had one hand at Neji in a handseal. That lazy ass Kakashi was ignoring this whole battle reading his precious icha-icha!

Gai said sternly, "Enough Neji! Before this began, you swore you wouldn't drag the issues you have with your family's main branch into this."

Neji struggled, "Well...Why is it that the other Jonin are getting involved? Special protection for the main branch eh…?"

Gintsuki growled, "Don't take another step Hyuga Neji or die." He increased his grip.

Hinata's heart throbbed and she fell to her knees coughing up blood.

Kurenai instantly was at her student's side, "Hinata!"

Gintsuki along with Sakura, Kushina, and Lee went to her side, "Hinata!"

They surrounded the ailing Hyuga heiress.

Kushina asked, "Hinata-chan! Hey, are you all right?-!"

Sakura said, "She doesn't look good. Her face is so pale…!"

Hinata weakly opened her eyes to see them looking worried, 'K-Kushina-sama, did I prove myself? Will you…allow me… to be with N-Naruto-kun?' Her eyes closed. 'Naruto-kun, did I change…just a little?'

"Hey…hey, you! Gintsuki-san!"

Gintsuki turned slowly to glare at Neji over his shoulder.

Neji said, "A couple of words of advice. A true shinobi warrior would have too much class to make a spectacle of himself by cheering during a serious match. And one more thing…You may as well accept who you are. You are a genius like me and that worthless girl is a failure! Once a failure always a failure!"

Gintsuki's eyes flashed red, "You want to try me?" his curse seal began to cover him again.

Neji smirked, "Heh…"

Gintsuki couldn't take the insult towards Hinata and charged Neji at high-speed aiming to kill him.

Sakura gasped, "Oh!"

Benihime was shocked, "Gin-kun!"

Just then Lee blocked Gintsuki, causing him to halt.

"Lee! Get out of my way!" Gintsuki said.

Lee said, "I understand almost painfully well what you're feeling Gintsuki-kun! But…we have to limit our battles to the confines of the scheduled fights. Having seen this failure strike down and defeat a genius through sheer force of will…It really makes you look forward to the final rounds, eh…? Even though his opponent could very well be me! But even if it's you in the finals, Gintsuki-kun or even Naruto-kun…I'll have no regrets!"

Gintsuki glared before he resigned, "Fine…" He and turned away.

Lee looked up at his sensei and gave him a sparking teeth thumbs up.

Gai returned the gesture, 'Lee, you amazing kid! Nice!'

Hinata coughed up more blood.

Gintsuki turned to the ailing girl with shock as did everyone else. Kurenai quickly unzipped Hinata's jacket and felt her pulse. It was really unstable and getting weaker.

'Oh-no…She's going into ventricular fibrillation…' Kurenai glared at Neji murderously, 'He really intended to kill her..'

Neji smirked, "Instead of wasting time scowling at me… you'd better take care of her."

Kurenai called out, "Where those medics?-! Hurry!"

Gintsuki spoke, "Kurenai-chan, those medics will never get her to the hospital in time…I'll take her to someone who can help her even better."

"Gintsuki-kun…thank you." Kurenai stepped aside.

Gintsuki walked up to Hinata and lifted her gently, "If she were to die, I could never forgive myself or face you and Naruto, Kurenai-chan." 'Never again! I won't lose any more friends!'

"Gintsuki-san we must…" The medic said only for Gintsuki to glare at him, "Get out of my way..I'm faster than you are!" He quickly ran out leaving behind dust.

The medics watched him leave as did the others.

Benihime smiled, 'Gin-kun.'

Kurenai prayed, 'Oh Kami-sama, please let whoever Gintsuki-kun has in mind save my student!'

Gai smiled watching, "Gintsuki's flames of youth burn strong!"

Everyone groaned did Gai forget Gintsuki's threat already?

With Gintsuki

As Gintsuki ran he growled, 'Remind me to kill Gai.' He was basically a blur to all the civilians in a matter of minutes, he made it to the hospital and met Tsunade at the door.

Tsunade had checked on Naruto's conditions and now was taking a short break.

When she saw her love she called out, "Gintsuki-kun, what brings you here?"

"Hey Tsu-hime, listen this girl in my arms is the heiress of the Hyuga clan Hyuga Hinata and she's in really bad shape…please save her." Gintsuki said.

"I'll do whatever I can, to help her Gintsuki-kun," Tsunade said and snapped her fingers signaling several medic-nin.

"You called Tsunade-sama?"

"Get this girl into the emergency room stat!" Tsunade ordered.

"Yes Tsunade-sama!" they got a stretcher there immediately.

Gintsuki placed Hinata on the stretcher. They then carried her away to the emergency room.

"I have to go back to the tower Tsu-hime, so I'm sorry I can't stay longer." Gintsuki said.

Tsunade smiled, "It's alright Gin-kun, you can make it up to me after the preliminaries, during the one month break." She winked at him before heading into the hospital.

Gintsuki then headed back to the tower via shunshin.

Tower

Gintsuki arrived and appeared on the balcony.

Kurenai went up to him, "Gintsuki-kun did you find someone?"

"Relax Nai-chan. Tsunade will help her."

Kurenai gasped, "Tsunade-sama?" She knew with Tsunade's help Hinata would pull through. She hugged him, "Thank you Gintsuki-kun. Thank you."

Gintsuki nodded, "Of course Kurenai-chan I know you love her like a daughter." He then glared at Neji who smirked in challenge.

Kankuro said, "That guy Gintsuki…he's strong enough to scare Gaara and that thing inside her." 'Now we know there are two monsters here…I wonder how sadistic he is compared to Gaara?'

Gaara locked her green gaze on her brother releasing some KI.

Kankuro trembled, 'This isn't good…Gaara's smelled blood…and now that thing is waking up…starting to fidget…The demon that lives…within her!'

Hayate coughed into his hand, "Now, then…it's time for the next bout!"

Gai pumped his arm in the air, "I guess it's finally your turn! Go, Lee!"

Lee hmphed and turned away, "No way!" The others looked shocked at his attitude change.

"I've waited this long…If it were up to me…I'd rather be in the final act!" Lee declared still not looking at them.

Sakura thought, 'It almost looks like Lee is…sulking!'

Shikamaru turned to his friend, "Hey Choji, you're in trouble now…"

Asuma said, "Only the strongest are left..What'll you do?"

Choji sweated nervously.

"Especially that kid from Suna…The look in her eyes worries me. She's the most dangerous type."

Choji announced, "I'll just withdraw right away…So it won't matter!"

Asuma baited, "Well you'll be giving up your chance for an all-you-can-eat victory barbecue once the exam is over…"

Choji looked surprised.

Shikamaru said, "Hey, don't bait him with food…!"

"B…But…."

Asuma assured the scared Choji, "Don't worry. If it gets bad, I'll jump in and stop the fight. Just like with Hinata! Okay?-!"

Ino patted Choji's back, "You hear that Choji? You can go for it. Asuma-sensei will be looking out for you!"

Shikamaru wasn't so sure, 'Will he? When Hinata got into trouble, he was the only teacher from Konoha…who didn't jump in to stop it! I hope Choji will be all right…'

Asuma said, "Let's go think of the barbecue!"

Choji pumped his arms in the air, "Oh yeah! All the meat I can eat!"

Shikamaru looked worried, 'Unless you get eaten first, you poor sap!'

Everyone who remained to fight looked up at the board.

Sasuke clenched his fists, 'I better be next! How dare they keep an Uchiha waiting!'

Kohaku shook her head in annoyance, 'Why am I related to this guy? I want to see Naruto-kun!'

Gaara sensed she was next and placed one hand in the rat seal. Sand engulfed her and then she was gone via her Suna shunshin, She reappeared on the floor. Gaara said coldly, "Don't keep me waiting."

Choji announced relieved, "I'm safe!"

The board read Sabaku No Gaara VS Rock Lee

Sakura was surprised, 'So it's Lee…but that huge gourd of Gaara's…What's it for?-! I have a bad feeling about this…'

Lee announced, "Okay! You caught me! As soon as I said I wanted to be last…I was thwarted! It's a natural law…You can throw a stone at a telephone pole time and again and never hit it…But the minute you aim to miss, you end up hitting the thing dead center. I didn't really want to be in the final act anyway!"

Sakura sweatdropped, 'Then…who's the one who got caught?-!'

Gai said, "Lee! I've noticed something crucial that most people may have over looked."

Lee saluted, "Yes sir!"

"That gourd of hers is quite suspicious…"

Lee summoned a notebook and pencil from hammer-space and started writing, "I see…"

"Stop taking notes! You won't have the time to consult them in the heat of battle!"

"Lee continued writing, "I see…"

'I hope Lee will be all right…' Sakura thought worried, Lee was like her Naruto-kun in a way, annoying but had a good heart.

Gai announced, "All right! Go get her, Lee!"

Lee jumped down excitedly, "Yes, sir!"

Gintsuki raised an eyebrow, 'Hmmm. Despite his harmless looks Lee's pretty strong.'

Hikari looked down at Lee, 'I don't believe this bushy-browed guy managed to match Gintsuki-kun before the exams! He must've cheated or Gintsuki-kun went easy on him!' She nodded at her logic.

Lee landed in front of Gaara and stood up, "Facing you so soon…makes me very happy!"

Gaara kept her arms crossed, "Hmph!"

Lee got into his taijutsu stance the Goken.

Kankuro announced, "I don't know what kinds of tricks, this bowl-cut kid has up his sleeve…But there's no way he'll win against Gaara."

Gintsuki looked serious, "No…he's stronger than you think…" He thought back to his brief battle with Lee before the exams, how easily Lee managed to keep up with him. Gintsuki thought, 'Lee…show me your real strength.'

Suddenly Lee caught something that had been flying towards him, it was revealed to be the cork of Gaara's gourd, "Please… don't rush things."

Sakura, Gintsuki, and Hikari all watched this battle.

'Watch yourself…Lee.' Gai thought.

Hayate announced, "All right, let the ninth-round battle begin!"

Temari smirked arrogantly, 'He may be fast…But his kick wasn't anything special. Heh…He's no match for Gaara.'

Lee rushed at Gaara and leapt with his signature spin-kick, "Konoha Whirlwind!" Lee's leg was blocked by a small wave of sand that came out of Gaara's gourd.

Lee was stunned, 'Sand?-!' The sand wave then pushed Lee away from its wielder.

Sakura was shocked, 'Sand?-! She's manipulating sand?-!'

Gintsuki narrowed his eyes, 'So Shukaku's helping her host eh? As expected of the weakest bijuu.'

Benihime rolled her eyes, 'Shu-chan always was a showoff with that so-called ultimate defense of hers.'

Kakashi who had ignored the Hyuga battle watched this one, 'What a curious technique…'

Hikari was absolutely stunned, The gourd was full of sand?-!'

'Darn!' Lee charged again avoiding the sand wall, he tried to punch through it but failed and failed a second attempt to break through.

Gaara wasn't even moving an inch. Her sand slithered around her protectively.

Gaara asked, "Is this you can do? We're not satisified yet, we… haven't gotten any…" Her eyes widened in an psychotic manner, "Blood…"

Lee panted, 'Without even moving a muscle …Darn!'

Sakura said, "Fast as he is, Lee is getting nowhere!"

Hikari said, "His attacks aren't working!"

Kankuro explained, "Physical attacks are worthless against Gaara. The sand forms a shield to protect her body…independent of Gaara's will. That's why, to this day, there's not person…who has ever wounded her.

Lee tried yet another punch only for Gaara's sand to block it yet again.

Sakura asked, "Why is Lee only using taijutsu?-! Taijutsu strikes are ineffective and painful against that wall of sand. He needs to use ninjutsu and attack from a distance!"

Gai explained Lee's condition, "It's not that Lee won't use ninjutsu…"

Sakura turned to him.

"It's that he can't."

Sakura was shocked, "What?-!"

"Lee suffers from a unique chakra condition…he has practically no ninjutsu or genjutsu abilities."

Gintsuki knew all about this condition where the person's chakra is so low for a reason they only have the chakra capacity to survive and use taijutsu and kenjutsu, but never will they learn ninjutsu or genjutsu. Not even demons like him or the Juubi… or Tsunade the greatest medic kunoichi could cure this condition.

"Are you joking? Then how has he lasted this long?-!" Sakura asked shocked.

"When I first met Lee, He had absolutely no sense…and no talent or ability whatsoever!" Gai said, "That's why the only moves he's been able to develop are taijutsu. There aren't many ninja who can use neither ninjutsu or genjutsu…

Lee jumped as Gaara tried to grab at him with hands made of sand. Lee landed all the way to the ram statue, landing perfectly on the upright pointing index fingers.

Gai looked to Sakura, "But that's precisely why Lee can win!" He gave Lee a thumbs up.

"Lee! Take them off!"

Lee gasped turning towards his sensei.

The others looked to Gai in surprise.

Lee said, "B…But Gai-sensei! You said-never to do that unless I was defending the lives of people who are precious to me!"

Gai showed Lee another thumbs up, "It's all right! I'll allow it!"

Lee sat down and pulled up his orange leg warmers to reveal weights with the kanji for 'Guts' on them.

Gaara narrowed her eyes watching.

Sakura was confused, "Weights?"

Gintsuki sighed, 'Oh Gai…the most sickeningly sweet, sentimentally traditional kind of training!'

Lee stood up feeling more nimble, "Right! Now I can move freely!" He then dropped his weights and they slowly fell towards the floor.

Kankuro snorted, 'How dumb!'

Temari agreed with her brother, 'Hmph…There's no way dropping a few weights…will let you keep up with Gaara's sand.' But Temari didn't know how wrong she was.

The minute those weights hit the floor, the entire arena shook from the impact much to everyone's shock.

Gintsuki held his face, "Aren't you overdoing it, Gai?"

Gai pointed out, "Go! Lee! Show them your flames of Youth!"

Lee smirked, "Yes sir!" Lee vanished using pure speed alone.

Gaara didn't see or sense Lee appear behind her, Lee aimed with a super-fast punch which the sand shield was just barely able to block.

Everyone had different thoughts.

Sakura was amazed, 'Almost! Lee almost broke through!'

Sasuke couldn't believe his eyes, 'No…No way! It's impossible for a dobe like that to be stronger than an Uchiha!'

Gintsuki shared Sakura's amazement, 'Incredible! Lee's so fast! So this is some of his true power…I might've been forced to use some of my true powers if he took off his weights against me!'

Hikari also shared Sasuke's denial, 'No way! His speed is near Gintsuki-kun when he nearly goes full throttle! It can't be!'

Gai explained, "It's because he had no aptitude for either ninjutsu or genjutsu..That lee devoted himself so exclusively to taijutsu. All this time…All his energy…All his focus. As a taijutsu specialist!"

Gaara looked all around for Lee not knowing he was above her, Lee spun and delivered a double axe kick to Gaara's head.

Temari and Kankuro were absolutely shocked. For the first time, their little sister was getting attacked successfully. Gintsuki and Sakura were also shocked.

Benihime was impressed, 'So that's the boy Gin-kun fought against before the exams began, I can see why he could give Gin-kun trouble if Gin-kun was holding back most of his skills and power.'

Gaara had a cut on her face.

Gai said with a smirk, "In terms of speed, Lee can't be surpassed…I thought I gave you all fair warning…That this boy…is really strong!"

Lee skidded back, "Well…here we go!"

Baki the Suna-siblings' sensei couldn't believe his eye.

'It's unbelievable. He actually managed to wound Gaara!' A still shell-shocked Temari thought.

Kankuro still shocked as well said, "No…way…"

Gai pumped his fist up, "Go Lee! Now…explode with the flames of youth!" Fire burned in Lee's eyes.

Lee nodded, "Yes sir!" He vanished again.

Gaara blocked his first attack only for Lee to appear in front of her while her head was turned, Lee then punched Gaara in the face sending her sprawling to the ground landing on her sand.

Sakura exclaimed, "W…Wow! He's so fast! The sand shield couldn't couldn't keep up with him. It was no protection of at all!"

Lee panted, 'I'm wearing her down!'

Gaara's sand began to move to cover her in the second protection.

Shikamaru and his team were amazed, "W…Wow…his move are so fast, my eyes can't even track them!"

Sasuke activated his two tomoe Sharingan but he couldn't even see the moves, 'Damn it! How is it possible! How can a dobe move faster than my eyes!'

Kohaku revealed her fully mature Sharingan, 'I can just barely see his moves!'

Kankuro said, "This is bad…"

Bits of what appeared to be skin came off of Gaara's face which seemed to be cracking almost like.

Lee was stunned, "What…?-!"

Gaara's 'skin' was revealed to be armor made of sand! And her real pale skin was seen where the armor broke, and instead of her mouth being neutral and closed, it was opened in a psychotic grin.

Lee trembled at the bloodthirsty grin.

Gintsuki narrowed his eyes, 'Of course, the sand armor as well.'

Sakura looked scared, 'Wh…What is she?-!'

Hikari exclaimed in terror, "H-Her face just broke and fell off?-!"

Kankuro thought, 'She was wearing the sand like a shell eh…? Hmmm…It's been quite some time since I saw that expression on her face…She's usually as composed as a statue, the picture of politeness and decorum. I had sensed that, during the Chunin selection examination, she was becoming more and more unstable…but The other Gaara…is now totally awake…! "If this Gaara is able to catch Lee…He will be toyed with and then killed!"

Temari and Baki looked nervous.

Gaara's sand repaired her armor returning her to her normal cold emotionless look.

Hikari asked, "What's that she's using?"

"It's sand armor." Kankuro said.

"Armor?" Hikari inquired.

"Yes, Gaara can create a thin shell of sand to cover and protect her entire body, controlling by the force of her will. It differs from the sand shield, where the grains automatically flow to form a protective barrier. It's Gaara's ultimate defense!"

Hikari was stunned, "Then there's nothing Lee can do! It's got no weaknesses….!"

But Kankuro knew the truth of the sand armor.

'That's not exactly true. The sand armor is actually riddled with weak points…It's her protection of last resort. It's not automatic, the way the shield is…It requires a massive outpouring of chakra. It's defensive strength is less than that of the sand shield…and since the sand itself is lying against her skin, it increases the weight of her body so she must expend more physical strength just to move. If Gaara has been driven to using the armor…Then right now, her mind is purely on defense. She's been driven into a corner…! That Lee is really something! But the end of this is a fore-gone conclusion…Because Gaara…is a genius!'

Gaara asked, "Is that all…?"

Lee stared down Gaara, 'It's an amazing defense! She's encased in protection, which makes my speed irrelevant…My only shot is to just keep pounding and punishing that outer layer of sand!'

Temari wondered, 'What's he up to now?-!'

Sakura thought, 'Lee…'

Lee knew what to use, 'The Front Lotus!' He looked to his sensei who nodded with a smile and Lee smiled back.

Lee began to unwrap his bandages

Gai thought, 'The Front Lotus will let him strike foe at high speed…A thin layer of sand won't stand up to it…And if it happens that she's wearing a thick shell of sand, it will be almost impossible for him to kick outward…in which case…!'

Lee ran around Gaara so fast, he was basically smoke moving around.

Gaara impatiently said, "Come on…hurry up!"

"As you wish!" Lee then delivered a kick to Gaara's chin, the Ichibi jinchuriki went up.

Lee yelled, "And that's not all!" He began kicking Gaara into air, her sand couldn't even keep up with the taijutsu speed. Those kicks damaged Lee because he groaned and shut his eyes for a few seconds but that was just what Gaara needed.

Gai closed his eyes and prayed, 'Even an ordinary Lotus move exerts a great stain on the user's body…That many consecutive kicks may be too much even for Lee…Better make your next move a decisive one, kid!'

Gintsuki and Kakashi both saw the wheels in Gaara's head turning.

Lee's bandages wrapped around Gaara encasing her entire body including gourd except for her head like a cocoon. Lee grabbed Gaara, "Gotcha!" He began to spun and headed towards the ground like a small tornado, "Front Lotus!" Lee slammed Gaara into the ground and jumped away just before impact.

The impact shook the arena and the floor was broken where Gaara had crashed. Gaara laid motionless and cracked like glass.

Hikari asked, "D-Do you think She's dead…?"

Kankuro looked at her, "Uh..You're kidding..right…?-!"

Sakura cheered, "Lee…He…He won!"

Gai clenched his fist, "Yes!"

Lee landed on his feet and fell to one knee panting.

Gaara's skin cracked off and then…a shocking thing was revealed Gaara's entire face shattered like glass! It was just a Sand clone!

Gai was shocked, "When did she slip out of that shell?-! There's no way she could have gotten past Lee!"

Gintsuki explained, "It happened when your eyes were closed in prayer, Gai. Lee paused in pain for just a moment…and that's when…"

Behind Lee, sand rose up to reveal a now fully insane Gaara grinning psychotically at Lee as if he was her next victim, like when she had cruelly murdered those Ame-nin during the forest exam.

Gaara chuckled evilly, "Heh, Heh, Heh…"

Lee looked behind him to see his opponent rising up from her sand barrier.

Gaara dropped to one knee and placed her hands in the rat seal. Sand gushed gathering behind her before flooding towards Lee.

Kankuro trembled, 'It's fully awakened…! Gaara's inner demon!'

Lee struggled to move…however he was still feeling the backlash of his Lotsu technique.

The large sand wave blasted Lee and slammed him hard into the wall breaking the wall. Lee groaned and slid down the wall. He raised his arms to block as more sand gushed towards him ready to slam him again which it did.

Lee was now hurting for real just barely managing to block.

Gaara licked her lips ready to spill Lee's blood all over the arena.

Sakura screamed, "Why doesn't Lee just duck?-!"

Gai said, "The lotus technique he just used…it's a double-edged sword."

Sakura looked to him.

Gintsuki explained, "Fundamentally, it's a forbidden move. Using that level of high-speed taijutsu puts a huge strain on the body…Right now, Lee's nothing but a mass of pain and weakness..isn't that right, Gai?"

Sakura trembled watching Lee now struggling to survive Gaara's vicious onslaught of sand.

"At this rate, Lee's gonna …"

Gintsuki nodded grimly, "Yes if Lee doesn't find a way to recover…he will…die."Everyone looked shocked at his words.

Kushina trembled at Gaara's insatiable bloodthirst, 'That girl isn't human anymore! Unlike Naru-chan and I, she gave in to her inner demon! She's a monster, a true demon!' She was scared at the thought of her son fighting this girl.

Gai looked at his student, 'Lee…' Gai reminisced on the past when he first met Lee, the boy had no ninjutsu or genjutsu capabilities and back then during the academy days, his taijutsu wasn't much better. But despite everything against him, Lee pressed on.

Lee blocked another sand wave.

'But Lee…you took your mediocre skills in taijutsu..and made exercise and practice your obsession, and then…' Gai continued reminiscing to their first day as a team. Lee declared that he wished to become a splendid ninja even without the use of chakra techniques aside from taijutsu.

Lee dodged yet another wave of sand which cratered the floor.

Gai's next memory was when Lee had fought Neji and lost badly but he refused to admit defeat. Even when Tenten tried to convince him to quit he didn't listen and pressed on using pure guts and spirit alone. Lee trained tirelessly. Gai remembered the words he said to Lee that day and .

Lee looked from blocking and locked eyes with his sensei, a tear fell.

'Thank you…Gai-sensei!'

Gai smiled at his pupil.

Gaara's sand shot towards Lee to finish the job.

Sakura cried, "Lee no! Give up before she kills you!"

but then to everyone's shock Lee dodged it easily!

Hikari thought, 'He got his speed back!'

Lee stopped and got into his Goken stance, 'Gai-sensei is sitting back and enjoying the show…Just knowing that alone is enough to revive me…! And to make me stronger than ever!'

Sakura was worried, "Lee's being pushed around so brutally…why is he smiling?"

Gai announced, "He's about to start pushing back! The Lotus of Konoha will bloom twice!"

Gaara said, "For you, it ends here."

Lee agreed, "Well, one way or another…the next move will be the last."

Kakashi was shocked, 'The lotus of Konoha will bloom twice?' He gave Gai a stern glare.

"Gai don't tell me…you…!"

Gintsuki looked speechless.

Gai confirmed it, "On the contrary. I did."

Kakashi narrowed his eye, "Then that kid, who's just a genin…is able to open the Eight Inner Gates?"

"Yes…that's right." Gai said.

'It's awful…' Kakashi thought.

"He has the talent…"

Kakashi scolded, "No matter how much talent he has, you taught him something horribly dangerous! The Reverse Lotus tops the list…of moves that you shouldn't teach! It's none of my business what that child means to you…and I'll spare us both the lecture about not being governed by your feelings…but you crossed a line on this! You disappoint me Gai!"

'Reverse Lotus?' Neji thought.

Gai for the first time actually glared at his eternal rival.

"You...don't know the first thing about that kid…That boy has something he values so deeply that he's willing to die for the sake of it. That's why I wanted to help him become someone who'd be able to stand up for his ideals. I had to."

Lee crossed his arms and began to concentrate his chakra. Rocks began to rise.

Gintsuki thought, 'So Lee was able to bounce back from exhaustion with such abnormal speed because he'd forced open the Second Gate: the Gate of Healing…'

Kakashi asked, "So tell me, Gai…which gate has he gotten up to so far?"

Gai answered, "The Fifth Gate: The Gate of Limit…"

Gintsuki and Kakashi were visibly shocked.

Kakashi looked back at Lee, 'That feat should be impossible to achieve through hard work alone…So the boy's a genius after all.'

Sakura had enough of these secrets, "What are you talking about?-! You keep mentioning these…Eight Gates?"

Gai explained, "The Eight Gates act as limiters that must be released in preparation for performing the Reverse Lotus."

"Limiters…released?"

Kakashi lifted his headband revealing his Sharingan eye, "Yes… at eight specific points along the Keirakukei…there places where the chakra nodes converge: The Gate of Opening, The Gate of Healing, The Gate of Life, The Gate of Pain, The Gate of Limit, The Gate of View, the Gate of Wonder, and the Gate of Death. Those eight points are known as the Eight Gates..."

Gintsuki took over, "They constantly maintain limits on the amount of chakra flowing through the body…limit that the Lotus technique uses chakra to forcibly override…Enabling the user to draw upon strength that is dozens of times his usual level…even if the user's body is destroyed in the process."

Gai explains, "Incidentally, the Front Lotus opens only the first gate-The Gate of Opening."

Sakura asked, "And the Reverse Lotus?"

"Opening the Gate of the Opening frees the user from his own mental inhibitions. The opening of the Gate of Healing boosts his strength…and with the opening of the third gate-the Gate of Life-One can begin the Reverse Lotus."

Sakura was worried and scared, "But…the Front Lotus alone got him so beaten up…If he tries to perform any more moves…"

Gintsuki nodded grimly, "That's right…this technique truly is a double-edged sword. The state where the Eight Gates have all been opened is called Eight Gates Released Formation…and anyone who achieves that state will, however briefly, be granted strength that surpasses even the Hokage's. But in exchange…That person will inevitably die!"

Sakura gasped in shock.

Gaara watched as Lee began to glow with Chakra.

Lee thought of all his rivals, 'Neji…Sasuke…Gintsuki… and even…' His skin turned red due to the increased blood flow, his eyes were completely white, veins erupted around his temples. Lee's power continued to grow, 'I will not be…the only one who fails! Gai-sensei...please..notice me…now, of all times…now when I finally attain my Shinobi path!' "The third gate, Gate of Life…Kai!" He was engulfed in chakra.

Sakura watched, 'The color of his skin…!'

Hikari finished the thought, 'It's red?-!'

Kakashi thought, 'He opened the Gate of Life…he's going to make his move!'

Lee powered up again his chakra crackling, "And, while I'm at it…the fourth gate, Gate of Pain…Kai!" His nose began to bleed as his chakra level rose up. Then he shot towards Gaara even faster than earlier! Gaara was visibly surprised. Lee's speed was even greater than before to where dust was lifted up. The entire arena shook from the contact as Gaara was kicked upward yet again.

Asuma's team had to cover their faces for protection.

Gintsuki was watching closely, 'Incredible! If Lee was a demon, I would put him at High A class to low S class!'

Kakashi kept his Sharingan out to watch the battle.

Sasuke clenched his fists, 'No! It's bad enough he's faster but he has a weapon that grants him power beyond Kage?-! I must learn that!'

Gaara then flew upward from the smoke created.

"Gaara..?-!" Kankuro called searching for his younger sister.

Hikari looked up, "Look up there!"

Everyone gasped seeing the flying jinchuriki.

Gaara's sand armor was breaking easily and her shield was so slow it wasn't even covering her as usual.

Sakura was amazed, 'Now it looks like the sand… just can't keep up!'

Lee appeared in front of Gaara and punched her away. Then he appeared behind and delivered another blow. Soon Lee was sending Gaara all around the arena as if she was a volleyball.

'What?-! My sand armor…is peeling off?-!' The shocked jinchuriki thought feeling her armor get broken up.

Lee charged at light-speed, 'The sand armor again, eh? At this rate…' Lee clenched his fist and you could actually hear his muscles tearing.

'His muscles have torn…if this goes any further…' Kakashi thought.

Neji activated his Byakugan shocked, 'But…it's only Lee how did he get so…?'

Gintsuki was amazed, 'Incredible…so this is Lee's power! Even I would've lost to him if he used the Eight Gates and Lotus techniques against me!'

Gaara looked like a broken ceramic doll with how busted her armor was.

"This is the end!" Lee roared, "The fifth gate, Gate of Limit…Kai!" He gained even more power and dove down at Gaara.

Gaara couldn't even defend herself, 'My defenses are failing…Is he even human?-!'

'Hey Neji! This is a move I keeping in reserve to use against you, but I'll give you a sneak preview!' Lee punched Gaara several times in the stomach and sent her sailing with yet another strong blow.

But then Lee's bandage was slightly unraveled as it wrapped around Gaara, and Lee kept Gaara still.

'The sand shield can't keep up …Much of the sand armor has been torn away… this is not good!' A worried Temari thought.

'The Reverse Lotus…a series of taijutsu performed with such speed that the attacker is untouchable…These rapid moves are Lee's key to winning the match…There's no way the sand can catch up…!' Gai thought

Lee gripped his bandage tightly, 'This is the finale!' Lee then yanked his bandage back to him and Gaara snapped back towards him right into his final attack. Lee slammed her hard with a punch and kick to the gut, "Reverse Lotus!" The shockwave of the impact shook the arena even greater than earlier.

Lee groaned feeling his muscles tear, he was at his limits. But as Gaara flew down towards the ground, no one noticed her gourd beginning to change and soften.

Gai and Gintsuki both saw it, 'Don't tell me…' 'The gourd is turning to sand…!'

Gintsuki narrowed his eyes, 'looks like I need to teach Shukaku her place on the food chain. I don't want hime-chan to bother with that weakling tanuki I'll handle her myself!' He prepared himself by drawing his sword and quickly vanishing using his real speed. The others couldn't even see or sense his movements.

Gaara landed and due to the immense speed and power of her flight, she crashed to the ground hard. But she was okay thanks to her gourd becoming sand. Gaara raised her hand weakly towards Lee, "Sand Binding Coffin..."

Everyone was stunned by that.

Gai shook, 'The gourd was made of sand…She used it to protect herself!'

Lee who had also landed hard tried to get up and move, but he was too weakened from his ultimate technique. Sand tendrils wrapped around his arm and leg covering them.

Shino recognized the move, 'That move…it's …!'

Gaara slowly closed her fist, "Sand Waterfall..."

But then something sliced away the sand tendrils and destroyed them just before they could implode and ruin Lee's career. It was Gintsuki who quickly aimed all of his Ki on Gaara, an image of his true form appeared above him snarling and drooling. Everyone was frozen in fear at his immense powers being unleashed combined with the eerie rip-like pattern now covering his body.

Sarutobi was trembling, 'A-amazing he's even stronger than the Kyuubi!'

Gintsuki's sword was an inch from cutting Gaara's head clean off. The Daiyokai snarled.

"That is enough girl, I swear that if you do not control yourself… I will end your pathetic existence along with the worthless existence of that reject of a tanuki within you, whom you call 'Mother'! You think you're a real demon..you don't even know that True meaning of the word 'demon'!"

Gaara for the first time in years experienced true fear and instantly obeyed calling back her sand.

Hayate announced, "For interference…Sabaku No Gaara is the winner!"

Gaara then stood up and began to leave, "Forget it…"

But then Gintsuki looked stunned, "No way..." The others on the balcony were absolutely speechless.

Gai was shocked, 'I can't believe it!'

Gaara turned and she too met with a shocking sight. Rock Lee even after using the forbidden Eight Gates and Lotus techniques was standing up! He was in his fighting pose shakingly. Even subconsciously he was wanting to prove himself.

Gai jumped down to his pupil.

"Lee, it's all right...it's over. you're in no shape to be standing..."

Then Gai saw his pupils condition, 'Lee...you...you incredible kid...' tears formed in his eyes.

Lee's eyes were gray to show he was unconscious. He was standing on sheer spirit alone.

'Even though you've been knocked senseless, you're still...trying to stay true to your shinobi path...Lee...you are already...' Gai hugged his pupil, 'A splendid ninja...!'

Gintsuki nodded his head lightly in respect.

Gaara just emotionlessly watched them.

'Lee...!' Sakura was about to jump down.

Gintsuki called out, "Sakura!"

She froze.

"How do you intend to help him? Your presence will only cause him even more pain."

Sakura looked saddened.

Temari scoffed, "Hmph! He never had a chance against Gaara..."

The medics came and took Lee.

Gai somberly watched his pupil get taken for treatement.

Neji closed his eyes. 'Lee even at the bitter end...You didn't realize the heavens would never allow you to advance further...if your triumph were a pyrrhic victory.'

Gaara then shunshined back up to where her siblings were.

Temari said, "Welcome back, Gaara..."

Gaara just looked at her sister.

Gintsuki shunshined down. "Gai...it's time to start the next match...and the match can't start, if we're down here..."

Gai nodded and the two of them shunshined back upstairs.

Next chapter ends the prelims for good...and much training begins!