Spark of Youth

Anko and Kakashi arrived at the council building. They had met with their team to inform them that they had the day off. Today was the meeting of the Shinobi council, and due to the recent discovery of a spy, it was most likely going to be an all-day affair.

The council room contained a large desk shaped like a half circle in the center. Each clan had a designated spot marked with their symbol. Representatives from every clan were present at the table, except for the Senju and Uchiha seats, which were empty. The Hokage, accompanied by his three advisors, occupied the central position at the desk. The walls of the room were adorned with chairs for Jonin, Special Jonin, and other participants.

Anko spotted Kurenai sitting next to Asuma and motioned for Kakashi to follow her and take the surrounding seats. As they approached, Asuma and Kurenai were deep in conversation and didn't notice them. Anko then slid into the chair beside Kurenai and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"Oh, look at this. I guess you're so lovestruck that you don't even notice your best friend anymore," Anko teased.

Kurenai's cheeks turned red. "Oh, shut it," she said, throwing Anko's arm off her shoulder.

Despite her initial reaction, Kurenai was ecstatic to see her friend. Since becoming senseis, Anko and Kurenai had not been able to spend as much time together as they would have liked. They had tried to set aside a day at least once a week, but due to conflicting schedules, they couldn't hang out for almost a month.

"Asuma and I were just having a conversation," Kurena said, flustered.

Asuma, ignoring their antics, tilted his head in greeting toward Kakashi. "Hey, Kakashi."

"Yo," Kakashi said as he held his hand up.

Kurenai narrowed her eyes and said, "Hello, Kakashi."

Kakashi appeared confused by the cold reaction but shrugged it off. He then sat beside Asuma. He looked around the room, noticing the absence of a certain green spandex-wearing ninja.

"Where's Gai?" Kakashi asked, doubting that Gai would miss a meeting that had been emphasized as necessary.

"His team is out on a mission; they'll probably be back late tonight or tomorrow morning," Asuma said.

He reached for a cigarette out of habit, but Kurenai caught his hand and pointed to a 'No Smoking' sign, a rule strictly enforced in the council room. Asuma looked toward his father to see him casually smoking a pipe, looking bored out of his mind. Asuma sighed and slid his cigarette back into the carton.

"So, are you two finally dating?" Anko asked bluntly. Asuma and Kurenai cringed at the question, but luckily for them, the meeting started.

"Hello, everyone. May I ask you to quiet down before we begin the proceedings?" an aide stepped forward and said.

The noise of the many conversations in the room subsided in anticipation of the Hokage starting the meeting.

Hiruzen cleared his throat and began to speak.

"To skip the formalities of announcing every topic of the meeting, I would like to get straight to the most important subject of this meeting: We have recently confirmed that we have a spy within the village."

An uproar swept through the room, and they reacted with shock and disbelief at the news of a spy within the village.

Shibi Abruarme spoke, his voice not giving away any emotion,

"While I'm sure you have your reasons, I don't see why you would announce such information in such a public forum."

Hiruzen gestured for his aides to distribute documents to each member of the table. "If you go through that, I'm sure you'll understand. This all began when Jiraiya provided us with some information that led us to believe we had a possible mole. I dispatched several Anbu teams to search for a potential meeting place; unfortunately, the spy managed to eliminate one of the squads we sent."

"Did the spy wipe out the squad single-handedly?" questioned Choza Akimichi as he went through the report, his voice filled with concern about the spy's formidable abilities.

"Yes, luckily for us, Team 7 stumbled upon the remnants of the squad. They then decided to pursue the mission and engaged with the group the spy was meeting," Hiruzen explained.

"They pursued a ninja that took out an Anbu squad with genin?!"

Inoichi said in shock as he gave Anko and Kakashi a disappointed look.

Hiruzen tilted his head, suggesting Anko and Kakashi defend their actions.

Kakashi leaned back in his chair and spoke as he explained the details of the mission.

Many in attendance gave surprised looks and had to double-check their reports to verify. The idea of three Genin taking on Jonin-level opponents and coming out alive, much less winning, was met with disbelief.

After Kakashi's summary of the mission, Hiashi Hygua spoke

"According to this, this spy belongs to Orochimaru. Is it wise to have his former disciple in on these preceding?"

Hiruzen gave Hiashi a stern look

"Hiashi Anko is as loyal as anyone to the village. She's also one of the few people who truly understands curse marks.

Yes, and we can have many of those discussions in the coming months, but I have come to a decision this past week."

With this spy in the village, I've decided that the Chunin exams should not be held within the village this year.

"That's ridiculous " Protested Hiashi

"We've discussed it at length. The pressure put on our security during the exams is perfect for anyone who wants to exploit vulnerabilities," explained Koharu

"Are you saying we will have to forfeit our hosting of the Chunin Exams?" questioned Shibi

"We can't do that; the amount of money the village will lose is devastating. "

"I'm afraid that may be necessary. Given how dangerous this situation is and how much we have to spread our security during the exams, there are many places where Orochimaru can enter and cause damage; we do not currently have any enemies among the elemental nations that can cause the village great harm, due to the treaties we have signed, an outright attack will be unlikely. Orochimaru is a rogue ninja with no allegiance. We can't risk the damage that may be caused if he chose to attack the exams with such a large amount of people gathered for the exams. The potential loss of life and the damage to our reputation could be catastrophic."

We don't need to give up our host status; we can't have it in the village."Shikaku Nara spoke up for the first time in the meeting.

"What do you mean?"

"Other villages have done neutral ground Chunin exams before; I don't see why we can't attempt one."

"That'll be impossible on such short notice."

Arguments began to break out about the merit of changing the location of the chunin exams.

"I already have a place in mind."

Where is that

The Village Hidden in Hot Water

"The pacifists didn't dissolve their village years ago?" asked Tsume Inuzuka

"Despite the absence of an official ninja village, ninjas still protect the citizens. It's also one of the most popular tourist spots in the world, so hosting a Chunin exam there would be financially lucrative. It's also on our border so any issues could be reasoned for too quickly."

Mummers went through the room, and Shikakau's proposal was discussed.

Hiruzen stroked his goatee, "Interesting; I was going to ask for a skipping of our position as the host village. The details will be messy, but it could work.

For the rest of the meeting, the council hashed out details and potential deals that The Land of Hot Water would accept. After a while, they moved on to the topic of an economic and protection agreement with The Land of Waves; the more conservative members of the council were hesitant, but the potential financial boon and the relative lack of resources made it an obvious decision.

Hiruzen, mentally drained, spoke up.

"We made good progress today. I will keep you all updated on the status of the Chunin Exams. We should get a response from the Land of Hot Water within the next few weeks. Meeting dismissed."

Asuma stretched stiff from sitting for so long and yawned as he got out of his seat;

He then looked over to Anko and Kakashi; "why don't you guys join us for drinks? We made plans with a few others since we knew this meeting was going to run long,"

"You're both welcome to come," Kurenai said, extending the invitations.

"I'm down; how about you, Kakashi?" said Anko.

Kakashi shrugged. "Sure, I don't have anything better to do."

Asuma and Kurenai were both shocked at his acceptance.

The four of them entered the bar and made their way over to a large circle booth in the corner.

In the booth, there were already four people,

Genma had brown, shoulder-length hair hanging around her face and brown eyes. He wore his forehead protector like a bandanna and was wearing the standard-issue Jonin outfit, with his signature senbon dangling from his lips.

Sitting next to him was Raidō. He had a scar that looked like a welt running across the bridge of his nose and down the left side of his face. He had brown, spiky hair and dark eyes and was dressed in the standard Jonin attire, which included a forehead protector that was currently off and placed on the table, as well as various metal rings on his fingers.

Across from them was Hayte and Yugao

Hayate had short brown hair, dark-colored eyes, and dark markings under his eyes. Although he was a young man, he had pronounced lines under his eyes. He wore the standard Konoha shinobi outfit, complete with a forehead protector that he wore as a bandana.

Yūgao was a young woman with straight, waist-length purple hair, warm brown eyes, and dark red lipstick. She was not wearing her usual Anbu mask and uniform; instead, she wore a black turtleneck that concealed the Anbu tattoo on her shoulder and a pair of white pants.

Underneath the table were three swords in their sheaths, signifying that the table had three of the most proficient kenjutsu users in Konoha

As she approached, Anko announced her arrival

"The queen is back."

"Yeah, the queen of losing money and not paying tabs, that is," replied Genma.

Anko snorted

"Yeah, yeah, move over and make some room," Anko said as she slid into the booth next to Genma. The others followed suit, taking their seats in the booth. Saying their greetings to the others

"Hello captain I didn't know you would be joining us this evening" Yugao remarked toward Kakashi's surprising appearance.

"I haven't been your captain for years; you probably outrank me at this point, " said Kakashi

"I doubt it; despite your reputation as a lazy ass, you still got some pull in the village," said Genma

Kakashi gave Yugao an inquisitive look,

"I don't remember being allowed to be in bars as an Anbu captain. Are you neglecting your duties?" Kakashi said jokily.

"No, of course not; in the last few years, the village has lessened the requirement for off-duty Anbu to remain anonymous within the village," explained Yugao

"Man, I wish it was like that when I was there; I missed out on a lot of good years because of that bullshit, " said Genma

"They probably want to make being in Anbu more tolerable; hell, I'm not even that old, but I've seen hundreds of recruits go in and out," said Raido

"Not everyone can handle it, that's for sure," agreed Kurenai, remembering how tough her experience was in Anbu

Over the next hour, the group ordered drinks and had a light conversation, catching up.

"So, how have your teams been working out?" asked Raido

"Pretty well, honestly. After Anko's suggestions, I've gotten them to try a little harder, but my pocket is hurting from the amount of food I'm buying," said Asuma before he took a sip of his drink.

"Maybe you can ask to put it down as a training expense." joked Hayate

"Are you enjoying teaching more than Anbu?" Yugao asked Kurenai

"Yeah, I guess it's just not what I envisioned; it doesn't really feel like I'm teaching most of the time. Kiba can be unruly, but thanks to his family, his skills are up to par, and Shino might be the lowest-maintenance genin I've ever come across.

"What about the Hygua girl? Isn't she an heir or something," asked Genma

Hinata is

Kurenai sighed

"She is probably the sweetest girl I have ever met, but her temperament is not really conducive to being a ninja."

"That bad?" Hayate asked as he began a coughing fit.

"It's better than it was, in the beginning I couldn't even get her to hit her teammates" Kurenai said as her fingers on the table and her glass began to twitch.

Anko, noticing the sign her friend was in one of her stress field episodes of overthinking, decided to change the topic.

"Well whatever your kids can do, I'm sure our team can wipe the butts of yours any day of the week,"

"You're probably right, man. Taking down Jonin, that's crazy; I couldnt imagine doing that as a kid," said Asuma

"Yeah, tell us more about this super genin team of yours," said Genma

Before Anko or Kakashi could respond, the conversation was interrupted.

"KAKASHI," a booming voice from the other side of the bar caught everyone's attention.

A man in a green jumpsuit and an unfortunate bowl cut was posed on top of a table, much to the dismay of its occupants.

He then dramatically pointed at Kakashi.

"My eternal rival, I challenge you to one of the most youthful games we could engage in."

Kakashi put his hands in his face and groaned.

"Gai, you know what happened last time we did a drinking contest? I'm still making monthly payments."

Everyone else at the table gave Gai some polite waves and nods, and he returned them with a thumbs up and a bright smile.

"Don't worry, Kakashi. I, too, have learned from our last battle with copious amounts of alcohol that the next morning was not very youthful for me. No, we shall be drinking this, "

Gai then produced a massive metal jug and placed it on the ground in front of him,

Yugao looked around, "Where did he get that from?"

"Don't question it," Hayate whispered.

Kakashi stared blankly at the jug.

"You aren't going to ask what's in it," asked Gai

Kakashi looked up at Gai.

"Sorry, did you say something"

In shock, Gai stumbled off of the table and fell onto the floor,

"Damn you, Kakashi, and your hip attitude."

"Why are you here anyway? Aren't you supposed to be on a mission?" asked Anko

Gai stood up and struck a pose,

"My youthful students and I ran for eight hours straight, no breaks, in a show of their bright spirits."

Hayate coughed. "That sounds like abuse."

Gai ignored the comment, "So Kakashi, will you accept this challenge, "

Kakashi sighed, "What's in the jug?"

Gai slapped the side of the jug, making a loud metal noise go through the bar.

"This is something I've been working on. This is a supplement that will bring out the full potential of the human body, to experience the full power of youth."

"What does it taste like," asked Kakashi

"I have no idea; I made this before I left for my mission and haven't had the chance to try it," admitted Gai

Kakashi turned to the rest of the table. "This sounds like poison, right? I think Gai is finally fed up with me winning all of our contests, and he's trying to take me out."

"I would do no such thing; that would be extremely unyouthful of me," Gai yelled in volume, causing the occupants of the nearby table to vacate the area.

"That sounds like an excuse to me," said Anko

"Yeah, Kakashi, are you scared of a little supplement?"

The rest of the table continued to goad Kakashi to drink. Eventually, most of the bar was yelling, trying to get Kakashi to join the competition with Gai.

Kakashi desperately wanted to refuse and ignore Gai, but his pride wouldn't allow it, so he took a deep sigh, stood, and walked over to Gai. Cheers rang throughout the bar.

"So what are the rules?" questioned Kakashi

"Simple, the first one to give up loses; Gai then produced two shot glasses and gave one to Kakashi.

He then took the lid off of the jug revealing its contents. The smell immediately hit everyone's noses as people scrambled back to open up some windows in the bar. Inside the jug was a brown murky liquid that had small chunks floating in it.

Kakashi looked Gai dead in the eye and said

"Gai, this literally looks and smells like shit."

Gai held his nose and wiped tears away from his eyes

"Nonsense, it's just giving off its youthful aroma."

Kakashi looked deep into himself wondering if he really was going to do this, for what pride, reputation, he could just walk out of the bar now and never look the thought of letting Gai win just unsettled him to his core, he then shakily took his shot glass and dip it into the jug filling it with the "drink".

Gai followed suit.

"No spitting it out all in one gulp," said Kakashi

"Of course," said Gai

Everyone in the bar waited in anticipation as Gai and Kakashi stared each other down. Just before both of them raised the glasses to their lips, someone in the bar yelled.

There were some disappointed groans when Kakashi didn't pull down his mask. They both then put down their shot glasses, and both of them froze up and stood unmoving for several moments.

What happened

Suddenly, both Gai and Kakashi fell to the ground, holding their stomachs in pain,

"Oh goodness," Gai whined

Kakashi groaned in pain, writhing on the floor.

At the anticlimactic end, Genma and Raido got up from the booth and walked over to Kakashi and Gai. They then managed to get them both up; we'll take them both to the hospital. They may need their stomachs pumped.

As they exited the bar, Asuma shouted after Gai

"Was that a youthful experience Gai"

Gai gave a weak thumbs down as he left the bar.

Anko lurched awake, putting sebon between her fingers and a kunai in the other. She heard a loud knocking from her front door. She looked at her clock and saw it was only a little past five a.m. She wiggled herself out of bed and took her covers with her, wrapping them around her like a robe.

Her head was pounding. After Raido and Genma left, she and the others continued to drink; she probably downed a bit too much since she didn't even remember falling asleep in her bed.

Her head ached as a louder knock came from her apartment door.

"I'm coming. Stop fucking knocking." Anko hissed

Anko shuffled over and opened the door.

In front of her was Gai, with his signature smile and a downtrodden Kakashi behind him.

Anko narrowed her eyes,

"What are you two doing here?"

"Hello, Anko; while we were in the hospital, we discussed the possibility of our teams training together today," said Gai

"Okay, that's cool, but why are you at my door now," Anko said, only a few moments away from skewering Gai with senbon

"Since you are Kakash's co-teacher, I thought it would only be fair for me to invite you to join us on our warm-ups before training to start the day," said Gai

Kakashi looked at Anko. He said nothing, but the look in his eye was desperation. Sadly, the combination of her being dreary and hungover took away her ability to experience empathy as she slammed the door and headed back to bed.

"Well, that's a disappointing outcome, but I understand getting into the routine to experience the power of youth can be tough," Gai yelled after her.

He then turned toward Kakashi.

"Come on, Kakashi. My student is waiting for us; he should be about done with his warm-up set of five laps around the village, along with three hundred pushups, crunches, and squats. If we get there, we can catch up to him and start immediately."

Gai sped off, dragging the exhausted Kakashi behind him.

When Anko came to the training ground later that day, she saw an exhausted Kakashi lying on his back, breathing heavily.

Anko stood over him and looked down with an irritating grin on her face

"Man, how the mighty fall; Kakashi Hatake, the copy ninja, can't even do a couple of pushups before being reduced to this. "

Kakashi looked up in annoyance.

"You're trash," Kakashi said, gasping in between breaths.

"What did I do?" questioned Anko

"You abandoned me in my time of need."

Anko shrugged." Anyways, what was that about us training with Gai," asked Anko, vaguely remembering the conversation from earlier.

Kakashi sat up

"In the hospital, Gai suggested we join him and his team for training. "

"And you agreed."

Kakashi shrugged

"It seemed like a good decision at the time."

"And you made so many of those last night; by the way, I have to know what it tasted like?"

Kakashi paused momentarily as he thought of a way to describe the concoction.

"The taste wasn't that bad, it was mainly bitter, the texture though, it was like choking down mud,"

Anko gagged, "Oh god, that sounds terrible "

"Yo, what's up?" Yelled the familiar voice of Naruto

Anko and Kakashi turned to see their students arriving for training.

When Sakura saw the state of Kakashi, she asked

"What happened to you, sensei"

"I don't want to talk about it."

Moving on, Naruto began hopping up and down.

"So it's conditioning today, right?"

"Not today. We got an offer from our friend to train with his team today," said Anko, some hesitation still in her voice.

"That's cool. Who is it," asked Naruto

"There from the class that graduated a year before yours. From what Gai has told me, they're quite strong," explained Kakashi

Excitement began to rise within Sasuke, eager to compare his skills to others near his age.

"So when are we going?" asked Sakura

Kakashi looked down at an imaginary watch.

"I guess now; I don't know their training hours; Gai just told me to show up,"

"Why not get an actual watch?" asked Sasuke

"Then I would have one less excuse to give out."

Team 7 made their way to training ground fourteen. It looked similar to theirs, but the woods around the ears were denser, and there was less open space overall.

They were greeted with a strange sight: Gai was doing handstand pushups, with a smaller version doing the same set in sync with him on top of his sandals.

"Four hundred ninety-nine, five hundred," Gai grunted as he completed the set; he then looked up to see Team 7, and a bright grin came across his features."

"Lee, our guests have arrived," Gai yelled.

The smaller Gai pushed off of Gai's sandals and started doing flips in the air. Gai followed suit, and they both landed in the same pose in front of Team 7.

The genin of Team 7 stood there in confusion at the strange display while Anko looked wide-eye

"There's two of them," Anko said, terrified at the prospect of a mini Gai.

Naruto couldn't help but stare at both of their eyebrows.

"This here is my beloved student, Rock Lee," Gai boasted.

Lee gave a deep bow and said,

"Hello, I'm Lee. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

Lee then blitzed in front of Sakura and got on one knee,

"I only saw you briefly, but even out of the corner of my eye, your beauty was blinding. I humbly ask you for a date; I will protect you with my life if it comes to it."

Sakura blushed lightly at the genuine compliment but still felt rather uncomfortable at the sudden declaration, "Sorry, Lee, I'm not really interested in dating right now," said Sakura, trying to let him down easily.

A brief disappointment flashed across Lee's face, but he quickly stood up and gave a big smile,

"Very well, I just had to ask. I'm afraid I can't keep my feelings hidden, but I understand and respect your decision; forcing my feelings on you would be very unyouthful."

"Great job, Lee. That was a very youthful reaction to rejection."

"Thank you, Gai Senise," Lee said with tears.

Kakashi interrupted, not wanting to see the disturbing display he witnessed when he was dragged alone earlier today.

"So, where is the rest of your team, Gai?"

"We do individual warm-ups before training each day; let me call them."

Gai cupped his hands over his mouth and yelled.

"My bright young students, another team is here to join us in our pursuit of youth!"

After a few moments, two people came from deeper within the training ground.

A girl with dark brown hair and gray eyes, her hair was in two Chinese-style buns on her head, with short fringe bangs framing her face. She was dressed in a pink sleeveless qipao-style blouse with red sleeve trimmings, yellow fastening buttons, and dark green pants. Additionally, she had a pouch secured on her thigh, a forehead protector wrapped around her head, and blue sandals.

Next to her was a boy with fair skin, long dark brown hair, and featureless white eyes. He wore a beige shirt and a dull blue shirt underneath that. He wore blue shinobi sandals and wrapped bandages around his right arm, chest, and right leg. His hair was tied back in a loose ponytail a few inches above the end. He also wore a black forehead protector under a smaller headband with two straps framing his face's sides.

Sakura and Sasuke recognized the boy to be a Hygua when they saw his disticinte pale eyes.

"Jeez sensei, you don't have to yell so loud; we're like twenty feet away," complained the girl.

Upon seeing Team 7, she rushed forward, panic in her eyes.

"Are you guys here to train with us," asked the girl frantically

"Yep, we sure are," Naruto said, excited to make new friends.

"Get out of here while you can, leave, and never come back." the girl warned

Naruto, taking the girl's warning as rude spoke

"Hey, you guys are the ones who invited us, and now you want us to leave."

"No, you don't understand…. "

She was interrupted as Lee roughly patted her on the back, making her lurch forward.

"Come on, TenTen Do you not want more people to participate in the joys of youth?" questioned Lee

The paled-eyed boy walked forward.

"There is no point in TenTen; while sensei's training is intensive, it is not impossible; if they can not handle it, then they won't be associating with." The brown hair boy said as his pale eyes scanned over the genin of Team

"Hey, what's that supposed to…."

Anko covered Naruto's mouth and said

"Why don't we introduce ourselves? My name is Anko Mitarashi, and I'm sure you already know Kakashi,"

"My name is TenTen, and this is Neji," TenTen said, introducing them both.

Anko let go of Naruto's mouth and gestured for him to introduce himself. He glared back at Anko for a second and then said

"My name is Naruto Uzumaki, and I'm going to be the Hokage."

Neji scoffed, which made Naruto point a stink eye in his direction,

Sakura went next. "My name is Sakura Haruno. It's nice to meet you."

Before Sasuke could speak, Neji interrupted,

"I already know who you are; you're the last Uchiha. I have heard rumors of your skills; you don't look like much, but perhaps your unimpressive appearance is meant to deceive others."

Sasuke tightened his fist as a vein began to bulge out of his forehead, and Sakura glared daggers at Neji; before Naruto could shout, Anko covered his mouth again.

She then whispered over to Kakashi,

"Man, this kid is an asshole."

Kakashi nodded in agreement.

Gai, sensing the tension between the teams, clapped his hands and yelled

"Alright, now that we know each other, we should begin our training; my team has done this five to four times a week for about a year, so don't worry if you fall behind; as long as you keep going and don't give up, you'll succeed," Gai said as the sunlight reflected at his perfect teeth.

"Pff, it's just some exercise. How bad could it be?" Naruto said dismissively.

TenTen shook her head.

"You poor fools."

Anko stretched

"I think I'll sit this out; it means someone has to observe, right?"

Gai shook his head

"No, Anko, this routine is a testament to the will you have as a shinobi; not participating would not only be a disservice to your students, but you will also hold yourself back from expiring the power of youth." Gai lectured

"Yeah, Anko, that's not a very youthful mindset," teased Kakashi

"Oh, shut it, fine. I mean, like Naruto said, how bad can it be?"

An hour later, Sakura, Sasuke, Naruto, and Anko were lying flat on the grass, exhausted; TenTen and Neji were only slightly better off, only able to stand thanks to them leaning on trees nearby, while Kakashi Gai and Lee stood unphased.

Anko sat up slowly,

"I understand those two freaks, but how the hell are you not tired yet,"

Kakashi shrugged

"Haha, I guess Kakashi is finally experiencing what the powerful youth can do," Gai said as he went to slap Kakashi on the back.

When he did, Kakashi suddenly disappeared into a puff of smoke,

"What the!" Gai yelled in surprise

The distinct sound of a page-turning was then heard as everyone turned to see Kakashi perched up in a tree, reading Icha Icha.

When he saw everyone looking at him, he raised his hand up and, without looking, said

"Yo"

Gai fell in shock

"Damn you, Kakashi, and your hip attitude."

After recovering, Gai stood and said

"Well, I think you all did well, especially since it was your first time going through the routine. Take about thirty minutes to cool down, and we can start on the next set,

"There's another one," groaned Naruto

"I told you guys to leave while you could," said TenTen between panting breaths

They continued to recover for the next several minutes. Gai, Anko, and Kakashi were off having a conversation to the side. Neji suddenly got up from his sitting position and walked away deeper into the training ground without a word.

"What that guy deal?" asked Naruto

TenTen sighed. "Neji is complicated. He's not a bad guy. He just has a lot going on."

"We all have a lot going on; that doesn't give him the right to be a jerk or act like he's better than us," said Naruto

To be frank, Naruto, he probably is," Lee said.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Sakura

"Neji is a genius in his clan's taijutsu style; he's one of the best users of it in his clan, even at his age. That's why I made him my rival; I believe that one without natural skill or talent can beat genius through hard work alone. I have very little talent for genjutsu or ninjutsu, but through the teachings of Gai sensei, my goal has become more realized by the day." Lee explained

"Wow, bushy brows are actually pretty cool, so how many times have you beaten him?" asked Naruto

Lee looked over to Naruto and gave a thumbs-up

"Zero"

"Really, not even once?" asked Sakura.

TenTen nodded

"Lee wasn't kidding when he said Neji is a genius; he's in a league entirely of his own."

"Yeah, right I bet I could kick his ass," declared Naruto

Suddenly, Saskuke stood up and began walking in the direction Neji had gone.

"Where are you going?" asked Sakura

"I need to use the bathroom," Sasuke responded

He began to walk away, but before he got out of earshot, Naruto yelled

"Don't do anything stupid."

Sasuke found Neji in a small clearing going through katas. He walked toward him as he was refining his technique and his stikes at his non-existent target. Sasuke was fascinated by the stance of the gentle fist; he knew of it, but his knowledge was limited.

"Are you here to copy my taijutsu Uchiha? Sorry to disappoint, but without this eye, it will remain useless to you," stated Neji without turning around.

"No, I wish to spar against you,"

"Why?"

"I heard you were strong, and I wish to test myself with an opponent of your caliber. "

"It would be a pointless endeavor. The outcome will already be decided, much like your clans."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes.

"What are you trying to say? "

"Your clan deserved their fate; they harbored a manic within their clan and were killed because of it."

Anger flooded through Sasuke as he activated his Sharingan and charged forward. Neji, with his Byakguan active, turned to intercept Sasuke, but before either of them could reach the other, both of their strikes were caught, as they saw a seriously-faced guy holding both of their wrists.

Gai began to speak, his usual joyful tone gone.

"Sparing is a sacred practice between comrades that is meant to spread youthfulness. Comrades should never try to intently harm each other, no matter what is said, and I know something was said,"

He let go of their wrist and gave Neji a pointed look.

" I do not know what you told Sasuke, but from what I understand, he is a tempered young man, and it would take a lot for him to attack you with such aggression."

"Even so, words are not enough of a justifier to initiate a fight," argued Neji

"I understand you like to disarm your opponents with your words, but you should hold your tongue more often when you speak to allies; there are lines that you can cross that will turn anyone from friend to foe. I'm sure there are things that people can say to you that will set you off as well."

Neji grimaced at the reminder. He then looked at Sasuke

"Perhaps I went too far, Uchiha, but the core of what I said is still true. No matter what you do or how much you train, you will never beat me."

Neji then began to walk away back toward the others,

Gai put a comforting hand on Sauske's shoulder.

I'm sorry about him; I've tried for over a year to get him to change his attitude, but..."

Gai sighed

"I like to believe that deep down, Neji doesn't believe the things he says."

Sasuke didn't hear Gai speak; he was consumed in his mind, but not with anger; for the first time since he made a promise to kill the man who murdered his clan, he had an additional goal that he needed to see done.

To kick Neji's ass.