Despite it All

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Neji's POV (Trial of Janus Building)

Neji's group scanned the room looking for any clues they could glean. He had worried a little bit hearing they would be split up from their usual squads. He had grown used to his teammates and found they gelled well with him. But perhaps his worry had been over nothing.

Shikamaru , Naruto's "best friend" was now part of Neji's team. (Personally, the Hyuga thought he fit this quite a bit better but digressed.) He may have been a lazy and pitiful man. But his mind or more of his deduction was absurd. He had quickly informed the others that the split goal was merely a way to add pressure. And assured them the room would have clues based on the short explanation provided by the samurai. Neji had wished to disprove this but it had made perfect sense. And the group had elected him their de facto leader.

Temari was another member of the group and somehow seemed to have a mind near the level of the Nara. Thankfully she didn't suffer from his laziness and while Nara was "thinking" she was examining the room with a critical eye much like Neji. Neji is quite irritable due to the room making his Byakugan useless. Effectively acting as a chakra smokescreen. He was used to his powerful vision and adjusting to using the normal one for searching was surprisingly difficult. Making Neji grateful for Temari's assistance. Even if she did spend time complaining as well.

Sakura was someone he had known would be useful. She had been in his class, and while physically she was unremarkable she was quite intelligent. Knowledgeable on most tactics and rumored to be quite skilled at medical ninjutsu. She was currently brainstorming over the note containing one line of "1,1 and some sort of scribble". She had various equations and ideas scribbled on the note and seemed to be stumped. Neji stopped his searching feeling more than a bit frustrated and stared at the note.

"I've tried everything I can think of." Sakura complained.

"Perhaps it's a red herring?" Neji asked.

"Doubtful, there is more than likely more than one way to pass. Gotta test us on an array of skills." Shikamaru counters.

"Have you considered longitude and latitude?" Temari proposed.

"Couldn't be, the value is way off what it would be for that." Neji shot down.

Both flinched at the crash of Kiba hitting the final wall. The Inuzuka seemingly confident the barrier would have a weak point. He panted harshly as the others except for Sakura, stared at him incredulously. "What had to be sure." Kiba said with an awkward smile. He was greeted with silence. Before that, it was shattered by a cry from Sakura.

"It's coordinates!" She called happily.

"I thought we just shut that down." Kiba commented while scratching his head. Akamaru barked in disagreement from his master, making him frown.

"She means for a grid." Shikamaru explained. "One-One, it's our position in some sort of grid or something. Assuming the rooms are all a similar size we can predict our position and have some idea of where we're going. I can make a mental map with this knowledge in mind."

"Even if we did know our position, how are we sure which door we should use from that?" Temari countered. Sakura hummed at this seemingly unsure.

"Is the scribble anything important? I figured it was just a mistake from the writer but with how cryptic it seems now I would assume it's a clue." Kiba chimed in Akamaru barking loudly in agreement.

"Hmm, Sakura, you mind holding it up to my lighter real quick? Not to burn it, just wanna check something." Shikamaru asked politely.

Sakura, having no better idea, brought the paper to Shikamaru. The Nara pulled out his zippo and lit it at a distance from the paper. "Hold it over the flame so I can see through." Shikamaru explained. Sakura did so patiently. Shikamaru stared into the ink trying to decipher the hidden message. "1,2" He read aloud.

"One and two. Scribbled out and in the same form as the other set…" Neji started.

"Perhaps this is what they meant by Shame Room?" Temari offered.

Shikamaru snapped happily at this. "Of course, it's offering us the knowledge that the door on the right leads to a failed room!"

"I see, One-Two would be the room to our right. And since the other door is at the front and is the only other option it must be safe." Termai finished.

They all gathered at the front door and walked through seeing another room. They all tensed waiting to see if they selected wrong. But when nothing happened they felt emboldened. They had the skill necessary to do this.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Samui's POV (Trial of Janus Building)

Samui watched full of despair as three of the teammates argued. With the rules explained Kurtosuchi had immediately chose a door. Claiming that right was the heavenly direction. Suggesting they can do the split option if they don't agree. Naruto had immediately refused stating he couldn't risk failing on a hunch. Nor would he risk another chance on one. Ino had pointed out that the option was likely to put pressure on them and affect their teamwork. Kurotsuchi though seemed assured of the logic stating it was practically a saying from home. And cared little if the others failed. Samui personally had been attempting to find clues during the spout but she was unsure of what to even look for. Gaara stood where had since the start, still staring at the roof.

"I won't risk anyone's future just because you're too stubborn to reconsider." Naruto argued angrily.

"I can't take the opinion of short men seriously." Kurotsuchi countered.

"Well, I can't take pigheaded fools seriously." Ino chimed in.

"You gotta have problems blondies? I can handle you both." Kurotsuchi said arrogantly.

"Stop being so uncool." Samui attempted. Ino and Kurotsuchi sent the woman death glares. While it seemed the reminder reigned in Naruto's temper a bit the two kunoichi were too irritated with the other's attitude. He walked up to Kurotsuchi who got up in his face fearlessly. The tension in the room grew once again. But Naruto merely slowly and gently rested a hand on her shoulder.

"I understand what you're saying and respect your opinion. But please just allow us to be a team and consider our options. Ya know?" Naruto said with that real smile he rarely showed.

Kurotsuchi seemed stunned for a second before she nodded yes and shoved the blonde back. The group was silent as she stomped over to Ino. "I think I can see what you see in him.~" Kurotsuchi teased quietly. Ino merely growled at her.

Gaara interrupted the conversation as he stomped on the group silently. He walked to the same door Kurotsuchi had selected. "The annoying woman is correct. This door is the right one." He explained in his gravelly voice.

"How the hell can you be so certain?!" Ino, Naruto, and Samui asked infuriated as Kurotsuchi smiled widely. Glad to have someone on her side.

"I just am." Gaara answered before reaching for the handle. Kurotsuchi happily stood behind him. The three blondes looked at each other before they raced behind the red head. Something of his odd behavior and speech convinced the group he somehow knew. None of them noticed the small bits of sand flowing from the roof to his gourd. If they had, they would've noticed the sand had traveled within the lines of the pattern on the roof. The pattern was actually a maze.

 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ashira's POV (East Side of Village Hidden in the Leaves)

Ashira never thought much of the newer generations of shinobi. He had witnessed the likes of Madara Uchiha and Hashirama after all. But now he would admit to some degree he had underestimated them. He dodged several slashes from Anko. Kicking out her legs when she overextended. Snakes flew from her sleeves and wrapped around his throat, strangling him for a moment. Even as he was strangled he weaved signs and his body glowed red, spreading to Anko for a mere moment and causing her to scream in pain. The snakes desummoning from her lack of focus.

"Infectious Seal: Pain Overload." Ashira lectured as he deflected several thrown kunai from Mikoto. She appeared above him and slashed down with two kunai into Ashira. The blow blocked the force cracking the concrete below. "Reinforcement Seal: Density Multiplier." Ashira added before flinging her back casually with his katana. The force sent Mikoto through a food stand. Both women stood shakily as they stared down the shockingly lethal man.

He seemed to be able to counter almost any attack in mere moments. The amount of seals he used was shocking; neither of them had ever faced a Funijutsu master. He was adaptive and powerful. Was there anything seals couldn't do?

"Mikoto, let's blow him away!" Anko yelled angrily as she weaved signs.

Mikoto did not waste time responding, merely weaving her own in response.

"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bullet!" Anko called as a quick beam of flames flew toward Ashira.

"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" Mikoto called a large gust of wind propelling and growing the flame shot as it approached Ashira.

"Collaboration Technique: Explosive Fire Bullet!" The woman chorused as the beam slammed into Ashira. The fire immediately enveloped him and roasted anything into its narrow path into ash. "Ha! Showed that bastard!" Anko chuckled meerily. Mikoto smiled back happy to have survived the encounter.

The two both cried out in pain as suddenly the man appeared in front of them landing viscous body jabs on both women with one hand each. They flew back as he drew his sword again and marched on.

"Impressive for sure, but slow, it gave me plenty of time to create a defense seal. Do not despair, for you never truly stood a chance." Arashi offered as he approached the two defeated women. He raised his blade, choosing to kill Anko first. As he did so an orange blur appeared kicking him incredibly hard. His seal crackled against the blow before he saw Kanji flow onto him. The Fuinjutsu boosted attack pierced his Fuinjutsu shield and he felt the blow crack some of his ribs. He flew back crashing painfully into the building.

"Another challenger. And well worth my time. Kushina Uzumaki, my leader, has marked you for death." Arashi declared as he stood facing her. Removing himself from the building he had been kicked into.

Kushina faced him as well, already in her one-tailed form and staring at him hatefully. "You all threatened my child and destroyed some of my heritage. Can't just let that go, ya know?" She said darkly.

"I can understand, I also am not the best at letting go." Arashi stated. "See I feel the need to purge the Uzumaki that started!" He cried.

In truth, the two distant family members did not listen to each other. They merely prepared to kill the other. The time for words had longed passed. Kushina roared angrily as her single tail raced forward and attempting to crush the older man. Ashira with a roar deflected the tail and raced forward to attack Kushina. The two met katana to katana. They tested their strength for a few moments before Kushina pushed back against the man sending him skidding along the concrete. As he stopped Kushina was above the man attempting a vertical slash. Ashira laughed as kanji flowed into the ground around him forming a barrier. Kushina roared as her blade suddenly glew red, slashing through the barrier with ease. Ashira gasped in pain as he received a shallow cut. It burning into his skin and making him dizzy for a moment as his vision focused back and he saw a fist fill it. He felt his nose shatter as he flew back through a billboard. The old man slowly crawled to his feet with a smile.

"Playing with your food aye?" Ashira asked simply.

"Merely dispensing a mothers wrath." Kushina said darkly.

"Little do you know you played right into our hands." Ashira stated simply. A scroll popped out from his releasing several syringes. "My colleague is merely here to cause damage. My goal is you." He said his hatred in his eyes.

Jugo roared angrily as the weak man scrambled away from him. A shinobi of some kind attempted to sneak attack him with a blade. And to his credit, he stabbed him in the back. But his muscles and deformed body could be barely harmed by normal blades. Jugo paid him back for his honest effort by grabbing and crushing his throat. He growled as a kunai missed his eye thudding into his face instead. The spiky-haired man panted before scrambling away again. He jumped to the rooftops and Jugo followed angrily. Somehow the weak man had managed to evade death so far. He watched as he flew over a smoking chimney. The rampaging Jugo followed right after him. But when he attempted to pass through the smoke he stopped. It seems to solidify and hold him in place. He growled at the event. But before he could do anything the smoke formed into a giant fist holding him.

"Smoke Style: Smoker's Remorse!" A voice called as the smoke rose through the air with the crazed murderer before driving him into the ground on the street violently. "Hey, Youse turn!" Dez called in front of the downed Jugo.

The man rising angrily, most of his injuries seemingly healing already. Iruka landed nearby exhausted but seemingly game to fight still. "See, Iruka isn't it? With these big fellas, you gotta treat 'em like a hog!" Dez started with a smile. As Jugo raised and roared angrily he was interrupted by a giant pair of arms wrapping around him. "If you don't know what that means, well it's really simple. You beat the shit out of them!" Dez said happily.

"My name is Nekomaru. Forgive me for my unflattering fighting style. I'm a simplistic soul after all." The named Nekomaru towered over the large Jugo. "I am the third-ranked underling of Tsunade-sama. As such it is my job to protect this village and kill you now." The man was easily seven feet tall and built of pure muscle. He wore an athletic one-piece and had a buzzed cut.

"Too much talking!" Jugo roared as he elbowed violently on both sides. Nekomaru seemed to flinch under the powerful blows.

"Smoke Style: Smoker Puff Bullets!" Dez called as he spit small balls of smoke. The balls smacked off the face of Jugo, seeming to stun him. "How like my ultra strong cigs! NOW Neko!" Dez called.

"Death Technique! Endless Suplexes." Nekomaru called as he lifted Jugo out of the air. He slammed him head-first with a German suplex. As Jugo hit the ground in a bone-crushing thud. As Jugo impacted, Nekomaru rolled through. Bodily lifting the man again. "Prepare yourself until you die, this is your life!" He slammed him twice, three times, five times, on the tenth he launched Jugo into a building headfirst. Nekomaru panted harshly as the building collapsed on top of the enraged man.

"Only ten?" Dez asked as he lit a smoke. "I mean don't get me wrong the bastard must be dead. But youse usually do more than that."

"He was struggling up until the eighth one." Nekomaru explained.

"Bastard eight of those and was still trying to scrap? Respectable for someone who's scum." Dez stated.

"We're not done yet!" Jugo yelled as he crawled from the rubble of the building. He was coated in blood from a cut above his brow. His left arm seemed to be crushed and he walked with a wince. Likely he had some form of spinal damage from Nekomaru's savage attack. Dez dropped his cigarette in shock as Nekomaru charged forward. Jugo met this charge and the two both threw matching rights. The blows met with a thunderous clash before Nekomaru screamed in pain, his arm seemingly broken. Dez couldn't believe it. The man had countered Nekomaru's strength with pure strength. He had grown even stronger…

Dez was too shocked to react as Jugo bear-hugged the large Nekomaru and somehow managed to crush him with a sickening crunch. He tossed the corpse to the side as he approached him happily. Dez felt a teardrop tread down his cheek Yias he stared at his dead best friend. Jugo laughed as the curse mark spread to his body. It is now adding additional masses around his body. All of which seemed to boost his speed and strength. Right as Jugo approached to kill Dez a large fist filled Dez's vision. It sent the berserker flying through several buildings.

"Sorry, we didn't make it sooner." A gruff voice called. A large man wearing armor walked by. Dez recognized him as the leader of the Akimichi. Choza Akimichi.

"We'll make him pay in response." A gravelly voice added. Shikaku Nara was here as well.

"For all this." A more somber voice finished. Inochi Yamanaka.

Jugo laughed madly as he faced down an infamous trio. His body grew even more monstrous and deformed as he grew in power. The most famous and argued most powerful version of the Ina-Shika-Cho formation was here.

The real fight had yet to begin.