BSWS CH-49 The Chunin Exams XVII - Preliminary Fourth Match

Medics came to take away Choji, who was well and truly knocked out. Rather than injuries Naruto inflicted, it was the sheer exhaustion of using up that much Chakra in Multi-Size technique that was keeping him knocked out.

Hinata rushed towards Naruto and supported him back to the stands. She applied Hyuga Clan's special medication on his wounds before wrapping them up with bandages. Unknown to both of them, Naruto didn't require the medication or the bandages, as his wounds had already begun healing at an incredible pace.

However, since most were unaware of the exact effects of being a Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, they didn't pay attention to Naruto's healing anomaly. Except Sakura, who took the opportunity to analyze the new chakra that momentarily flowed through Naruto.

Sakura had kept UTS activated since the start of the preliminary, so that she would get hold of all the unique techniques being employed. Oboro's Haze Clone Technique and Sly Mind Deviation Technique, Sasuke's Fireball Technique, Kankuro's Puppetry, and Choji's Akimichi style Body Manipulation were all stored in UTS Database now.

As a by product of keeping it on, UTS had also scanned Kurama's chakra which was interacting passively with Naruto's body. The way that chakra healed and strengthened Naruto's body, even though he was not controlling it consciously, gave her a few ideas about the application of similar concepts to Healing Techniques.

'Kurama truly deserves the name of the Strongest Tailed Beast among the 9 Derived Tailed Beasts of the Ten Tails. Even though Naruto only has Yang Half of Kurama, that Chakra it produces is so potent and dense. It's as if the chakra itself is resonating with Kurama at all times, despite leaving the source and coming into Naruto's chakra pool.'

'No wonder most tailed beasts rely on pure chakra attacks and their physique rather than Ninjutsu or even Ninshu. Even their pure chakra is more potent a weapon and shield than most Ninjutsus we employ.' Sakura mused.

"It was a pretty close match." Sasuke commented next to her, bringing her out of her thoughts "I would never have guessed the dull and goofy Choji could be hiding such powerful technique."

"Well, the Akimichi clan is one of the oldest clans in Leaf. There is a reason that the Ina-Shika-Cho Trio is so famous among the Leaf's history." Sakura commented

"The special Hidden Techniques of these three clans are all powerful in their own way, but are the most formidable when used together. Even I would have tough time fighting Ino, Shikamaru and Choji if they fight as a team properly. Their hidden techniques compliment each other too well."

Sasuke nodded at Sakura's explanation. Sakura's rapid growth had already broken his arrogance regarding the Uchiha Clan to a certain extent. Now that he accepted that Non-Kekkei Genkai Shinobi could be powerful too, he was more receptive to Other Clan's and their specialities.

Meanwhile, the stage was cleared for the next fight. As the digital board displayed Ino and Tenten's name, both Kunoichi descended to the sparring area.

While Ino projected a confident front on the outside, she was shaking in nervousness on the inside. She could easily guess how strong Tenten was, it was displayed easily in Tenten's confident aura and the complete trust her teammates had in her.

Meanwhile, she knew that even the lazy Shikamaru was better trained than her in her team. Despite the lazy and non-serious personalities of her teammates, she knew that Choji was the strongest among them physically and Shikamaru was the smartest and most adaptable.

She on the other hand only had a single jutsu she could rely on. While it was highly versatile, it weaknesses were just as much. She was at the moment regretting heavily on not following her dad and Sakura's insistence on physical training.

Tenten scanned the Kunoichi facing her. She could easily guess the type of girl she was : vain and ditzy fan-girl, who probably dieted unnecessarily and spent more time lost in daydreams about a boy, rather than spending it on training that will one day save her life.

"Hey, do you really want to go through with this?" Tenten asked Ino "I can clearly tell you are not ready for this. You should have trained for at least a year as a Genin before attempting Chunin Exams."

"I will advise that you surrender and avoid incurring severe injury, because I don't hold back against my opponents." Tenten tried to intimidate Ino.

Ino's nervousness increased with the words Tenten spoke. Each word resonated with her so much. Her confidence had started taking a hit after she started seeing Sakura grow so quickly and become such a terrifying Kunoichi.

But her thoughts then went to Choji, who one her insistence had put up such a great fight against Naruto.

'No I cant give up!!' Ino thought. Tenten saw a steely gaze come into Ino's eyes and became more interested in what made this Kunoichi get so resolved all of a sudden.

"I know you are my senior and probably have trained more as compared to me. But I am not useless, and I will prove that to you in our fight." Ino said while clenching her hands.

"Its is time to begin the match. *cough* Both participants take your stances!" Hayate announced.

Ino took a Basic Academy Taijutsu stance with a Kunai in one hand a few Shuriken in the other, while Tenten prepared a Kunai in each hand. With Hayate's signal, both of them rushed towards each other.

Ino attacked wildly with Kunai and Shuriken, trying to substitute the lack of training with ferociousness and unpredictable attacks. However, Tenten easily blocked each one effortlessly, even making Ino overextend herself to get her exhausted faster.

"I don't even need my Kunai for this," Tenten said with a frown and put away her Kunai. Glaring at Ino, she made a gesture for her to try and attack.

Furious at the obvious insult, Ino rushed in with a high kick aimed at Tenten's head. Tenten directed the kick over her head with the back of her right hand before punching at the inner thigh of Ino's extended leg.

"Ahh..!!" Ino shrieked as she hobbled away, dropping her Kunai so that she could bend and grab her leg in pain. Tenten somersaulted behind Ino and gave a back kick to Ino's spine.

Ino flew forward from the impact before landing on the ground with a groan of pain. As she stood up shakily, Tenten again emerged behind her and kicked away at the back of Ino's knees.

While Ino was mid-air and about to fall, Tenten kicked her hard on her stomach. This made Ino fly back with air driven out of her lungs in a pained gasp. When she tried to struggle to stand up for the last time, Tenten emerged behind her and kicked her at the neck, knocking her out for good.

Hayate immediately checked Ino for any amount of consciousness. Finding her completely knocked out and alive, albeit bruised badly, he announced the results of the match.

"Winner: Tenten!"