Other world chimera [Naruto fanfic]

190. More matches

While the three flirted and acted careless everyone else was scheming. Due to Tomoka’s sudden outburst everyone present became aware of her dojutsu. For the Hokage the matter became a problem as having such information leaked could cause trouble, a lot of trouble. Meanwhile Orochimaru became interested, not enough to change his plans but interested nonetheless. 

After a loud cough to gather everyone’s attention, Hiruzen said, “Let's continue the test.” Thankfully the screen was still alright, what had cracked was the protective glass panel which was swiftly removed. A moment later the next set of names appeared on the screen. Which were those of Kankuro and the other Konoha-nin from Kabuto’s team. 

A boring match later the next set of names appeared. All this time the trio from team Yamato had been chatting animatedly while barely paying attention to the match. Not like anyone realized since they were using Tomoka’s phantoms to communicate stealthily. Tomoka had spent that time telling the two about how the fights would go in cannon and how many of them were the same now.

The next match was one that deviated from cannon. Shikamaru, who should have fought against Choji’s opponent, stood against the Hyuga member from team Kurenai. The match began and as expected Haruto Hyuga dashed forward in an attempt to strike Shikamaru with his gentle fist. The match quickly devolved into a game of cat and mouse where Shikamaru would run away while trying to ensnare Haruto with his shadow. Meanwhile Haruto would dodge Shikamaru’s shadow while trying to close the distance. In the end Shikamaru won by using the shadows cast by the kunai he had thrown to weave a net of shadows Haruto couldn’t escape from. 

“Interesting match. Shikamaru as always is smart though too lazy to actually apply said smarts.” Nozomi voiced out the thoughts of everyone that knew Shikamaru on a personal level. There wasn’t much to discuss about the fight. Haruto like pretty much every other Hyuga crippled himself by not learning any elemental jutsu. Not like it’s his fault, as a branch member he couldn’t disregard tradition like Hinata. 

Soon enough the next match was decided and it turned out to be the same Shino vs sound-nin as in cannon. While the match was taking place Tomoka felt a slight tug coming from within her mind. The sort of tug she would feel when a phantom wanted her attention for something. This tug in specific came from the phantom she had left with Gaara. 

Looking towards the Suna team she saw Gaara giving her the slightest of nods before closing his eyes. Taking the action for what it was, Tomoka also closed her eyes. Once she opened them again she stood in a vast desert with Gaara and Shukaku standing in front of her. 

“So, why did you call?” Tomoka felt a little curious as to why Gaara would want to talk now. 

“I was just thinking. You told me to act like my previous self until the end of the exams and the invasion. My previous self would try everything in his power to kill his opponent. Should I also go for the kill? If I don't, it could raise suspicion.” Tomoka couldn’t help but give Gaara a kind smile. 

This Gaara, one that wasn’t so sleep deprived, was much more likable. Less crazy, more pragmatic, he still needed to open up more to his own emotions and develop a proper personality. In a way, Tomoka could see part of herself in him. 

“Yeah, you should go for the kill. There are many strong ninjas here and if someone I don’t want hurt ends up matched against you I can just jump in at the last moment. Not to mention most would give up once they realize how powerful you are, the only ones that wouldn’t ended up matched against me and Neji.” Gaara just nodded and broke the connection, all that needed to be said had been said. He wasn’t used to chatting so he opted to flee. 

A moment later both opened their eyes no more than a second had passed in the real world. For anyone watching both had just had a longer than usual blink. Looking towards the fight below Tomoka just sighed at how it developed just like in cannon. It felt rehearsed and it bothered her. 

“No wonder Yuna-sama hates fate so much.” Tomoka grumbled under her breath as she waited for the match to end.