Mifune's POV (Kage Box of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Mifune mind whirled at the end of the latest match, as he was sure the others did as well. While the exams had barely begun, the Leaf Village had already made its mark. Sure, they had already lost several Genin. Yet, they showed a roster of powerful and skilled Genin during the process. Tenten, another orphan in their broken world, had shown unique abilities with a bloodline he was sure would be sought after these exams. Naruto Uzumaki had defeated her while holding back, and if the ending of their little match was an indication, she had much more to show. Two promising young men from their village had clashed, clarifying one thing. Clouded as the backgrounds of the clans were, they were still producing top-tier shinobi. Unlike Naruto, who had seemed comfortably ahead of his opponent, Neji and Sasuke had been a close match. Neji had hailed from the current most prominent clan of the Leaf. The infamous and regal Hyuga clan. Users of the legendary Byakugan had been known for years for their shocking power and powerful vision. Sasuke hailed from a clan once held in a similar position, if not more significant, marred by a failed coup orchestrated by his father. The Uchiha had been largely forgotten, a small amount of shinobi for most of the lower echelon. Sasuke had shown such ideas to be foolish. The two had displayed combat prowess Mifune had come to expect from most Jounin. Even more tellingly, Sasuke had defeated Neji convincingly; he had managed to overwhelm even the mighty Byakugan. It seemed the Uchiha would not yet fade; their fate lay in the hands of the decisive victor.
Mifune glanced around the room, taking in the stressed faces of four of the Kage. Hiruzen looked downright smug now and radiated pride for his Genin, who consistently gave such an explosive performance. Mifune knew if he had felt a small crumb of worry seeing the future of the Leaf, the others must be feasting on it. The only one who looked remotely comfortable was Rasa. Seemingly happy to have Hiruzen as an official ally now.
"Well, seeing the Uchiha remnants do their clan proud is good," Rasa said with wary cheer. He also knew that even as an ally, this didn't bode well with the other four. Yet Mifune sensed he still held that old confidence. What was that sandman planning? "A proper showing from the Hyuga as well."
"What are you feeding your kids, Hiruzen," Onoki complained, seemingly defaulting to belly aching to process the newfound power of the Leaf.
"Nothing more than the Will of Fire," Hiruzen replied curtly. As well composed and disciplined as he was, he was still obviously smug, as he explained.
"Apparently, I need that pilled and fed to my men." A added, holding his head up as if bored. A was never Mifune's favorite Kage. Much too quick to anger, too sure of his own abilities, and too willing to forgo morality for the sake of his home.
"It is not something that can be given but must be earned through a shinobi's journey in life." Hiruzen lectured.
"Save me the bullshit." A and Rasa said at once. Both men glared at the other as if not pleased to share an opinion with each other. They nodded once before sending both glares toward Hiruzen.
"That young man strikes me as a believer of justice," Yagura said gravely. "He may very well become a threat one day…"
Mifune frowned at that as the Kage and their guards all tensed. The room was suddenly full of tension as the unsaid implications of what Yagura had said settled into the room. Mifune sensed an opportunity. The other Kage likely were unaware of Ikam's existence, while the Leaf had encountered him several times. Mifune needed information on the slayer of his student; a show of support here would set the foundations for the Lands of Iron and Fire to become closer. Besides, Mifune was sure Hiruzen wouldn't miss the value of the mighty Land of Iron, the neighbor to the Land of Wind and Lightning, becoming an ally.
"Perhaps so, but we are all at peace for now. No need to concern yourself with a battle that hasn't happened." Mifune offered diplomatically.
"Indeed, Sasuke has shown himself to be loyal and dedicated," Hiruzen added.
"Yet he offered the glory to his clan as opposed to his home." Onoki sniped with a smug smile.
"Clans often try to be independent even from their own homes," Yagura said darkly.
"Please refrain from speaking," Rasa asked darkly. Yagura quirked a brow at this but shook his head and allowed the point to die for now.
Mifune wondered if the exams could stop being so exciting.
Unknown POV (Perimeter of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
He and his comrades moved silently and unseen around the Iron Arena. The groups were not from one village or organization but a joint unit of several different groups. Stone Anbu, Mist Anbu, Cloud Anbu, Sand Anbu, and the Leaf were the mysterious, fully blackened Leaf Anbu chosen for this. They were a group of experienced Anbu set to guard the exams as they went on. After Ikam attacked the Land of Iron, the Samurai were on high alert and assisted all Five Villages, providing additional security if they were to go on. This had been the force created to do such. Yet the six members from the newly formed Leaf Anbu group had stopped the patrol, staring at the field below with an intensity that baffled the other Anbu.
"He has become quite the shinobi; he takes after them both." One spoke.
"Seems the two of them kept their words." The other offered.
"Guys, we all know we can't afford to draw attention." A third female voice called out. The one who had complimented Sasuke walked on. Yet the one who spoke of an oath stared still.
"That's a different life now." The female voice spoke sadly. The first man turned and walked on.
"I know," He offered simply. "I just won't forget."
Naruto's POV (Contestant Section of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
It took more control than Naruto thought he could offer to stop himself from assaulting Sasuke. Only Neji, still alive and conscious, stopped him from doing so before checking on his teammate. In all honesty, he was shocked; he had been sure Neji would defeat anyone he ran into. Well, other than Gaara and himself. His battle with him even now stood as his most challenging fight. It had felt as if Neji had made little to no mistakes in it, and if not for Naruto's famed durability, Neji would have likely won. To see Neji not only defeated but overwhelmed shocked Naruto. He had heard of Sasuke's reputation but figured it was merely hype.
"Naruto, for once in your life, please don't be a drag. It sucks to see your teammates lose, but he was more than fair about it." Shikamaru demanded and or pleaded.
"It's alright Naruto Neji looked pretty cool down there."
Naruto wondered internally how they caught on to his frustration so quickly before glancing down and noticing his hand had crushed the metal railing separating them from the rest of the crowd. He chuckled awkwardly, forcing himself to relax. 'I suppose Sasuke was fair… I'll only kick his ass a little when I get the chance…'
The three flinched at Yuno's loud cheering, followed by Hinata's quiet admonishments. Shino walked over to their group, seemingly not wanting to be associated with his loud, attention-getting teammate. Naruto frowned at this grumpily but allowed it. He would've done the same had Neji won. Before he could continue congratulating himself for his patience, Samui chimed in, breaking his concentration.
"Omoi, it's your turn. Please for my sake try to hold on to your cool." Samui offered to her currently silent teammate.
Naruto glanced at the board, seeing they had already genuinely selected the next match.
Mangetsu Hozuki VS Omoi of the Cloud
The rest of the group stared at Omoi, who had apparently been silently muttering to himself. Almost trance-like in his demeanor. "What if I trip and stab myself with my own katana? What if I need to remember the hand signs for my jutsu? Or if the referee secretly hates me and sabotages my chances? If I do too bad, A-sama will likely punish me. What if he banis-" Omoi likely would have continued for quite a while before Karui seemingly raced from her seat and beelined for her teammate.
"Karui!" Samui suddenly yelled. "Omoi needs encouragement." while the others watched in intrigue as Karui grabbed Omoi by his top collar and proceeded to trip him off his feet and spin in a circle. Surprisingly enough, Karui was strong enough to bodily lift and spin Omoi, picking up speed. Omoi flailed now, seemingly shocked out of his stupor. But it was much too little, much too late. Karui roared as she threw Omoi like one might throw a dripping waste bag. Omoi offered a cry of fear as he fell towards the ring. Shikamaru, Shino, Lee, Yuno, and Hinata stared at Karui owlishly.
"Cool throw." Samui thanked Karui with a high five. Karui nodded with a shit eating smile. Before she turned and saw all the others staring at them.
"The fuck is all of y'all's problem?" Karui asked bluntly, somehow seeming to think throwing one teammate like a frisbee was normal.
"Oh! Oh! Oh!" Fuu said excitedly, hovering slightly above Karui. "Throw me next!"
"I thought it was kinda funny." Naruto agreed as he roared with laughter.
"Omoi can be a worry wart. Karui is pretty good at disrupting such." Samui calmly with a smirk.
"Ya he was pussy footing around. Can't stand it. Besides, he wouldn't be worth sensei's teaching if he couldn't tank a fall like that." Karui assured before she whipped around and dashed off.
"She seems really troublesome." Shikamaru offered to break the silence.
The group watched as Karui dashed off, now chasing a complaining Shikamaru.
"Hopefully she doesnt hurt him too bad." Naruto said as he pondered if he should help his good buddy.
"I hate my team." Samui complained. Naruto could only laugh nervously.