«14» STITCH OF A HEART

@Masashi Kishimoto

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"MORNING SELF..." Inomi yawned as she got up from bed. She was still in the Hospital.

"Good morning to you, Inomi." The Yamanaka jolted up and turned to the voice. She glared at the figure and pouted.

"Stop scaring me Sasuke-Sensei...." She murmured as the Uchiha smirked in amusement. He stood up from his seat.

"Ah Sakura said that.. You'll be discharged later this noon. I'm glad you've woken up." He stated firmly. Inomi stayed silent for a while before Sasuke placed his hand on her shoulder.

"I'm afraid that he didn't tell you anything right? I was... Listening your conversation."

"He can't say anything... He's gone.. Sasuke-San." She said as a tear fell off from her eye. The Uchiha couldn't stand her crying, it was painful for her to control her own abilities without a host.

"I've informed Naruto about your situation. He was considering that you may not attend the Chunin Exams.. you're still stubborn as ever." He said while poking her forehead. He noticed a small detail from her face.

The seal was... Gone?

"What's wrong, Sasuke?"

"Your seal." He plainly stated. Inomi frowned while touching her forehead, she couldn't sense his soul anymore.

"How long did you noticed it?" He asked her in concern. The Yamanaka looked at him with dead eyes before shutting it close.

"I'm guessing he did leave me..." She mumbled in dissapointment. Sasuke wasn't happy about her conclusion, yet he didn't want to see her sad again.

"Get it together, Yamanaka. He was shit afterall." He started which made Inomi glare at him. "You can't call him that! And Fix your Language!"

"You have to be strong Inomi, show that Otsutsuki what you are built like without him." He held her hand as she stared at him in awe.

"Remember our training... You've come far, don't let anything behind now that he's gone." He took a big breathe before walking off to the exit.

Just as the door closed, she clenched her fists tight and bit her bottom lip, blood slowly dripping down her chin.

The Yamanaka immediately wiped it off, staring at the wall.

"I need... To be strong..." She chanted. "I need to be strong..."

"For Toneri.."

~She was standing at the Arena, right beside Rock Lee. It was the final exam for the final participants to become a Chunin. The students are given a chance to fight against each other and show their potential, Specifically a 1v1 Battle.

She looked at the side, seeing all of the Leaders of Each Nation sitting with their Advisers. She smiled when she saw the Uzumaki completely hyped about this.

"I am sure you are all aware, but for Round Three.. consists of individual matches!" Rock Lee announced. "You may even face a teammate who knows your skills!"

"There will be three stages! The final match will be THREE-WAY battle between the winners of Block A, B and C!" Inomi said sternly as she explained the mechanics of the Exam. She looked at them with an amused face.

"ARE YOU READY?"

"YEAH!"

~

"We will now start!" Rock Lee declared, he raised him arm to the air. Just on cue, the board lit up and everyone stared at it.

Uzumaki Boruto vs. Yurui

"Challengers Step Forward!" Boruto and the other one from the Hidden Cloud went out to face each other at the Arena.

The other Shinobi looked rather, unfazed as he was chewing on his gum. Boruto has a determined smile on his face eitherway.

"The Leaf's UZUMAKI BORUTO.... And the Cloud's YURUI!" Rock Lee stepped out of the ground and went back from where Inomi was. She cleared her throat and raised her arm.

"Let the Match.... BEGIN!"

Just then, Yurui started attacking by pulling out his two blades. Boruto immediately deflected his attack with his own kunais.

"What a fast thinker.." Inomi smirked while sitting on the edge. She watch them clash their own weapons time by time. They weren't giving up.

They deflected their attack, pushing each other with great force. The Cloud Shinobi smirked as he was chewing his gum. "All of you will be downing. Heh.."

Boruto gritted his teeth, sparks coming out of their blades. "Huh? Downing?!"

"GOING DOWN IN ONE BIG SWOOP!"

Yurui smirked, using the Uzumaki's disadvantage as he pushed his own blade that made Boruto push his own kunai again, even harder than before.

"Talk about lame!" He scoffed. "Stop shortening everything!"

Yurui slowly blew his gum with a smirk on his face, yet again. "I think I'll shorten this match too!"

A big bubble was released from his mouth which made Boruto back away from it's range.

"What the heck is this?!" Boruto pointed his kunai at the bubble. He widened his eyes when it exploded.

BOOM.

The explosion got him flying and he landed harshly on the ground. Inomi widened her eyes as she grinned in shock.

"Such genius... This Jutsu is amazing!" She exclaimed which made Rock Lee grinned too. "Such youthful enthusiasm Inomi-San!"

In a second, the arena was filled with bubbles. Boruto was confused at the moment, yet hesitant with his own actions.

"This a big advantage for Yurui... The only way that Boruto could survive this is that.. he could pass through the obstacle without touching the traps."Inomi said while thinking. Her eyes lit up and smiled. "Or... He can use his own advantage against him."

Boruto heard her thoughts. He took a kunai from his bag, hesitating to throw it. Just then, a green kunai magically appeared and he threw it in the air.

Yurui was blowing another bubble, confident that the weapon won't reach him.

BOOM.

"And the winner is... Konoha's UZUMAKI BORUTO!" Rock Lee yelled as the crowd cheer for him. Boruto grinned and gave his team a thumbs up.

"Great job, Boruto-Kun!" Inomi clapped and cheekily smiled at her student. Boruto turned red and waved at her. She was such a sunshine.

Inomi looked up to the screen, smirking at the next match. "Up next... Sarada Uchiha Vs. Tarui."

.

.

.

~

The Results of the first round were really great. Inomi was satisfied with every match that happened.

Sarada vs. Tarui: Sarada

Mitsuki vs. Toroi: Mitsuki

Inojin vs. Araya: Araya

Shikadai vs. Yodo: Shikadai

Shinki vs. ChoCho: Shinki

She went down towards the hallway, below the Arena. The Yamanaka hummed after she found the room where all of her former students are waiting.

She slowly opened the door, seeing an exhausted ChoCho. She waved at them while entering the room. "Yahoo!"

Everyone bowed at her, besides ChoCho. "Hello Sensei!"

"Great Match out there guys... Seems like ChoCho used all of her chakra?" She asked them as Shikadai nodded and sighed.

"That Shinki guy was too strong for her... Not that I doubt her abilities." He stated while placing his hands on his pockets.

Inomi placed her hand on the Akimichi's forehead before replenishing her chakra. "Now just settle down and rest. You might not know when you'll take action~" She winked at ChoCho which made her squeal.

"You're so great Sensei! I wish I could be like you..." She whined while caressing her own cheeks. "Shinki was such a handsome guy! I couldn't stand him defeating me either!"

"You'll eventually will ChoCho, live up the Will of fire... There's always another chance." She stated, crossing her arms in determination.

Inomi noticed her on twin, walking out of the room. The Nara patted her shoulder. "You should go after him."

The Yamanaka sighed and nodded at him. "I will, thank you.."

She followed Inojin from behind before yelling out his name. "Ji-Nii?"

He didn't respond and continued to walk away, slowly. No one could blame him, he was too hesitant to ignore Inomi.

She furrowed her eyebrows, throwing a kunai towards him. He sensed a sharp object coming towards him, as he deflected it with his own kunai. "Inomi?!"

She appeared at his back and took her kunai back. He turned at her with widened eyes, blocking another attack from his sister.

"Imouto, what are you doing-- AH!" He held his bleeding hand and glared at Inomi. "What's up with you today?! Are you trying to kill me?!"

"I'm... Teaching you a lesson." She muttered as she sliced her own skin too. The blood flowing down her light skin.

"Hey! No need to do that to your arm too!" He scolded her before taking out a towel from his bag. "Imouto... Don't hurt yourself again.."

"See how our blood's flowing the same way?" She pointed out. Inojin gulped before murmuring a 'yes' to her.

"Then why are you doubting yourself?" She asked him. He went silent for a while, before speaking up yet again. "I'm not!"

"Don't fool me Inojin... When you heard ChoCho speaking, you left the room with a frown. Why is that?"

....

"... I was ashamed." The Male Yamanaka finally said. Inomi blinked and wiped off the blood from his skin. "I-I was afraid that I might not catch up with you.. I might not become Chunin!"

"Inojin, calm down... There are always a second chance. This was your first time, don't worry--"

"But I want to protect you, Inomi! I need to Imouto!" He said while pulling his arm out from her grip. "You keep hurting yourself... And I was devastated because I wasn't there to protect you everytime.."

She kept her lips sealed, approaching him with a tight hug. "Listen to me Inojin. I know I'm always hurt and I know you're worried... I'm trying to protect you as much as you want to."

"We share the same blood.. that means I'm not better than you. We have different ways of failing Inojin, and I'm proud of you trying." She quietly whispered on his ear. He bursted tears before hugging her back, he didn't even bother the blood on Inomi's hair.

"I love you Imouto, I really do! I'm so sorry for everything! I'll try my best to become your big brother!" He quickly said with flushed cheeks. Inomi laughed before kissing his cheek. "I love you more..."

"The second round will be happening any minute, go cheer at your classmates. Don't let them down."

"You're just here to fawn over Shikadai!" He pulled away from her hug and crossed his arms. Inomi turned red before raising her arm to the air.

"No no! Don't say that! Just go already!" She slapped his head. Inojin immediately ran towards the exit, leaving the other Yamanaka laughing.

~

Hours passed, it was the final round to see who fights in the Last match.

Inomi was confused. She was still processing what happened.

".... Boruto won? Just like that?" She said out of blue. Well, she didn't think that the Uzumaki would escape Shikadai's enormous shadow jutsu. Even if she was a Jonin, she won't thought of a plan that easily, except taunt the Opponent.

She squinted her eyes even more. Looking at Boruto's wrist. If she could remember, something popped out from his arm that created a giant smoke.

She clicked her tongue and looked at Naruto with a glare. The Uzumaki knew that Inomi caught a glimpse of his son's wrist.

He jumped and went next to Hinata. She looked at him in worry as Naruto whispered something to her.

The Hyuga nodded her head and activated her Clan's Kekkai Genkai, Byakugan.

Inomi was tapping her fingers at the stone, resting her chin at her other hand. "That little blonde idiot... Thinking he could get away from his fault."

"What a bummer.." She continued to comment about him. Inomi didn't like cheats at the first place.

Naruto jumped yet again, but onto the Arena. Boruto smiled while running towards his father. "Dad! Did you see that?"

"I'm in the finals!" He exclaimed, putting his fist into the air as he waited for Naruto to fist bumped him.

Naruto was frowning... This was going to be hard for him as a father AND the Hokage.

Naruto slowly pulled out his hand as Boruto grinned at him. Just then, The Hokage grabbed his wrist tightly.

"Boruto.." He tugged his sleeve, showing a device that was obviously from the Scientific Ninja Team. "What's this about?"

.

.

Bump. Badump.

Inomi held her chest tight as she landed on the floor. She felt her heart ache from a sudden force of power. "What the hell?"

"Where are you Sasuke..." She whispered and took a pill from her bag, swallowing it whole to ease the pain. The Yamanaka stood from her grip and continued to look at the Uzumakis below her.

"I banned the Use of Scientific Ninja tools in this exam because using these instead of your own chakra, defeats the Chunin Exam's purpose of Nurturing New Shinobi."

He turned at the Guy beside him and from above. "Yamanaka and Lee!"

"Boruto Uzumaki... Is Disqualified." He stated without hesitation. Naruto lets go of Boruto's wrist before he continued. "Amend the Winner to be Shikadai Nara."

Loud chatters from the crowd spreads out. Inomi was distressed about it. Surely he did cheat, but she didn't want her student... Former student ashamed.

"So my conclusions were right.." She mumbled. Boruto looked at the Yamanaka who was furrowing her eyebrows.

She's probably mad at me... Well i deserve it..

She turned at Shikadai's direction who was looking at the side, not even bothering to look at the Uzumaki. He had the right to be mad at him.

Naruto took off Boruto's Forehead protector. "You are not worthy to become a Shinobi."

"Well that hurts.." Inomi sighed. She could've done something but... All she did was stare at them and watched as drama goes out to all of the Citizens of Konoha.

"I'll lecture you later." Naruto stated. Boruto suddenly slapped his hand away from him, gritting his teeth in anger.

"LATER?! YOU'LL LECTURE ME LATER?!" He yelled at him. Naruto was shock to see him angry. "You sure have the time DAD!" He continued to yell with sarcasm.

"Cause if you lectured me earlier, Then I.... Wouldn't be in this situation!" Boruto clenched his fists as tears were starting to flow down his cheeks.

"It's too bad Nanadaime.. that Boruto is Disqualified." Someone budged in their argument. They turned to see the creepy scientist from the Scientific Ninja tool Team, followed by a guy holding a camera.

"I wanted to make his announcement after he won the finale but..." He smirked before turning to the crowd.

The Yamanaka from above glared at him before holding her aching chest again. "He's coming.."

"Hey Katasuke!" Naruto protested, but he was too late to even stop him. "Hey Everyone! Did you not just see Boruto put on a Brilliant show?! The capabilities of our Scientific Ninja tools are real! And though it caused him to be disqualified--"

"NO ONE CARES ABOUT YOUR PROMOTION!" Inomi jumped off of her seat and punched him straight at the face. She looked at Naruto with horrid eyes. "Naruto-Sama!"

BOOM.

A loud crash was heard from behind. Inomi's eyes twitched in fear while clenching her fists.

"He's here..." She gasped in shock to see a two white figures in the distance. One who was covering his side with a cloth. She used her Tenseigan to see the other one floating.

"Boruto... Get behind me.. Quick!" Naruto yelled which made Boruto confused. What was happening all of the sudden?

Everyone was muttering at the commotion. Katasuke immediately ran up to the large figure as he raised his arm towards it's direction.

"Hey who do you think you are?! This here is my scene!"

"No! Stay back!"

"Don't get close at him!"

WOOSH

WOOSH

WOOSH

A large gush of wind sent them flying, The Hokage grabbed his son tight in his arms. Inomi took Shikadai's hand together with Rock Lee's support.

"He's an Otsutsuki.." The Yamanaka whispered under her breathe. She turned to the Walls that were slowly cracking and collapsing.

She summoned five of her clones as the other one reached towards the Nara beside her.

"Get him out of this place and help the others evacuate the citizens, got it?" All of her clones nodded. The first one immediately grabbed Shikadai and flew through the exit. She smiled that he was going to be safe.

"You there, find Inojin hurry!"

"Yes, M'lady."

She watched as Sakura, Temari, and her mother carefully get rid of the debris from falling. The Kazekage also helped with the use of his Sand Manipulation.

"Naruto-Sama watch out!" Inomi screamed. The Hokage furrowed his brows before receiving a harsh kick from another Figure.

He landed harshly on the wall... Through the wall. The Yamanaka widened her eyes from it's strength.

Her whole world turned black to see a silhouette behind her. She can feel his breath near her neck. "You're such an interesting lady, standing up for the Hokage, as if... You could pass through my level."

She raised her hand to pounce at him but he caught her fist right before it got near his face. "What a naughty girl, is this what Toneri taught you?"

"How do you know him.. what did you do to him?!" She gritted her teeth, which made him laugh in amusement. "What did I do? What he asked for of course!"

"He only wants to be isolated now look at him now! He left you as if he wanted it to happen, he just broke your petty heart." He taunted her feelings. She looked at him with teary eyes.

"He didn't leave me... He would never."

"Oh, but he soon will, Sleep tight Sweetie." He smirked.

Hook.

Inomi widened her eyes as she came back from reality. She saw a red hook on her chest, slowly feeling... Tired. The Yamanaka fainted on the Arena as the line retreated back to it's owner.

He looked at the small mint orb and scoffed. "She now knows how to hide her chakra?...that darn Toneri!" He held the chakra tight and placed it on his small pouch. He looked at the Helpless Mitsuki, Laying down on the ground.

"Atleast that pimp gave me more than I asked for." The figure flew as if he didn't do anything. "Goodluck with your plans Momoshiki, I'm leaving the rest to you."

~

Naruto took Boruto in his arms, as Momoshiki went out of the way to avoid The Hokage's attack.

He raised his arm with a strange eye placed on it. Pointing it to Naruto's direction. "I'm sorry but you're mine."

He didn't move.... Well he can't move.. A black shadow hovered over his body. Shikamaru was clasping his hands together just to hold the Otsutsuki back.

The Nara also stopped the Large on from attacking Sasuke who was holding his child in his arms.

"You've done enough! You can stay still whoever you are!" Shikamaru warned.

"I see.." He mumbled. Just then, he absorbed the Jutsu with one flick of his hand, the rinnegan in his palm taking it's power.

In a second, Sasuke landed near Naruto and Boruto. Sarada approached her teammate in worry. "Boruto are you okay?!"

"What about you?!" He replied back. They widened their eyes even more when they saw Inomi lying on the ground.

"Sensei!" They carried her together as they used their arms to support her weight. The Male Uchiha frowned at the Yamanaka behind him, he knew that she lost her chakra.

"Who the hell are these guys?!" Naruto asked his Shadow Hokage beside him. He furrowed his eyebrows before responding. "The Big guy is Shiki Otsutsuki.. and the short one is Momoshiki Otsutsuki."

"We finally decoded the scroll. The gist of what it says is a warning about the pair's invasion apparently." He Further explained. "If only Inomi is awake... She could've told you before it was too late. I apologize if I didn't informed her ahead of time."

"They're after the Chakra fruit. In the words, the Bijuu chakra inside of you."

"It's fine... I'll handle this on my own."

The Hokage looked from above to speak against the Otsutsukis floating."Hey! I'm the only one you want right?! Then don't drag anyone else from this!"

Inomi silently grunted. She couldn't move but she could see and hear everything. The Yamanaka looked up at him up-close. He wasn't the Otsutsuki that punished Toneri but.... She was sensing something dangerous towards him.

Just like the pills that he's holding.

"Pills..Pill?!" She yelled inside of her in shock. Sasuke mentioned that it could help them increase their power, not as powerful as the Chakra fruit that Kaguya had planted years ago.

"Well then, you understand how remarkable they are. With these pills one can acquire true power!" He stated a handful of those pills.

"You mean you're cowards who rely on doping?! That's not true power at all!" Naruto protested while gritting his teeth in anger. Truth to be told, Inomi couldn't agree more.

"Hmm... You're just an inferior creature.." he muttered before chugging up the pills into his mouth. "Fine.."

He raised his arms up to the air as he was creating a huge dark orb, almost covering the whole area. "Here, Experience it for yourself.."

BOOM.

Momoshiki frowned when he saw... Naruto entering his Sage Mode. He clasped his hands together, forming a huge head of the Nine Tails, he did the same as well with his own clones.

Borut stared at his father in awe. Witnessing the great power of the Nanadaime.

I never knew that...

Dad had a power like this!....

Sasuke raised his hand as he activated his Susanoo, grunting in annoyance. "Use my Chakra too, if you go down it's all over."

"I know... Thanks Sasuke!" He smirked, enhancing his own power. He felt a hand on his shoulder, feeling a little lighter than before.

"Use my Chakra too, Hokage-Sama" Inomi smiled as she awoken from her sleep. He gently smiled at her. A Green Large Spirit hugged the Whole Area, trying to push away the orb.

Boruto smiled with Sarada. "Inomi Sensei.... Is this powerful?"

"She is... But this is only her temporary Chakra. It would only help Naruto from using up his own... You haven't seen what she's capable of." Sasuke informed the kids who nodded.

"Now this... SHALL END IT!" Momoshiki yelled as he dropped the large ball of chakra towards the Arena. Naruto watched as the orb falls right Infront of them.

"Sasuke, take care of the kids." He ordered the Uchiha. They stared at each other as silence was hovering both of them.

"Alright."

"Dad?!" Boruto called out. Inomi placed her hand to avoid him from running. She frowned at the Uzumaki. "You can't...."

"It's time for him to unleash his power." She ended while smiling with closed eyes. She wanted to accept her faith, it's either die or get captured.

"Playtime Kurama! You better be in shape!" Naruto playfully stated as he communicated with his own Bijuu inside.

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH"

~