At long last I finally have this story go into the whole Chunin Exam Arc. They'll be similarities from what happen from the actually Chunin Exam but I'll have my own stuff here and there. Now, as for the disclaimer, I don't own Naruto.
Chapter 25:
Snake
Today was the day. It was the day that many people had been preparing themselves for quite some time. Today was the day of the start of the Chunin Exam and all those there were ready as they were ever going to be. There was no exception and that included the team that Naruto was on.
"There's sure a lot of people here." stated Sakura in a low tone to her voice. What she said was true as throughout the room were shinobi from various villages and ages in the hopes of being promoted. None of which were trying to hide the fact that they weren't happy to see the younger people that was there as well.
"Ah, don't worry Sakura." Naruto attempted to comfort. Obviously the girl was becoming nervous about the whole thing and the heated stares weren't doing any favors. "We'll do fine, so relax." That seemed to ease Sakura's concern, if only by a little.
"Big words for someone who most likely get easily beaten." taunted the third member of the team, Sasuke. Unlike with Sakura, he was being all confident and had no problem of letting it be known.
Instead of glaring or yelling back as expected, Naruto gave a sly smile in return. "That's funny you say that. Seeing as how it was only a few moments ago that you got your ass handed to you." What he meant by that was just before coming to the room they were confronted by Lee who wanted to have a little match with Sasuke. Thinking that it would be a nice warm up the Uchiha agreed to the request.
While Lee lacked in ninjutsu and genjutsu department, the same didn't go for taijutsu which Sasuke apparently didn't take into account. To make a long story short, Lee beat Sasuke around like a pinball. It came to an end when Maito Gai appeared and put a stop to it before they could get disqualified from the exam.
Before leaving, Lee made the comment that Sasuke wasn't as good as he claimed to be. He went so far as to say that there were two people that were stronger than he was and that they were on both of their teams. Since the Uchiha was in a foul mood as what was said kept going through his head.
"He was lying." thought Sasuke. "What was said was just something to mess with my head. Like either of them could be stronger than me." Before his train of thought could continue he was ambushed by a familiar bleach blonde girl who wrapped their arms around his neck.
"There you are Sasuke. I finally found you." exclaimed a happy Ino. "I knew that there wasn't anything that would keep you from being here." As for Sasuke's reaction to all of that, he had a not so pleasant look on his face.
He wasn't the only one that wasn't happy about what was going on as Sakura was becoming very agitated by the second. "Get your hands off of Sasuke, Ino pig." Soon the two got into one of their usual arguments.
"At least it got her to forget about her nervousness." The squabble would be forgotten as he spotted Shikamaru and Choji as well as Hinata's team coming over. Gratefully this impromptu reunion halted Ino and Sakura's fight which was a great relief to Sasuke.
"Well, look at this. The three rookie teams are here together." acknowledged Kiba. "Wonder how many of us will make it to the end? Naturally I will."
"Carefully with your words Kiba." warned Sasuke. "You wouldn't want to have to eat them later."
"You mean like you had to after you fought Lee?" voiced Naruto. For what he said he received two reactions. One was a glare from Sasuke and getting strangled by Sakura. That went on until someone called out to them.
"Don't you think that you children should take it down a bit?" The one that spoke up was a slightly older boy with glasses. "You wouldn't want to put more attention on you than you already have." What he meant was that everyone else that was in the room had their attention squarely on them. That immediately put most of the rookies on edge.
However, there was one of them that weren't even taking notice of it as he was focus on something else. That rookie was Naruto and what he was focusing on was the boy that spoke up. The reason being is because he knew who the person was. "What the hell is he doing here? This can't be a coincidence."
"And who are you to tell us what to do?" questioned Ino. Apparently while Naruto was having his internal questioning the mood of the room returned to normal. "I mean, we don't even know your name."
"The name's Kabuto Yakushi and like you I'm a genin from Konoha hopping to becoming a chunin." established the now identified Kabuto. He was acting all friendly that sicken Naruto as he knew how he really was. "This is obviously your first time participating in this exam so you don't have a clue on how things go. Everyone's nerves are already strained and how you're acting isn't helping matters. Reminds me how I once was."
"You said that your name was Kabuto right?" asked Sakura. "By the way you talk it sounds like you've taken this exam before. Is this your second time taking it?"
Becoming somewhat embarrass, Kabuto placed behind his head. "Actually, this is my seventh time taking this exam. I've taken them twice for the past two years."
"Wow, so you should know a lot about what's going on." concluded Sakura. The rest of the rookies saw it as a way to get some possible information but Naruto saw otherwise.
"Yeah, that really is something." he voiced not so quietly. "That means he's failed six times. Certainly not as impressive as his brother was." That got the attention of all people in the group, including Kabuto. "His name was Yori I believe. On his first try became a chunin. I guess history doesn't repeat itself." His words were harsh and he knew it but he had a reason. "With what I've seen him do there's no way that Kabuto couldn't pass the exam. There has to be a reason for him to do such a thing."
Naruto had hoped that Kabuto would become angry and blow his cover. Unfortunately, that didn't happen as he maintained that innocent persona of his. "Perhaps you're right. Hopefully this time will be different. But all of these previous attempts weren't a complete lost." Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a thick stack of what look like cards. "These are info cards that have everything that I learned. I also have information on all those who are participating here, including all of you. Is there anyone that you wish to know about?"
"Rock Lee form Konoha." Sasuke almost demanded. Not a shocker there as he wanted to learn about the person who beat him.
"Also Gaara from Suna." added Shikamaru. Now there was a surprise to all of them except for the Nara and Uzumaki boys. The only reason that Naruto could figure for his friend to ask was because he wanted to confirm the warning that the blond gave him
"You already know their names so there's no challenge really." Pulling out two cards Kabuto revealed that was on the cards. Naruto didn't pay that much attention to what was said about Lee since he sparred with on occasion. The same couldn't be said when the focus turned to Gaara. Nothing was revealed but when it was said that everyone mission that he did, including a B-rank one without receiving a single scratch. Whether that was because of his demon was unknown. "Remember, all the shinobi from Konoha, Suna, Kiri, Ame, Waterfall and the new yet minor village, Oto have sent only their best here. All of which are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed."
What Kabuto said only helped to further drive the point about how serious the exams were. Add to the fact that the glares that were constantly being sent their way made the three Konoha rookie teams to become a bit nervous. Even the usual positive thinking Naruto was seemingly showing signs of the pressure finally getting to him. That would be soon proven wrong.
"The name's Naruto Uzumaki. If any of you have a problem, form a line. I'll take you all on." The boy's sudden outburst caused a multiple of reactions. It made most of the people to shift their focus onto him and made his friends a bit more at ease. "Ah, that felt good to say."
"My, how optimistic of you." said an amused Kabuto. "It'll be interesting to see if you can follow those words up. But is there anyone else that you would like to know about?"
"Actually, there is someone." commented Naruto. He figured that he could unnerve the conniving boy a bit before the exam started. "What about you? After all, there has to be something about you that your instructor would think that you were good enough to be a part of the Chunin Exam seven times."
To his credit, Kabuto was able to maintain that innocent façade of his. The only sigh that Naruto's words got to him was his right eye twitching for a second. "Unfortunately that can't be done. I don't see the reason to keep a card of myself. Kind of silly if I did."
Before things could go any further, a strong feeling of hostility was felt. The source of it was soon discovered as coming from the crowd were three individuals but only one of them actually attacked. Whoever the person was they went after only Kabuto who didn't show any concern. The person swung at the glasses wearing boy who avoided it by moving back. Or maybe not because Kabuto fell to his knees and began to puke.
"What the hell." Naruto thought as he was confused at what he saw. "With how good Kabuto really is, there are only two reasons why he's down. Either he underestimated the person or there's more to this group than meets the eye."
The group composed of two boys and a girl and none of them seem friendly. One of the boys had large black bush hair that stood up quite a bit and was wearing a tan colored shirt with gray pants. The girl had brown hair that was so long that it actually went pass her waist with only a simple ribbon tied at the end kept it from moving all about and wearing similar clothes as the boy but the shirt had no sleeves and a bit more form fitting. Lastly was the only who actually did the attack. You couldn't tell what he looked like since nearly his whole head was covered in bandages, leaving only his left eye to his ear in the open. Whatever he was wearing couldn't really be seen as he had on a gray poncho that reached to his knees. There also seem to be something on his right arm but couldn't be sure since the sleeves of the poncho covered his arms.
"Oto's a minor village you say?" repeated the bandaged man. "Perhaps you had mistaken us with Konoha."
"Put this in those stupid cards of yours." added the one with the bushy hair. "The team from Oto will all pass the Chunin Exam." It was clear that all three of them agreed with what was said.
Nothing else happened because suddenly a group of men appeared at the front of the room. "That's enough!" shouted apparently the one in charge. He looked intimidating, especially with the three scars going horizontally down his face. "That's enough from you three. Keep that up and you'll be out of here. Do you understand?" There wasn't any actual reply but it was clear that they got the point.
"Pay attention everyone. I'm Ibiki Morino, the one in charge of the first part of the Chunin Exam. Now, find your assigned searts so we can begin the written test." In the hands of the people that came with Ibiki were stacks of papers that were seemingly the tests.
None of those who were there knew what to say. All of them didn't expect to have such a thing right from the start. The first to regain the ability to speak was the usually free speaking Naruto and now wasn't any different. "You got to be fucking kidding me."
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"Well, does anyone want to place any bets?" questioned Asuma. While the written test was being given, the Konoha jonin were in a lounge that was for them as they waited to see what'll happen next. "Come one, there are some good odds that I got here."
"You got to be kidding." muttered Kurenai. Putting her hand to her forehead and shook her head in disbelief. "Don't you think that it's a bit wrong to be betting on this?"
"Kurenai's right." added Gai. "To do such a thing is despicable. The same goes for those who take part in such a thing."
"Put fifty on my team to make it pass the first phase." spoke Kakashi. He didn't even look from his book when he placed the bet. Only when he felt the looks from the others did he finally do so. "What? They are my students after all. Besides, there's no harm ni a friendly little bet. I'll even double it if they get pass the second phase."
"My, aren't we the confident one." remarked Asuma. "What could possibly be the reason? We all have confidence in our students but only to a certain extent. Why so confident?"
"Let's just say that my students will be full of surprises." was the only thing that Kakashi said. When he placed his face back in his book it was clear that he wasn't going to elaborate any further.
"As I can recall one of your students was Sasuke Uchiha." recalled Asuma. "It'd be no surprise to see him do well but I've heard that there's someone else in your group that's been making a showing for themselves."
"Ah, you must mean Naruto Uzumaki." acknowledged Gai. "Lee has spoken very approvingly him on occasion. He has been said that he's a great example of the power of youth." Slowly a slightly embarrass look came over Gai's face. "Here's my wager for my team." He then handed Asuma some money. He wouldn't be the only one as Kurenai did the same.
"You're probably right about Naruto." commented Kurenai. "From what I heard and know about the boy there's definitely something interesting about him." She made sure to not say something that would probably cause trouble for the hidden demon host and she believed that she did a good enough job. Unfortunately, Kurenai failed to notice the inquisitive look that Kakashi was giving her.
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"So, what do you think of this?" wondered Naruto.
"I don't know. Seems to be intimidating but that's just my opinion." replied Choji. Both him and Naruto were looking at the upcoming challenge and giving their thoughts about it. They weren't the only ones as their friends were right beside them.
"I believe that my opinion is shared by all those that are here." voiced Hinata. What she said was no doubt the truth as all the ones that remained in the exam were clearly feeling some concern about what was to come. "This is pretty frightening when you think about it."
"Don't worry so much you guys. It won't do you any good in doing so." Naruto attempted to reassure his friends. "We got pass the written part without much trouble."
"So says the person whose test was a complete blank." reminded Shikamaru. That reminder caused Naruto to lower his head in embarrassment while the others had to laugh. "Sorry, couldn't help myself."
"No problem. I'm glad to be reminded of that." Naruto remarked sarcastically. Shortly after getting the test, Naruto realized that he didn't know a single answer to any of the questions. Not wanting to be responsible for his team failing he put all his hopes on the tenth question.
When the question finally can his worries just grew after hearing the consequences for not answering correctly. That along with the taunting that Kyuubi was mentally sending him was only making things more difficult. Luckily, Naruto decided to take the tenth question as it guaranteed everyone who did as well to pass the first phase of the exam. That would've been good enough for him but when told about what the true reason for the test he felt the urge to bang his head on the table. Not wanting his blunder to be known he tried to play it off. However, as the tests were being collected, Ino happen to see his paper. Needless to say, mostly everyone found out about it.
But that was in the past and now was onto the second phase. From what had been explained by the sadistic Anko it was an extreme version of capture the flag that killing was not only allowed but seemingly encouraged. Currently all those who remained were given the time to decide if they were willing to continue with something that may cause them to be killed. Not an easy decision to make.
"I don't know about you guys but I'm doing it." Naruto furthered his decision by signing the waiver that released anyone from taking responsibility if they were injured or killed. "Are any of you going to do the same?"
"This whole thing is so troublesome." said Shikamaru. "However, I'll be getting a mouthful from Ino if I quit now and that's something I prefer not to deal with." With that the Nara boy signed the form. Following his friend lead, Choji did the same. Not surprising since he was on the same team as Shikamaru and Ino.
All that was left was Hinata who seemed to be a bit hesitant. Finally, she went ahead and signed her form as well. Clearly she was nervous about what was to come like they all were but couldn't hide it. Shouldn't be that much a surprise since it was no secret on how dangerous the second phase was going to be. Add to the fact that for the next five days that the test was going to happen it would be held in the Forest of Death.
"The next few days are going to be stressful for all of us." announced Shikamaru of the obvious. "But we should make a deal with one another. We try not to go after one another unless there's no other choice. Are we all in agreement?" There was a collective support in that proposal. "Then we're in agreement. Also, remember to not confront the team from Suna that the Gaara kid is on. He's isn't someone that you want to go up against."
"Same goes for the team that has the guy with the glasses, Kabuto." added Naruto. "I don't know why but there's something about him that isn't right." That wasn't necessarily the truth but they didn't have to know the real reason for the concern. "The less they know the better." Thankfully there wasn't any kind of argument from any of them about their friends' judgments.
Not long after it was time for the teams to go to their designated entrances into the forest. Before going though they were given one of the two items that were needed to pass the second phase. That being the heaven scroll, which meant they needed to find a team that had the earth scroll. Of course that was easier said than done.
Immediately after the teams were allowed to go in they did a variety of things. Some hid to set traps, others went after other teams or whatever they thought was the right course of action for them. As for Naruto's team, they carefully made their way on the ground while looking out for any possible attacks.
"Did you guys hear that?" What Sakura was asking about was that something sounded like echoes of people screaming. "What do you think that was about?"
"Perhaps a team losing their scroll." guessed Naruto. He was only slightly worried about what it actually could've been. "I hope that it wasn't any of my friends. Hopefully all of them make it out of this safely and that they don't run into Gaara."
"Don't be worried about those weak fools." advised his demon tenant, Kyuubi. "The one that you should be concerned about is yourself. Forget about the others."
"Shut up, you damn fur ball." Naruto shot back. "I'd never forget my friends. They're one of the reasons why I haven't allowed my demonic side, namely you, to take me over. Now, if you don't mind, I have more important things than talk to you."
"If that's the way you want it then so be it. But be careful." warned Kyuubi. "There's something dangerous in this forest and I don't mean Gaara or that Kabuto boy."
The sudden concern that the demon fox spirit showed was a definite surprise. "He probably was trying to mess with my head." Though he tried to convince himself that was the case, Naruto couldn't shake the uneasiness that he had been feeling. "Excuse me guys but nature calls." Running off he behind a tree and was about to relieve himself when someone came up from behind and tied him up. "What the hell?"
The person that snuck up on him was a guy wearing a pale yellow jumpsuit and some sort of scuba mask over his mouth. He alone as apparently one of his teammates was with him. Leaning down one of the men pressed a kunai against Naruto's throat. "Hand over your scroll or you're dead."
"Sorry. Don't have it." informed Naruto. "But if you want to I can suggest a change of clothes because what you guys are wearing sucks." Feeling added pressure from the kunai told him that his captors didn't appreciate his fashion advice. As all of that was going on Naruto used the small blade that he kept in his sleeve to slowly cut the rope around his wrists. All he needed was to stall them long enough until he cut through his bindings. "So, what village are you guys from? Ame? Kiri? Taki?"
"We're from Ame and we're not playing around here. If you don't have the scroll then one of your comrades must have it. I guess we'll have to deal with them as well. Of course that's after we take care of you." There was no need for any further explanation about what they meant by that.
"Not a bad plan." admitted Naruto. "But you forgot one thing." Pulling his arms apart the ropes broke away and with his now free hands he pulled the arm that had been holding the kunai away from his neck. "You're not going to have the chance to go after my friends." Using the blade that he had used earlier Naruto threw it into the other Ame shinobi's leg.
While he fell to the ground clutching his leg, Naruto dealt with the one in front of him. Kneeing his now former captor in the gut it caused him to double over. As he was bent over, the blond grabbed the guy's head in a reverse headlock and with one quick movement fell backward and as a result drove the guy head first into the ground. Pushing the now knocked Ame shinobi off of him Naruto went over to the other guy who was trying to pull the blade out of his leg.
"Now, how about you give me your team's scroll?" Naruto asked in a kind voice that was obviously false. "If you do I promise to make the pain go away."
"Fuck you." retorted the wounded Ame shinobi. He tried to hide the pain that he was feeling but wasn't able to do so.
"No thank you." Without warning, Naruto kicked the guy in the head with enough force to knock him out. "I'm interested in girls. At least I kept my promise of stopping the pain. You'll be out of it for sometime." With both of the opposition out of the way, the blond decided to see if they had anything usefully. Except for some decent weapons there wasn't anything of value. With the exception that is of their ream's scroll.
"Damn. We already have a heaven scroll. Oh well, it may be useful later." Putting the scroll away he headed back to his teammates. When he found them he saw that along with them was a tied up and unconscious shinobi that resembled the ones that he dealt with. "Looks like you guys were busy."
"Where were you, you idiot?" questioned Sasuke who wasn't glad that her teammate's late arrival. "It would've been nice to have you here, though it would have mattered."
"Well, sorry. I would've been here sooner but I was ambushed. Apparently from the guys that are in this guy's team. Luckily I was able to get away when they weren't paying attention." That wasn't the complete truth but they didn't have to know everything. Before anything else could be said, the third member of the team intervened and stepped in front of the blond. "Uh, is there a problem Sakura?"
"Your neck." Confused by what she meant by that until he touched the side of his neck and saw blood on his fingers.
"It must've happen when I got ambushed." Another partial lie but close to the truth. "Don't worry. It'll heal in no time."
"Better be safe than sorry." Instead of using a bandage as expected, Sakura's hand became covered in green chakra. Pressing her hand over the cut it began to heal. That was somewhat a shock as it wasn't expected from the female member of the team. Noticing the attention that she was getting, Sakura started to become a bit embarrass.
What? I've became interested in medical ninjutsu. Can't do that much except heal minor injuries. Isn't much, I know but it's a start. Got a problem with that?" Neither boy said a word, not wanting to risk on being on the receiving end of Sakura's wrath.
"Maybe we should leave now." suggested Sasuke. "Don't want to attract anymore attention." No argument was made as the three of them got out of there. Nothing happen for the next couple of hours as they didn't encounter any other teams which was something of a relief. Taking a break they discuss what they should do next. It went for a while until suddenly a strong gust of wind blew them all away.
Took a while but Sasuke and Sakura found each other and were now looking for their blond haired teammate. "Where is he? Could he have gotten hurt when we were separated?" presumed Sakura.
"Or maybe the idiot got himself caught again." predicted Sasuke. "Knowing him we'll probably have to rescue him before he gets in even more trouble."
"There's no need for that Sasuke." Joining the two was their previously missing teammate, Naruto Uzumaki. "Although if I were in trouble I know you would've helped me. After all, you're stronger than me." From out of nowhere, Sasuke threw a kunai at Naruto who was able to move out of the way. "Hey what's the deal? Why did you do that for?"
"Quit the act and tell us who you really are." Confusion came over the group as both Naruto Sakura didn't get what the Uchiha boy meant. "The real Naruto would never admit that I was stronger than him. That's just how much of an idiot he is." Sasuke further explained. "So drop the illusion and show us your true self."
Instead of disputing the claim, Naruto actually smiled. "What a clever boy you are." The voice that was used wasn't one that belonged to Naruto. Another thing was that a longer than normal tongue came out and licked his lips. In a puff of smoke the faux Naruto was gone and was replaced by a taller man wearing a tan colored shirt and black pants. "Not that surprising seeing as who you are."
"Who are you?" questioned Sakura. She was a bit concern about the unknown person but tried to keep up a strong front. "And what have you done with Naruto?"
"My name doesn't matter. As for you bond haired friend." A sinister smile came over the man's face. "Let's just say that he's been detained."
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"Let me out of here!" demanded an enraged demon host. His words would go unanswered as his captor didn't release him. "Of all the ways to go out, becoming snake food wasn't even n the list." After that strange wind blew him away from the others, Naruto had the unfortunate experience of being swallowed by a giant snake.
"As soon as I get out of this I'm going to turn you into a pair of snake skinned boots." "That is if I get out." Running out of options and time, Naruto went with the only thing that he could come up with. "All right, you asked for it."
The giant snake simply ignored the boy's threat as it laid there to rest. It wouldn't go that way as a sudden pain came over it. The cause of it would be soon discovered as breaking through the snake's back was the person that it tried to eat. Only now it wasn't Naruto but his other self, Fox.
"I warned you. You should've listened to me." Fox's attack apparently did a good amount of damage as the snake showed no signs of being alive and disappeared in a puff of smoke. "That must've been a summoning. Whoever summoned it had to be pretty powerful."
Sure that there wasn't anyone around, Fox changed back into Naruto. Once transforming he jumped into the trees in the hopes that he'd find the other members of his team. "Hope they've had better luck than I have. Don't know how it could be any worse."
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"I had great hopes for you. I guess I overestimated you." stated the Kusa shinobi in a bit of disappointment. After encountering Sasuke and Sakura he gave them a mental illusion of their potential deaths. The whole experience was so powerful that neither of them could move. Only after Sasuke stabbed him in the leg that he managed to get away with the still frighten Sakura did they regain their ability to move.
There escape would be a short lived one as their pursuer found them again. She clearly wasn't going to allow them to get away no matter what. "Now I believe that it's time to put an end to this game of ours." Wrapping around the tree branch the blood thirsty man went after them.
Before she could reach them a few shurikens were thrown to block his path. "Sorry for being late you guys." Form a higher branch was Naruto who was ready to throw more shurikens if need be. "But I was in a tight spot for a while."
"My compliments Naruto." said the freaky shinobi. By the way that she said it seemed that the blond was nothing more than an afterthought. "I applaud for defeating my snake."
"So it was her who summoned that snake." Naruto figured. "She's got to be powerful if he was able to summon such a large summoning."
"Don't take her lightly you fool." warned Kyuubi. "There's more to her than meets the eye. May be wise you to get away."
For the nine-tailed fox to actually suggest running off was a shock. "Thanks for the advice but I'll have to pass." Naruto could hear the fox spirit growl in annoyance. "If you're done messing with my team why don't you deal with me? That is of course if you're not chicken."
"That idiot doesn't realize who he's messing with." thought Sasuke. He was seemingly the only one of his team thinking that as Sakura was glad that someone stepped in to their rescue. "Have no other choice. It has to be done if we're to get out of this alive." Reaching into his pouch he pulled out his team's scroll. "You're after this aren't you? Well, take it and leave us alone."
Throwing the scroll over to the freaky shinobi it was hoped that it would put an end to the whole thing. It wouldn't happen though as an orange and black blur got in the way and grabbed the scroll. That blur was in fact Naruto Uzumaki.
"What are you doing you idiot?" This was going on only angered the Uchiha as it wasn't going according to his plan. "Stay out of this and let me handle it. You'll only make things worse."
Naruto's response to what was going on was a short and simple one. In one quick moment the blond delivered a hard punch that made Sasuke fall to the ground. "How about you shut the hell up and show us who you really are?" That confused all those there who didn't know what he meant by that. "Sasuke, the real Sasuke, wouldn't do such a thing. He may be a pain in the ass prick but he would never be such a fucking coward! Also for all you know that person would still come after us after she got the scroll." That probably hit Sasuke harder than the actual punch as he didn't think about that possibility.
"Wise words Naruto." complimented the Kusa shinobi with a bit of sarcasm. Her tone would quickly disappear and turn into absolute seriousness. "And you're right. Why would I bargain for your scroll when I can just kill you and take it?"
"Like hell you are." retorted an angry Naruto. "None of us are going to die." That made the lady raised her eyebrow in interest. Putting the recovered scroll into his pouch he set his sights on the enemy. "You really want our scroll? Then come and get it." Whether he meant to or not, Naruto was letting some of the demonic chakra to seep out. Along with the chakra, slight changes happened to the bond. His hair became even wilder than usual and the whiskers marks became thicker. All that didn't go unnoticed by those there.
"Interesting." thought the faux Kusa shinobi. Unlike before when she was saying everything that lacked any sincerity, she was truly intrigued. "Perhaps the Uchiha isn't the only one that I should have my attention on. Maybe a test is in order."
Rolling up her sleeve it was revealed that there was a tattoo of strange markings were on her arm. Not wanting to know what the tattoo was for, Naruto rushed in to intervene. Before he could get there though, she used her abnormal tongue like a whip to knock him back. With no distractions she bit her thumb and smeared the blood on the tattoo.
"Summoning Jutsu." Emerging was a giant snake and was prepared to do whatever its master commanded. "I believe that it's time to trim the fat." Her statement was more or less aimed toward Naruto who was on his feet again. With a gesture of her hand the snake went after the blond.
Fueled by anger at what was going on, Naruto unknowingly had allowed the demon chakra to alter his abilities. Quickly moving to the side of the snake's charge and plunged a kunai right into its eye. Hissing in pain the snake thrashed about and unfortunately it hit Naruto with enough force that he crashed into a nearby tree and slowing no sign of getting up. When it got over what happen, the snake had wanted revenge on the one that took its now useless eye but was stopped by its summoner.
"Patience. There's something that I want from him." Going over, the crazy lady made her way to the fallen genin. Before getting to him she looked over to the other two that were there. It was as though she was daring them to get involved but neither of them did as they were too shaken to do anything. "I must commend you. You've proven to be more interesting than I originally thought." Reaching into the boy's pouch the lady took out the heaven scroll. "Obviously Jiraiya taught you a few tricks."
Moments later the scroll that was taken exploded. Seconds after, Naruto quickly leapt forward and slashed his hand across the lady's face. "You're right. I've learned a few tricks." What was heard wasn't Naruto's usual voice but a more bestial one. That wasn't the only thing that was different as his fingernails grew to become what seemed like claws and his eyes changed from blue to blood red.
"Fascinating." acknowledged the faux Kusa shinobi. She was clutching the part of her face that had been struck. "There's definitely more to you than what meets the eye." Nothing was said by the blond as he merely growled at her. Removing her hand it was revealed that the skin had completely came off but revealed underneath was what seemed to be a paler face. "Let's see what else there is to you." Like with Naruto, the lady's changed into a more masculine one.
Before anything could be thought about it, the snake suddenly went after Sasuke. Without even thinking, Naruto rushed over and tackled her out of the way. Not having the time to exchange words tried to get over to his other teammate as Sasuke seemed unable to move. "Damn it. I won't make it." Creating a shadow clone it grabbed Naruto's arm and with a mighty swing the real one was sent flying right between Sasuke and the giant snake.
Digging his claws into the snake he hoped to stop its movement. Due to him and hitting the large tree branch stopped it if only barely. "Damn it Sasuke. Snap out of it already." shouted the blond from over his shoulder to the Uchiha, who only now was getting over the shock of what had been going on. As he tried to snap his teammate out of his funk he got caught off by a long tongue wrapping itself all around him. "Hey, let me go you son of a bitch. When I get free I'm so going to kick your ass." Try as he might Naruto wasn't able to free from the tongue lock that he was in.
Lifting the struggling Naruto higher up the enemy shinobi, who was revealed to be a man under the cover of female skin, did a closer look at the boy. It was unknown what he was looking for but whatever it was he must've found it. "Ah, now I see. You're him." Hearing that briefly stopped Naruto's struggling as he had a bad feeling at what that meant.
He wouldn't have the time to think about it as the bottom of his shirt was lifted. Before anything could be done a searing pain was felt in his stomach. The reason being that the guy who was actually a man under female skin jabbed his fingers into him. More precise, in the area where the seal that helped contain the fox spirit. The reaction wouldn't take long to see as the changes that Naruto had went under disappeared. Shortly after returning to normal he became unconscious.
"Apparently you're as impressive as I was told." thought the mysterious let dangerous enemy. "But you'll just be a thorn in my plans if you're left alone. I should get rid of you if it wouldn't lead to more problems that I prefer to have." Without the slightest bit of concern he threw the unconscious Naruto over his shoulder like he was a piece of trash. Certainly the blond would die if it wasn't for Sakura pinning him to a tree with a kunai but showed no signs of waking up.
"Sasuke, you have to do something." Sakura's words were seemingly going on deaf ears as there was no reaction from the Uchiha. When that didn't work she went with the next thing that came to her. "Are you telling me that the great Uchihas are such cowards that they would allow a so called dead last to fight their battles? At least our team has one guy that isn't a coward." It pained Sakura to say such things but she had a reason for doing so. Her words helped to bring back the fire in Sasuke. At least that was part of the reason.
"That's right brother, runaway." taunted a voice in Sasuke's head that sounded familiar. "Runaway and continue to live. Live with the shame of not being strong enough." The voice faded away but not before the sound of mock laughter was heard.
"No!" argued a rejuvenated Sasuke. With his Sharingan awaken and a kunai in hand the Uchiha boy was ready to fight. "Sakura, Naruto, I finally understand. If I'm not willing to risk my life against this guy then what right do I have to go after him?" No longer afraid, Sasuke charged in. Try as he might he wasn't to get the upper hand as his older and clearly more experienced opponent. If it wasn't for his Sharingan the fight would've ended a long time ago.
"Excellent." study the dangerous man. "His Uchiha blood has come to the surface. It'll be interesting how good he'll be as time goes on." While he had that analyzing thought going through his head, he failed to notice the wires attached to the shurikens that Sasuke had used while hidden under a fire jutsu. The ending result was him becoming tied to a large tree trunk.
"Fire Style: Dragon Fire Jutsu." Breathing streams of fire they traveled through the wires that were in Sasuke's mouth. Following them they were on a roadmap the fire base attack went straight toward the unnamed enemy. When it hit it resulted in his body being consumed in flames.
"Is it over?" asked Sakura. That question was on the mind of Sasuke as well. Both of them were hoping that the whole situation had finally come to an end. Sadly, that wasn't the case.
Emerging from the flames was the man and with the exception of his clothes being a little singed there didn't appear to be hurt at all. In fact, there was something else that was damaged as the part of his face that Naruto had ripped off earlier became even more destroyed. More of the pale skin was revealed and one of his eyes was yellow and reptilian. The eye was similar to the ones that you would see from a snake.
"I was right about coming after you. You're eyes may be keener than your brother Itachi."
When the man said that name it got Ssauke's immediate attention. How do you know about Itachi?" The Uchiha thought that maybe he could find out the whereabouts of his wayward brother. "Where is he?"
"Forget about him." voiced the strange man. "He's not important now. However, the same can't be said about you." Before any type of retort could be made he did some sort of jutsu that paralyzed the two genin. What came next was a complete shock as the man's neck stretched inhumanly long as he used it to reach his desired target. When he got closer he sunk his teeth into Sasuke's neck. After a few seconds he let go and returned his neck closer to his body.
Whatever paralyzing technique that was use to keep them from moving had ended and when it did, Sakura hurried over to Sasuke who was on his hands and knees in intense pain. Looking at where he was bit she saw that close by the bite mark was a black pinwheel mark. What it meant was a mystery to her but it didn't matter to Sakura now as she was more concern about her not secret crush. "What have you done to Sasuke?"
"All I've done was give him a gift." answered the man as he started to merge with the tree that he had been standing on. "I've given Sasuke a taste of my power. Due time he'll seek me, Orochimaru, out to gain even more." There was nothing else said by the man, finally identifying himself as Orochimaru as he completely sunk into the tree and after a few tense moments it was concluded that he was no longer in the area.
Although relieved that the threat was no longer around, Sakura become concerned about the condition of Sasuke as he let out an agonizing scream before passing out. "Please hand on. "Naruto, Sasuke's hurt. What do we-" Her words remained unsaid as she saw that the blond was still hanging unconscious on a tree.
With everything that happened and with the predicament that her team was in, Sakura only had one thing going through her head. "What do I do?" No answer was given as the only thing that could be heard was the sound of the birds and the light whimpering that Sakura tried to hold in.
Well, was it a good way to start off this arc? I know I didn't stary far from what happen in the actual series when it came to the fight between Team 7 and Orochimaru which I apologize. I just couldn't think of anything that would be greatly different. I did do some things that I'm glad that I was able to do. Basically skimming through the whole first phase of the exam because I thought that it would better that way that trying to do a revamp version.
Having Naruto taking the scroll from the Ame shinobi will touched upon in the next chapter. Most likely you know what I'm headed toward involving that. The hostile meeting between Naruto and Kabuto was something I liked as well as you could tell that Naruto would like nothing better than to go after Kabuto but couldn't without possibly revealing his secret.
I hoped that you guys liked the chapter and I'll do my best in updating again soon. Unitl then, see ya and please go ahead and leave a review before going.