It's up now. Feel free to gloat or curse, depending on what you predicted in the speculation thread...

i keep hitting refresh! DARN YOU FF.NET AND YOUR SLOW LOADING OF THE CHAPTER DARN YOU UPDATE AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!

Oh my god that kicked arse. And now I run for my class before I'm late!

YES!!! I loved this new chapter, especially the unexpected match-up. And you've still left us in the dark on what's happened to Neji you sneaky b*****d you! Iruka's little ploy at the end will more than likely play out well, unless some of those merchants recognize him now. And the little snafu with the three headed summon? Brilliant!

It looks like whatever Naruto did to Neji is at least potentially fatal. That's more than we knew before.

Also - Naruto possibly beating Gaara without resorting to Gamabunta or Kyuubi no Kitsune. That's definitely not something I expected. It does look like Sarutobi is about to die as well, still.

So the cliffhanger wasn't resolved... moving on...

I still think Kankuro has a vital role to play, the fact that no Leaf ninja have any ideas of his combat capabilities means he's still got a surprise trump card for overconfident enemy ninja.

Chouji vs. Shino played out as expected, though I was a bit surprised Shikamaru vs. Temari was virtually identical to canon. Naruto vs. Gaara was pretty kickass and I'm surprised Gaara lasted as long as he did with his sand turned into muck.

Glad to see Team 7 get some screen time, paints a stark contrast to canon. Also very glad for some of the awesome Chouji moments, he gets shafted so much in fanfic.

So its Shikamaru, Naruto, Shino, and Hinata chasing down the Sand siblings. Hmmm... No massive snake summons, no massive depletion of forces in the Arena, no more ninja being forced to put out fires... yeah Leaf is gonna decimate the Sound and Sand.

The Third Hokage has a chance at survival now if he gets, hell even two or three jonins might be able to turn the tide in his battle with Orochimaru. Unless the snake tries a sneaky escape...

I also can't believe all the good in this chapter is not balanced out by some catastrophic event that didn't occur in canon. Your stories have a similar theme, there is always a price when you screw with fate. Added to this your comments on no plot-armor.... Shikamaru and Chouji bumped up past Iruka on Characters that might bite it soon list.

Anyways, great chapter and a quick question. Is Haku going to have a significant role in the future? So far all we've got is a passing reference in the written bit of the CHuunin exams and Im curious if he had a reason to live other than to prove "Team 7's mission was different from canon."

I'm the only one that missed Hinata-chan's protagonism in this chapter?

Isn't Naruto exhausted after the chakra pulse? guess he recovers really fast.

Oh, and now, since there are no giant summons for jiraya to deal with, Someone is for a really nasty surprise.

Oh, I wished to see Hinata's reaction of being called Naruto's best friend. I guess we are saving that for a flashback? Or we won't even see it?

Oh, and also, As far as I read, Naruto-Gaara fight so far was going definitly Naruto's way. So maybe he's got a new jacket after the action.

And this time Shino got to fight. Maybe he get's one too.

Neji: No chance in hell he gets a jacket, unless political power can interfere in the exam, and since it is a giant advertising event, it *could* be possible. oh, and it seems Naruto did injure him. Shame evli authorlord loves to leave us in suspense

Chouji: It's possible he get's the promotion, I'd rate his chances slighty above Neji.

Shika: Imho, he get's one. Especially if people realize he noticed and warned Asuma and the leaf genins there was something fshy. On the other hand, since he did notice, He should have taken Temari out of commision, right? Shame he had to forfeit in that way in order to give a clue to Asuma. I bet he carefully worded it in order to give the alarm to the bearded jounin.

Another flawless chapter, but after I read it a few more times what then? I NEED MORE! I kid all in good time. It's interesting to note the reactions of everyone in response to his(Naruto's) victory, and it seems that maybe he's starting to make some headway into how some of the villagers see him. Only time will tell, but I as always eagerly await the next chapter.

Naruto messing up the summoning scrolls was pretty funny. Those little snakes probably killed all the enemy(and any friendly, if any) troops nearby. I wonder what Jiraya will be up to now? Breaking the Sandaime-Oro's barrier? It seems Neji is in deep trouble, Hiashi is not pleased. Hiashi is quickly turning into (one of) the main villain in the story if the streak keeps on.

Once again Matt has given us a great chapter. (I can't think of any excuse for not reading the chapter before looking through this thread, but just in case somebody does I'll put all my comments in the spoiler tag. If you are such a person, then shame on you! Go read the damn chapter!)



I'm all fired up now, and I can hardly wait to see what comes next!

Newly registered. Loved the chapter, but for the cliffhanger again I'll probably post an in-depth review or something on another day.

Anyways, I just wanted to ask: if the chakra pulse ruined the delicate summoning outside Konoha, wouldn't it also adversely affect Neji's delicate medical procedure in the stadium? If something goes wrong, I wouldn't want the Hyuuga clan to hate Naruto even more than they already do.

And who's that ninja whom Iruka got the sword from? Someone we know, or some random OC?

I love this chapter! With no snake summons to fight, hopefully Jiraiya can help Sarutobi fight Orochimaru. I always thought that it sucked that he died, so maybe now he can live. (Please?)

Remember, the medical bay has chakra repelling seals carved into the walls to keep something like that from happening. And they were strong enough that people inside could only hear Hiashi and Gai nearly come to blows.

Hn.

Well, there goes an excellent example of the laws of unintended consequence. Maybe the old Perverted Hermit can help out Old Man Sarutobi against the Snake Molestor, instead of stomping giant Hydras with several thousand ton frogs who wear gang colors.

Of course there is the obvious set up for Gaara pinning Hinata to the tree instead of Sakura. That'll end poorly. Still, all in all, things are looking more up for Konoha than usual in this particular plot zone. I can't help but wonder if Sasuke might do something... impulsive though. Of course, who knows?

I look forward to the next with baited breath.

-Caine

Ok, just finished that chapter. First impression; that kicked some major ass...more in depth analysis will have to wait till I have time to reread it and actually pick it apart. But quite honestly, that chapter just made my night.

-Cameron Keffer

While more in depth analysis will be coming later I just have to say this, cause of my own speculation thread.

Authorlord did do the giant awesome god pulse! Sweetness!

I loved he reactions of team 7 especially Sakura's since it shows a growing fear of Naruto coupled with respect and revere, which is like the emotional template for everyone with regards to the Hokage. Kiba understands Naruto's motivations better than anyone in regards to protection leading to a typical yet amusing Kiba moment. Kakashi is well...quite pissed that his little orange books are gone and is now inflicting the training from hell on team 7, lets hope it has some positive consequences. Though all this "come to skills on thier own" nonsense just sounds like more Kakashi laziness and Sauske's PO'd, remember Sauske's original defection was because he had barely moved forward despite his training while Naruto was making large leaps in skill which Sauske saw as him hitting the plateau of Konoha's training(never minding the fact that Kakashi/any jonin/anbu/higher chunins could crush him in a serious fight like the insect he is)so rather than seriously training to get past the plateau he went to Ori-tan for genetic manipulation. Wow in the same space as I used for the review of one minor plot point for this fanfiction I could review an ENTIRE episode of Shippuden and sum up the emotional growth over 2.5 years of all the characters in Naruto.
Naruto's acknowledgment of the cheers was great and really outlines the differences between him and canon Naruto who are now entirely different beasts. On to the fights: Shino and Chouji was pretty much as expected Shikamaru and Temari didn't change much, again expected because there was no large factor that would have changed Shikamaru's training regiment, though now that old Asuma went and lost his ol' cigarettes we'll see how calm he can stay. Naruto vs. Garra was simply stunning and proves that when worse comes to worse Team 8 Naruto can always beat you with a housekeeping/basic survival jutsu. Once again the plan was totally screwed this time though it was much more thorough screwing that utterly decimated the summoning forces of the oto-nin and again forced Garra to retreat. I have to wonder how will not having to use the curse seal after its been sealed effect Sauske, it didn't have a chance in his 3-second fight with Naruto and hes not going after Gaara so no way for that to repeat, after all the seal affects the brain so its continuous use may have had some effect on his mental state...hmmm.
Both Iruka and Hinata were rocking this chapter. Iruka's backhanded insult to the elders and Hyuugas was a shining moment for this fic and Hinata defending Naruto so publicly is a step in the right direction for her and her determination at the end and skill may prove necessary to defeating the retreating suna siblings. Though I foresee another Shino vs. Kankuro fight in the near future. Also why does the Authorlord/evil overlord( ) keep tantalizing us with Neji's pain just to leave us hanging with it also the clues are pointing to Neji's assassination or Neji seeking redemption by eliminating a certain problem or two for the Hyuugas either way I see a dark and pain-filled life for Neji( )

[Augh need...sleep...but must reread chp first due to epic win!)

I got lucky!!!
The alert post hasn't come through email yet, but i managed to check ff-net at the right time *WHOOT!*
Incredible chapter though.
Surprising also though, Some people (including me) had thought that Choiji had been placed against Gaara... Whoops
You put Hayate as a Chuunin at the start and when he's saying that Naruto has won



Unless Jiraiya was already with Sarutobi, there is not going to be much chance. I feel that that barrier is unfortunately going to stay up.



Frankly, unlike NOFP, they aren't screwing with fate, it's just up to Mighty Authorlord to say when anyone dies.

Hello First Post on This site,

First i would like to Tell you how much i love Your stories! so keep up the good work, I found something in the new Chapter, that i think is a Mistake.

''Their former classmate appeared to be getting chewed out by Gekko Hayate, the chuunin referee.''

''“Do you understand?” the chuunin asked again.''

"In a flash, Hayate appeared next to Naruto. Gone was the harassed, sickly-looking referee, and in his place was a focused jonin."

Anyway, just though i should let you know.

Bugger.

See why I was annoyed about his Wikipedia entry being deleted by those editing idiots?

Fixing it now.

Either the update is not complete or you missed this line:

This is my first attempt to a chapter review So bear with me for a while please.

Overall I found this chapter very satisfying and it was a very nice surprise to find it live when I woke up this morning.

It was nice to see the explanation between Kiba and Sakura regarding the motives behind Naruto's behavior. This portraits them both as more mature than before. In fact they seem to be more able to look "underneath the underneath" to quote a page from Kurenai's book. It was also funny to see their interactions and how they "pushed" each other's buttons: Sakura slapping Kiba, Kakashi mussing Sasuke's hair.



It's nice to see Naruto on the receiving end of praises for once ... and even public ones. It started with his team, continued with the Aburames, now an entire stadium is cheering for him. Enjoy it Naruto! You've earned it.



This makes me wonder if Naruto and Shino actually discussed on the level of force to be used on Neji and how much Naruto should go in punishing him.

Also the next part shows us that even someone as reserved as Shino can get out of his shell when it comes to defend the honor of a teammate. And this is not something we get to see every day.

Is it just me or Shino is a lot more emotional lately? First when he called the medics for Hinata (although this is very understandable). Second, at the discussion regarding the Toad Summon contract. And now here. Maybe he started to "catch" some fire from Naruto

The match between Shino and Choji was a nice contrast to the ones before ... a display of how a competition match between allies should really happen: with fair-play. This puts even more weight on the lesson they tried to teach with Neji: be nice and we'll play nice together. Be a jerk, then don't expect anything less in return.



Hinata is getting more out of her shell lately as well. Looks like all the lessons Kurenai tried to teach her start to pay. It might also be a result of Hinata staying with her sensei and not her family. It would be funny if Kurenai could adopt her as a foster child sometime in the future. Maybe after Hiashi bites the dust? I wouldn't mind to see that happen during the invasion. Although he does deserve a sound beating from Naruto. I'm sure Kurenai could also lend a hand. Or a kunai. Or more than one



The Konoha jonins are up to their ranks.

I have not seen the fights in the anime so there was nothing to compare with the match between Naruto and Gaara. It was awesome nevertheless. Naruto shows a lot of quick thinking and it's the second time he uses an utility-grade jutsu in a fight (first time being when he fought the flame attack during the border patrol). It also shows how much planning he did in anticipation of this fight. I wonder what Shino might have done if it would have had to face Gaara.

It was also nice to see Iruka get more "screen time" during the fight. Despite the fact he had to recover from his hospital stay, he did put up a very good fight.



Treeant Kurenai rocks ... does this have anything to do with this picture? Or is it something that she already did in canon?

Iruka now can say he owns his life to Naruto once more. Without the chakra pulse, he might have had a hard time against his last oponent. Fortunately the awakened bodyguard was there on time and quick on recognizing friend from foe. I wonder what country is he from, given that Matt made him a ninja too.

Finally I can hardly wait for the next chapter and the confrontation between Team 8 (+Shikamaru) and Team Gaara.

P.S. I will get the final chapter in the PDF file for the yahoo group when I return from work

Great chapter man, just a great chapter, and while I dislike being wrong about who fought who, I think I'm okay with it this time You know, I was sort of expecting Naruto to hit Gaara with shocking grasp no jutsu while he was all wet/burried in the swamp...thing, that would have taken care of a lot of Gaara's sand, but then he would have to know about the particulars about nature manipulation. You know, I can't help but wonder, if the pulse so badly affect the summoning circle miles away, presumably, what did it do to the barrier that the Sound Four errected? Assuming that they got it up before the pulse hit, though they did get it up pretty quickly after we found out that Oro-tan was sitting shoutgun in the Kage booth, and while by its nature the barrier would have to be more stable than the circle, Naruto is the equivilent to a fair size nuke to any chakra structure in the area.

Can't wait to see Shino vs. Kankuro and Hinata vs. Temari, because if I remember Sasuke fought her in the canon! before Gaara started to beat him down, because those are both going to more than a little fun^^

Jiraiya is going to be a terror at the wall, without the hydra to spearhead the attack and to bring down the wall, it is going to be a blood mess for the attackers. And while the basic battle plan of the leaf concerning enemy attacks isn't going to change, the Sound and Sand nins are not going to penitrait near as far as they did in canon! before they get mualed by the defenders, fun times^^

Things don't look so good even for those Sound-nins who are inside the walls either, without an arena full of unconcious VIPs and ninjas to look after, the leafs are going to make them for even thinking about attacking their village. So, all in all, things are going pear-shapped for the alliance very quickly, just because of one damn kid with more chakra then he knows what to do with.

Never have seen it in Canon episodes 1-135, so i'm going with the assumption it's something the Authorlord came up with himself. A very creative Genjutsu.

For my own review, I'd have to say a nice transitional chapter with short burst of action throughout, the amusing use of a basic jutsu against Gaara is again genius, which again makes me contemplate the possibilities of Raiton: Shocking Grasp.

You keep the fanfic well balanced while jumping from group to group in a way that makes it easy to follow without loosing track of who's speaking to whom. I hope Iruka is able to keep all of the winnings from his bets. He and Naruto deserve it at the very least.

Must find out what happens to Neji! Aaurgh, you tempt us with little tidbits and then you pull the treat away and smack us on the nose with a rolled up newspaper. The Authorlord is truly a being of malevolence.

This and The Melody of the Fox are my two favorite fanfics, so when a new chapter comes out i'll always stop everything to read it. Then I'll go back and reread the fic start to finish, just to amuse myself (yes there are times I have that much free time). Sadly, the reading and rereading of fanfics cuts into my writing time. At my current pace, Naruto will be a distant memory, like Harry Potter (Harry who?), by the time i've finished.