Organization XIII vs Konoha 13

In case you're wondering who I'm referring to by "Konoha 13" that's everyone from the Leaf that's in Naruto's generation including both Sasuke and Sai. If you ask me, I'm seeing quite some similarities between Organization XIII and the Konoha 13 and thought it'd be fun to match them one on one as if in a fight. In most matches the two are very similar but in some, they might be more or less the opposite, enough to create a dynamic.

1. Xemnas vs Sasuke 

With Sasuke being the most powerful among the Leaf 13 here along with Naruto, there's no better match for Organization XIII's leader. And I pick Sasuke over Naruto to fight Xemnas because both are cold, ruthless, dark, and godly powerful. As such, Sasuke seems to associate with the main villains in Naruto (whether in alliance or battle) more so than Naruto. Furthermore, if Sasuke can be considered the Riku of his story, then the connections are clear. Riku has ties with Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, whom he not only got his powers from but also "becomes" after one thing led to another. Both Ansem and Xemnas are counterparts of Xehanort. In short, connecting all the dots links Riku to Xemnas and therefore pits Sasuke against the latter.

2. Xigbar vs Tenten

Both excel in long range combat and marksmanship. Moreover, Xigbar's placement in the Land of Dragons in KH2 can parallel with the Chinese dragon theme that Tenten possesses in her jutsu. I can also compare Tenten's ability to summon a barrage of weapons with Xigbar's ability to bend space as well as shoot a storm of arrow bullets.

3. Xaldin vs Neji

Both are balanced in offense and defense but excel at both. Additionally, both are also fairly intelligent. Xaldin's wind shield can parallel with Neji's Rotation. Likewise, his use of six lances can be expected to excel against large numbers, something Neji is also more than capable of. Furthermore, early in the series, Neji was notorious for being a harsh fatalist, a trait that is similar to Xaldin's own tendency to bring about despair in others. Lastly, Neji's early rise to jonin level can also be compared to Xaldin having the 2nd highest seat among the Organization XIII (meaning he's completed the most missions out of member save for Xemnas).

4. Vexen vs Ino 

Vexen likes to have whatever dominance he can over his peers, a trait Ino used to have. As such, both can be impatient and short-tempered. More importantly, both Ino and Vexen are psychic. Ino can control others' minds in both combat and recon, while Vexen can telekinetically move his shield as well as gather data from his enemies of both physical and mental natures. Lastly I suppose there could be a personality dynamic in that Vexen could probably take Ino for a bimbo.

5. Lexaeus vs Choji 

Big, physically strong, and can grow even stronger in their own ways. These two would have an epic fight. Choji can get irate for being called fat or if his friends are mocked. Lexaeus can lose his patience when underestimated or pushed too far in battle. (Not to mention, both are gingers.) No question these two gotta be a match.

6. Zexion vs Shikamaru

It was a hard choice for me between Zexion and Demyx. For a time, I really loved the idea of Shikamaru facing off against the Organization's lazy musician, hell it was what originally got me to start thinking about these matches. However, after some time, I just found Zexion to be a better match for Shikamaru for more reasons than Demyx could provide.

Both Zexion and Shikamaru are brilliant tacticians who wield shadows (yes I regard illusions as Shadow type). We all know how significant Shikamaru's intelligence has become for the series, but with Zexion, he served as the mastermind behind most of the plot in Riku's story in Reverse/Rebirth. I trust that his final scheme against Riku would've worked for sure if Axel hadn't already freed Namine, who then got Riku out of an otherwise inevitable defeat. And although Zexion dislikes laziness in contrast to both Shikamaru and Demyx, he too does not like to get his hands dirty, preferring to rely on wits instead. All the more reason why he's a better fit for Shikamaru.

Shikamaru's jutsu forces his opponent to mimic his own movements. But Zexion himself is a mimic and it'd be interesting to see him not only use the Shadow Possession Jutsu himself, but perhaps also reverse the effect on Shikamaru.

Moreover, have another look at the previous two matchups. Notice a pattern? Vexen, Lexaeus, and Zexion make up the trio that collaborated in Reverse/Rebirth. Ino, Choji, and Shikamaru make up the famous Ino-Shika-Cho trio of the Leaf. If that weren't enough Lexaeus was notably loyal to Zexion (trusting only the latter out of all the other members) just as Choji is fiercely loyal to Shikamaru as a friend. Similar brain and brawn duos on both sides. 

However, those who are pro-Demyx may also point that Shikamaru's experience against Tayuya may be juxtaposed with fighting Demyx instead since both Tayuya and Demyx are musicians and summoners. But get this, Tayuya was also an illusionist and tactician like Zexion.

7. Saix vs Kiba

Oh how convenient--beasts on both sides! Both can enhance their power and speed by mimicking a beast in their own unique ways. Although Kiba's signature merit lies in his pairing with Akamaru to double team an enemy, Saix has the moon to back him up so this is the closest to a 2 on 2 that Kiba and Akamaru will have against any Org member. And because Kiba and Akamaru can also transform into a wolf, I can't help but envision these two being able to take advantage of the moon's power in some way. Or rather, they can just grab some of the claymores that Saix leaves behind in his berserk state and use them on Saix--now that'd be cool to watch! Kiba and Akamaru in that man-beast forms wielding the claymores! Combine that with Fang Over Fang!

Also, fun fact: In the 358/2 Days manga, Saix says that as Isa, he was a dog person too, when he agrees to allow Pluto in the castle.

8. Axel vs Hinata 

One of the harder ones for me to justify since the first thing that would come to mind is merely how different their personalities are. However, both are very loyal friends to the "main character" of their own affiliations so there's that. As for combat, both are somewhat balanced in terms of speed and strength or offense and defense. I can picture Hinata using her Lion Fists hand to hand against Axel's chakrams. And although their personalities may differ, their interaction can still have an interesting dynamic.

I know, maybe Xion would be a better match for Hinata, but I'm not including Xion this time. Just sticking with the thirteen since I know of no 14th in mind among the Leaf youth. And no, I'm not including Kakashi because he's from an older generation; nor will I include Gaara because I hate picking one and not his siblings as well.

9. Demyx vs Sai 

If you were wondering who I'd pick if not Shikamaru, I'm picking an artist because go figure. Likewise, both can summon liquid forms. Now I know water typically washes away ink, but I can picture Sai maybe using his ink to control the water forms. It would then be an impartial contest of who has superior control over the forms. I can dig that. Personality-wise, Sai used to try and pretend to have emotions but was still awkward when actually learning to be more social. With Demyx, it can be implied that he too pretended to have a heart and tended to act a bit awkwardly, especially when confronting Sora. Both Demyx and Sai were both viewed as odd so that similarity may carry over in their interaction. Maybe.

10. Luxord vs Shino

My favorite characters from each side! And I'm glad they can be a reasonable match--Shino scatters his insects just as Luxord scatters his cards. Additionally, both like to make use of time. It's Luxord's element, but Shino generally uses time to direct his insects discreetly or give rise to new, more developed insects. I can picture Shino trying to use his insects to jam Luxord's cards while Luxord challenges him by using each card's own unique properties in varying effects. Although their personalities differ, both are calm, patient individuals with unique and creative ways of thinking.

11. Marluxia vs Sakura 

Cherry blossom theme--this just had to be a pairing! But that's not all, both are remarkably powerful among their groups. Marluxia was strong enough to be the final boss of Chain of Memories (Sora's story) and Sakura's mastered the teachings of Tsunade (a Sannin, Hokage, and arguably the best healer alive) so this could be an epic fight! There are also dynamics between the two: Sakura's a healer while Marluxia's a reaper; Sakura relies on brute strength while Marluxia is about finesse.

12. Larxene vs Lee

Each's fastest against one another. Not only do their personalities clash, but enough to create a dynamic that presents a story. I can imagine Lee just being a bait for all of Larxene's insults (to his appearance, his personality, etc.) and in turn pulling all the stops to try and destroy her. Oh this could be fun...

13. Roxas vs Naruto

You all saw this coming and yet another reason not to pit Naruto against Xemnas. Kingdom Hearts' hero's Nobody counterpart vs the main character of Naruto, why would I put anything else? And both are gifted with tremendous potential: Roxas' almighty Keyblade and Naruto's tailed beast plus whatever else he inherited. Storywise, this could easily be yet another one of those moments where Naruto is relating to his oh-so-similar opponent; this time the interesting gimmick being that Roxas is a Nobody with such a unique story in 358/2 Days.