He groaned. But thanks to his Haki, he would have been in a more fatal condition. That blast of wind that hit him was strong.
He stretched out his Observation Haki. The first thing that registered to him was a huge presence and it is very close to his location. He couldn't dwell on searching for his team as the presence before lunged at him.
"A snake?" Doffy thought out loud. He jumped away as an oversized snake jumps at him with its fangs bared.
While Doffy was dodging the snake, his mind is running a mile a minute.
From the chats he have with the Old Man, and from what he could think about this snake that has a larger amount of chakra than the wildlife here in Forest of Death, only two people have a hold on snakes.
Doffy knew one of them is loyal to the village. Unless it was an order from the Hokage, Anko would not add his summons here in this test. So it was clear to him on who summoned this big snake, and he knew he couldn't waste any more time here.
Doffy let a small burst of his Haki, knowing the instincts of the snake that he is in a presence of a much more dangerous position.
The snake faltered for a moment, and that's what Doffy wanted. With a little bit of Haki, Shave and Finger Pistol, blood erupted from the snake's body, but Doffy didn't pay much attention as he through the trees to his teammates. He sensed their chakra is running erratically in the presence of another person with a much more larger and vile signature.
"Ya' think you can take him?" He heard a voice in his head.
"Right now? Of course I can beat him no problem. He's a wanted person especially here in Konoha so he wouldn't want to have a full blown fight right now. Though I don't know what he wants to a group of genins." Doffy said, mumuring the last part.
"Hmph, I guess that makes sense. But remember, if you die, I die. Don't let yourself get in a pinch."
"I know that, don't worry. I know you're soft-hearted like your fur."
He ignored the indignant roars of his tenant, concentrating on reaching his teammates.
'What are you doing here, Orochimaru?'
*LINEBREAK*
Sakura expected the exams would be easy enough. She also knew that she her team would not steamroll the exams.
The first part of the exams was a bit hard, but after Kakashi-sensei drilled in their heads 'to look beyond the underneath', she knew what to do in the paper test. The chaos Naruto secretly started also helped her.
The second part of the exams is hard, she also knew that. A survival test inside a creepy forest with lots of creepy animals, some of them over-sized, killing is allowed, and learning to live with only what you currently have for five days.
Sakura knew this is a simulation on how Chuunins operate in a mission, and Sakura expected that anything could happen to her and her teammates.
But of all things she expected, this certainly is not one of them.
The rogue ninja, Orochimaru of the Sannin, is here.
Sakura knew that something is definitely wrong when Naruto spoke seriously, ordering them to move with haste.
The next thing she knew, Naruto moved fast next to them and kicked both her and Sasuke as Naruto summoned a huge spiderweb and a blast of wind hit him, sending him away.
She heard someone laughing, and it was creepy too. Sakura saw a pale-skinned man with long black hair. Gold eyes with a slit that looked like an eye of a snake. But what really creeped her out was the tongue that was too long to be normal.
After the initial feelung of uneasiness left her and as she gathered herself, she recognized the description of this man, but the name eluded her. She was forced out of her thoughts as Sasuke's voice rang out.
"Who are you?! What did you do to Naruto?!" Sakura saw him glaring at the pale-skinned man.
"Don't worry about your teammate Sasuke, I just want to test for a little bit." Black eyes morphed into red with two tomoes circling around. "Oh, the famous Doujutsu, the Sharingan! Quite a sight to see, though a bit different from your brother and a bit weaker than his. Much weaker."
Sakura knew that if this guy wants to push Sasuke's buttons, he is doing excellently, though the feeling of dread won't leave her. As soon as those words were uttered, Sasuke raged.
He charged with two kunais in both hands, intent on skewering the creepy man. The initial attack was dodged, and so the others that followed. The fight continued that way for a time. Sasuke attacking with reckless abandon, Sakura thought Sasuke came from a civilian family, what with how he fights right now. His opponent dodges every stab and slash with grace, bending out of the way, like a snake.
It kept nagging at the back of her head as Sakura thought of the description of this man and when she thought about snakes.
Sakura shook her head, and she looked at Sasuke, their eyes met for a second and they both nod.
'Good thing Sasuke regained his bearings.' Sakura thought. She knew it is a sour topic when involving Sasuke's family, especially his brother.
She grabbed her kunais, and launched her own assault from the pale man's back. She moved for a stab, but the grabbed her arm, knocking her kunai and threw her to Sasuke. The boy dodged, and launched his kunais, though they were all batted away.
Sasuke weaved through hand seals, and threw a huge fireball against the man, forcing him to leap backwards. The man looked entertained, even if a bit disappointed.
Sakura took her remaining kunais and launched them against the man most were deflected and a couple landed near his feet. There was a hiss, signifying the use of an explosive tag, forcing the man to leap back to a trunk of a tree. Sakura brought her last kunai with ninja wires wrapped around it and threw it on another tree beside the one the pale freak backed onto. She leapt onto the other side, holding the end of the ninja wire and trapping the man on the wires and the tree.
Sasuke took it as the cue, weaving through hand signs.
"Katon: Ryuuka no Jutsu!"
The last thing Sakura saw of the man was the disappointed, if a bit amused look on his face as the dragon of fire hit him dead on.
"Ya' think... we got 'im...? Sasuke asked between his panting.
Before Sakura could answer, that creepy laughter sounded behind them and a huge wave of killing intent hit the both of them. It was like they were back in their disastrous C-rank, but much more potent. Before she could think of it further, she was kicked in her stomach, sending her rolling on the ground.
"Impressive. Such teamwork is truly impressive, but teamwork is not enough to beat me though. Nonetheless, I applaud your efforts." The man said mockingly. "Especially you, Sasuke-kun."
"W-Who a-are you?" Sakura said weakly. She looked at Sasuke, who was paler than his usual color.
"Ah yes, where are manners? I am Orochimaru," Both genins paled further, the name hammered into them back in the academy, "and I have a gift for you, Sasuke." As he said that, his neck grew unimaginable lengths, his mouth open, flying to Sasuke.
"Sasuke!"
"Athlete!"
Sakura heard a familiar voice, and saw a black foot hit the the rogue nin's jaw, sending him away, though the man crumbled into mud as he hit the ground.
"I didn't know that a member of the famed Sannin lacks in manners. Not inviting me on your party, really?" Naruto said chuckling.
Orochimaru looked at the newcomer, and Sakura didn't like the look the Sannin have right now. He looked fascinated, and looking at Naruto like he was strapped in a table, ready to dissect him.
Orochimaru chuckled, "well if it isn't the failure of the Namikaze. I didn't expect you to defeat my summon this fast." The Sannin said as he reappeared.
Naruto didn't reply, he just brought out an Earth scroll and chucked it to Sasuke. "You two move to the tower. I know you both recognize him. Go. I'll catch up to both of you." After a moment, they ran towards the tower.
"Don't worry Sakura. He's strong, just trust him." Sasuke reassured, though it sounded unconvincing.
'You better get back, Naruto.' Sakura could only hope that nothing bad would happen to him, but she knew who his opponent. She could only trust him.
*LINEBREAK*
'That would have been painful if that kick hit me, and he managed to snatch my scroll. Interesting, this child.' Orochimaru thought as he observed the Jinchuuriki.
He knew this kid, from the reports Kabuto sent to him. It is practically the talk in Konoha, the one who was to be a weakling, a failure, and was removed as the next head of the Namikaze and Uzumaki clans. And became the outcast in the village.
Though by the time Naruto's batch entered the Academy, Orochimaru was informed by Kabuto that this Naruto achieved the top rankings in the academy, according to Mizuki. (A/N: tell you the truth, I forgot about Mizuki. So what happened to him was like from cannon, though Menma's the one who was tricked.)
At first, Orochimaru held some mild interest about this kid, though considering what the Academy lessons are too easy and they are in a more peaceful time, his intrigue did not last long. Naruto's name sounded again after the the genin's first C-rank. From what Kabuto said, Naruto was called 'a Demon', not that he is in the Bingo Book, though the means on why he was called a Demon was unknown. Maybe considering it's only bandits, Orochimaru was sure it was easy to scare them, or the beast sealed inside him regained its chakra. If it is the latter, he may be a problem in the future, though clearly he doesn't have training on how to handle the beast's chakra.
But now, he is really starting to think that it was a mistake to observe this kid.
"Hoh, I admit you've got some guts, child. Quite a heroic thing you just did. Letting your teammates escape while you think you can hold me off?" Orochimaru said tauntingly expecting the brat to show some signs of nervousness. There was none, he just answered with a chuckle.
"Heroic? No, I'm no hero. My teammates just acknowledged that you're a big threat to us right now," Naruto said. "and they also know that I'm stronger than the both of them." He finished while preparing himself.
"And you think that you're enough to handle me, a Sannin?" Orochimaru bit back, tensing himself. He felt what the brat said that he is stronger than his teammates is true, and he knew nothing of his skills or abilities. Add the fact that he couldn't really fully fight right now, no doubt he would be sensed by the Hokage or his former sensei.
"Heh heh heh, I should be the one asking that. Are you enough to handle? Right here, right now?" Naruto replied, grounding the last words with a vicious grin.
'So he knew...' Orochimaru mentally frowned, before he launched himself at the brat, throwing a kunai mid-flight. Naruto jumped backwards, one middle finger stretched forward and slashing in the air. Orochimaru widened his eyes slightly as the kunai was cut in half. He didn't let it falter him, lashing out a leg for a kick. Naruto blocked it with his own leg then using his other leg to jump, avoiding the fist.
Orochimaru threw a couple of kunais at Naruto, assuming that he couldn't dodge them in mid-air. Something unexpected happened, as the kid moved to the side and dodged the projectiles mid-air. The kid looked like he was floating. He didn't get to think about it more as his instinct screamed at him to dodge just the kid swiped his hand. He leaped to the side, dodging whatever it was.
'Ninja wires? No... strings?-' Orochimaru was cut off from his musings as he heard the kid launch his attack.
"Rankyaku!(Tempest Kick!)." Naruto lashed out his right leg, slicing the air and sending a projectile at him.
Orochimaru evaded and moved away to put a distance between them.
'He's full of surprises, that's for sure.' Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, observing the surroundings. 'They really are strings... so that's how he can stay and move in mid-air. All of the strings is connected to him and his surroundings to keep himself steady and move in mid-air. And they're sharp enough to cut deep in the ground. And that projectile from his kick, I didn't sense chakra from that attack.'
Orochimaru grinned, his tongue visible. 'He's unique, strong and I bet he's got the brains of his father. I have to have him as my next body or in my fold.' He thought as he pulled out his sword, Kusanagi, cutting the strings and extending towards the falling brat. Another unexpected thing happened, as the kid kicked the air multiple times, then disappeared, completely dodging the blade. He reappeared a few feet away from him mid-landing.
Orochimaru knew what he had to do. After the display this kid showed, he knew he had to have him. With this kid's body and a pair of Sharingan, he would have the perfect vessel, and he would be unstoppable.
He stretched his neck, hurtling towards the boy's neck with his mouth wide open. He latched onto him before he could react. He was elated as he bit the boy, he could almost see the completion of his plans, the perfect vessel he would soon have.
It was then that when he didn't taste any blood, he knew something was wrong. He looked at where he is currently biting. It was all white. All strings, unraveling and exploding outwards wrapping his body.
He knew these strings are sharp, and he need to do something, and fast. Thinking fast, he used his unique substitution, hoping he was not too late. A pair of hands appeared, and another Orochimaru appeared, just as his previous self was sliced to pieces.
Orochimaru fell on one knee. His unique substitution took a lot of chakra. It was also practically a beacon to announce his presence.
"Fuffuffuffuffu..." Orochimaru glared up, grabbing his Kusanagi as Naruto chuckled maliciously at one of the branches. "Do you have an answer now, Orochimaru?" Naruto asked, that insufferable grin still plastered in his face.
Orochimaru glared for a moment before he smirked. "You are quite a puzzle, Naruto-kun. A puzzle, to be precise. Unfortunately, I do not have time for another bout. If you'll excuse me."
He ran. Orochimaru ran away. The sheer thought was absurd. It infuriated him. He would have wanted to thrash the boy around if it weren't for the fact that the use of his unique substitution is a clear message of his presence. Add the fact that he didn't put a Cursed Seal at Sasuke, bringing a new bout rage and disbelief.
"And where do you think you're going?!" Orochimaru wouldn't admit but he was surprised that the boy caught up to him. "Do you really think you can get away from me? Fullbright!"
Orochimaru was forced to defend as five white strings descended onto him. He blocked it with his Kusanagi cutting the surprisingly durable strings. He looked at the brat, who would have launched another attack if not for the boy suddenly halted, frowning momentarily, no doubt distracted by the ANBU approaching them. The Sannin used his blade, extending towards the boy, who dodged by jumping away but got nicked on his right leg.
Naruto was forced to leap away as he look at the newcomer. Orochimaru could tell that the boy is slightly panting. "You know, I would've liked you here longer to keep me entertained but me and my team got a more important things to do, like continuing the exams. So could you stop running and die?"
Orochimaru glowered at the brat, he would've attack the brat if not for his experience in keeping a hold of his emotions. He took a deep breathe.
"It would seem that my plans didn't go as I hoped. But no matter, this is only a minor setback." Orochimaru jumped away, intent on escaping but stopped as he addressed the Jinchuuriki. He smirked maliciously. "By the way, Naruto-kun, I'm sure you know that I possess the contract on snakes. That means that I also have access to the numerous types of venoms."
"Oh? What are you getting at?" Naruto asked.
"Just a little bit of my newly-created poison, and my blade, the Kusanagi, have some of my poison." Naruto's smile twitched a little. "It would be a shame if you die early. Of course, I have the antidote, and I would give it to you willingly. If you pledge your allegiance to me, that is." It's true. It was a poison of his own creation and he does have the antidote. He didn't expect to fail his personal mission here, so he created this back-up plan on the fly. But he knew that his former teammate could heal the boy and perhaps create her own antidote.
"He's not joking. You're poisoned and I can't flush it all out, just slow a bit its spread through your bloodstream. If this is from a normal snake, I would've flushed it out no problem. But this is kind of new."
'I see... I got careless back there.' He could've prevented it if he hadn't been too cocky. His Haki could've stopped the blade from cutting him.
"You can just go to that super doctor later after this stupid exams, you know."
Before Naruto could answer the Sannin, a feminine voice shouted out with venom and hatred all too clearly.
"You bastard! You're not getting away! Katon: Ryuuka no Jutsu!" A fire dragon soared through the air, hitting where the rogue-nin and his accomplice stood. There's a huge explosion with large billows of smoke emerging, but no bodies could be seen.
"Well, that's a powerful fire technique, proctor-san, though it didn't really affected him." Naruto said to the purple haired kunoichi. "I can't sense him around anymore, he escaped."
"Tch... that bastard..." Anko muttered angrily. "Wait, did you fought the snake bastard?" A nod was her answer. "And you're still alive?" He nods again. "Sorry if I don't believe you, brat, but as much as I hate to say it, he's strong and-"
"Heh heh heh, I know proctor-san. But I only beat him because he couldn't fight in full power because someone would definitely sensed him." Naruto said. Anko thought that made sense, but still she was still unsure. "And it's not like he knew my abilities, so I guess I just got the element of surprise back there."
"Right... Go now, I'm gonna report this to Hokage-sama. After the second part of the exams, expect to be called by the Hokage for your report." Anko said as she flickered out of sight.
"Well, that's refreshing." He stretched his Observation Haki and found his teammates. "Better get back at them."
*LINEBREAK*
"Rasengan!"
The Taki-nin was hit dead-on by the swirling ball of chakra. Memma smirked in satisfaction as he looked at the unconscious Taki genin as he fished out a Heaven scroll. The genin team from Taki that was hidden and lying in wait to ambush others, but Menma's sister being a sensor and Satsuki covering area with an illusion, they ambushed their would-be ambushers.
"And all we have to do is to reach the tower team!" Menma said energetically. He noticed her sister frowning slightly. "Mito?"
"Hm?" Mito jumped slightly as she saw her teammates looking at her. "What?"
"You look like you want to take a shit and kept looking at a distance as if you want to go to a toilet." Satsuki rolled her eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Shut up." Mito flushed angrily. "I just sensed a couple of large chakra signatures. I have a bad feeling at these two individuals. One felt like us, the other is... too vile, too malevolent. And no, it's not him. Just because he smiles creepily means it's him." Mito emphasised the last word as she saw Menma opening his mouth. "...though he's close to one of those two, too close in fact."
"What about Sasuke?" Satsuki said ina nonchalant tone, though she couldn't keep the worry from her voice.
"They're not moving so I guess they're fine." Mito replied.
"Huh? And where's that weakling?" Menma looked confused.
"He's having company, and hostile at that. If I'm not mistaken, they're the team from Oto."1
Menma didn't replied. He was contemplating on what to do. They can go straight to the tower, or visit Team 11. Though Menma wouldn't admit out loud, he knew Naruto was strong. He looked like he has a lot of experience in battles like some Jounin war veterans, too much experience considering their age.
"You want to check Team 11?" Menma asked his teammates. "Though it's not like they're in trouble. So we could just go to the twer now..."
"You two wouldn't check on your brother?"
"Nah, not worth the effort." Menma replied. "Besides, trouble follows that smiling bastard. C'mon, let's just go to the tower."
*LINEBREAK*
Temari watched her youngest brother squashed an unfortunate Rain genin. Watching his brother turning people into blood and mush, she was used to this, much to her sanity.
Gaara gripped his head, no doubt because of the demon inside him. She want to help him, comfort him, but she couldn't. If she did, she would've been covered in sand. She couldn't help but curse her father internally.
She understand the situation of their village. The income was too low, and the Wind Daimyo didn't help matters. Now they were forced to betray their ally, and even with help of the Sound Village and Orochimaru, she doubted they would still win. Even if by some miracle they did win, she was sure that casualties will be high, with the possibility of her included, it would still weaken their village, win or loose. Not to mention, people would also be wary of them considering them betraying their ally. All in all, she knew the outcome will be bad for them.
She could see Kankuro thinking the same. Gaara needs help. Temari will search find one, she promised. She would find help, even if she sell her soul to a demon.
"Temari, Kankuro, come. We have what we need."
*LINEBREAK*
Kiba Inuzuka run as fast as he could. His teammates not far behind him. He didn't care if someone noticed them, all he wanted is to get away from that Sand genin. His instincts screaming at him. And he didn't thought otherwise.
After watching that bloody display of the red-head's sand, he wanted to vomit right then and there. But for the sake of his team's position, he didn't want to be the reason for them to be compromised in their hiding place. But it took his everything to stop himself from hurling his breakfast.
"What... what the hell... is that?!" Kiba asked between pants. They were running for an hour since and currently resting on a high branch. His partner Akamaru whimpered inside his jacket.
"I do not know for sure, Kiba-san. But I think the best course of action is to steer clear away from the Sand Team." Shino answered. Though he may look composed like always, but from the amount of sweat dripping down from his forehead was any indication, he can safely say that most of his sweat didn't came from running like hell.
"Yeah, no shit!" Kiba bit back. He looked at his other teammate. Hinata look rather pale. He grabbed her shoulders in an attempt to comfort her. "Don't worry, Hinata. I'm sure we're far enough away from that freak. We also have both scrolls, so we don't have to spend any more time here in this creepy forest." Hinata just nodded, she was still shaken from what she had witnessed.
"I suggest we move to the tower now, and have some much-needed rest, especially for Hinata." Shino called.
"Yeah, c'mon. I don't wanna stay here any longer!"
*LINEBREAK*
Kin, Dosu, and Zaku jumped through trees, searching for the missing member of team 11. Orochimaru gave them new orders, "do whatever you want to do on the blonde kid, Naruto." Kin didn't know why their master ordered them with something like this, though she didn't care.
Dosu raised a hand, halting them in their tracks. "I guess he's expecting us."
Kin looked where his bandaged teammate facing at. She couldn't understand how this blonde can fight with his current attire, though clearly it didn't bother the blonde, despite looking like attending a party with a Daimyo.
"So..." The blonde started. "Something you need from me?" The blonde questioned. Kin observed him. He looked like in pain or something similar to that. He's sweating a lot, and she guessed that it didn't came from tree jumping.
"Yeah, we want you dead. But please, use your remaining time to keep us entertained." Zaku bit back.
"Well, that's unfortunate. I guess we're stuck here for the time being." Blondie replied grinning, his hands shoved in his pockets.
Zaku replied with a punch as he launched himself. Blondie blocked the punch with a knee and using his other leg, kicking Zaku on the chest, sending him rolling to the ground. Blondie rushed to Zaku, lashing out another kick. Zaku blocked it with his arm, but he didn't expected the force, and a resounding crack rang out. He clutched his broken arm, yelling in pain.
Dosu joined the fray, brandishing his kunais. Blondie brought out his left hand, moving his fingers in the air like using a guitar. Kin barely heard Blondie murmuring 'Parasite'.
Kin was about to join too when she was forced to throw her kunais at the bandaged kid. "Hey! What do you think you're doing?!" Her temmate demanded.
"I-I can't control my arms, that's what!" She looked at the chuckling blonde. "What did you do to me?!"
"Fuffuffuffu. Why, I just don't want to fight you, and I have to get back to my team, and fast, so I need your help against your teammate, fuffuffuffu." Blondie chuckled. Kin thought this kid could give Orochimaru a run for his money on who has the creepiest chuckles.
"What? Just because I'm a girl, you wouldn't want to fight me? Well, aren't you a gentleman." She replied sarcastically rolling her eyes.
"Fuffuffuffuffu. Well, as they say, whatever makes you sleep at night."
Dosu narrowed his eyes. He saw some strange wires on Kin connected to the kids fingers. 'So that's how he's doing it. He can control people like puppets. What a scary individual this one.'
Dosu launched himself to his female teammate, intending to cut those strings. His other teammate looked Zaku was preoccupied with a clone, making him wonder when did the kid made one. But as Dosu reached his teammate, he felt something hit him. It felt like killing intent without the feeling of death looming at himself. He looked at Kin, she also looked a bit shaken.
"As I said, I don't have time to deal with you all. I'm saying this once. Get out of my way and maybe I'll spare you to see the next sunrise." The blonde said. His grin wider and twitching as whatever it was, hit Dosu harder, forcing him to comply.
"Tch. W-Whatever. Just pray that we don't cross paths in the future!" Kin sneered after regaining some bravado.
Dosu didn't know what it was. It felt like killing intent from his master, just without the images of his deaths. It was like he was being tamed like a wild animal. He shook his head as he grabbed Zaku, running away from that blonde demon.
*LINEBREAK*
"Took you long enough." Sasuke muttered as Naruto appeared. "You look like you just cane out of a battlefield." Naruto's clothes have some tears and scratches. Sasuke also noticed the cut on his leg with a bit of a swelling.
"What happened?" Sakura asked as she too noticed the cut on his leg. "Your cut on your leg looks like poisoned. Orochimaru did that, didn't he?"
"Yeah, but don't worry. I'm too awesome to die from being poisoned, heh heh." Naruto replied in his usual manner. "C'mon let's just go to-" Naruto was cut-off in a coughing fit. "That damn pasty-face." He whispered.
"No. You can't move properly right now, Naruto." Sakura said with a tone of finality. "Here's what we gonna do. We have at least four days to reach the tower. We're gonna use some of it to rest. And we're only gonna go there if I give you the green light. Capiche?" Sakura glared at Naruto. He just raised his hands in surrender.
"Heh heh, when you put it like that, OK Doc."
"What happened to Orochimaru?" Sasuke asked. "What does he want from me?"
"He escaped. I just fought him for awhile hoping some would sense that pale freak. Fortunately, the proctor did, though he's living through his name as the Snake Sage. He's slippery, that bastard." Naruto replied.
"But what did a Sannin wants from a group genin?!" Sakura cried. She really was shaken after facing the infamous rogue ninja. "Why did he approach Sasuke specifically?"
"I can only assume he came here for the Sharingan. Though I don't know why me." The Uchiha muttered.
"Guess he assumed that we're easier to deal with than the Twin Heroes of Konoha." Both looked confused, and Naruto clarified. "The twins are the Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi, progeny of the two of the most powerful ninjas in Konoha. With that kind of potential plus the Kyuubi, you would have two skilled ninjas stopping you on getting to your sister. And back at the Academy, some of the instructors recognized her as the better of the two of you, Sasuke. And I guess it's fortunate for us that Shizuka still don't have her Sharingan." Naruto concluded. "*yawn* gonna hit the hay, for now. Doctors orders."
Sasuke nodded, though he look deep in his thoughts. "Go to sleep, Sakura. I'll take first watch."
*LINEBREAK*
Doffy, Sakura and Sasuke finally arrived at the tower. Approaching the gate, they saw a carved message on the wall.
"If you do not possess Heaven, gain knowledge and be prepared. If you do not possess Earth, run through the fields and seek through. If you open both Heaven and Earth scrolls, dangerous paths turns into safe ones. This is the secret of something, something. What do you make of these, guys?" Sakura asked.
"Guess they want us to open the scrolls." Sasuke answered with a shrug.
Doffy just nodded. He felt better than his first day being poisoned, though it doesn't mean he's cured. Sakura theorized that if he didn't do something strenuous, the poison in his body will spread slower.
Sasuke opened both scrolls. As soon as he saw the contents, he tossed both, all three jumped back. It revealed a sealing formula, a puff of smoke and a familiar presence standing there according from his Haki.
"Ah, Team 11, congratulations for passing the second part of the exams! I was wondering who summoned me." Umino Iruka greeted the three.
"Heh heh, so what's next? Are we gonna have to beat your ass, Iruka-sensei?" Naruto asked.
"No, of course not. The Hokage will arrive at the fifth day to explain the third and final part of the exams. Right now, you can use the rest as to relax. There are several rooms still available for every team."
Team 11 acknowledged, walking through the front door as Iruka disappeared. Entering the tower, they were met with a very large room. They weren't the only ones there. Teams 7, 8 and 9 were there along with the team from Suna where the red-haired Jinchuuriki belong, as well as the team from Sound. Doffy focused on red-hair with the gourd. From what his tenant said to him, the One-Tails, Shukaku, drives their jailor to insanity, and as evidenced on how the red-haired kid was looking at him right now with a manic grin.
Doffy grinned back as they walked to one of the rooms given to them. They entered and saw a pretty normal-looking room with three beds. Sakura immediately plopped on one of the beds.
"Thank Kami, how I missed this! Can't believe they want us to camp there for five days! That forest is too creepy!"
Doffy chuckled at her words, relaxing on the bed next to her.
"Heh heh, I was having fun."
Sakura just looked at him with a deadpanned expression.
"Of cooourse, you would have. Unfortunately, I am not some kind of a super being."
Doffy laughed. "Heh heh heh, you're right. That is unfortunate."
Sakura pouted. She grabbed her pillow and threw it at Naruto. He used his strings to lift himself, avoiding the projectile. The pillow kept going and it hit Sasuke on the back, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, taking off his footwear. The pillow sent him facefirst on the floor, not expecting to be hit inside their room.
Doffy grinned, calling off his strings and sat on his bed. Sakura looked horrified.
"S-Sasuke, I-I-I'm s-sorry. I-I didn't mean-"
Sasuke slowly got up, and glared at the two of them. He grabbed his pillow, halting Sakura from her apology.
And thus, war has begun.
*LINEBREAK*
For the last two days, Team 11 waited for the second part of the exam to begin. All of the Rookie genin of Konoha made it to the tower, as well as Lee's team. Kabuto and his team also arrived. During those days, Team 11 was bored, usually playing cards that Naruto got somewhere, or talking with the other Konoha teams. The Fourth arrived, and will announce the next part.
All genins moved in front of the Hokage in the arena. They all looked towards the 'Yellow Flash', who began his speech. Doffy tuned out most of it, preferring to observe the other genins. Most were teams from Konoha, all of the rookies were included. There were a few from other villages, but his most concern is the team from Suna, Team 7 and Kabuto. Doffy then heard his chance to thin out competition. The faster this finished, the sooner he can get to the hospital to make an antidote.
"Unfortunately, there are too many of you to proceed the final exam. So, we're gonna have an elimination round to thin you out." The Fourth explained.
Kiba asked. "Elimination round? What for? What's the problem if we're too many here?"
The Hokage cleared his throat, and prepare to explain to the Inuzuka kid.
"The final round of the Chuunin Exams is to be held in front of several individuals of high prestige. The exams was designed this way to show the villages power and strength to attract potential clients and businesses. But because of the difficult nature of arranging so many VIPs, the event must be short." Minato explained. "Now are there any of you who wants to drop-out?"
Sasuke and Sakura looked at Naruto in concern, though he just grinned at them. They looked at Naruto for a few moments before nodding at him.
"I will." Kabuto raised his hand. "I am not fully recovered yet, so I wish to back-out right now."
Doffy looked at Four-Eyes, and he also noticed Mito looking at the drop-out leaf-nin with her eyes narrowed. Some genins also backed out, and the Hokage nodded his head towards a sickly-looking ninja with a coughing fit.
"I am Hayate Gekko, your proctor for these elimination round. Please move to the st*cough*stands and join your team leaders. We will you use the computer behind me*cough*to randomly select the match-ups."
They looked to the right where Kakashi was leaning on the wall reading his book. They moved towards the stairs, joining him and watched the screen on who will fight first. Kakashi closed his book and greeted them with a raised hand.
"Yo."
Sakura and Sasuke greeted him back in the same manner and Naruto just nodded at him. He somewhat expected that as venom is currently swimming in his bloodstreams. Tsunade appeared yesterday to check on him and got a sample of his blood to make the antidote. It was expected to be ready before the day end.
"How are you feeling, Naruto?" Kakashi asked his student.
"I've been better. But it's nothing I can't handle." Naruto replied with his usual wide grin, though it looked forced.
Before Kakashi could ask him again, the screen lit up with two names written.
Naruto vs. Kin Tsuchi
Doffy looked at the aformentioned girl, whose also looking at him confidently with a bit of apprehension. The girl jumped down and Doffy just walked the stairs, and faced his opponent.
"Tch. You should've just forfeited. You just got the most worst possible opponent for you now." Kin mocked, hoping to see some reaction. She was disappointed as the boy kept grinning with his hands in his pockets. The proctor cleared his throat.
"Okay, the matches will end if one or both competitors are unconscious, unable to continue to fight, surrender in the middle *cough* of the fight or if one of the competitor dies. My word is law in this stage *cough* and if I say the match is done, you stop. Any questions?" Both genins shook their heads sideways.
"Very well, begin!"
The proctor immediately jumped away as the girl launched herself with a fist to Doffy. He blocked it with his leg and a battle with taijutsu commenced with the girl on the offensive. Doffy either blocked or evaded most of the barrage by the girl though few of them scratched him.
Doffy knew he needed to finish this fast or the venom will further deteriorate him and lose a spot for the finals. He was caught off guard when his opponent do a 360 and lashed out a kick towards his stomach, sending him staggering a bit.
Up the stairs, Kiba blinked his eyes.
"What the hell? Did he lose his touch or something?"
"Well, I can't really say but something happened to him back in the forest and he's currently at a disadvantage." Kakashi replied.
"Hmph. Either he is weak or he is too much of a coward to hit a girl, you mean." Menma commented making Sakura glare at him.
All of them ignored the Hokage's son and Team 8's sensei asked Kakashi what did that mean.
"What happened to them at the Forest of Death, Kakashi?" Kurenai questioned.
"I don't know for sure. But we, the Jounin senseis, were ordered to meet the Hokage right after the eliminations."
Kushina didn't say anything and just watched the battle down. The 'mother' part of her was concerned and worried for Naruto after learning what happened back at the second exam and she would've pestered Naruto. Though the 'shinobi and clan head' part kept saying that her decisions were justified for the good of her clan. She watched as Naruto skid back with his arms crossed in front of his face and fell on one knee as the girl detonated several explosive tags she threw at Naruto. Dust and smoke billowed out in the arena.
"What's the matter, blondie? Are you really not gonna fight just because I'm a girl? You should have forfeited earlier and you wouldn't have to suffer from this humiliation." The Sound girl taunted. Several girls and women, especially Kurenai became angered as they heard what the girl said.
"Bullet String." Something shot out in the smoke and Kin barely dodged whatever it was that scratched her below her left eye.
'That attack. Whatever it is, I don't know, but that attack would've pierced me. That attack was aimed to kill. I expected something to knock me out but I didn't expect him to suddenly throw an attack to kill me.' Kin thought worriedly.
"Fuffuffuffuffu. Humiliate me, you say." Emerging from the dust and smoke, Naruto approach the girl with a frown. "No, you should have forfeited. I know you thought of this." He stopped a few deet away from her.
"When you thought you couldn't beat me, you should've forfeited." Kushina saw Naruto don his usual wide grin. The girl shivered. "But of course, there are those I don't want kill or destroy...
...but. Let me ask you something." His grin widened even further. Fear is now evident on the girl's face, forcing her to take a couple of steps back unconsciously.
"Have you ever seen a fierce animal that you were sure would never bite?"
Kushina watched his estranged son raise his hand, clawing the air and five near-unnoticable colorful atrings appeared on his fingertips.
"Fuffuffuffu. Well, I haven't." The observers watched as Naruto surged forward, right hand trailing a bit with rainbow-colored strings. As he got in front of the Sound girl, he executed his attack.
"Penta-Chromatic Strings!" He brought his hand, slashing the strings in five straight cuts from her left shoulder to her right hip.
"ARGH-!" Kin lost consciousness before she hit the ground with a thud.
"Winner, Naruto!" The proctor declared.
Doffy looked at the girl, before he himself fell on one knee. The last thing he saw was his sensei on his side. "Don't bother, Hayate. I'll bring him to the hospital myself." Both student and teacher disappeared in a Body Flicker.
"Hope he's okay." Sakura murmured quietly.
Sasuke just squeezed her shoulder. "Don't worry. That idiot will not die from some measly poison. I guarantee you that if he's close to dying, there would be a lot of casualties right now."