Yuno's POV (Contestant Section of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
"Who do you suppose will win?" Shino asked simply. "I had hoped to get the opportunity to fight either of them. I must admit I doubted my ability to best them if such did happen."
Yuno shook her head at Shino. Personally, she hoped to fight someone who was relatively unskilled. But Shino was a subtle battle junkie. Seeming to enjoy growing as a shinobi and testing himself. Her mind drifted to her other friend, who nervously tapped the seat she sat in. Yuno inwardly sighed as she glanced over at Hinata. She loved the shy girl to death. She was one of the few people other than Yuno and Mikoto who could hold Sasuke's attention. Even rarer, she somehow befriended her anti-social teammate. At first, Yuno thought the gentlewoman might have won over her cousin's affection. Yet time proved it to not be the case. Instead, he seemed to simply enjoy Hinata's kind and respectful demeanor. Yuno swore Sasuke needed to date someone. Even a guy! She wouldn't judge! He needed to go out more somehow. But it was because of Sasuke's lack of social skills that Yuno was sure Neji would lose today. Yuno had seen how easily he had crushed those odd shinobi who had attacked the two of them. Even had sparred with him. Yuno wasn't sure anyone would be defeating her emo cousin.
"W-well, I don't mean to offend you, Yuno, but I'm unsure anyone stands a chance against Neji-san. He was quite strong before the month and has only grown more." Hinata managed to choke out. Yuno was stunned in silence as she witnessed Shino subtly eye her to see if she was furious. But she was nothing of the sort! Hinata was slowly coming out of her shell.
"No way, Hinata! You've grown so much cutie!" Yuno yelled as she hugged the shy girl, who turned red and seemed to try to pry herself free. She really was adorable. "But sorry, but Emo down there ain't losing today."
"I also side with Neji," Shino said, easily betraying Yuno. "We spared a fair bit back in the academy. As much as I hate to admit it, I never did come close to defeating him."
"You both suck!" Yuno said playfully. "Sasuke will prove me right." Yuno inwardly chuckled as Shino visibly reacted to the childish insult. And Hinata spat out apologies. She loved her friends… even when they were incredibly traitorous.
Naruto's POV (Contestant Section of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Naruto eyed the field intensely, only somewhat listening to the conversation around him.
"I simply can't decide between Duckbutt and Monk," Sai said with a slight frown. In truth, he was copying a frown he had seen earlier. Being normal took hard work, after all.
"Duckbutt and Monk?" Lee asked, confused. I don't know who you are referencing."
"I assume he means Sasuke and Neji. Duckbutt would be Sasuke? I suppose his hair does kinda look like that. And Neji does kinda dress like a monk." Shikamaru lazily drawled. "At least your nicknames make sense now."
"Pineapple makes sense." Sai countered
"Actually, it doesn't if you don't want to be skewered," Shikamaru replied as if it was an often-said line.
"I do not," Sai said simply.
"Then shush." Shikamaru said.
"He does raise a good point! I was most looking forward to testing my youth against both of them! Though I suppose fighting for the victory will be enough!." Lee concluded as he jumped up and down, seemingly ecstatic for the fight.
They seemed somewhat on the fence about Sasuke fighting Neji, and honestly, Naruto was too. He had hoped he would be the one to kick Sasuke's ass. That prick had always shot him looks when they walked by. As if he thought he was simply too good to be even in the same room as him. Though Naruto supposed if someone other than him was to kick Sasuke's ass, it may of well of been Neji. Could Sasuke somehow beat Neji?
"Hey, you drag. Do you think Neji has got this thing?" Shikamaru asked, seemingly aware Naruto had drifted off mentally.
"Of course," Naruto responded with ease.
"Ah, good to see you all again, Naruto. From what I've heard, you're Neji's teammate; perhaps you have an idea of what we can expect from this match?" Samui asked as she sauntered over. Omoi strolled behind, mumbling as if he was in a trance.
Naruto had no time to respond, suddenly being hugged and picked up by Fuu.
"Naruto! How are you, friend!" Fuu asked excitedly, spinning the blonde around and squeezing the life out of him. Just how strong was Fuu?!
"Fuu, we talked about being touchy all the time. It's what?" Samui said calmly with a patient smile.
"Uncool," Fuu said morosely, setting Naruto down gently. "Was just happy to see him."
Naruto gasped as he recovered his breath. "Anyway, ya, Neji has this thing in the bag."
"Cool. Hopefully, I win big then, Blondie." Samui replied with a smirk as she leaned against the railing of their section. She had told Bee of his meeting with who he dubbed "Mr. 9". It was interesting to meet someone who carried B's burden yet seemed not to be as insane. Besides, Samui enjoyed Naruto's bold yet kind personality. It was pretty cool.
"Of course, he was the hardest fight I've had. Or felt like it was anyway." Naruto explained.
"Blondie," Yuno said with air quotes. "Here refers to him beating Neji in their little grudge match." Yuno explained as she, Shino, and Hinata joined the group. Most seemed shocked by the knowledge that Naruto had bested Neji.
"You become a bigger drag every day." Shikamaru complained.
"Oh, exciting there in the field~!" Fuu sang as she seemed to float into the air. "I'm so lucky to see this~!"
"Kick his ass, Neji!" Naruto roared, running back to the railing to watch things closely.
"Y-y-you can do it, cousin!" Hinata choked out.
"Good spirit, princess!" Yuno laughed. "Wrong side, though. Go TEAM UCHIHA!"
Neji / Sasuke's POV (Nearby Courtyard of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Neji marched down the staircase toward the battle. Indeed, he did not feel nervous; his life had been one endless struggle. He had taught himself how to fight, how to survive under the cruelty of the Main House, and even taught Hinata how to fight. He had never honestly had a choice in the matter and had known no alternative. He had learned to weaponize his spite and hatred to motivate himself. Compared to that one, Sasuke Uchiha would be child's play.
Yet that felt like an empty lie. Somehow, Neji knew Sasuke was an obstacle he would struggle to face. He knew the Uchiha's story that the Leaf had dismantled his clan. It was commonly accepted that the clan had planned a coup. From what he had garnered, Sasuke believed differently. Truthfully, Neji was ignorant; he did not know which side was proper. Regardless, he did not hold it against Sasuke. How could he? To be judged by circumstances outside of your control was something he was incredibly familiar with. Being resentful and focused on it was something he could relate to. But Naruto had beaten the worst of it out of him. He wondered if anyone had done so for Sasuke? Naruto would have done so if he had been here. Shouldn't he?
Neji couldn't, though. As much as he wished for Sasuke to find the peace he had started to experience, he represented another clan. As much as he could relate, he needed this opportunity. The Hyuga clan's future looked bright with Hinata as the current heir. But if he could win here and raise the clan's reputation, it would do wonders for how the Main House and villagers regarded the Side House.
He had no doubt Sasuke would reach the same conclusion. It was funny how Neji couldn't claim to know the man. It was a certainty to him, though he would be thinking something similar to what he was. It pained Neji to admit it, but he may have to obstruct Sasuke from his goal to protect his own goal.
It would be sad. But the day would be won for the Hyuga.
X-X
Sasuke's POV
Sasuke had always enjoyed battle. He never felt as peaceful or in control as in battle. He wasn't some crazed berserker fighting meaninglessly. Not some crazed killer determined to kill those who wronged him. Sasuke searched for truth and redemption. The best method of obtaining them had been apparent from the start. He had to become a shinobi so great that he could have the influence to learn what he needed to know. He was so powerful that he alone would redeem the clan from their past sins. So, he had learned to excel in battle and love it.
Sasuke's gut told him he was indeed in for quite the battle. Neji Hyuga was someone he could respect. The man had always been the rival to his first-place spot in the academy, often switching places over the years. Sasuke, when he was younger, slightly resented it. But as he aged, he had learned to appreciate the competition. It made him better. Yet he could not deny he would enjoy finally settling the matter.
Neji is undoubtedly a tricky opponent, but it is not an impossible hurdle. He respected his quest to attempt to rise in the station and offer his brethren the same. Sasuke even wished him success; none of that would stop him, though. His ambition would clash with Neji's; the one with greater ambition would overtake the other.
The day would be for the Uchiha.
He finally entered the courtyard. As he did, Neji marched in as well. Sasuke noted his eyes fearlessly locked with his. He seemed just as sure of his victory as Sasuke was. It mattered little to him. Truthfully, he knew he would win today.
Kakashi, the Copy Cat ninja, stood in between them. He seemed for all the world to be utterly interested in reading a smut book, of all things. It didn't fool Sasuke, though he could read the tension in his body and the intelligence in his eyes.
He stared at Neji, wondering just how strong he was. If Sasuke could have his way, he would win this without showing off too much of his kit. Best to start slow and crush him once he shows an opening.
Kakashi read off the rules, but Sasuke paid no heed; instead, they attempted to glare the other into submission. It wasn't practical, of course, but neither had activated their eyes yet. Both consented.
Kakashi seemed to vanish as he called. "Begin!"
Sasuke and Neji seemed to blur to many in attendance as they raced forward, each aiming to end the fight before it could start. Neji thrust his palm into Sasuke's face, hoping to stun him. Easily allow Neji to finish him with his Gentle Fist techniques. Sasuke casually leaned his head out its way and sent a hook to the counter. Neji slid under this, turning it into a slide tackle. Sasuke smirked as he allowed himself to be knocked off his feet, going with the force and drawing kunai as he did. This allowed him to meet eyes with Neji as he flipped now above him. His arrogance showed as he flicked his kunai for Neji's chest. Take a small amount of care to aim for non-vital areas. Neji didn't even seem to flinch as he flicked his fingers against the dull side of the kunai, deflecting them. They both skid as they turned, facing each other again. They blurred forward, Sasuke electing to launch kunai and shuriken at absurd speeds. Neji somehow deflected these with his bare hands as he met the charge. As they got within swinging distance of each other, Sasuke watched as Neji deflected and caught a kunai swinging it for his throat. Sasuke caught it with his own blade. The two paused as they attempted to overpower the other. Sasuke had to stop laughing as he released the kunai and landed a jab on Neji's ribs. The Hyuga grunted but, instead of flinching, landed a low kick that made Sasuke stumble. Sasuke used the stumble to dodge a palm to the chin. He barely managed to see Neji attempt to slam a palm into his ribs and desperately locked his hand with his. This seemed to shock Neji, and Sasuke used his hand to form a technique and smirked as Neji, this time, did flinch.