Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!
TheChamp123; Yeah, we're getting into some cool stuff going on. Glad you liked the bonding between Ryouta and Kakashi. Yeah, while not a replacement, it's nice they have a good relationship. Hmm, he has yeah...maybe he'll appear soon~
Xionremind22; Maybe he could~
JhotoLoraxius; A year younger than Hinata.
danielhaywoodsnow; Hehe, thanks very much~ I'm glad that you're enjoying him. Yeah, Orochimaru can be like that, plus he's the kind to freak people out. Glad you liked the interactions with the girls. Probably around part two we'll see stuff like that. Satsuki probably would do yeah. The Chunin Exams are going to be quite fun~
Clarent excalibur; They do yeah, they'll put that knowledge to their use.
LezarioFanficio; Thanks!
Isao Gin; Hmm, we'll see soon~
ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks! Yeah, it could be~ They have yeah, they've placed their trust into Satsuki and Ryouta. Haha, they've got a good few people on them. They will yeah.
Silver crow; Thanks! They'll have a good deal of advantage in the forest. It seems she did yeah. Glad you liked their kiss. When they talk, it's going to be rather interesting. Yeah, the Uchiha sent them off. Kakashi has yeah. Team Seven do have a good friendship building. It does seem Gaara is going through quite a bit. Pakura can yeah. Haha, that's Lee for you. Maybe Neji wouldn't be hehe. That's the Sound for you. We'll see what happens with the Sound Ninja. That's Zosui for you. Anko did yeah. Ino did yeah, she showed how she felt. Sakura defended her teammate, she cares quite a bit for Satsuki and Naruko here. Yeah, seems the girls took that a different way to how Kabuto meant it. Satsuki is a bit more open. Neji's quite focused. Orochimaru's quite the weird person and does some strange stuff~ Hinata did yeah. He did yeah, he cares quite a bit about Ino. The forest will take a little more than that. Orochimaru's going to be showing some stuff. Gaara and Ryouta will have some moments. We'll see some stuff during that months training yeah. We'll see how Hinata vs Neji goes. That's how Zosui is. Tsunade could appoint Ryouta as that. Yeah, that would be cool. If he got horns yeah he'd look like a Dragon. I'm sure Satsuki would want to see Ryouta fight so she wouldn't be late. Yeah, they'd be green.
Dark King Marcel; Thanks! We'll have to wait and see what happens with that~
Skull Flame; He is yeah, that's Orochimaru for you. They are yeah.
Guest 1; Black Zetsu could be involved. Maybe it was a little bit involved with her powers. For their relationship it seems their elements represent a few things. Naruko and Satsuki will become closer as the story goes on, even already they've displayed it by Satsuki saving Naruko's life, and Naruko in turn getting enraged by Satsuki's 'death' and more to come. I can't reveal about what's gonna happen with Satsuki, all I can say is that it is going to be fun writing it. Naruko's got more reasons to become strong, one as you said to be recognized by the village, another is so she isn't taken by Akatsuki, and there's others as well. Yeah, the movie was made to explain why they'd be together, it would've been cool to see it more in the manga. Ryouta also wishes to go after Sugaru, Tobi/Obito for what happened to his brother, he wishes to save Izumi, he wishes to understand what happened with Itachi, and some more stuff. Izumi and Itachi's fates, maybe they're the same as canon or different. Yeah, Danzo vs Ryouta is going to be quite the battle. I'd say more like Obito is since Obito's been doing stuff to him for years. Ryouta's gonna have some moves. Naruko will get a fight during the Chunin Exams that will help develop some characters. He's going to learn some stuff from Kakashi, and maybe it's Rasengan and he adds to it, or if it is something else. Yeah, those children could have them. Haha, by the time he's ready for that stuff he'll have a good deal of chakra.
maxbrevan; Thanks! Yeah, they could be.
synode; She could be.
MDM11; They could do. Ryouta might do that to Zosui. Itachi and Izumi will have some sort of meeting during part one. Kabuto I've got some ideas for. Those would be cool for the harem. Those would be cool to get that rank. Yamato huh, could be interesting.
Zagor; Yeah, when I can I will.
Guest 2; Haku will show some stuff like that. I could see Haku doing that.
Guest 3; That would be a cool story to do, thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 4; Tsunade huh, maybe she could be. Haha, Naruko doing that would be rather fun to see.
Andrew123456; There's a number of things I'd change, too many to list, and thanks for the vote.
War Sage; Thanks. Yeah, his hair is. Seems like she is. Zosui, we'll see what happens to him. Yeah, Neji can be huh. Ryouta and Haku are yeah. Because she's not actually getting involved with her team or making it easier for them. Yeah, that's Orochimaru for you. Seems like Gaara can't. Maybe Ryouta could do. Maybe it is because of Black Zetsu. Satsuki did yeah. Glad you liked the test. Happy you liked Sakura's part. Ino had a cute moment. Kiba is yeah. Thanks for the suggestions!
YaMaster100; Thank you! Yeah, we'll be seeing something with Orochimaru here~ I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far!
Brainstorm Sorcerer; Hehe, the forest is going to be rather fun to do. Yeah, they do know the forest pretty well. Hmm, we'll see what he's going to do. The woman will be revealed in time, and yeah, the Uchiha are all showing their support for Ryou and Satsuki. That mission did yeah. Maybe they are. Orochimaru was just having a bit of creepy fun, yet he also was testing a little bit to see what kind of Uchiha Ryouta is. The snakes turning on Orochimaru, maybe~ If the need arose and Naruko wasn't yet ready, then he'd step into the Hokage's shoes, kinda like how Kakashi did. Maybe it could yeah. That's Lee for you, he's quite strong with his decisions. Yeah, Kakashi and Ryouta had a small moment together. I thought that Haku and Ryouta would be able to spot something was going on with Kabuto, they don't know the full extent of it but they're aware something isn't right. Ryouta might end up showing some of his true strength here. Orochimaru is indeed very powerful with his various Jutsu's and his ability to basically heal all injuries with his unique substitutions and the ability to stick himself back together with his snakes, Ryouta's got some stuff going for him too. Yeah, the forest isn't going to be too long, but there's a few things that are going to be happening that there would be no way to fit into a single chapter.
Guest 5; Yeah, it was quite the sad time for Ryouta then.
Jet Fire; In chapters like that then yeah. Maybe he would be able to save her.
Guest 6; Yeah, the Chunin Exams are here~ It's going to be quite the exams. Maybe he will see her again soon, and speak. Satsuki was doing her best to keep calm, even though she was in the face of someone that she didn't care for. It was a shame a Sharingan never fought a Byakugan, we'll see if it happens here~ That's the Sound Team for you. Zosui was more attempting to show intimidation than anything there. They are quite suspicious of Kabuto, though they don't know exactly what he's doing, they know something isn't right with him. Orochimaru did yeah, he wished to see what kind of Uchiha Ryouta was. Ino did yeah~ The Forest of Death is going to be quite fun to do. Thank you very much! Thanks for the suggestions!
Hinata fan; The Forest of Death is going to be quite the entertaining event. Yeah, maybe they will.
Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Enter the Forest of Death!
Having followed Anko towards the location of the next exam, they found themselves at the Forest of Death. With many entrances stretching all the way that even went out of normal vision, and with all of the candidates that had passed the first exam, Ryouta could see that there would be competition.
He could also see that the man named Shiore was staring at him with saucer like eyes. It seemed so creepy and intimidating at the same time, Ryouta didn't like it. He also felt as if the man was...something more than meets the eye.
"There's something about him, more than anyone here that is giving me danger signals. Despite the fact that he seems to be rather...willing to become so close, what happened during the test with Ino-san, maybe I'm overthinking it, but there definitely was something about him that I don't like at all."
As he thought it, Shiore came over, and showed a bright smile on his face.
"How scary, that forest looks like it truly is going to kill us~"
Using a frivolous tone to the young Uchiha, Ryouta slowly nods.
"Yes...I guess, though do your best."
Ryouta, trying to be kind and cautious at the same time, spoke in a tone that had a mixture of both, Shiore on the other hand simply smiled.
"Ooh yes, lets do our best Uchiha-kun~"
Ryouta watched as Shiore placed a hand on his shoulder, and peered into his eyes.
As he did, something had their eyes on them, seeing the close nature of the pair, and narrowed their eyes at them.
Then Shiore pulled back and tilted his head slowly.
Ryouta watched on, as Shiore walked off, and went back to the team he was with.
He also saw Kabuto stood together with his two teammates.
Ryouta felt like he was keeping something back, his knowledge and his willingness to share it just felt strange to Ryouta.
Shiore notices that Ryouta is also glancing at Kabuto, and secretly smirks.
"That boy already suspects Kabuto, living in the life he has I'm not surprised. Fighting off attacks from fellow Uchiha, and survived the downfall. I wonder if Itachi meant to kill him? Sparing his Mother and sister fine, but this boy wasn't his family." Shiore licked his lips sadistically. "Now, my Uchiha girl and boy, both lovely choices to take over and make mine. Which Sharingan shall I go for first…? I think it would be interesting to go for either...but, I've got a good idea to which I'm going to go for..."
Shiore erased any thoughts he had on his face, and simply chortled as he watched the other Genin walk on by. His eyes went towards Satsuki who was stationed slightly away from her teammates, Sakura and Naruko.
His eyes also lingered on Naruko for a brief moment, before discarding Naruko out of his mind and turned his eyes back to Ryouta, who caught it, and he showed a wicked smile that didn't even portray how Shiore was feeling at that moment.
As that was going on, Ryouta, Haku and Karin all shared a similar thought for their second test. A place they had been in before, a place they could say they knew most of it from memory alone, the fact that it would be doing the test in this kind of test,
"Ever since we became Genin, we've had a few opportunities to come into this forest."
Haku began, Karin nodding slowly.
"Yes, this is like second nature to us, we know the tricks of the forest, which are the best places to go, what would be dangerous. How we need to get food, water, and all sorts of things. Even things as medicinal if we need it. We could stage a battle very well here Ryou-kun. So, this is the best for us, isn't it?"
"You're right, we've got advantage in this forest, whatever our next exam is going to be. I guess in a sense, we're home~"
Haku gave a slight smile.
"Yes...in a sense, I suppose it would be called home."
As they spoke, Ryouta felt...something coming from the forest.
As if he was being watched.
He remembered the first time he came here, Ryouta did feel something off, and now, he felt it all the same.
Ryouta looked towards the forest, but he couldn't see anything of note.
He only saw tress, leaves falling down from the branches.
He didn't see anything else.
But it did feel as if he was being watched.
While Ryouta was looking at the forest, Anko walked on by. She didn't say a thing, but she did show a prideful smile on her face, for her group.
She then began to speak when Naruko stood tall, and stared at the forest with a gleam in her eyes.
"Hah! Even if this forest is called The Forest of Death, it wont scare me!"
Anko looked rather surprised Naruko would even say something like that, so she decided to have some fun, taking out a kunai and casually tosses it at the young girl, cutting her cheek as she wrapped arms around her neck.
Naruko felt the sudden cut, and shuddered as Anko casually places a finger to the cut, and wiped the blood up. Naruko shivered at what she had doing.
"My oh my, are you really so cheeky to say that you can defeat my forest?"
"Ehehehe...w-well..."
Naruko spoke in a stutter, Anko chortled as a response.
"Trust me, even though you did fight during the Zabuza incident, this is different than that. This time, you wont have any Sensei's around to help you, you'll have to rely on your own power, and your teammates power. Can you say you're ready to do that?"
Naruko couldn't really pay attention as Anko was showcasing a scary smile on her face.
But as she went to pull away, Shiore suddenly appeared behind Anko, and his tongue extended out which was wrapped around a kunai. Anko was surprised by the speed, and sudden appearance, even the tongue as well, as it caused her to remember something that she'd rather not.
"You dropped this."
Anko feigned a smile, she didn't like the look in Shiore's eyes.
There was something about him that made her remember things she'd rather not.
However, she didn't allow herself to be deterred, and took the kunai off of the man.
"Thanks very much."
Shiore chuckled, and pulled away, along with his tongue.
Anko then patted Naruko's cheek, as she walked towards the forest gates, at least one of them. Her eyes then turned back to the people around, seeing that all eyes were on her. Even her Genin's eyes, who seemed to be slightly surprised that Anko was going to be their second proctor, though they weren't that bothered, yet they knew that it wouldn't do them any favours, Anko wasn't the type to dish out favours to her own team, which they were grateful for as they wanted to do their best, and prove themselves. They also presumed because she was, the others in the exam were aware and assured that she'd not give special treatment to her Genin.
"Alright now, it's time to begin the second stage! Unlike the first exam however, this is going to be more challenging. The exam is structured so at least half of you are going to be eliminated. Though, I expect that even more than that is going to fail this exam, as the forest isn't something you should take lightly."
Mumbles of what that meant went around, some where afraid of what that meant, and what was to come.
Anko however continues as she looks between each of the members.
"Before entering the forest, you'll be given a scroll each for your teams. It will be either a Heaven Scroll, or an Earth Scroll."
Anko said, as she brought up two scrolls.
Ryouta looked between them, as did Haku.
"To pass, you need both of these scrolls, the only way you're going to get another one though is taking it from another team."
"So, that's what she meant about half of the teams not passing."
Haku murmured, Ryouta agreed mentally, it made sense now.
This test wasn't about gathering intelligence and bravery, this was more about fighting, and gaining what would be needed for a mission.
"Once you have both, you'll head to the tower that's within the middle of the forest. You can't miss it. However, you best not take your time, you've only got five days. Get the scrolls, and make it to the tower. Without both, you'll simply not be able to come to the tower. Also, don't open the scrolls until you get to the tower." Anko said at the end menacingly. "Because if you do...something bad will happen to you."
Anko didn't even need to explain what the bad thing was.
It was clear within the young woman's voice that she was being truthful.
"Now, if you'd like to sign some consent forms and follow me."
"Consent forms? For what?"
Someone from the crowd asks, so Anko giggles sweetly yet scarily at the same time.
"It's a form to release Konoha from responsibility in the event of your death, or any form of injuries you happen to go through." Most gulped as Anko began walking towards a makeshift tent that was at the far right. "Come with me in your teams, that is if you wish to continue. Your safety, like on a mission, wont be guaranteed, understood?"
Some Genin looked frightened, but most seemed determined. People like Sakura and Ino did have a second of worry, but they also knew that this wouldn't be a cake walk, yet they wouldn't be alone either.
However, they followed Anko, and in teams of three, hand over signed forms of consent, along with each gaining a scroll.
When Ryouta's team gained theirs, Karin took the scroll, and hid it on herself. Their logic was that Karin had the best sensing capabilities, she'd be able to keep the scroll safe, even if Ryouta and Haku were fighting off the stronger enemies.
Before the gates were to be opened, Ryouta briefly split from his team after Satsuki had called him over.
Going to a private area, and making sure no one was around, Satsuki smirked as she opened her hand towards him.
"Give me your scroll."
Ryouta smiled as he shook his head.
"Nope, sorry can't do that."
Satsuki opts to smirk at the young boy as she allows her arms to snake around his neck, and body. Placing a hand on his lower back, the other hand firmly placed against the back of his head, she then placed her lips against his own briefly.
Showcasing their affection for a brief moment, when they mutually pulled away, Ryouta smiled at the young Uchiha.
"Remember, to work with your team, Satsuki-chan."
"Hm, don't worry about us, you should worry about yourself."
"Don't worry about us, this forest is something we know like the back of our hands."
Satsuki understood that, being with Anko would make sense that they'd know the forest.
"We wont see one another for a few days potentially. Don't get yourself hurt Ryou."
"Same back at you Satsuki-chan, don't get hurt. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Heh, I'm an Uchiha as well, don't worry about me." Satsuki simply ended up placing a small kiss on his lips once more, before pulling back with a renewed sense of determination. "You best be at that damn tower."
"Lets see who gets their first, Satsuki-chan."
Satsuki raised an eyebrow.
"A challenge is it? Alright, what do you want if you win?"
Ryouta shrugged.
"That can be decided at the time~"
"Then mine will be also."
Ryouta smiled at the young girl.
Though he did worry, he knew Satsuki was strong, and smart. Plus, with Sakura who was also incredibly smart, and had some good skills, even Naruko who while not as smart, did have great chakra, and was able to fight to a very good level, he knew that Team Seven would be alright.
As they stayed close together, Ryouta and Satsuki both noticed that Neji was beginning to walk in their direction.
Both showed no willingness to back down as Neji simply walked on by.
For a few moments, Neji stared between the two Uchiha's, before settling eyes on Ryouta himself.
Ryouta stared back at him, he wasn't going to be intimidated by him.
Soon afterwards, each member of Ryouta's team came together, and went towards one gate, while other teams went to other gates. Ryouta looked around, and couldn't see anyone he knew nearby, and could only hope for the best.
But, Ryouta's eyes were drawn to the forest once more.
He couldn't explain why, but he felt as if something was staring at him.
"This is it guys, we've got to do our best."
Karin murmured, Haku nodding strongly.
"Yes, we've got our scroll, and we've got to..." As she spoke, she saw that Ryouta was distracted. "Ryou-kun, is everything okay?"
"Yeah, fine..."
Haku didn't accept it.
She saw that he was clearly lying.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm alright. I thought I saw something there...but, I didn't. It's nothing."
Haku wondered if that was all.
But she let it go as she and the others heard Anko's voice.
"Alright now, the Second Stage of the Chunin Exams, begins!"
As she said it, the large gates before them open up wide.
Within moments, Ryouta and his team, along with all of the other teams shot inside of the forest without pause.
Entering the forest, Ryouta, Haku and Karin immediately head for a safe area.
An area that they knew would be safe of animals, and would allow them to view any entry point towards them, it was a secluded spot so it was perfect for them. It also wasn't that far from the gate, only taking a minute for people that had high speeds like Ryouta and Haku who ended up carrying Karin along with them so they could get there very quickly.
Ryouta though as they moved, felt as if they were being watched.
Karin wasn't acting differently, so he couldn't believe it was an enemy Ninja.
Even the most gifted at hiding their presence would have difficulty hiding from Karin.
Quickly making sure that they weren't around via Karin's power of sensing, they each faced one another with serious faces.
"So, now that we're in the forest Ryou-kun, Karin-san, we have to determine which groups we have to target. Since we have the Earth Scroll...we need a Heaven Scroll."
Haku began the conversation, with Karin looking troubled.
"Trouble is though, we don't know what the others have as their scrolls. Each battle we could go into, could be a waste of time. Or it could be right on the money. It would be a gamble, so should we observe the teams?"
While Ryouta thought that would be a good idea if they did have the time.
They only had five days, and finding a team could be trouble.
Though they had Karin which would make them be able to sense anyone, even if they were trying to lower their chakra.
"We can't waste time, Anko-sensei said as much. I think while it might be a bit dangerous, we also have to be prepared to strike a team and take them down as quickly as we can. If they don't have the scroll we need, we move on. And when we do get the scroll we need, we shoot for the tower. We can't take chances that we might be jumped for our scroll."
Karin also thought that was a smart idea.
"Unless we're too injured." Haku added with Ryouta agreeing. "In that case, we should make a base for us to use. We have the advantage now with knowing all of the best locations to rest that has natural protection, which place has the most dangerous animals, and we can set traps quick enough. Though I wish for us to not be injured, it's good to be cautious."
"I agree, so which team should we go for first?"
Karin asked, Ryouta and Haku share a look, before nodding.
"Karin-chan, how many teams are around us?"
"Distance in minutes?"
"Hmmm...lets go for five minutes for each way."
Karin closes her eyes immediately, and places her hands together as she sensed.
"...Right, I'm sensing one over towards the right at about three minutes away, the left holds two teams, with only little distance between them, and heading towards one another at a rapid pace around two and half minutes away. Towards the north of us, four minutes away, I can sense a skirmish of three teams already going at one another, and towards the south of us, there's nothing of note since they're too far for us to make and surprise them within a five minute time span. So, what one should we go towards?"
Ryouta and Haku both thought about it, they needed to act quickly.
"The one that's alone would make the most sense."
Haku began, Ryouta nodding.
"While the two teams fighting could allow us a chance to steal a scroll, it could also be a trap. There are teams that are from the same village here, including our own."
"I don't think it's anyone from our village though Ryou-kun."
Karin explained, Ryouta was glad about that.
"So, are we in agreement about us needing to gain that lone teams scroll?"
Haku and Karin nod, so they then set off with one another.
Or they would have done if Ryouta hadn't stopped them, as he looked around.
"Karin-san, this might be a strange question to ask, but is there anyone around here?"
"Around here?"
Karin retorted confused.
"Yeah, I get the feeling that there's something watching us around here."
Karin furrowed her brows, as she looked left and right.
"I can't sense any chakra around here, are you sure we're being watched?"
"Not positive of course, but I feel as if there's something here, that's all."
"I can tell you there isn't a human around at least."
Karin assured him.
Ryouta wasn't even sure if he was feeling a human or not.
Whatever it was, Ryouta shook his head, and simply carried on with the others towards their target, suspicious of being watched...and he was right, they were being watched by large eyes that began following them...
Meanwhile, Satsuki, Naruko and Sakura had entered the forest together, and began jumping across the trees branches. Sakura and Satsuki both held serious faces, while Naruko on the other hand kept placing a hand on her stomach.
"Hey...eh, I need the bathroom."
Sakura slapped herself in the face.
"You can't be serious."
"I'm really sorry! I've needed it for ages!"
"Why didn't you go before?"
Satsuki asked, Naruko scratched her cheek sheepishly.
"Everyone was being serious, I couldn't go!"
Satsuki sighed, but shrugged.
"Whatever, we need to assess our situation anyway. Lets land."
Satsuki jumped down first, Sakura followed afterwards, then finally Naruko.
She giggled "I'll be right back~" as she disappeared into a bush.
Satsuki looked towards the bush briefly, then turned towards Sakura.
"Got any ideas?"
Sakura was surprised that Satsuki was asking her.
But, it also showed that Satsuki was becoming more comfortable with the team as a whole, and being right with them, even gaining advice was something that Sakura was happy to see, so she put her thoughts forward.
"Well, as I see it, we need to remain aware constantly. Depending on how long we're going to be in the forest, we should make...maybe a system or something for us to tell who's who in cases we are separated."
"I was thinking the same thing...it's too bad neither of us are sensory types. Naruko isn't either. Still, it should be something that we can remember, and something only for us...right, I think I've..."
As she went to speak, she saw Naruko coming back.
She held a smile on her face as she walked over.
But Satsuki saw something was wrong.
There wasn't a cut on her cheek, so she took out a kunai, and launched it right for the incoming Naruko who let out a small cry as she jumped back.
"W-What the hell?!"
"Satsuki-san..."
Sakura began, overlooking Naruko.
She searched for anything that would be obvious…
And then she did do.
"No cut on your cheek, and your holster for your kunai is on the wrong leg...who are you and what have you done with Naruko?"
Satsuki was glad that Sakura caught on, and saw that she pulled out a kunai, Satsuki did the same thing.
"Guess there's no point hiding it..."
The Ninja began, revealing his true appearance to be that of an Ame Ninja who's name was Oboro.
He wore an outfit that looked easily movable, especially through water. He even had a mask on that allowed him to breathe in most environments.
Oboro showed a cold demeanour for the pair of them.
"I guess that you would be able to see through my technique with those damn Sharingan eyes."
Satsuki smirks as she pulls forward, now activating the Sharingan.
"Didn't need them for such a weak transformation. You got sloppy and details wrong, that's your error."
Satsuki said sternly, the man named Oboro wasn't thrilled with that, growling at the sight before him.
"You have quite the mouth, will you still have that when I've finished with you?"
Oboro ended up charging Satsuki. Bringing out a kunai, he swung it for the girl but thanks to her Sharingan, she had reacted way before he could, and hit his arm with her open palm, slamming it with enough force that the kunai dropped out of his hand, feeling the pain running through his arm as she did so.
Satsuki didn't stop in her movements, and delivered a strong kick to his upper body, sending him flying backwards.
Spitting out bile, he flipped in the air, to see that Satsuki was rushing towards him with an already thrown kunai for him. He manages to duck out of the way, but she increases her speed, hitting the man squarely in the jaw, bringing him up into the sky where she smirks at the sight before her.
The man however weaves through some hand signs, and aims his hands towards Sakura.
"Water Release, Water Bullet Jutsu!"
Hidden nearby was a pool of water, which rose up from the ground, and shot for Sakura rather than Satsuki.
Satsuki glanced back, as she was moving towards Oboro.
"If you attack me, then your teammate is going to suffer!"
Oboro yelled, wanting Satsuki to avert her attention, believing that Sakura couldn't handle herself from such a Jutsu.
Satsuki though didn't show a worry on her face, nor any attempt to go towards her.
"I don't have to worry about her."
True to Satsuki's words, Sakura already had jumped high into a tree, dodging the water bullet coming for her. It was weaker, and slower than the ones she had seen before, they weren't a challenge for Sakura.
Oboro's face turned downwards as Satsuki got in close.
Oboro tried to react to Satsuki's attack, but she delivered a swift kick to his right hand side, and sent him flying down to the ground. Hitting it hard, and then bouncing off of it, Sakura used this chance to attach some wire to kunai's, and tossed them towards the man.
While she wasn't as proficient as Satsuki or Ryouta with the manipulation of weapons, she could do this much to trap an enemy, so she threw them in different directions, causing the wire to catch the enemy Ninja up in the wire, pinning him down to the ground.
It was long enough for Satsuki to use her foot to pin him down to the ground.
Oboro looked up hatefully for Satsuki, but she simply stared down at him with the Sharingan.
It frightened Oboro
"Sakura, good work."
"Thanks...you too."
"Search him for the scroll. I'll keep him from bothering you."
Sakura nodded, and went over to Oboro.
She searched him head to toe, but she couldn't find anything.
"He doesn't have any scroll Satsuki-san."
"His team probably have it." Satsuki began as she looked around to see if she could see anyone with her Sharingan. "I can't see any chakras around us though. But, I can't see Naruko here either. She could be deeper into the forest."
"He could be acting alone while his teammates have Naruko. Maybe their plan was to do this and in case he failed, they'd threaten Naruko to gain our scroll."
Sakura posed her thoughts, Satsuki mentally agreed.
"Where is our teammate? And yours?"
Satsuki demanded, Oboro gritted his teeth.
Looking between Satsuki and Sakura, he didn't know how he'd be able to get out of this without having to fight them.
He wished that his team was around.
Though, he didn't think they'd be able to help either right now.
"...My teammates don't know I'm here."
"Great, now where's ours?"
"Five minutes...north from here..."
He murmured, as Sakura saw him reaching down.
"Satsuki-san, look out!"
Satsuki glances to see the man pulling out what seemed to be a smoke bomb, though it seemed a little different than a normal one, so she pulled back as it exploded around him. A cloud of purple smoke came out, so Satsuki and Sakura went high into the trees.
Satsuki used her Sharingan to see if he was trying to escape.
By the time she did, he had disappeared, Oboro already made an escape.
"Damn..."
"We should go and see if Naruko is where he said. If she is then we should stay together."
"You're right, lets go."
Satsuki and Sakura travelled off together in the location that Oboro said their teammate was.
Relief came to Sakura when they did see Naruko tied up, Satsuki shook her head.
"You got captured so easily?"
Naruko's face turned downwards ever so slightly.
"N-No! They did this weird Jutsu that confused me! I didn't know what was going on, and all of a sudden got tied up!" Naruko explained as Sakura undid her binds. "Aah! I'll get him next time! Where is he?!"
"He's gone already."
Satsuki said with a deadpan tone.
Naruko breaths out angrily.
Sakura didn't mind he had retreated for the moment, but she was becoming aware of how dangerous it truly could be.
As that was going on, Mikoto who had been assigned a certain task thanks to the Hokage, was keeping a watchful eye over Zosui. Though as she did watch him, she got a feeling that she didn't like at all.
She felt as if...something wasn't right.
So she went towards his room, and silently slid inside.
Making sure to kill her presence as much as possible, the mask the young woman wore hid her emotions as she went through the room.
She saw that it was a normal room, nothing out of the ordinary.
She walked stealthily to the bedroom, the place she could see the chakra with her eyes.
Stepping inside, she saw...someone that wasn't Zosui.
She walked forward, and placed a hand on his neck, seeing that the man was already dead.
"This corpse...it's had some surgery performed on it to make it appear from a distance that this is Zosui, even the chakra signature, but up close like this I can tell that it merely is a trick. Zosui...he's in the village somewhere...or could he be going after the Genin...damn it. But, the fact that Zosui did this...doesn't sit right with me, he doesn't strike me as someone that has the capabilities to perform things like this. That doesn't matter right now, I've got to alert Hokage-sama, and make sure that he's found right away."
Mikoto shook her head, and called some of her own comrades to the room, and gave them orders, before setting off herself.
However, the female Uchiha wasn't aware she was being watched carefully.
Who was watching her, was Tobi, along with another individual.
"Mikoto is going to cause a nuisance for the exams, if she's allowed to continue." His lone eye went to the side of him, showing a creature with a Venus fly trap like appearance with a half white and half black body. "Your Jutsu will come in handy here, Zetsu. Killing her would bring too much suspicion, I can't be revealed again just yet, they've made many security measures since I used to come here...and if Itachi found out, I wonder what he and his girlfriend Izumi-chan would say about it."
Tobi seemed frivolous in his musings, the being known as Zetsu tilted its head.
"A simple Parasite Clone?"
The white half said, while the black half stayed silent.
"Along with your unique transformation. That damn fool either didn't think, or wishes for the exam to be shaken up. But, I wont allow him to, I want to see the full capabilities of Ryouta, so Zetsu, make sure she is satisfied that this Zosui isn't a problem anymore."
"Understood."
Zetsu bowed, while Tobi looked on, his lone eye narrowing ever so slightly.
"That Orochimaru, leaving behind such a corpse that wouldn't fool many for long, and working with that fool Zosui, it's almost as if he wishes to be caught...maybe that's it, he's trying to secure hatred for Konoha, by having Konoha be responsible for Zosui's death, then they'd follow his newly forming village because it seems Orochimaru secured the trust of Kusa with Zosui, who while being a pathetic man, seems to hold the values of Kusa and they'd follow Orochimaru in his attempts to acquire the Sharingan. Not bad for a lowly snake to come up with an idea like this."
Tobi then began swirling away as he activated his Mangekyou powers.
Moving through the forest, Ryouta, Haku and Karin carried on to try and find their scroll they'd need to pass the exams.
However while they did move...Karin stopped dead in her tracks, landing on a tree branch and her eyes widened in horror.
Ryouta and Haku also stopped, glancing towards Karin.
"What's wrong Karin-san?"
Haku asked, Karin refused to answer…
No, more like, she was feeling scared to answer.
Ryouta didn't understand what was going on.
"Karin-chan, don't worry we'll get the second scroll..."
"No...No...Not him..."
Ryouta blinked and looked at Haku who didn't get it either.
"Karin-chan, do you sense something?"
Karin slowly nods her head as she arches her neck back.
With fear growing on her face, she began to shake.
Ryouta and Haku, seeing how she was becoming more and more distressed, walked to her side, and stood together with her.
"Whatever it is, we'll fight it together."
Karin shook her head.
"No...Ryou-kun, Haku-chan, we can't...we need to get away from this place now..."
"Karin-chan..."
As he spoke, he noticed coming down was an array of shurikens.
Karin panicked, and hit the deck, while Ryouta used his speed, and slashed away all of the shurikens coming down towards them, only to see Zosui himself shooting down with his kunai in a reverse grip.
Coming down towards them like an arrow, he swung from the right, only for Ryouta to block the blade, with Haku using her speed to come in from the right, and slam her foot hard into his torso, the pressure and power of the attack sent him flying down the tree.
Smashing nearby the roots of the tree, he bounced off said tree, leaving a large crack in the bark, and then slammed into the ground, where Ryouta and Haku who carried Karin down met with him, holding a blade and kunai towards him respectably.
"You're the man back in the hall, what are you doing here?"
Zosui looked up towards Ryouta, and began glaring.
"Out of the way boy, I'm not here for you."
"Then..."
Ryouta looked towards Karin who pulled away.
She didn't want to speak about the past.
She didn't want to even recognize that this was going on either.
It was painful, too much so.
"Karin, why are you ignoring me? I'm in pain right now, shouldn't you be doing your job?"
"Job?" Haku echoed. "What do you mean by that?"
Karin placed her hands to her ears, and fell down to her knees, quivering.
Ryouta noticed that and pushed Zosui's back up against a tree, where he took out several kunai's and pinned him to a tree. He then held his blade to the man's neck, so he couldn't move and attack Karin or anyone else.
"She asked you a question, talk now."
Ryouta demanded, with Zosui beginning to coldly stare.
"That's the funny thing, isn't it?"
"Funny? What's funny about this?"
Haku demanded also, with Zosui this time showing a frown.
"All that girl was ever useful for was healing others."
Ryouta's eyes widened, realizing now what the connection was.
Only a few people ever knew of Karin's healing power through biting her.
"Healing people..."
Haku began, with Karin shaking side to side, her eyes so tightly shut that the tears were forming quickly, and shedding just as quickly. Memories of her life before Konoha was filling her mind, fear and pain, anguish at what she had to go through.
"That's right, the girl there was our source of healing. We come from a village that doesn't have the mightiest of powers, but we did have her, and her damn Mother. Well, that was until she gave out on us anyway."
Ryouta's hand clutched his sword tightly, his knuckles had turned white.
The disgusting way Zosui was speaking about Karin and her Mother caused his blood to boil.
Haku, while not knowing as much, also believed she understood, and it caused her to feel anger for Zosui also.
"No...No! S-Stop!"
Karin yelled at Zosui.
It seemed to Ryouta and Haku that Karin couldn't relive the pain.
She couldn't stop the fear from going through her.
She didn't want Zosui to reveal anymore than he already had.
"What's wrong Karin? Are you crying because of your dead Mother? I'm sorry about that, but she proved to not be as useful in the end. Dying after only healing a little more than usual, she was useless, and because of that, you're going to be coming back with me. Don't worry, I'll treat you right this time, I'll make sure that you're only used a couple times a day, promise. I can't lose another asset like you."
The vile words he spoke made both Ryouta and Haku feel anger for him, and protective over their friend.
He spoke while staring at Karin with disgusting eyes.
"How disgusting you are."
Ryouta grunted out, even speaking to Zosui caused him to feel ill and he didn't want Karin to have to worry.
"Maybe I am, but that girls coming with me, one way or another Uchiha brat."
"You've been captured, you can't escape us."
Haku explained.
But Zosui had other ideas, as Ryouta noticed that there were two people heading for them, throwing some kunai that had paper bombs attached to them.
Ryouta was surprised Karin didn't say anything, perhaps she was paused with fear.
Whatever it was, Ryouta grabbed Karin as Haku and they jumped away, with the explosive tags going off.
Two men stopped off beside Zosui, freeing him from the kunai, and turned towards Ryouta and the others. Showcasing his dark look, Karin's hands began shaking even more, her eyes looking through with fear.
As that was going on, Mikoto rushed through the village, and went to go towards the forest, but as she arrived nearby, she happened to see what appeared to be Zosui running across the ground, towards the forest, so she stepped forward, and got between him and the forest.
Her sword stuck out, as he glared towards her.
"What are you doing here?"
He demanded, but Mikoto wasn't happy with his tone.
"You took the question out of my mouth."
Zosui took out a kunai, and aimed it for Mikoto.
Mikoto tilted her blade, as she saw Zosui staring at her darkly.
"Tell me what your intention truly is. If you don't comply, I'll have to stop you."
"Then stop me, because once I've ripped apart your corpse, I'll be taking back Karin!"
Mikoto suspected it would be that, and watched as Zosui came for her.
Drawing her blade forward, she blocked each attack with minimal movements, before she followed up with a quick movement of her sword. Zosui's body pulled away, but saw that Mikoto's blade headed for his hand, slicing across his flesh, and caused enough pain for the kunai to be dropped out of his hand.
Zosui gasped, and pulled back, as he took out several shurikens, and tossed them for Mikoto at high speeds.
Without much movement, Mikoto moved her sword in the direction of the blade, hitting them so precisely that they were blown away, and hit around Zosui's form, one even managing to cut into his flesh.
"D-Damn it."
He announced as he rushed towards her.
Coming in with a left jab, Mikoto dodged it, and returned it with a sharp leg swing forcing Zosui to jump backwards, only for Mikoto to get within his personal space, and deliver a sharp punch to his upper body, using enough strength to fling the man backwards.
Slamming him down into the ground, Zosui returned to his feet, only to see that Mikoto had disappeared from sight.
"W-What the hell?"
Zosui blinked, looking around for the young woman.
But, by the time he found her movements, it was too late, as she sliced across his arms and shoulders, deep enough for his hands and arms became harder to use.
She then held her blade to his neck, stopping his movements.
"You're coming with me to Hokage-sama."
Zosui's eyes glanced back towards Mikoto's mask.
Because of said mask, he didn't know what she was thinking.
Trapped, Zosui's fingers came together, Mikoto saw that from the man's clothing, something began to sizzle.
She looked to see that they were paper bombs.
"I-If I can't beat you, then I'll take you with me!"
Mikoto scowled at the sight, but she saw that she didn't have much choice.
While she thought it was drastic of Zosui, she also understood that he might either be truly crazy, or something else, but she felt somewhat satisfied that this man was Zosui, and she didn't have a choice or others could be hurt, so she took her blade, and rammed it through his torso, surprising him, as Mikoto used some incredible strength, and tossed him high into the air, higher than the village by the time he detonated.
Creating a safe explosion in the air, she did her best to confirm that he hadn't used a clone or anything, and she was satisfied it wasn't a clone as she saw pieces of a body falling back down to the ground.
"I don't understand what he was attempting to do, but the battle ended so quickly. It almost felt too easy. Perhaps, he wasn't as strong as I thought he might be, or perhaps I'm overthinking it. Still, I wonder who helped him with that corpse?"
Mikoto mused as she began doing what she needed to do next.
Tobi, from a distance, smirked and thought "Zetsu did his job well, that clone was perfect to keep her out of the forest, she should be satisfied she fought Zosui even if she believes he might have been weak. Now, I best check on Ryouta-kun, and see what he's doing." so he began disappearing in a swirl coming from his eye hole.
Back with Ryouta and the others, they watched as he stood up. His eyes danced between Ryouta, Haku and Karin, before his men took out two swords. They aimed them for the trio, while Zosui cupped his hands together angrily.
While Ryouta and Haku were thinking about the best way to deal with the situation at hand, Karin couldn't think.
Karin placed her head against a tree as she saw Zosui staring at her, an intimidation tactic that seemed to be working.
She didn't want anything to happen to her teammates.
"...It's all my fault..."
Karin began, Ryouta glanced back at her.
"Why is it your fault?"
Karin's depressed, and fearful state caused Ryouta to feel worry for her.
He hadn't seen her like this before.
The extent of what Zosui had done with her before, he didn't ever know.
She had told him things about her past, but she hadn't ever told him the entire situation.
It was the same for Haku who didn't know as much as Ryouta either.
Karin tilted her glasses down by moving her neck towards the ground, a stray tear ran down her face.
"If I didn't...run away from the village, then you'd not be in this...situation right now...I've endangered us all..."
"Don't say that Karin-chan, this isn't your fault. This guy came here of his own accord."
Haku nodded at what Ryouta said.
"He's right, you aren't to blame here."
Haku tried to convey it as kindly as she could.
But it still seemed as if Karin couldn't even think about it.
"No...you guys...Zosui, he doesn't care about...endangering anyone...to get what he wants...my Mom...we didn't have anywhere to go...and he...he knew that, took advantage of that...and forced my Mom...to heal everyone...while biting her...because of that...it was...it terrified me...my Mom didn't have a choice..."
"So he forced her to become their healer...sucking on both your chakras..."
Ryouta began, Karin nodded as hot tears slid out of her eyes.
"She...died while healing everyone. They...took too much chakra from her, and they couldn't...they didn't stop. She died...just so we could...have a better life...but, it wasn't a better life. It was the only life...my Mother could give us...and because of that, she died...Mom did her best...and they took her life...for it...and after that...I was forced...to do it, so I could survive. I...I knew though, if I stayed...I would have died eventually...so I ran...but I should have known, that he'd never stop...that he'd come back...and it seems...he's stronger than ever..."
Hearing her story, Ryouta's anger was growing higher and higher.
Haku felt sorry for her, and anger at Zosui also.
Hearing how he took advantage of them, made them do things until her Mother died, and if Karin didn't escape...then it would have been her next.
Ryouta's eyes went towards Zosui who was smirking.
"Your Mother was never so weak as to cry. You've grown softer Karin."
"You don't know anything about her so shut your damn mouth right now!"
Ryouta angrily snapped, only for Zosui to huff.
"What are you going to do against me? I've grown strong, stronger than you could be. I don't care what he says about you, he should just cast you off, and give me the power that I deserve already. He doesn't need to even give you it."
"He? Who's he? And give me what exactly?"
Ryouta demanded, but Zosui didn't answer, and waved his hand forward for his two men to get ready.
"It doesn't matter, does it? You're about to be turned into mince meat, so say goodbye to your friends Karin."
Karin's eyes widened as the two men shot for Ryouta.
"No! Stop it! Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!"
Karin yelled loudly, as the men got close to Ryouta.
However, they made a mistake.
The moment they went to stab, Ryouta's Sharingan eyes met with their own eyes, and he cast a Genjutsu on them from a brief look. Going from one, then to the other who dared to make eye contact, it was clear they didn't know the power of the Sharingan.
Using his Genjutsu, he paused their movements, so Ryouta took out his sword, and swiftly cut them several times by using his Body Flicker to the shock of Zosui, as he watched his men fall down to the ground, with sharp cuts across their body, disabling them.
"W-What the hell?! Y-You can't do that to my group! You're just a Genin!"
Zosui denied what he was seeing, Ryouta though simply looked towards Zosui.
"Come and fight me, if you wish. I wont let you lay another finger on Karin-chan you bastard!"
Karin's eyes widened, and her cheeks began to turn red at the anger he displayed and the protective nature he had, all for her. Angry at what Zosui did to her, and protecting her from ever having to experience that again.
"Y-You bastard...f-fine! I'll show you some Jutsu you brat!"
Zosui began flying through some hand signs, then he stuck his hands down to the ground. Rocks from the ground began to lift up, and turned towards Ryouta. The rocks were a decent size, and could cause problems if taken head on.
He however stuck out his hands, and flew through hand signs so fast that Zosui didn't even see what Jutsu he was attempting to use.
"Fire Release, Flame Whirlwind!"
From his mouth, Ryouta breathed out a mass of fire that came out in a swirling, drill like movement that mimicked a tornado.
The flames of the Fire Release began ripping through the stones which was being set on fire. The flames burned through the rocks and continued forward, travelling towards Zosui himself who's eyes widened in shock.
"Shit..."
Zosui let out, as he propelled himself through the air with his eyes narrowing on the boys.
Ryouta watched as the man returned to the ground, as he weaved through some hand signs, taking out a scroll and revealed a few dozen senbons aimed for Ryouta himself.
Haku went to intervene when Ryouta held out his hand.
"Don't worry Haku-chan, this guy wont be lasting much longer. Make sure there aren't any other enemies, okay?"
Haku could see that Ryouta was angered by Zosui, and his treatment of Karin.
He wanted to make sure Zosui couldn't harm Karin.
"...I see, then I'll watch out for traps or tricks they might pull."
"Yeah, thanks Haku-chan."
Zosui began to laugh lightly at what Ryouta said.
"Are you that cocky that you can beat me so easily?! My teammates were a fluke, I wont look into your eyes!"
"You don't need to look into my eyes for me to beat you. Based on what I've seen, you're weaker than Kushimaru."
Zosui didn't look happy about that, in fact he was giving off a cold demeanour as he launched the needles of grass forward. A barrage of senbons that could pierce flesh due to the speed they were going, Ryouta stood in a single place as they came for him.
Using his Body Flicker, Ryouta began moving his body at a rapid speed. Each senbon could be grasped with his fully matured Sharingan.
Zosui watched as despite Ryouta standing in a single place, he was dodging all of the senbons.
Stopping the assault, Zosui growled as he weaved through some hand signs, before causing four rocks to begin lifting up through Zosui's Earth Release.
Forming four blades in the air, he went to fire them, when Ryouta yelled "Fire Release, Phoenix Sage Fire Jutsu!" and from Ryouta's mouth, four good sized balls of fire shot out rapidly. Hitting the rocks with incredible force, the intense flames burned the rocks before they could be fired off, leaving clumps of burnt broken rocks on the ground, to the shock of Zosui.
"What the hell…?"
Zosui murmured.
He couldn't see why he was losing.
Ryouta though didn't give him time to think and shot at him at high speeds.
So fast that Zosui couldn't see what was going on.
Zosui wasn't deterred though, and placed his hands up to the sky, as he summoned some large shurikens for Ryouta's form.
"Have these Shurikens. They'll slice through even bone."
He boasted, as he launched them forward.
Ryouta weaved his way through the barrage of shuriken since he could see them moving with his Sharingan eyes.
"Cleaving through bone perhaps, but they have to reach their target to do so."
Ryouta explained, wanting to unnerve Zosui so he'd slip up.
It seemed to be working as the anger on Zosui's face was showcasing through.
"You little brat, trying to get the upper hand on me... As if."
Summoning some more, he leapt up into the air, and then tossed four large shurikens down towards Ryouta, all focused on a single point.
Ryouta glanced up as Zosui smirked.
"Hmph, now you can be shredded to pieces. Even you can't escape such a barrage. No Genin can."
Ryouta glanced up, before exhaling slowly.
"Fire Release, Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Karin watching from the side, saw a large flaming sphere shoot out of Ryouta's mouth, and come up against the barrage of shuriken. The shurikens couldn't escape the giant sphere of flames, ending up as nothing within Ryouta's attack.
Karin could see the panic that was entering Zosui's face.
All of the time she had seen him, he was also cold, and cocky, believing that he wouldn't ever have to worry about losing, but now he was going up against Ryouta himself, who was showcasing his skills and strength.
Zosui now was becoming worried, even scared at what was going on.
"S-Stay away from me..."
Zosui demanded with slight hesitation in his voice as he saw Ryouta appear before him.
Forming a wall of the earth, Ryouta breathed out flames onto his sword, and moved his hand so fast, allowing the momentum and speed to increase his damage output, and he ended up cleaving through the earth shield.
"Nowhere near as strong as Kakashi-sensei's."
Zosui's face turned pale as Ryouta continued on with his blade, Zosui's panic truly was showing itself, and he took out a kunai, swinging it from Ryouta's right hand side.
Ryouta merely swung his sword in that direction, cutting into the man's hand with precise movements, before Ryouta swung his leg out at high speeds, nailing Zosui in his torso, forcing him to smash into the tree, and with the force of it, even going right through said tree as he spat out blood.
Landing on the other side of the tree, Zosui hunched over, his eyes turning the colour red for the anger he felt.
Gripping the dirt beneath him, he turned angrily to see Ryouta coming around the tree, so he shot to his feet, and came in with a large swing of his arm.
Ryouta predicted this via his Sharingan, and leapt up into the air, his feet briefly landing on his extended arm, before flipping back from his arm, his feet kicking Zosui in the chin as he back flipped.
"Aaaaah! You little shit..."
Zosui spat out angrily as Ryouta landed on the ground, Karin pulling up to see that Zosui was bleeding from his mouth as he slipped backwards, falling harshly onto the ground while Ryouta stared at him.
"It's finished."
Ryouta said as he began walking forward.
But Zosui couldn't accept it, he wouldn't.
He tried to use an Earth Release, when Ryouta appeared before him, and separated his hands with a kick.
"D-Don't come near me..."
Zosui pleaded, Ryouta narrowed his brows, before producing wires, and flung them around the tree as he spoke to Zosui.
"You were brave when you thought you had the upper hand, now you've turned into a coward."
Zosui was then pinned up by wire which hanged off of a tree thanks to Ryouta, his hands bound and legs also.
Zosui, seeing himself being defeated by a Genin no less, began to feel his mind breaking.
He couldn't lose to a Genin. That's what he thought.
But seeing the truth before him, it was something that made him feel unable to continue on.
"Let me go, you'll regret this."
"You attacked, and you also caused my teammate to cry, you caused her pain through many years. You're lucky I need information from you, otherwise...Karin-chan would decide your fate."
As Ryouta said it, Zosui's face fell.
Fear was beginning to be etched into his eyes, and heart.
As that conversation went down, Haku and Karin moved closer.
Seeing Zosui as he was...
Karin realized how pathetic he truly was.
Seeing him staring with fear at Ryouta, losing all of the scary aspects he had beforehand.
"Y-You wont get anything out of me you little bastard."
"That's fine, I'll just get it out of you another way."
Zosui didn't know what he meant as his eyes locked with Ryouta's own.
Casting his Genjutsu on Zosui, the man's eyes became hypnotized, falling under Ryouta's spell, so to speak.
When he was fully under Ryouta's control, Ryouta began the interrogation.
"Tell me, why did you come to attack us now in the forest?"
While Ryouta was expecting him to say one thing…
He was surprised what Zosui said.
"I came...to distract...you from...his real...goal...as well as...get Karin..."
"Real goal?" Haku echoed. "What does he mean by that? And who is this he, this man keeps speaking about?"
Karin didn't know either.
She couldn't think of anyone from the Grass that would be in charge.
"Who is the one that sent you here?"
"...Orochimaru..."
When Ryouta heard that name, he almost fell over.
His face turned a ghostly white.
Haku and Karin could see the difference between how Ryouta was before, and how he was now, so Haku spoke up.
"Ryou-kun, do you know who this Orochimaru is?"
"I...I've heard of him before. He's...one of the Legendary Sannin, three great Ninja's that came from Konoha, during one of the wars, each are said to be Kage level fighters in their own right. Orochimaru is arguably the most famous of the three, for all of the wrong reasons. I don't know everything about him, but from what I know, he's very dangerous, he's someone that knows many Jutsu, and what he did in the village, was a reason he fled from it. If he's back now...then we all could be in trouble..."
Haku could tell that it was really serious.
A Kage level fighter within the forest, even if they teamed up, she wasn't sure they'd be able to fight such a being.
Karin placed a hand over face, and thought deeply about what was being said, and the fact they had a Kage level fighter.
Ryouta also thought about it, if Orochimaru was there, he knew that he'd have to use everything he had, including his Mangekyou Sharingan.
"But, if he's here...why did this Orochimaru want you distracted Ryou-kun? What purpose would someone like Orochimaru, if he is this big and powerful guy, get from sending Zosui here after us?"
Karin asked this time, Ryouta furrowed his brows.
"It's a good question, Orochimaru could have come here first if he wanted me out of the way...but, why me specifically..." Ryouta also feared for what could happen, and turned his eyes back to Zosui. "Who is Orochimaru after?"
"...Satsuki Uchiha..."
As soon as he said, Ryouta's eyes went towards Karin, who placed her hands together.
"I'm already on it."
Ryouta nodded, worry beginning to fill his being.
Orochimaru was after Satsuki...but why?
"Whatever his reasons, he's not getting Satsuki-chan..."
"But if he is a Kage level fighter Ryou-kun, what are we going to do about him? We've fought people like Kushimaru and Zabuza-sama...but the way you're speaking, this Orochimaru is stronger than that?"
"I don't know his true power, but the stories I've heard makes him out to be pretty damn strong. We'll have to come at him with everything we've got, hope it's good enough to push him back so we can make an escape. Perhaps it would be best if some fought, some secured an escape route so Orochimaru can't follow us..."
"I've got some tricks that can even stun Jonin's, it could stun him for a few moments."
Haku offered, Ryouta nodded.
"Yes...we'll have to pull together to fight this guy, if what I've heard is true...then he's very dangerous."
Haku hoped they'd be able to at least pull together to drive him back.
As they spoke, Karin who was concentrating hard, picked up Satsuki's chakra signature.
"Found her! She's with...ooh damn, she's with someone that has a very strong chakra feeling. It also feels so dark as well..."
"Karin-chan, lead the way, we'll sort out what we're gonna do on the way."
"Y-Yeah, got it!"
Haku looked towards Zosui who was still under Ryouta's Genjutsu.
Believing that he'd be fine there, they then took off to go and find Satsuki, hoping that she'd be okay.
"Ryou-kun, if this guy is incredibly strong enough to avoid our traps, what are we going to do?"
Ryouta hummed towards Haku, internally already deciding what's going on.
"...I've got some tricks that even Orochimaru wont be able to escape."
Haku nor Karin understood what it meant.
Ryouta on the other hand knew of his secret weapon, a weapon only few truly knew about.
"Satsuki-chan...if it comes down to it...I'll use my Mangekyou Sharingan on Orochimaru. I wont let that bastard harm Satsuki-chan or anyone..."
With determination within him, Ryouta and the others hurried along, with a mysterious creature following after them.
Meanwhile, Satsuki, Naruko and Sakura stand together, as they begin making new plans.
Satsuki, seeing as how Naruko had been captured, knew they'd have to come up with something that would be both difficult to replicate yet something they'd remember.
So she went about that by stating a phrase, a long one at that.
Sakura got it immediately, since she was rather smart and good at remembering things.
Naruko though didn't seem to understand what was being said.
"Eh...but that's to long, I don't know what to think about that~"
"That's the point, it's meant to be long."
Satsuki sighed out.
But Naruko sighed also, frustrated.
Sakura wanted to be the peace keeper between the two of them, placed her hands out.
"Naruko, Satsuki's right in this case, we need to be careful. This forest is filled with all sorts of enemies, they could transform into you again. Or they could trick you with one of us being transformed."
"Eeh...I get it and all, but it's still kinda confusing!"
"I know, but if it is to keep us safe, try your best, okay?"
Naruko furrowed her brows, and ultimately nodded.
"Tell me again then."
"Right, listen carefully..."
As they spoke, they weren't aware that they were being watched, by Shiore.
His dark, disgusting eyes danced between the three Genin, before an evil smirk graced his lips.
"My Uchiha-chan, or my Uchiha-kun. Which shall I use as a new body? Though I'll make sure both gain my Curse Mark, then they'll come to me, seek out power, and then be mine..."
Mentally laughing about what he was going to do, it was time for Shiore to make his move, and reveal, who he truly was…
End chapter!
So they've entered the Forest of Death! A number of things have begun moving, with Orochimaru making his moves against the Uchiha's to have them gain a Curse Mark. Tobi's back! And he's being as sneaky as ever, even making sure Orochimaru doesn't ruin his plans by using Zetsu, and also trying to understand why Orochimaru is working with Zosui in the first place with some conclusions he came too.
Satsuki also took down an enemy with relative ease, showing her prowess together with Sakura assisting, Naruko also doing her best to help out.
Zosui showed up in the forest, confident he'd be able to win, only to be beaten by Ryouta after he spoke about Karin and frightened her, and thanks to using his Sharingan, extracted the information from him about Orochimaru going after Satsuki. After finding her, it seems Ryouta's ready to use all he has against the snake like Orochimaru to protect those he cares for. And, there also seems to be something following Ryouta and the others, what that something is, and why it's following them shall be revealed next chapter!
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Gaara (fem), Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin, Konan, Mei, Anko, Samui, Hanabi,