Chapter Thirty-Six
Rooted Betrayal
⠀⠀⠀⠀We all learned through failure. Few didn't. I was, in my old life, a teacher, who grew up in America. Our education was pore, and we all made mistakes. Get something wrong? Look back on your work, see where you failed, and don't repeat the mistake. Sometimes you're lucky and can see where you failed, sometimes, you needed someone else to point it out. That general ideal could be used for many things, but through hundreds of students, I was reminded of it over and over. It was something I often dealt with in life before coming to Konoha.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Now, it was engraved into me. Over and over, I would repeat my failures in my head. A habit of my old world, but since I could remember every detail, down to the millisecond, I replayed what happened to me moments before. Just because I was smart and wise, and had a good memory, it didn't make me all knowing. Hindsight was twenty-twenty. Who could have expected my greatest offense, the gates, could be countered by something I trained with weekly for the past year or so?
⠀⠀⠀⠀I'd like to think I was competent, but it's as Kakashi-sensei always says, 'You're reckless, Hikigaeru-chan.' He was right, but in this situation, reckless wasn't the proper word. Reckless was acting without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action. Today, I was careless.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I faced Papa with the sixth gate, and he judged that my speed was about a third of what he could go at. The seventh gate had double the multipliers of the sixth, and when I opened it, I was two-thirds as fast as him. A strong seventy percent. I was proud of myself for it, but who could have expected the gates could be countered by simply blocking the flow of chakra from passing through them? It made sense. I should have seen it coming. To open them, you needed to manipulate your chakra just right, and if you failed, the gates wouldn't open.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Lee, even if he couldn't use jutsu, still had chakra, and when we first see him open the gates, he was enveloped in his own chakra, and it didn't take much to do it either. Yet, my speed without the gates was laughable compared to a full, well trained Jōnin. Even Lee was faster than me when we both went without weights. Compared to Iroha, who was a Jōnin, who fought in the war, who often trained against the other Hyūga Jōnin, I was a snail. At best, without the gates, I was just about a low-end Tokubetsu Jōnin with my Taijutsu.
⠀⠀⠀⠀But Iroha closed the gates and countered the one jutsu that I could use to outmatch them all. The stipulation that every jutsu had a counter was as true as the sky being blue, and as Danzō's men carried me off, I had plenty of time to think over everything. Every action I took, every word I said, and every breath I breathed replayed in my mind. I recalled which chakra points Iroha blocked, and which order he blocked them in. First, he stopped me from opening the third gate, and due to how the gates worked, every gate past that.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I had enough time to slam opened the first two, only for them to be forcefully closed. Then, by the time he closed the chakra points around my stomach, disrupting my flow of chakra, preventing me from teleporting away due to lack of control, the third gate opened. It was then forced closed. What little actual damage he did to me healed quicker than he could dish out, yet the effects of each blow lasted. Had I not taken a sword through the mouth, I would have been able to counter him, eventually. There was no way he could have stopped me alone.
⠀⠀⠀⠀As I had nothing better to do but lay flopped over a man's shoulder, I played my own devil's advocate, and asked myself, 'What could I have done differently?'
⠀⠀⠀⠀All the answers I came up with led to death or uncertainty. I knew right away we were walking into a trap, and I hated myself for not using Observe on Iroha sooner. Yet, even now, I didn't question all of my actions. Summoning was out of the question. Had I just summoned Gamabunta the moment I sensed Danzō's men, I would have been yelled at by the toad, and Danzō's men would have run off. Would that be a more favorable outcome? Yes, but then Danzō would have approached my team and I another way. Perhaps he would have snatched Haku and Karin when they were alone, putting their lives in even more danger.
⠀⠀⠀⠀However, I could have summoned a smaller toad, perhaps a scout, but then Iroha would have seen and warned Danzō's men. Again, they would have run off, or, killed the toad itself. Most were good at evasion, but the eyes of the Hyūga were tricky to hide from, even for one with nature chakra. There was no guarantee that the toad would have been able to get away. Again, it may have led to Karin and Haku being captured at another time, or perhaps not. Perhaps I was Danzō's only target, and they were just accessories.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Without chakra, several of my swords didn't have much use past Gokumonji. With chakra, Enryuu and Gokumonji were my best bet, but that was only if I could use them. He countered me there too. Past that, I could have turned invisible, but it too would be redundant. Iroha's eyes would have seen me as clear as day. And it all led me to one final answer that I seemed to not use as much as I should: Shadow Clones. Had I made a clone beforehand, things may have ended differently, but again, Iroha would have seen. What he would have done was unknown, but hindsight was twenty-twenty.
⠀⠀⠀⠀An hour after we were taken off, a horrid chill ran down my spine. A powerful, vial chakra, which tasted like rotten eggs, moldy fish, and spoiled pork hit me. If I had control over my body, I would have thrown up. It felt stronger than Papa, rivaled the strength of Hiruzen, and made Zabuza's chakra taste pleasant. My face scrunched up at it, and several long moments passed before I noticed the other chakras around it.
⠀⠀⠀⠀One tasted like corn with caramelized butter and onions. Another just tasted like duck. A third reminded me of mint and green tea, but the fourth annoyed me. It tasted like a heavily seasoned barbeque. Nothing compared to my own works on the grill, but a moment passed before I caught myself, and I scowled at my own twisted disdain. Now wasn't the time to worry about grilled food.
⠀⠀⠀⠀The chakras were still and waiting, and it didn't take long for us to reach them. I knew right away who it was the moment he spoke. "So she is the daughter of Tsunade and Jiraiya." In his gravelly, eloquent voice, Orochimaru let out a laugh. "Still alive, even with that sword stuck through her. My little informant was right about her. I never would have imagined the strength those two could bring to the world."
⠀⠀⠀⠀One of the captors, a taller man from how his chakra molded about, stepped forward, blocking Orochimaru's sight of me. In an even tone, he asked, "The scroll."
⠀⠀⠀⠀There was a pause from Orochimaru as he seemed to withdraw an item, and I assumed it was the scroll in question. "It's right here. All the information I have on the Akatsuki," he seemingly purred out. "Do look it over before you go."
⠀⠀⠀⠀I could tell Danzō's nin took the scroll, but as he did, he stated, "Here are the details for the second rendezvous point. Lord Danzō wishes you to remind you that if you fail—Uchiha Sasuke will be killed."
⠀⠀⠀⠀Orochimaru just chuckled. "Now there's no need to make threats. I am the one that helped him with that arm of his, after all, so do remind him of that when you get back." He laughed at his own comment. "Now, I want to see Hikigaeru-kun for just a moment. I want to make sure she can't just teleport herself and her friends away when she's running about. It would be ashamed if she escaped."
⠀⠀⠀⠀Accepting Orochimaru's actions, my captors were quiet as he approached me. From how his chakra formed in his form, I could tell Orochimaru was already in a woman's body, and as he entered into my field of view with his smile as devious as it ever was in the anime and manga. I furrowed my brow at him, but he kept smiling. In that same creepy tone, he stated, "Still conscious, are you? And here I thought Danzō's nin where suppose to be the best. Have the standards changed since I was there last? Did you not try to sedate her, as I requested?"
⠀⠀⠀⠀"The poison you provided was ineffective against her," Danzō's nin stated. I paused and wondered when they tried to poison me in the conflict, but the exact moment escaped me.
⠀⠀⠀⠀The information seemed to somehow make Orochimaru smile even wider. "Ah, so that's why she had a sword in her. Here I thought she woke up, and you had to improvise. No, she just ignored it altogether." He crouched down, and his long, snakelike tongue licked at his lips. "I can't wait to see just what you're made of Hikigaeru-kun. Don't worry, I'll remove the sword soon. Along with that pesky seal suppressing your chakra. I just want to make something clear." He wove several seals, reached down with a hand, lifted my shirt, and slammed his palm into my stomach.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Warning: A disruptive seal has been placed over your chakra. Your chakra control has been fractured. Summoning is unavailable, Reverse Summoning is unavailable, Flying Thunder God is unavailable, accessing storage scrolls is unavailable, Chakra Control Skill is halved, Genjutsu Skill is Halved, Medical Ninjutsu skill is halved.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Now you can't run from me, Hikigaeru-kun, but we both know you'd still try. You're just like your parents, after all." He pointed a hand towards Haku and Karin, and snakes slithered out of his sleeve, lifting both the girls up for me to see. "You put the lives of your allies above even your own, don't you? That scar is proof, isn't it? Your friends will be staying close by, but you? You'll be coming with me, and so long as you follow every word I say, they'll stay nice and safe. You'll even be allowed to see them every few days. Reasonable, wouldn't you say?"
⠀⠀⠀⠀Danzō's Jōnin then shifted and dashed back towards Konoha. Orochimaru, not looking at them, just hummed quietly. Again he spoke, but in a disclosed and thankful tone, "Yes, I think you understand. You're known to be quite sharp in Konoha. I'm sure you would have graduated early, had you tried in the academy. Now, I'll release that seal on your chakra, the one Danzō's men placed on you, but don't try anything now. You wouldn't want to accidentally hurt your friends, would you?"
⠀⠀⠀⠀He chuckled out, raised a hand, and performed the one-handed ram seal. I felt my chakra flood my system, but it was wrong. I glowed brightly, as it always had, but it was sluggish and chunky. Almost like spoiled milk, but weighed down, as if it was led. I could feel my own chakra flinch away from Orochimaru, but as I was motionless, all I could do was sit there, and stare. Terrified of his presence. I always hated the idea that Orochimaru was a pedophile, unlike most of the fandom, and I knew he wasn't. But the way he smiled, the way he talked, and his tongue? In person, it was creepier than normal.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I knew he could sense my fear, and with a grin showing more teeth than I'd like to see, he stated, "Kimimaro—remove the sword, would you?"
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Yes, Lord Orochimaru," the last member of the Kaguya clan bowed, then stepped over to me.
⠀⠀⠀⠀With care, and like a machine, the sword was pulled out the way it was slammed in, and the moment it was free, I clapped my mouth shut and swallowed. Feeling returned to my body like a light switch, and I slowly stood up, rolling my neck as I went. My mouth tasted like metal, and unlike my neck, where there was no stiffness from the sword, it was a welcomed distraction. Orochimaru's chakra was nauseating.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Finally being able to move, I glanced about and saw the Sound Five standing around us. They were quiet, alert, and thankfully, pure. I focused on their chakra, distracting myself from the tainted malice that was before me, and in a soft voice, I spoke, "I'll—" the moment I found my voice, I winced at the taste in the air. Orochimaru's chakra was seemingly flooding the air around him. "I'll… follow you, Orochimaru…sama. Willingly. Just please, don't hurt them."
⠀⠀⠀⠀At the honorific, again, his creepy laugh left him, and he stated with a hint of sarcasm, "It seems Tsunade at least taught you manners before you ran off. Part of me wishes I paid more attention to her. You would have been a wonderful thing to gain, had I known about you years ago." He then turned and started walking. "Come, Hikigaeru-kun. I think you'll enjoy your stay with me. I'm saddened to say it won't be pleasant."
⠀⠀⠀⠀I did as told, and quieter than I had ever said it before, as Orochimaru held his back to me, I whispered, "Observe."
Orochimaru
⠀⠀⠀⠀Level 120, S-Rank Missing Nin
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Loyal to Himself
⠀⠀Hit Points: 750,000
⠀⠀Chakra: 500,000
⠀⠀⠀⠀'Orochimaru is one of Konohagakure's legendary Sannin. With a life-ambition to learn all of the world's secrets, Orochimaru seeks immortality. Long ago, after being caught red-handed performing unethical experiments on his fellow citizens for the sake of this immortality, Orochimaru defected from Konoha rather than be persecuted for his ambitions. Every year, he is closer and closer to his goal but holds the desire for revenge against the village that turned him away.'
⠀⠀⠀⠀I wouldn't win against him. I didn't need the numbers to tell me otherwise, but as I jaunted after him, to wherever his base was, behind me, Kimimaro marched forward with his eyes on my back. The remaining Sound Four took the sides. They didn't speak, but I could tell from the way her chakra felt, and from how it molded itself in her body, Tayuya was smirking at me. As the sun set, I just knew today was just the start of a long chain of bullshit.
⠀⠀⠀⠀And so I followed in silence. At first, we walked for some time, then, as the light of the moon pierced its way through the trees, we began to run. Orochimaru led me to the southern edge of the Land of Fire's territory. East of the Land of Wind, and close to the border of the Land of Rivers, which was between Fire and Wind. It was well past two in the morning when we arrived at Orochimaru's base, which was a hole in the ground.
⠀⠀⠀⠀The entrance reminded me of a manhole cover. I was told to go right after Orochimaru, but like him, I didn't just climb down. Taking a step forward, I fell into it in after him, Karin, and Haku. When I landed, there was nin waiting for me, but I remained still and watched them. Orochimaru was given bows and greetings by three nin, one of which I recognized. Even if he was hidden behind a cloak and mask, Kabuto was on one knee. Even as I felt other chakras falling above me, I didn't take my eye off of him. Stepping to the side, I gave room for the Sound Five to enter without landing atop me.
⠀⠀⠀⠀When he rose, his sight shifted and he glanced at me, and I could tell he was grinning. In a voice that wasn't his, he asked, "Is this Senju Hikigaeru?"
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Yes, she is. I'll be personally taking them to their cells." He turned to me, and I shifted my sight to Orochimaru. "Come along, Hikigaeru-kun. I'm sure you're tired after today. Why don't we get you to your new room." He raised up Karin and Haku and dangled them about sightly.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I stepped towards him, and again, followed in silence. He led me through the base, which was like a small maze. In my head, I repeated the turns and twists we made over and over. Turn left, turn right, walk past six hallways, turn right again, walk past a room with a man screaming, turn right, and go down a set of stairs, and walk down to the end of the hall. Turn right, and enter the first door to your left with a door made of steel thicker than my arm. Step past the dozens of empty cells in the long room, and at the end, enter the large cell that only had a steel door as an entrance.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Within the room were four smaller cells within the locked room, a door that led to another room that was also made of thick steel, and a guard. He was dressed like an Otoga nin and watched me as we entered. Within each mini-cell were a bed, a stone toilet, and stone sink. It reminded me of a prison. Haku and Karin were placed within two of the cells, and I found myself in the third, between them. But as I stepped into my new playpen, Orochimaru's chakra softly flared, and I felt him bit into me.
⠀⠀⠀⠀You have been cursed by Orochimaru. This curse is located on your left shoulder. Thanks to 'The Gamer', you will not become loyal to Orochimaru. Thanks to 'The Gamer', Orochimaru cannot take control of your body. Thanks to 'The Gamer', Orochimaru cannot learn anything through your curse seal, and cannot be resurrected from your curse seal. Thanks to 'The Gamer', if Orochimaru tries to take over your body, he will be trapped within your seal. Please continue to Build-a-Curse by selecting continue.
[Continue]
⠀⠀⠀⠀Of course, Orochimaru bit me. Why wouldn't he? I flinched when his chakra closed in but croaked when I felt his chakra rip into mine. I held back bile as its flavor cut into my form, and pulled myself away from him. The bite itself didn't hurt, but as I brought a hand up to my shoulder, Orochimaru chuckled. I turned to him and saw how pleased with himself he looked. Then the cell's door closed, and his eyes narrowed.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Oh, isn't that just remarkable," he began from the other side of the bars. "Cursed, and not even a whimper over the pain." He was quiet as I winced at the sickening feeling in my shoulder. "You really are remarkable. Not a glimpse of pain at all, hm?" The answer to his question was yes. I didn't feel any pain. Compared to the seventh gate, which was a stressful tingle at best and a heart throbbing pain at worse, this was nothing.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Does my chakra only disgust you?" he asked with a chortle. "I know it isn't the most welcoming gift, but consider it an early birthday present. If you survive, that is… but I have a feeling—you will."
⠀⠀⠀⠀He turned and began walking away. As he did, Kimimaro replaced the sound nin that stood in the room, and I didn't bother calling after him, demanding to know what he did to me. I already knew, and I already could feel his chakra trying to fight my own. It was losing, but the conflict wasn't unnoticed. It was a creeping feeling in my shoulder, that buzzed its way down my spine and to my stomach. My chakra fought off the taint that was Orochimaru's, but as the notification stated, I wasn't going to be controlled.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I wasn't worried about myself. I was going to be alright, but what of Karin and Haku? I hated the unknown. I hated not knowing why Danzō sent me off to Orochimaru. I hated not knowing the deal they made. I hated knowing that he was after Sasuke, but not knowing if all of this affected Orochimaru's plans. With my fist curled, I punched the back of my cell, putting a small crater in the stone wall. With a light sigh, I let myself crumble to the side, and I rolled into the bed.
⠀⠀⠀⠀The motion didn't help my stomach, and I winced at how shifty Orochimaru's chakra felt. As it was another distraction, I turned my attention to the pop-up about the curse and focused on continue. It flashed, and another screen appeared.
Build-a-Curse pt. 1
'Please select the curse seal pattern.'
⠀⠀Arrows: When the first form of the curse seal is open, the shape of the curse seals forms arrows that run about the body. Gain the following bonuses when the Curse is activated: increase the damage of Earth Style Ninjutsu by 50%, increase Taijutsu skill by 20%, and increase damage resistance by 35%.
⠀⠀Pathways: When the first form of the curse seal is open, the shape of the curse seals form in pathways along the body. Gain the following bonuses when the Curse is activated: increase the damage of Fire Style Ninjutsu by 50%, increase Taijutsu skill by 25%, and increase chakra reserve by an additional 15%.
⠀⠀Spots: When the first form of the curse seal is open, the shape of the curse seals forms spots along the body. Gain the following bonuses when the Curse is activated: increase the damage of Water Style Ninjutsu by 50%, reduce all Ninjutsu costs by 25%, and increase speed by an additional 100%.
⠀⠀Swirls: When the first form of the curse seal is open, the shape of the curse seals forms swirls along the body. Gain the following bonuses when the Curse is activated: increase the damage of Wind Style Ninjutsu by 50%, reduce the cost of Summoning by 25%, increase the damage of summons by 25%, and reduced ninjutsu cost by 5%.
⠀⠀Wisps: When the first form of the curse seal is open, the shape of the curse seal forms Wisps along the body. Gain the following bonuses when the Curse is activated: increase the damage of Ninjutsu by 20%, and increase speed and strength by an additional 50%.
⠀⠀Zigzags: When the first form of the curse seal is open, the shape of the curse seal forms zigzags along the body. Gain the following bonuses when the Curse is activated: increase the damage of Lightning Style Ninjutsu by 50%, increase Genjutsu skill by 20%, and increase chakra control by 20%.
'Know the following…'
⠀⠀⠀⠀Regardless of selected option, players will gain the following while in the first stage of the curse seal unless a perk above increase them: Increase maximum chakra by 35%, increase speed by 200%, increase strength by 200%, increase damage resistance by 50%, and increase killing intent skill by 50%.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I had to pick an option. There was no getting around it, and the overall effect of the curse seal was weaker than the eight gates. Two-hundred percent was still weaker than the five times bonus the first gate gave, but as my eye scanned the options, I chose the one that was most appealing. The wisps option was the same one Sasuke and Anko had been given, but each of the others were the ones I recalled the Sound Five having.
⠀⠀⠀⠀My eye flicked over to Kimimaro, who watched me with a focused but neutral expression. His seal was on his chest, right in the center. It was simpler than Sasuke's three totems, and I looked back to the options before me. His was the grid pattern, but why it had the fire ninjutsu attached to it I didn't know. But regardless of what I picked, it didn't matter. If I got the ugly wings Sasuke grew when he used the curse seal, I knew I'd just ask Papa to seal it off. There was a ping from the menu, and the wisps option flashed.
Build-a-Curse pt. 2
⠀⠀⠀⠀'Please select three visual traits. These traits will change which features you are allowed to gain when using the curse seal. These features can be seen in part three of Build-a-Curse, but can affect other the first or second form of the seal. The features are only gained while using the seal's second state.'
⠀⠀Animalistic: You take on an animalistic appearance when you transform. The animal you take on can be chosen in a subscreen if this feature is chosen. This feature unlocks several different features depending on the animal chosen. See the subscreen for details of unlocked features.
⠀⠀Claws: You grow claws. Claw style can be chosen with a subscreen. Regardless of claws chosen, claws can be used as natural weapons, allowing you to slash and stab enemies. Damage varies on claw type. See subscreen for details.
⠀⠀Horns & Spikes: You grow horns or spikes, your choice, in select locations on your body. Regardless of horn or spikes chosen, they can be used as natural weapons to gore enemies. See subscreen for details.
⠀⠀Jet: You can grow jets along any part of your body. These jets function like jet engines but can be used offensively like chakra cannons to attack others. The damage these jets do can be any chakra nature one acquires, with the exception of few. Select this feature to know more.
⠀⠀Sharp Teeth: You grow sharp teeth. Teeth style can be chosen with a subscreen. Regardless of teeth chosen, a bonus to damage will be provided based on teeth type. Some teeth may be used as an alternative weapon, depending on size. See subscreen for details.
⠀⠀Tail: You grow a tail. This tail allows for better balance and aerial control. Picking this feature unlocks two perk options: Pentagram Formation, Tail Seals. The style of the tail can be chosen in a subscreen.
⠀⠀Third Eye: You grow a third eye on your forehead. This eye improves your eyesight, and allows for the following features to be unlocked: Eagle Eye, Eye Lasers.
⠀⠀Wings: You grow a pair of wings. The wing's style can be chosen with a subscreen. Regardless of wings chosen, they can be used as natural weapons. Damage varies on wing type. Fly speed varies on wing type. See subscreen for details.
'Know the following…'
⠀⠀⠀⠀Regardless of selected option, players will gain the following: dull brownish-gray skin, black sclera, yellow eyes, and their chakra becomes dark and menacing.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I frowned at the options. It was the only real thing I could do. The upside to them was that I picked what I looked like when I transformed, which made the curse less horrific, if still horrid to sense. I didn't want to be part animal when I transformed, even if some things about it were appealing. I liked anime, but the idea of being a catgirl wasn't on the list of things I enjoyed. I was always a dog person. Claws? Horns? Spikes? Jets? As cool as it was seeing Jūgo fight the way he did, I had no intention of being what he was.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Sharp teeth and claws were the only two options I liked. so long as the options were not just orc to walrus and a third eye? No thank you. While depth perception would be nice to have again, I didn't need to grow a new eye to get it. I would rather replace the old one. Wings? That was an option I was alright with, so long as the sub-options were reasonable. I focused on it, and opened the subscreen for wing options, but then flinched. They were not reasonable, and the closest one that was reasonable was still ugly leathery bat wings. It was still a no from me.
⠀⠀⠀⠀In the end, the most minimal options I could pick were chosen. For claws, I picked sharp nails; the shortest and simplest option, equal to what Naruto gained when he first takes on Kurama's chakra. But I had to select two more. My second pick was teeth, and the minimalistic option was simply sharper teeth in general. Again, just like what Naruto had with Kurama's chakra. Lastly, I picked horns, only because there was an option for short, pointy oni like horns.
⠀⠀⠀⠀The three I selected flashed, and again, the menu shifted.
Build-a-Curse pt. 3
'Please select two curse seal functions.'
⠀⠀Angelic: Your chakra while using the seal no longer feels like Orochimaru's chakra, nor does it feel evil to others.
⠀⠀Cursed buy Luck: Your luck stat increases by 1 point per level while transformed in the first stage of the curse seal, and 2 points per level in the second stage of the curse seal. This increase to luck only applies to combat critical hits. Maximum possible luck gained is equal to one-half of current luck stat.
⠀⠀Dread Lord: While in the first stage of the curse seal, the increase to the killing intent skill becomes 75% instead of 50%. While in the second stage of the curse seal, increase to the killing intent skill becomes 100% instead of 75%.
⠀⠀Dreadnaught: While in the second stage of the curse seal, all damage will be reduced by double your Constitution.
⠀⠀Gore: Your horns become sharper and stronger, allowing you to more easily gore others. The damage you deal to others with your horns becomes 2,500 + Strength + Dex, and the critical modifiers you can acquire with your horns becomes x1, x2, x5, x8, x10, x1000.
⠀⠀Hemotoxins: Your claws, teeth and horns are toxic. The poison destroys the inflicted's red blood cells, reducing their Strength by 50% of your Vigor. If their Strength is reduced to 0, they cannot move. These effects can be reversed by Medical Ninjutsu within 24 hours of inflection. Duration is equal to your Vigor in seconds.
⠀⠀Juggernaut: While in the second stage of the curse seal, your Strength score is increased by 300% instead of 200%. Your weight also is multiplied by 20, allowing for heavier strikes. This additional weight does not slow you down. This does not include other investments to Strength previous features provide.
⠀⠀Jutsu Prodigy: While in the second stage of the curse seal, increase to the damage of Ninjutsu to 60% instead of the given 40% of stage two.
⠀⠀Militant: While using any of the stages of the curse seal, you gain additional experience towards all combative based skills equal to 10%.
⠀⠀Necrotoxins: Your claws, teeth and horns are toxic. The poison contains flesh-eating bacteria that eats away the enemies Hit Points every second equal to your Vigor. Duration is equal to half your Vigor in seconds.
⠀⠀Neurotoxin: Your claws, teeth and horns are toxic. The poison causes the nervous system to act up, reducing their Dexterity by 50% of your Vigor. If their Dexterity is reduced to 0, they cannot move. These effects can be reversed by Medical Ninjutsu within 24 hours of inflection. Duration is equal to your Vigor in seconds.
⠀⠀Ocean: While in the first stage of the curse seal, increase your maximum chakra by 50% instead of 35%. While in the second stage of the curse seal, increase your maximum chakra by 65% instead of 50%.
⠀⠀Reaper: While in the second stage of the curse seal, your Dexterity score increases by 300% instead of 200%. Your lowest critical multiplier you can score becomes x5, and critical chance increases by 20%. This does not include other investments to Dexterity previous features provide.
⠀⠀Splash Damage: While in the first stage of the curse seal, jutsu with wide range effects, such as any jutsu with a cone, line, or sphere zone of effect, have an increased radius of effect of 50%. While in the second stage of the curse seal, jutsu with wide range effects, such as any jutsu with a cone, line, or sphere zone of effect, have an increased radius of effect of 100%
⠀⠀Toxic, Neurotoxin: Your claws and teeth are toxic. The poison causes the nervous system to act up, reducing their Dexterity by 50% of your Vigor. If their Dexterity is reduced to 0, they cannot move. These effects can be reversed by Medical Ninjutsu within 24 hours of inflection. Duration is equal to your Vigor in seconds.
'Know the following…'
⠀⠀⠀⠀Regardless of selected option, players will gain the following features while in the second stage of the curse seal unless a perk above increases them: increase the damage of Ninjutsu by 40%, increase speed and strength by an additional 250%, increase maximum chakra by 50%, increase damage resistance by 75%, and increased killing intent skill by 75%.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Without hesitation, I clicked on the 'Angelic' option. Before I read any other option, I focused on it, and it flashed. It was, without a doubt, the best option that I could have been given. Even now, as I lay on my back in a bed, I still wanted to throw up, and even through the thick walls, the stone doors, and several meters of ground, I could still feel him. Orochimaru was sauntering about, and I shivered and squirmed over what I felt in the air.
⠀⠀⠀⠀The other options were… optional. I didn't need poisons, I didn't need a boost to my jutsu, and I didn't want to headbutt someone with the tiny horns I picked out. I didn't need to be harder to kill, as, unless I was butchered, I was going to be fine, and I wasn't going to run about asking people to do that. Lastly, as cute as it was to get more chakra or experience, I didn't need it. More often than not, I regenerated chakra faster than I used, and if I needed more experience, I could use clones.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I didn't need most of the features, and with the removal of so many, it just left Cursed but Lucky and Dread Lord. Some could say today was a bad turn of luck, but I'd argue that my own actions caused it. If I just thought things through before moving on, we would have been fine. And I always hated the idea of luck. Good things should happen to good people. Bad things should happen to bad people. Karma should be law, and luck be damned. Yet that was a childish dream, and karma wasn't out and about. Luck was the law, and the law be damned.
⠀⠀⠀⠀As for killing intent? What I had didn't scare any of Danzō's nin. It was also nowhere close to Zabuza. It didn't even affect my captors. Had it been stronger, perhaps I could have just flared it, making them hesitate, giving me time to open the gates. I would have been able to win the fight with only a second to react. To a nin, who can move faster than bullets, a second was plenty of time. With that in mind, I still had no clue what to pick. Angelic and… what?
⠀⠀⠀⠀I didn't have another option I wanted. With a sigh, I just picked Angelic and Dread Lord. Killing Intent had always been useful. Had mine had any effect on Danzō's men, it would have given me the second I needed. I prayed I made the right choice as my selection flashed.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Then Orochimaru's chakra burned my skin as it tried to fight off my chakra. I felt it scatter about, spreading all over my body like ants. Then it began to burn, and I gasped as the marks began to sting at my skin. It was like I was bathed in fire, but inside and out, and like a fish, I flopped to the floor. It was one thing to be used to being washed in Enryuu's flame. It was another have it burn through your whole body.
Thank you for using Build-a-Curse!
⠀⠀⠀⠀Orochimaru's chakra has been cleansed from your system. You have gained the following Perks, and can access them by pushing chakra into the curse seal:
⠀⠀⠀⠀Cursed Seal of Heaven, level 1
⠀⠀When the curse seal is open, Wisps will form along the body. You gain the following bonuses when the Curse is activated: Increase the damage of Ninjutsu by 20%, increase maximum chakra by 35%, increase strength and speed by 250% base, increase damage resistance by 50%, and increased killing intent skill by 75%. In addition, your chakra while using the seal no longer feels like Orochimaru's chakra, nor does it feel evil to others.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Cursed Seal of Heaven, level 2
⠀⠀When the curse seal is open, Wisps will form along the body. You gain the following bonuses when the Curse is activated: Increase the damage of Ninjutsu by 50%, increase speed and strength by an additional 250% base, increase maximum chakra by 50%, increase damage resistance by 75%, and increased killing intent skill by 100%. In addition, your chakra while using the seal no longer feels like Orochimaru's chakra, nor does it feel evil to others.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I changed. My maximum chakra changed. My menus even changed, and the faint, transparent reds were now a deep purple. Even the standard blue bar that represented my chakra was replaced with a purple one. I raised a hand to my head and poked myself on accident. I glanced at my nails and noticed they were longer. I motioned my hand to my forehead, while I inspected my teeth with my tongue. I had horns and sharp teeth. Somehow, I was given access to both the first and second forms of the seal. It felt unearned, but it wasn't something I wanted to start with. At least now, I knew I looked good with it on, and I'm sure the Oni would be flattered over my image.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Now that's unexpected…" Kimimaro mumbled. He then turned to the door, walked over, and opened it. I had been too distracted by everything to not notice the chakra of the same Otoga Jōnin from before standing right outside. "Inform Lord Orochimaru that her seal has activated and that she's already entered the second state."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Yes, Sir." He ran off.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I closed my eye and sat up. Facing my back to Kimimaro, I sat crisscross and sighed. As I opened my perks, I reread the details for the curst seal. Both the first and second were already unlocked. Perhaps it was a level requirement, a Vigor requirement, a Chakra requirement, or even a luck requirement, but regardless. somehow, I managed to unlock both. I closed the menus, and looked about, seeing if there was something I could look at to disable the transformation. There wasn't, so I tried to tug at the chakra in the seal.
⠀⠀⠀⠀It worked, but as I felt my skin burn and the markings to move away, Orochimaru's chakra flashed into the room. I knew he saw me, for a split second. My horns were short, but still tall enough to be seen over my hair. My hair also wasn't long enough to hide the back of my neck. I never bothered changing clothes, and was still running around with a dirty, half torn apart jumpsuit, and was my skin showing because of it? It was, and Orochimaru just smiled.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Oh, you really are something special," he said with an evil grin. "I guess we'll be starting our treatment sooner." Beside him, I felt Kabuto's chakra run-up, but he was hidden behind Kimimaro. Orochimaru turned to him, and said, "Step into the lab and get things ready. We're ahead of schedule, it seems, and I can't wait to begin things."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Yes, Lord Orochimaru." He strolled past everyone, and stepped through the second steel door in the room, leaving the door partly opened.
⠀⠀⠀⠀My eye widened, and I slammed myself against the bars. "Just what in the hell do you think you'll be doing to me‽"
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Now, now, Hikigaeru-kun, that's no way to act. I'm only given unto you a gift that your village demands," he explained, and my eye widened more so. "And if you won't at least try, then I'm sure Haku, or at least Karin, might make for better… test subjects." He looked to each of their cells, then back to me. "Besides, you should already know, and from that look—you do. Just imagine what Hashirama's cells would do to them. How long do you think they'll last? Hours? Minutes? Seconds? But you? I'm sure you'll survive, don't you agree, Hikigaeru-kun?"
⠀⠀⠀⠀I went quiet and subconsciously opened the first gate. I had grabbed the bars when I slammed myself into them, and now, they warped and screeched under my clenched fists. I decided not to speak, not trusting the words I may say. With a shake of my head, I stepped back and laid down. For the seventh or so time, I heard his sickening laugh, and trailing from the door, the remaining Sound Five nin entered.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Turning to them, Orochimaru stated, "Watch her. If she's anything like Jiraiya, I'm sure she'll try something, and I don't doubt that she will. Kimimaro—you may go rest for now."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Yes, Lord Orochimaru," he thanked, only to bow.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I leaned my head up slightly, looked at Kimimaro's back, just past Orochimaru, and with a word he couldn't hear, or even see my mouth given the angle, I quietly said, "Observe."
Kimimaro
⠀⠀⠀⠀Level 65, Last Survivor of the Kaguya clan
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Loyal to Orochimaru
⠀⠀Hit Points: 80,000
⠀⠀Chakra: 10,000
⠀⠀⠀⠀'Kimimaro is the sole survivor of the Kaguya clan, and before being found by Orochimaru, his life had little meaning. Now he is a loyal shinobi to Orochimaru, who was destined to become Orochimaru's next host. However, a sickness took hold, preventing him from becoming Orochimaru's next vessel. A fact that brought tears to the young man. He will do anything in his power to grant the wishes of his lord, even if it shortens his life, and brings suffering to him.'
⠀⠀⠀⠀'One strike with Ernyuu, and he'd be dead,' I thought to myself.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Orochimaru began walking out of the room, only to pause. "Do get some sleep, Hikigaeru-kun," he began in a more natural, less joyful tone. "You will need it for tomorrow."
⠀⠀⠀⠀'There won't be a tomorrow,' I thought again, leaning back.
⠀⠀Mandatory Quest: Family Roots
⠀⠀⠀⠀'Accept Orochimaru's offer, and become his test subject!'
⠀⠀Rewards
⠀⠀⠀⠀Wood-Style
⠀⠀⠀⠀? Xp
⠀⠀Warning
⠀⠀⠀⠀Possible loss of reputation, possible death of Karin, possible death of Haku, possible death for you.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I ignored the pop-ups, giving them the same glare I gave Orochimaru. There was no way in hell that I was going to allow this. At any time, I could have run off to Danzō and asked him to give me the treatment for wood-style. The kekkei genkai would be extremely useful; able to control the bijū, create a forest, going green, and was considered to be the greatest kekkei genkai. It all was irrelevant to me. I didn't want the ability because I didn't want to be an experiment. Being bitten was borderline alright, but that's only because I have control over customizing the transformation forced upon me. My glare deepened when the shifting of the menus warned me a second mission pop-up was coming.
⠀⠀Self Quest: Rooted Trickery
⠀⠀⠀⠀'Escape without having Wood-Style forced upon you!'
⠀⠀Rewards
⠀⠀⠀⠀? Xp
⠀⠀Warning
⠀⠀⠀⠀Possible death, possible dismemberment, possible imprisonment and torcher. These possibilities also count towards your allies.
⠀⠀⠀⠀After the second pop-up appeared, Orochimaru left, and the Sound Five, now Sound Four with Kimimaro missing, stood around and watched me. I stayed quiet, went back to the bed, closed my eye, and remaining as still as possible. It was time I planned, and so I did. I mulled over every option I had. I still had the gates. I now had the curse mark. I couldn't teleport. I didn't have access to summoning, nor did I have the ability to open scrolls. That left me with a few options without 'The Gamer'.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I could still use the first-ever jutsu I knew how to use. The one given to me after I picked Papa to be my Papa. By its name, it was the best option; Transparent Escape Technique. I'd become transparent, I'd escape, and chances are, I'd fail. I think. It was hard to say. Even with my stealth, this was Orochimaru I'm facing.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I could also transform, create transparent clones, create physical clones, swap places with objects, and some civilians thanks to my training with Kakashi-sensei, and make things explode with paper bombs. I could also use Genjutsu to plunge someone into darkness. I could create shuriken-shadow clones, but it wasn't really limited to just shurikens, and I could even use my Telescope Technique, and spy on people with the small crystal ball I kept in my inventory.
⠀⠀⠀⠀If worse become horrid, and for some reason, Karin and Haku needed my chakra, I could just transfer it to them. And if horrid became hell on earth, and they died, and I was next, I could the Dead Demon Consuming Seal or open the Eight Gate. But the last two options were vetoed due to the gamer, and those options trumped killing myself.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I still had my inventory, and it still worked. In the palm of my hand, I withdrew out a single ryō coin, then put it back. My other options available were fast travel and my dungeons. I went over to the former of the two, and when I clicked on it, I was given a large map of the elemental nations. The location I was at had been marked without my noticing, or at least I didn't notice the tiny pop-up in the corner of my vision.
⠀⠀⠀⠀But what I was looking for was just above the map. A warning telling me I can't fast travel from my location because there are hostile enemies nearby. I would have smiled, but I didn't. It would have given me away. Then I checked my dungeons. I was allowed to enter then. Unlike fast travel, there were no restrictions, but I wasn't able to just make a new dungeon outside of the dungeon creator. I only had one real option I knew was safe if I entered the dungeon creator, and that was to enter the world of the Oni and run into demons. Which wasn't a problem, given how I could control them.
⠀⠀⠀⠀The downside to that option was leaving the dungeon creator. I would exit where I entered, and I didn't know if I could carry Haku and Karin into it with me. Then a light when off in my head, and I glanced towards my captors, eyeing them with a lazy gaze. As much as I wanted to see Kabuto killed, along with most of the Otoga nin, I needed them alive. But they didn't need to know if I was alive to move forward with their plans, and I grinned softly into my pillow, not caring if they saw. A plan began forming in my head, all based off of my failer hours before.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Dozens of minutes passed, and Tayuya began with a scowl, only to comment, "You know—with all the talk about this girl." She stepped up to my cell. "You'd think she would have put up a fight. She didn't even try to throw a punch, the coward."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"She was said to be a prodigy. She knew the moment she could move that she couldn't fight back," Jirōbō interjected.
⠀⠀⠀⠀With a twitch in her chakra, Tayuta rolled her eyes. "I know that fatso, but I was hoping for a fight. I want to see if my Doki are stronger than her Oni swords."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Bet her swords are stronger. The ones," Kidōmaru paused, catching himself, "…that were reported on were pretty strong."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Oh fuck off, Kidōmaru," Tayuya snapped, turning to the spider boy. "My Doki are unmatched by any chunk of metal she can swing about. Besides, they kicked your ass before, so you don't get to talk shit."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"You wish," Kidōmaru snorted. "Last time we fought you got trapped in a web before you even had a chance to summon them. Besides, now that Lord Orochimaru cursed her, she'll kick your ass if you try."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Ah. So that's why he unsealed her chakra. I was wondering why he had done that," Jirōbō inquired.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Obviously, Fatso." Tayuya mocked her large teammate, only to yawn. It was enough of a distraction to make her turn to me, where she then asked, "So why do we," she yawned again, but mid-sentence this time, "have to watch this girl, anyway? Just who is she?"
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Someone who could kill us if she fought back," Kabuto announced from the other room. "Be grateful she cares for the lives of those two with her."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Seriously?" Kidōmaru questioned. "Guess guard duty isn't a game today." I felt him move to one of the walls, and start climbing up. His chakra spiked, and the wet, sticky sounds of something pinged off of the walls. None of the other Otoga nin watched him, but I knew he was setting up webs in the room.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Guess I shouldn't hope she tries to break out then…" Tayuya lamented as she looked back at me. "Shame, too. I wanted something to throw my Doki at. Lord Orochimaru has us doing nothing but wait."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"We've spared almost every day, Tayuya," Jirōbō silently commented.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Yeah, I know, Fatso, but it's just not the same. Besides, you lot are just too easy at this point."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Too easy?" Kidōmaru snorted from above, drawing their eyes. I took that time to lift my head, and they didn't notice me eyeing Sakon and Ukon.
Sakon and Ukon
⠀⠀⠀⠀Level 45, Sound Four
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Loyal to Orochimaru
⠀⠀Hit Points: 25,000
⠀⠀Chakra: 3,000
⠀⠀⠀⠀'Sakon and Ukon where prisoner at first, but after proving their strength several battle royals, they become two of Orochimaru's personal bodyguards. Sakon and Ukon work as one, and often fight together as well. Sakon speaks for the two, as Ukon is much quieter, but regardless, both are always in sink, and have almost perfect teamwork with each other. After Kimimaro was no longer fit to lead the Sound Five, Sakon and Ukon took the role, but have yet to live up to his legacy.'
⠀⠀⠀⠀"You wish, Tayuya. Last time we fought you got trapped in a web before you even had a chance to summon."
⠀⠀⠀⠀Tayuta went to respond, but I sprang up, and using the power of the first gate, shouted, "Will you all shut the hell up, I'm trying to sleep!" They all jumped at the volume and glared at me annoyed, but I took glanced at Tayuta and observed her.
Tayuya
⠀⠀⠀⠀Level 42, Sound Four
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Loyal to Orochimaru
⠀⠀Hit Points: 5,000
⠀⠀Chakra: 5,000
⠀⠀⠀⠀'Tayuya was a prisoner at first, but after proving her strength in several battle royals, she became one of Orochimaru's personal bodyguards. Between her Genjutsu, which she casts through her flute, and her Doki summons, she is a force to face. She hates how polite Jirōbō is, often arguing with him over how vulgar her language is, often buts heads with Kidōmaru, and doesn't really give a damn what Sakon or Ukon think.'
⠀⠀⠀⠀I then added, "Orochimaru-sama wants me to get sleep. While I don't care what he wants, I'm sure you all do. So other shut up, or get the fuck out!"
⠀⠀⠀⠀About halfway through my little outburst, Kabuto stepped out, hearing me through the half-opened steel door. "She's correct," be began, not using his own voice, "now be quiet. Lord Orochimaru wants all of you to watch her. Do not take your eyes off of her this time"
⠀⠀⠀⠀"…fine," Tatuya grumbled, and I took the opportunity to observe Kabuto.
Kabuto
⠀⠀⠀⠀Level 60, Orochimaru's Right Hand Man
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Loyal to Orochimaru
⠀⠀Hit Points: 65,000
⠀⠀Chakra: 6,500
⠀⠀⠀⠀'Born in Konoha, Kabuto was raised in an orphanage. After he became a Konoha nin, thanks to his natural talents in intelligence-gathering and medicine, he attracted the attention of Orochimaru. Under the direction of Orochimaru, Kabuto has infiltrated many villages, partook in several Chūnin exams, and often feigned weakness to get out of them, under the direction of his master. At one point, he was also the servant of Sasori, but Orochimaru broke him free from that enslavement.'
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Thank you," I thanked with a soft huff, letting myself fall back into my bed. As I fell, I glanced at the second last person in the room and observed the largest and physically strongest of the Sound Four.
Jirōbō
⠀⠀⠀⠀Level 43, Sound Four
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Loyal to Orochimaru
⠀⠀Hit Points: 12,000
⠀⠀Chakra: 5,000
⠀⠀⠀⠀'Jirōbō was a prisoner at first, but after proving his strength several battle royals, he became one Orochimaru's personal bodyguards—'
⠀⠀⠀⠀I closed the menu without reading the details, only looking at the numbers. Tayuya then looked at me like I was an idiot. "You're a prisoner," she said in an annoyed tone. "You don't get to make requests."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Look, I smell like a pig, and I need to get this thing off of me." I gestured to the mess I wore. "So hand over some clothes, or I'll strip you down and use yours," I deadpanned.
⠀⠀⠀⠀She laughed at my insult. "Do you seriously think you're in any position to make demands? I get that Lord Orochimaru wants you, but get real. You're here because—"
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Just shut it, alright?" I interrupted her. "One way or another, one of us is going to be naked, while the other gets a good night sleep in clothes that aren't covered in sweat. And it isn't going to be me that strips down." I stepped towards the end of my cell that she was closer to, and gave her a dirty look I knew she'd react to.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"You're being serious, aren't you?" she asked, more annoyed than before. Leaning forward, she met my glare with her own and cursed with a scowl. "Why the hell don't you get it? This isn't some hotel, where you can just get room service. You're a prisoner—"
⠀⠀⠀⠀"I don't think you understand," I interrupted her by grabbing her throat, "I don't do requests."
⠀⠀⠀⠀With the first gate still open from long before, I pulled her towards me as hard as I could. Her head slammed into the bars of the cell, and she crumpled to the floor. The remaining members leaped into action, but I forced open the second through the seventh gate, withdrew a blade from my inventory, grabbed the bars of my door, and swung. The metal ripped open, split apart, and never hit the floor. I tossed it into my inventory and rushed out of my cell.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Bishoman lv. 10
⠀⠀Damage: 18,000
⠀⠀Critical Location Modifiers: -5, 2, 5, 8, 15, 5000
⠀⠀⠀⠀Indestructible: This weapon is indestructible, and cannot break.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Demon Slaying: When chakra is pushed through this weapon, it will glow with demonic purple flames. These flames will instantly kill any lesser demon, and any creature level 35 or lower, but deal 18,000 damage to greater demons or 24,000 damage to non-demons who are level 36 or above.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Everyone started to move at that point. Sakon and Ukon tried to rush the door, Jirōbō tried to rush forward, covering the unconscious Tayuya, Kidōmaru backed up Jirōbō, and I felt Kabuto rush towards us from the other room. I was too fast for them, and if I wanted them dead, they would have been dead the moment I stepped out of the cell. But I went to Karin's cell first and swung my sword again. It ripped open, and I rushed in. Karin slept softly, but as I lay a hand on her forehead, being as gentle as I could, she vanished into my inventory.
⠀⠀⠀⠀I turned to face, seeing that Sakon and Ukon haven't moved more than a few millimeters, and lept out of the cell. Using one of the bars as support, I twisted myself mid-air and flung myself at Haku's cell. It ripped open just as easily as the first two, but as the door vanished into my inventory, the Sound Four activated their seals. A split second later, as their chakra seeped into the room, in the distance, I felt Orochimaru's chakra flare, and he was rushing towards us from deeper in the base. I placed a hand on Haku's head, and she too vanished.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Turning, I rushed out. The steel door that marked the room was locked, but as I slammed my fist into it, the stone holding it in place gave, and the Otoga Jōnin on the other side screamed as the metal crushed him. The directions I memorized when I was escorted by Orochimaru were still fresh in my mind, and I followed them in reverse. As I felt Orochimaru ahead of me, and as I ran, I forced chakra into the cursed seal on my neck. The transformation while under the seventh gate burned worse than anything I ever felt, but I endured. Shoving Bishoman's handle into my mouth, I clapped my hands together, summoning clone after clone, giving them only enough chakra to last for an hour.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Hundreds of me began to scatter down every hall, in every room, and even up on the ceiling. Each of us had the seventh gate opened, and each of us had seal's chakra empowering us. The only thing you could see around us was the blazing aura of purple chakra and the shivering glow of my sweat from the seventh gate. It was a mess, and we all ran in every direction. Some of them even ran back to the Sound Four to mess with them, and I knew one withdrew paper bombs to destroy the lab they were using, but not before stealing certain injections.
⠀⠀⠀⠀But even with my speed being what it was, and the chaos around me, Orochimaru still reached the entrance to the base first. Knowing he would rush there to prevent me from leaving, I chose a different path, allowing my clones to rush him. Throwing Bishoman into my inventory, I withdrew Dokoutsui, as I picked a random direction within the base to run. Up to a set of stairs, I went, only to run down a long hall, and exit into a bedding area. I already knew there were people in this direction from their chakras, but as I kicked open a door, this one not being steel, the Jōnin on the inside freaked.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Their movements were slow, and my eyes flicked to a corner where a snake slithered. It was tiny, slithered down a wall, and reacted the same way the Jōnin had. Before it or the Jōnin knew what was going on, I swung the massive stone hammer. It slammed into the ground, and all of my chakra went into the shifting of the earth around me. The whole base shook as I tore a crevasse into the stone. The men screamed, and I was blinded by sunlight. I lept up and rushed out onto the surface and began sprinting away, and while I knew I could just fast travel away, I didn't.
⠀⠀⠀⠀Not a minute passed before Orochimaru followed behind me, and my clones being left to handle themselves. Out of necessity, none of the dispelled themselves, as I couldn't handle the backlash at a time like this. Orochimaru was still quicker, and as I ran, I tossed Dokoutsui into my inventory and found my way to a clearing. Rushing to the center, I began withdrawing paper bomb after paper bomb, threw them about like a mad child.
⠀⠀⠀⠀With an angry glare, Orochimaru landed before me, eyeing the field around me. He looked both angry and pleased. "Just what are you planning?" he asked.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Murder," I replied, not stopping.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"If you expect something like that to kill me, then you're mistaken," he noted, only to let a few snakes flow from his sleeve. They were tiny and slithered in my direction. "Still, you do surprise me at every turn."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"How so?" I questioned as the last of my paper bombs fluttered to the ground.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Not even with my seal could stop you from using those storage seals of yours… Amazing, simply amazing."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Thank you?" I offered, withdrawing Enryuu from my inventory, only to stab at the ground, killing a tiny snake.
⠀⠀⠀⠀For the last time, Orochimaru laughed. "You really are like your parents."
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Good. Do me a favor, will you?"
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Would you come back with me if I said yes?" he joked, and I could feel his chakra in the ground moving towards me. At some point, I just knew he made himself a clone to use.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"Give that to Mama and Papa, next time you see them." My request came with a lazy toss of Enryuu, and it stabbed into the ground in front of him. "And let my Sensei know I failed to save my friends. At least I know they'd rather die in my seals with me then become one of your lab rats."
⠀⠀⠀⠀Orochimaru's eyes widened, and the real him leaped out of the ground to grab me, and I activated every last one of my paper bombs as I entered a dungeon. The blast still hit me. I didn't hear the bang, but I sure as hell felt it, and when I flopped down into the Onimusha dungeon, I screamed as I held onto the stump that was my left arm. I really did hate luck.
Your reckless action favored against you.
Please Review. It lets me know if you want more.
Author's Note
⠀⠀⠀⠀I really do hope you enjoyed. This chapter was a complex mess to write.