Naruto: Red Lightning

This time the jonin's instructions were simple. "You remember the rules, same as the last time. Three rounds, each match ends when one fighter is knocked out, forfeits, is pushed out of the designated circle, or we decide they can't continue. If you use lethal or paralyzing moves, you'll be disqualified.

This time the area we designate will be larger so pushing someone out will be harder. In addition, the winner of this tournament will be receiving a B-rank jutsu from me. Lastly, Roan, you are required to keep wearing your weights during the fights." I sighed, and he grinned at me. "With that, let the tournament begin."

This time, my name was one of the last to be called, so I had to wait some time until the first thirty people had finished their fights before my turn came. I stood opposite my opponent. He was a kid a year older than me, but we were about the same height. Dark skin, hazel eyes, brown hair. He seemed intimidated by me. (Great, a scaredy cat. I won't let this drag out.) When the match started, I took a step forward (for show off) and seemingly disappeared for anyone under the rank of chunin, it was like I used Flying Raijin. The next moment, my opponent rocketed back, leaving the circle and hitting a tree. Cracks started appearing across the bark.

I suddenly sensed someone rushing at me. I tried to react, but it was too late. I was slapped in the back of the head with such force that I was planted to the ground by the impact. When I regained my bearings, I realized that it was the head jonin. "Next time, fighting an ally, use force appropriate to the situation."

I weakly replied, "Why did you hit me?"

"So I could get my point through your thick skull. Now go and rest until your name is called again."

He grabbed me by the scruff of my neck and threw me tens of meters toward the place where the rest of the winners were sitting. I was caught by the branches of a tree and slid down the bark, landing next to them. The situation was amusing, but nobody laughed, fearing what might happen to them.

Next round, my fight was against an older kid. His characteristics didn't matter, pretty average. Although he was clearly scared, he didn't back off. The match started, and we both rushed at each other. I slowed down, and we met in the middle of the circle. He started punching quickly, and I caught or deflected every attack. He took a step back, and this time he used more power, going for a cross. I sidestepped to the right, dodging the punch. I then grabbed him by the arm and spun him around. I slammed him into the ground, knocking him out. After the medic checked on him, I returned to my resting spot with the other contestants.

Round 3 was interesting. It was the blond kid from the previous tournament. "Is this fate or just bad luck?" I wondered aloud.

He sighed and replied, "Bad luck. I don't believe in fate. I'll try my best for sure, but losing to the strongest helps a bit."

With that, the announcer started the fight, and I rushed at him. He took the initiative, faking a jab to my chest, baiting me into blocking or dodging it only to get a cross between the eyes. Pretty good plan, but unfortunately for him, due to my speed increasing, I could think a lot faster too. Instead of blocking or dodging, I counterattacked with a cross. Due to our height difference, my reach was longer, so my attack landed while his barely missed. He was launched back, hitting the ground twice before he could regain his bearings. He then flipped and caught himself.

I continued on, taking advantage of his momentary confusion. I rushed at him, kicking him in the chest. At the last moment, he rolled with the attack, dispersing most of the force, but he still got hurt. He flipped backward, regained his footing, and then he charged at me. He clearly showed signs of tiredness (a little too clearly). His attack was telegraphed and predictable. I knew exactly what he was trying to do. (He is trying to bait me into letting my guard down. Clever, but two can play this game.) I pretended to fall for his deception. I performed a telegraphed punch to counter his, but I kept my guard up. My suspicions were true. At the last moment, he changed his attack and performed an uppercut. A normal, gullible ninja would have fallen for it, but I was neither of those things. I leaned out of the way of the attack and countered with an uppercut of my own, sending him flying back. The medics checked over him, and this time, he was truly out.

With that I was promoted to the final round. The free for all fight.