Team Ten crouched low in the bushes watching as the Sand Team was accosted by an older Rain Team. The apparent leader, a tall boy missing his right eye, removed one of the large umbrellas from his back and pointed at the younger kids threateningly. "Give us your Scroll and we'll let you live."
"You guys are idiots." Kankuro scoffed as he reached for the wrapped bundle on his back.
Gaara reached up and stopped him. "No, I will kill everyone we meet; their blood belongs to me and me alone."
Shikamaru turned to his teammates and asked in a whisper. "What you think? If they exhaust themselves enough we might be able to swoop in and still both their scrolls."
"Look." Ino whispered shocked.
In the clearing the one eyed boy had gotten fed up with the way Sand treated him like nothing; as if he was no threat to worry about at all. Throwing his umbrellas in the air they opened wide and began spinning like tops. Needles began raining down on Gaara as the Rain Genin made hand signs. Screaming out, "Senbon Shower!", the light brunette haired boy guided all projectiles to target the smallest Sand Genin
The deadly projectiles swarmed down on the redhead with a massive strike kicking up a cloud of dust. Everyone, except for Temari and Kankuro, thought the boy was dead; no one could have survived that. When the dust cloud cleared Gaara stood inside a protective dome of sand unharmed and unfazed. With a tone that fully expressed his boredom the boy asked. "Is that really all you've got?"
Growing nervous the Rain Genin made more hand signs causing needles to fly for Gaara's exposed face. The sand shifted of its own accord to block the attack. Temari and Kankuro took a step back nervously as their youngest brother allowed his dome to collapse. Irritated the redhead growled low. "You made it rain needles. Let's see if I can make it rain blood." Holding out his left hand the child called out forcefully. "Sand Coffin."
Faster than the older boy could react sand quickly wrapped around his body and lifted him straight up. Gaara ignored his muffled begging as he picked up one of the boy's umbrellas that fell from the sky. Opening the top he held it over his shoulder causally and called out, "Sand Burial!", while closing his fist. An explosion of sand signaled the end of the Rain Genin as the pressure from the disturbed Jinchuriki's attack caused his body to explode; raining his blood down upon his teammates.
Team Ten could only watch terrified as the last two remaining Rain Genin offered up their scroll while pleading for their own lives. Their words fell on uncaring ears as Gaara quickly despatched them to the afterlife with the same brutal method he used on their one eyed teammate. Kankuro walked forward and grabbed their scroll of the ground. "What do you know, this was the one we needed."
"Good." Temari spoke as if she didn't just see her baby brother ruthlessly murder three people. "Let's get to the tower."
"No." Gaara spoke threateningly. "I want more blood. We're not leaving the forest yet."
Kankuro and Temari exchanged worried looks; when their kid brother got like this there was no reasoning with him usually. Getting an idea the blonde girl explained. "Look Gaara, the forest is full of nothing but weaklings. All the stronger combatants will be towards the tower. Plus, as we make our way there we can talk loudly about how we have both scrolls; someone is sure to attack us and you can kill them all you want."
The redhead thought it over and realized his sister had a point. "Fine, let's go."
Team Ten watched them leave quietly. Not one moved a muscle for a whole twenty minutes just to make sure they were really gone. Ino laid on the ground crying silently and asked. "How …. How can anyone be that monstrous, that broken? He killed those Genin like they were nothing but insects or something. And the way his teammates convinced him to go for the tower, promising him more killings; what's wrong with them?"
Shikamaru didn't bother to give the girl an answer, even with his big brain he didn't have a clue. Turning to his teammates he spoke. "Come on, theirs nothing more we can do here. Let's head out and find a scroll already. I just hope there isn't another monster like that guy lurking around."
"Come on, what's the odds there would be two of them in the Chunin Exams at the same time?" Choji asked nervously. Shikamaru refused to answer as he led his team away from the murder sight.
…. Team Seven ….
Kiba ate his rations bar reluctantly as the pasty substance got in between his teeth. Setting around him his teammates also ate a snack while discussing plans. So far they were in agreement about getting to the tower, but not if they should try right this moment or wait for night.
"I say we can make it." Sasuke growled frustrated.
"And I say we wait until nightfall." Kiba growled annoyed. "We'll have an easier time sneaking through undetected."
Shino was quiet as he thought it over. Even with his Kikaichu Beetles, Kiba's dog like senses, and Akamaru backing Kiba up, there was no guarantee they could avoid being discovered by enemies. They had a much better chance at night than the day, but the longer they stayed around waiting for dusk the greater the chance an enemy stumbled across them by chance. Go now or go later, neither option presented a clean break to the tower, but which one had the lower margin of confrontation.
"I say we stay here until night." The bug user spoke. "I agree with Kiba about our chances. We should find better cover though; this clearing is more exposed than I'd like."
Sasuke sat quietly sulking seeing as he was out voted. It wasn't like he was stupid but hoped going now might result in a confrontation. He was desperate to test his skills against an opponent he didn't have to hold back on for fear of causing permanent injury or death. Training could only take you so far and there was no substitute for actual combat experience. However, before the Uchiha could voice an argument a kunai came from nowhere and sliced a thin cut along Kiba's chin. Before the Inuzuka could even fully registered the hit an immensely powerful gust of wind came and blew him and Akamaru away.
Shino and Sasuke were able to regroup immediately and stood kunai drawn back to back. Alert, both became weary when Kiba appeared without Akamaru, even though his check showed the new cut just acquired. "Hey, did you guys see were my dog went?"
Both boys quickly threw their knives at the imposter. Sasuke scoffed and mocked. "If you were the real Kiba you wouldn't have returned so calmly with Akamaru missing."
The 'Kiba' sprawled on the ground gave out a very feminine laugh and explained in a raspy woman's voice. "I suppose the mutt-bred clan has always been a little to 'loving' of their dogs." A violent puff of smoke revealed a creepy Hidden Grass Kunoichi that slithered up from the ground like a snake. (1) The woman was dressed in a yellow kimono, black leggings with matching under shirt, and a large purple rope around her waist that was bow tied in the small of her back. "Hehehehehe, what fun this hunt shall be." Both boys tensed as the raven haired Kunoichi brought a hand up to her black cold eyes. "I suppose we know begin the battle for the scrolls." With that foreboding proclamation she pulled the bottom of her right eye lid down glaring at the Genin.
Neither Sasuke or Shino could explain it. One moment they were prepared for an attack and the next an inhuman amount of fear was being hammered into their brains. The vision of the enemy Kunoichi peppering their bodies with multiple kunai played out deep within their minds; the amount of blood and pain was impossible. Just as quick as the Genjutsu started it ended and both boys fell shakily to their knees.
Meanwhile, treetops deep in the woods, Kiba and Akamaru were playing keep away from a large grey cobra. After the boy had picked himself up from the large trench he dug upon landing, he immediately smelt the monster. Reacting on instinct the brunette grabbed his puppy and leaped straight up; just barely avoided the monster's jaws. He was starting to get tired and knew he had to retaliate soon, but the reptile wasn't stupid and refused to give him a moment to think.
"Akamaru, we need to use fang over fang. Our only hope is to cut the bastard's neck, but I'm sure his scales are armored." The puppy barked in agreement as his master once again leaped away.
Kiba, getting an idea, pulled a smoke pellet from his pouch. The large serpent coiled around a large tree limb and lunged again. Timing his leap just right the wild looking Shinobi jumped right at the last moment leaving the pellet behind. The jaws of the snake bit clean through the tree limb Kiba had been perched on and smoke began bellowing out from the monster's mouth and nose. Violently shaking his head the snake became to preoccupied with his predicament to stop the boy and dog from setting up their counter attack.
The brunette gave the small white puppy a food pill that caused the animal's chakra to surge and go wild. The fur all over his body began turning brown as he leaped up to stand on Kiba's head. Focusing his chakra through a ram hand sign, the boy called out "Man Beast Clone" causing his dog to take on his exact appearance.
"Alright boy, let's go!" The twin duo jumped from their perch and began spinning like tops to turn into whirling razor sharp tornadoes. Streaking towards the still distracted grey cobra both began flying all around the head and neck in hopes of delivering critical damage, unfortunately Kiba's prediction about armored scales was accurate. No matter how powerful a blow either boy or dog landed they just weren't doing enough damage. Violently swinging outward with its large tail the reptile managed to deliver a luck hit to one of the tornadoes as it past below his branch.
"Akamaru!" Kiba screamed worriedly as he landed next to the clone in the crater. The dog reverted back to his original form as his partner picked him up carefully. The boy was relieved to see his buddy only had the wind knocked out of him; but the feeling was short lived as a shadow fell over him. Looking up Kiba saw the cobra looming over him prepared to strike.
"Ninja Art: Giant Kunai Jutsu!" Both Kiba and Snake looked up shocked at the cry; the reptile to slow to prevent his head from being impaled by a giant slab of metal. The whole forest shock as the point came to a haut deep underground. The shocked brunette looked up to see his former classmate, and all around class clown, triumphantly standing on the handle ring; arms crossed with a cocky smirk.
"Kiba, you alright!" Sakura called coming from the brush with Hinata following. It briefly registered in the brunette's mind they were supposed to be enemies but he quickly let it go; he had more important things to worry about than scrolls
"Yeah I'm ok." The boy answered. "Looks like Akamaru got the wind knocked out of him a though." A puff of smoke signaled the dead snake and giant kunai despairing. The blonde in Ninja Wraps landed smiling in front of the boy still silently crowing. Kiba grumbled out. "Thanks Naruto."
"Don't mention it buddy." The Genin boasted. "I don't mind helping those weaker than myself. Just keep training Kiba and you may one day be close to half my level."
The brunette held his tongue as he figured getting into a childish argument right now would be stupid; he'd wait till they were out of the Forest Of Death to punch sense back into the empty headed blonde. "Look, I need to get back to my team. We were taking a break when a large gust of wind blew me and Akamaru away; pretty sure they need my help."
"We'll come with you." Sakura volunteered. The brunette gave her a searching look as if asking 'why'. The pinkette noticed and explained rolling her green eyes. "Oh come on, we're all still Leaf Shinobi. If we get there and it's another Leaf Team attacking we won't interfere, but if it's a foreign team will back you guys up."
"Ok, let's go." Kiba agreed and led the way back to his team.
…. Team Seven's Clearing ….
Shino looked around from the tree he and Sasuke were hiding in. When they had been hit by the Genjutsu both boys could barely move. When the creepy Kunoichi began to mimic the actions of her dream-self from the vision both boys knew they were dead. Luckily, the Aburame's Kikaichu Beetles caused him sufficient pain to snap him out of the lingering effects of the jutsu. He managed to grab Sasuke and leap away just in time. Now both boys were hiding while trying to recover.
"I never experienced anything that powerful before, she's on a whole other level." Sasuke explained trembling. "We need to get out of here."
"What we need to do is calm down and think of a plan." Shino explained in his usual monotone fashion. He was also still dealing with that vivid nightmare but it was no excuse to lose one's head. "Also, regrouping with Kiba is our number one priority. If we're being engaged by her than it is only logical her teammates are fighting Kiba."
"I don't know what Kunoichi you just fought Shino, but the one I fought wouldn't need any help in killing our whole class single handedly." The Uchiha explained exasperatedly. The Aburame let his attitude go since he knew it was his teammate trying to cope with fear.
"Shit!" The bug user heard the Uchiha cry as the raven haired boy grabbed hold a of his arm and leaped away. Shino barely registered the uncomfortable dragging awkward jump as he turned in time to watch a large snake smash down hard on where they had just been standing. Had Sasuke acted a second slower they both would have been crushed. The reptile turned and gave chase, but the Uchiha managed to kill it with some fancy kunai and shuriken skills as both boys free fell through the leaves to land on another large branch.
Neither boy got much of a breather before the back of the snake split open and the Grass Kunoichi emerged covered in slimy entrails. "Remember pray, never drop your guard in the presence of your predator."
Wrapping around the tree branches over and over again the woman quickly headed for Sasuke. Shino unleashed a swarm of beetles to intercept the enemy but she blowed straight through ignoring them all together. The Uchiha took a shaky stance and waited for the Grass Kunoichi to close, but a cry of, "Fang Over Fang!" rang out and Kiba came streaking in with Akamaru; the snake-eyed woman dodged the tornado attacks with ease and leaped backwards.
The wild haired brunette and his dog came to rest standing above everyone. Looking over with a bored curious look the enemy commented. "I'm surprised to see you back so quickly Kiba. I thought my pet could keep you busy for a while longer."
"It was you that sent the snake to eat me and Akamaru!" The Inuzuka accused. Growling low the boy threatened. "You're dead meat."
"Hahahahahahah!" The woman laughed uproariously. Unnaturally gaining perfect control she looked at Kiba and mocked. "You think you can beat me, little mongrel? Look at your dog, clearly the brains of your duo, and tell me what he thinks."
The boy looked to his canine confused and saw Akamaru had reverted back to his natural form while shaking like a leaf. His partner had the ability to smell chakra levels but the Inuzuka had never seen him react this way before though; the pore guy was petrified with fear. Picking up the white puppy Kiba placed him protectively in his jacket. "Still think you can beat me?" The enemy mocked from just over the boy's shoulder.
"Move Kiba!" Naruto yelled as he materialized out of nowhere and through a large shuriken straight at the Kunoichi. The woman easily avoided the weapon and looked excitedly at the blonde. 'Good, if he's here than my plan worked. Hiashi's unmarked princess must be close by.'
"Stop!" Sasuke cried out. He didn't know what Naruto was doing here but knew it wouldn't change anything. "Here." He spoke dejectedly holding up a Heaven Scroll; Shino was carrying the Earth. "This is what you want right? So take it and go. I know we have no chance against you."
Kiba and Naruto looked on stunned by Sasuke's words; since when did the prideful bratty bastard give up. Shino was thinking along the same lines as Sasuke. Sakura and Hinata were just as stunned as Kiba and Naruto.
The blonde boy, not believing his ears, hollered out. "What the hell do you think you're doing Sasuke!? You can't just give up!"
"Shut up idiot!" The raven haired boy shouted back. "You have no idea what we're up against! This woman can kill us all without trying! Giving her the scroll is are only option to get out of this alive!"
"Why do you think she would just let us leave!?" The Jinchuriki argued back. "So what if you give her the scroll, it doesn't mean she's going to walk away without killing you first!"
"Hahahahahaha." The woman laughed mockingly once again. "Oh, to true Naruto. There's no incentive to let you leave this clearing alive."
Everyone stood tense waiting for the woman to make a move. For her part the Kunoichi seemed to gauge each boy in the vicinity to determine the more fun to attack; both girls were still hiding waiting for a moment of opportunity. Deciding the Uchiha was the best victim she disappeared and reappeared right beside him with a powerful spin kick. The boy managed to cross his arms in a block but was still forcibly smashed into the trunk of the tree he was standing on. The Grass Ninja gave a pitiful head shack asking. "Is this really all the great Uchiha Clan has to offer; a useless brat that can't even put up a half decent fight?"
The sound of a violin playing a slow haunting melody soon filled the clearing. Curious yellow eyes searched for the origins of the music as every tree in the visible area began growing Sakura Tree Blossoms. The flowers began spinning like slow tops while drifting out their pink petals to blanket the area and fill the air. 'A powerful Command to confused my sense of sight and an Illusion to increase the level of strength against my own brain; in truth nothing but a smokescreen for inconvenient nuisances to hide inside while attacking me.'
Mildly annoyed the Kunoichi began fending of Taijutsu attacks he couldn't see while searching for the little pinkette he knew to be casting the jutsu. Feeling an immensely powerful blow heading for her head, she quickly turned away to avoid a strike that punched a whole straight through a tree trunk. 'I know that feeling of chakra; Devine Embodiment Jutsu.'
Turning quick and unleashing a massive fireball to destroy the Kikaichu Beetles she sensed, the woman quickly jumped to the ground as the tree limb she had been standing on was decimated by large Senbon Needles. Straightening back up the raven haired Kunoichi felt the old familiar feel of a powerful Juken Strike straight to her heart; unfortunately for Hinata this was no ordinary human with an ordinary heart.
'Cleaver.' The creepy snake-like Kunoichi thought. 'Sakura Haruno places the cover, Naruto Uzumaki herds the enemy to his girlfriend, and Hinata Hyuga delivers a killing blow straight to the heart; it would have worked on lesser enemies to be sure, but not me.'
With a backhand blow the evil lady struck out and connected with Hinata's invisible cheek. The young girl flew backwards and collided with a crouching Sakura, the pinkette wanted to stay close in case someone needed medical attention. Laughing, the Grass Kunoichi dodged as several large shuriken came her way in retaliation. The pink flower blossoms disappeared as the area became clear.
"Did you brats truly think that…." The Grass Kunoichi began mocking only to have her whole body freeze up. Without missing a beat Naruto hurled a giant senbon with perfect accuracy. Amused, the Kunoichi allowed the attack to hit and carry her backwards into a tree trunk; empaled through the chest. However, before anyone could cheer the enemy melted away in a puddle of mud.
"Impressive." Team Eight and Seven heard the creepy Kunoichi call from the treetops. Looking up they saw she was eerily licking her lips with her much to large tongue. "Somehow that paled eyed princess managed to infect my body with her chakra while striking me with juken. The moment she thought I lowered my guard she launched a Paralysis Genjutsu; I'm guessing an attack pattern practiced to flawless perfection."
Deliberately bitting her thumb so all could see and anticipate her next attack, the creepy woman summoned forth a snake much larger than the one Naruto previously killed. Trees broke in the wake of its arrival and the kids were forced to scatter to avoid being crushed. The beast pursued Team Eight while the summoner engaged Team Seven. Shino and Kiba took stances while Sasuke still remained indecisive; trying to reason surviving by running or fighting.
"Hey, prideful coward, any time you want to help feel free to join in." Kiba growled angrily.
Akamaru transformed back into his partner's clone as they once again unleashed fang over fang. The Aburame unleashed his Kikaichu to swarm around the enemy to leach chakra away at a distance. This tactic was much slower than direct contact but it meant his allies didn't need to bunch up in mass making them vulnerable to fire jutsu. Sasuke stood fuming as his teammates charged; in his mind they were both stupid and escaped was the only option.
Team Eight scattered as the large reptile crashed down were they were standing. Unable to dodge the follow up tail swipe the kids were hammered through the underbrush. Sakura managed to coat her bow string with medical chakra and gouge a long cut along the snake's purple scales, but the massive creature barely felt the injury.
The pinkette quickly joined her blonde teammate and noticed his left eye was closed and slightly bleeding. Quickly trying to apply her jutsu to repair damage the boy waved her off and explained. "Don't worry, I'm not hurt. We need to find Hinata."
"Can you sense her?" Sakura asked confused.
"My Yumegan is preoccupied at the moment." Before Naruto could elaborate further both kids heard their teammate scream. Running to help both saw the Hyuga clutched in the snake's coils; mouth wide open to eat her.
"Hinata!" Naruto screamed as he rushed in angrily. Producing large shuriken the boy gave out a roar of rage and through them with all his Divine Embodiment might. Unfortunately, the snake's scales were heavily armored and the attack did nothing but distract him for a moment. Quickly swallowing the young bluenette the monster turned to face the remaining two members of Team Eight.
With a roar filled with malevolent chakra Naruto crashed his right fist into the snake's jaw. The strength of Divine Embodiment combined with the chakra of Kyuubi was enough to send the head of the monster crashing into the ground. Sakura could only watch on bewildered as her teammate lost it, there was no strategy in his plan of attack at all; only rage. Throughout it all his left eye never opened, but his right showed red with a black slit; the violinist didn't know why but that eye filled her with terror.
Kiba came in low to force the enemy to jump into Akamaru's path. Unfortunately the Kunoichi bent in an impossibly odd angle to go under him and hammer him hard into Shino standing a few feet away. The Kikaichu Beetles had managed to drain a good bit of chakra from the woman but it seemed to have no effect.
Turning surprised the woman barely blocked a spin kick from Sasuke. The boy pivoted off her arm to come in low with a kunai Ames for the enemy's waist; only for the aggravating Kunoichi to move impossibly again and avoid the attack by shifting her waist to the side. An elbow to the back of the Uchiha's head forced him away.
'Finally, his pride has been wounded enough. Now I'll see the true potential of the Uchiha myself." The raven haired woman thought gleefully.
What began next was a powerful demonstration of why Sasuke Uchiha never once lost a Taijutsu Match during his time at the academy. A multiple series of combos, that kept you guessing from which way he'd attack next, flew out in rapid series that would have overwhelming most opponents. However, the raven haired woman just seemed to get happier and more excited with each no counter needed to block the boy's attacks. Finally, with some impressive weapon skills the young Genin managed to wrap the enemy up in Ninja Wire and pin her to a tree. Making hand signs while holding one end of the wire between his teeth, Sasuke blew out a massive stream of fire. 'Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!'
An incredible intense concentrated inferno traveled down the wire to blast the enemy's face head on. The jutsu was so powerful it managed to burn a whole straight through the tree. Shino and Kiba looked on thinking it was over; the enemy appeared to have underestimated Sasuke at the last moment and perished. The entirety of Team Eight could only watch in shock as the woman began laughing.
"Most impressive." The Grass Kunoichi gleefully stated as she looked up. The boys saw the right side of her face had melted away to be replaced by a more masculine one with a snake like yellow eye. "You truly are Itachi's younger brother."
Before Sasuke could ask the stranger how he knew his older sibling, a powerful Paralysis Genjutsu was unleashed by the enemy that encompassed Team Eight. The man then made the sign of snake before extending his neck unnaturally to bight the Uchiha on his shoulder. The boy screamed in pain as a three tomoe symbol appeared at the spot and past put.
'Now to claim the Byakugan and leave before ANBU show up.' The evil man thought gleefully. Shino and Kiba quickly jumped down to help their teammate but there wasn't much they could do. The dog ninja turned to the monster as he removed the remainder of his fake face. Underneath revealed pale skin and purple eyeliner-like markings that covered the top of his eyelids and crown of his nose.
"What did you do to Sasuke!?" The brunette asked angrily.
"Nothing much, I just gave him a small gift is all. Tell him if he want more to seek out the Sannin Orochimaru." With that the man disappeared under ground.
Materializing not far from Team Eight the man was greeted to an interesting sight. He had felt the inhuman chakra of the Jinchuriki while battling Team Seven but wasn't worried; it was nothing but a nuisance. However, he hadn't expected the boy to rip his snake into gory bloody pieces. Standing covered in slimy entrails was the blonde holding the Hyuga Princess bridal style. 'I would have to say my pet did something to upset the brat, seeing the way they interact I'm well aware of Naruto's feelings for Hinata; so, my pet forced the boy to destroy him utterly by endangering the girl. When I take Hinata's eyes I'll have to grab them both at once, otherwise the boy well become problematic. By know the village would have discovered the dead Grass Shinobi I left behind and they well be looking for me, my jutsu is quite recognizable after all.'
Rushing in just as the blonde placed the bluenette down on the ground, the Sannin began reaching for the girl's eyes; only for both children to disappear in a swarm of colorful butterflies at the last second. Looking around startled the man wondered when he had been placed under a Genjutsu, he never felt anything. Sensing the Jinchuriki standing by the pinkette he turned quickly to see him and his teammates looking bewildered and afraid while Naruto glared at the Sannin with a look of pure hate. Orochimaru briefly looked into the angry red eye of the Kyuubi that reflected from the boy's right eye socket, only to stare in wonder and shock at his left; he had never seen an eye quite like it before. However; he knew exactly who this boy was, the son of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki; it made the four tomeo purple eye beyond distinction.
All thoughts of the Byakugan were driven from Orochimaru's mind at one maddening thought. 'Yumegan, I must have it!'
Rushing the children once again the man extended his right arm like a snake, but Team Eight disappeared in a swarm of butterflies yet again. 'How, when did he place me under a Genjutsu damn it!?' Anticipating where they would head the Sannin made for Team Seven.
Shino and Kiba were trying to assess Sasuke's condition when the dog ninja turn with a kunai to stab however had appeared behind him. Startled, the brunette found his right wrist in the iron grip of Naruto Uzumaki's right hand. He briefly registered the elongated claws that resembled his own when in beast mode, and looked into the boy's new crazy eyes; the rage was apparent as well the amount of chakra he was pumping.
"Take Hinata and Sakura and go hide. I'll hold the bastard here while you retreat." Naruto ordered in a deep demonic voice.
"No!" The Hyuga Princess exclaimed urgently. "I'm not abandoning you Naruto-kun!"
"Yes you are." The blonde growled low, though not unkind. "I can't fight him and protect you at the same time. Get out of here and I'll follow when I can."
Sakura was unsure about everything. She understood what that left eye meant but had no idea what the red chakra and right eye were about. The pinkette also realized Sasuke was hurt and might be in need of medical attention. "Hinata, we don't have a choice. We've got to get out of her now."
The Hyuga was still reluctant but knew her friend was right. Looking to her boyfriend she worriedly stated. "Promise me, promise me you'll be alright! That you'll escape when we're clear!"
"Don't worry Hina-hime, I'll pound his face in then hightail it out off here; I swear." The feral blonde stated confidently.
Team Eight and Seven ran as Naruto turned to face the approaching Sannin. Now that his Yumegan was through with preparation to reflect from his left eye the Jinchuriki's sensory abilities were working again. (2) Working his hands' into familiar hand signs the boy began his Self Image Technique. The pattern on his wraps began coming alive as the blonde called out. "Yumegan Trick: Wrath Of The Fox Pack!"
Orochimaru came from the brush just as the images of reddish orange foxes came pealing of Naruto's clothing. Not to concerned with the Illusion the Sannin charged straight through, only to feel the sharp teeth and claws of the shadow creatures as they bit and latched on to his body. Looking up in shock and rage the snake eyed man saw a giant fox claw heading his way. Unable to avoid the hit the Illusion speared him straight through his torso; blood spraying everywhere. Like a snake shedding its skin the Sannin came bursting out of his own mouth with a fully healed body.
In a scream of rage Naruto charged head on. Coming in with a powerful haymaker the boy tried to take the man's head clear off. Orochimaru dodged and reached for the Jinchuriki's left eye, only for Naruto to disappear in a haze of smoke. Reappearing next to the raven haired man the boy unleashed a powerful kick that sent the Sannin through several trees. Body broken again the man was forced to shed is skin to heal.
'How does he keep trapping me in Genjutsu? I can't afford to keep this up. I played around with Sasuke to much and the ANBU will be on me soon. It doesn't help shedding my body to heal takes a massive amount of chakra, the Curse Mark Of Heaven I gave to Sasuke also consumes the most chakra of my five curse marks.'
Charging the boy again the Sannin began paying much more attention to his chakra than normal, he hoped to feel the boy's applying his jutsu. Naruto crossed his fingers in front of his body and made five Shadow Clones. The boy and his five clones created Giant Senbon and charged to engage with Bojutsu. Orochimaru found this slightly amusing as he wondered what else his old Sensei taught the boy. Demonstrating his unique snake-like Taijutsu the man easily dispersed the clones and allowed the real boy to impale his chest, provided the perfect moment for the Sannin to substitute with a Mud Clone and grab the surprised Jinchuriki's forearms. Squeezing hard enough to break the child's bones the man once more reached for the coveted purple eye; and Naruto once again disappeared in smoke to reappear several feet away. The frustrated man looked on with his evil yellow eyes as the fox's chakra instantly repaired the arm he just broke.
"Your not placing me under Genjutsu, your placing reality itself under Genjutsu!" Orochimaru accused in a searching way looking for answers; trying to understand what he was seeing. "Like the Sharingan's Izanagi, you become an actual Illusion to avoid damage, but you have to do it before actually taking damage; your technique won't save you from death like the Uchiha's well."
The Jinchuriki chuckled darkly as he once again made hand signs and filled the surrounding forest with hundreds of clones. The Sannin took note of the blonde's fatigued sweaty face and realized the Yumegan Technique was taking a massive toll, even with the Kyuubi's backing. The boy winked with his right eye as he vanished in a swarm of butterflies. Orochimaru waited for him to reappear, but he never did. Instead the chakra of every clone around him began going erratic in a familiar way.
The Sannin growled out frustratedly. "Oh you little shi….."
All across the Forest Of Death many Genin began taking cover as the whole area shook, a massive explosion was heard and felt as a dust cloud filled the sky. ANBU instantly began heading to the detonation sight as Anko kept sweeping the trees for her traitorous former Sensei; she had no doubt the man was involved with the massive attack but would not remain in the area.
In the new crater that had once been dense trees and brush, cracks began forming on the smooth ground as the Sannin broke free of his hideaway. Looking around he began laughing darkly. 'What a tenacious little fool. Oh well, go ahead and run away I'll have your eye another day. As for the Byakugan, I might be able to acquire both the Hyuga and Uzumaki Dojutsu during the invasion. My main objective was completed anyway, if Sasuke survives the Sharingan will be mine.'
With that the Sannin slipped away just as ANBU began showing up, never knowing they had been just moments away from confronting the traitor.
…. Later That Evening ….
Naruto slowly openers his eyes to look up at the star filled sky. Last thing he remembered was reappearing in a clearing at the edge of his sensory ability, jumping under a bush, and passing out into sweet oblivion. No matter how hard he had tried to gain this small Yumegan advantage since first reading about it in clan scrolls had it worked so well. The fact it was described as 'small' was a down right mess leasing lie. Reading he could temporarily turn into Illusion, make any Illusion in his line-of-sight temporarily real, and more or less teleport almost instantaneously anywhere he could sense with his Yumegan, had been exciting. Trying to make it happen had been frustrating. All he could figure was somehow the Nine Tailed Fox's chakra had allowed him to hop whatever hump had blocked his way. All those lessons Kurenai had hammered into his thick skull over the months about logical thinking were finally paying off.
'Need to go find Hinata.' Naruto thought as he sensed outward for his girlfriend. He discovered she was twenty miles to the west of his current position. Four chakras were with her and the blonde easily recognized Sakura, Kiba, Shino, and Sasuke. However, there appeared to be something wrong with the Uchiha's chakra. Having a closer look through his minds eye sight the Jinchuriki saw a strange mark on the raven haired boy's shoulder. 'That's not good. If his chakra stays this turbulent he'll die, but I don't know how I can help him.'
Setting up Naruto noticed something that should have been apparent when he first gained consciousness; to be fair though his whole body was numb from overusing the Devine Embodiment Jutsu and he was more concerned about his fiends. Someone had bound his hands behind his back. The apparent someone, or someones actually, was setting in front of him. A team of three Grass Genin; a redheaded bespectacled girl with very deep dull red eyes, a taller skinny boy with black hair and a sword on his back, and a chubby boy with short dark brown hair. The girl wore fishnet stalking, a purple skirt, a short sleeved purple shirt under a beige open pullover. The sword user wore pretty much grey shorts, shirt, and jacket in deferent hues of darkness. The chubby guy wore black paint, black shirt, purple jacket, and beige scarf. All the had their headbands on their foreheads.
The sword user, who Naruto took to be the leader, noticed the blonde wake up first. Pulling his sword and taking a nervous stance he commanded in a shaky voice. "Don't move."
At first Naruto was slightly worried these guys were with the snake man, until he thought it over logically. That guy probably impersonated a Grass Kunoichi to get inside the exam to mark Sasuke with whatever that thing on his neck was. Also, the way he fought did not shout Genin trying to make Chunin; if that guy was still Genin level than Iruka Sensei was Kage level. More than likely they had no clue one of the Grass Shinobi that came with them to Hidden Leaf was an imposter. Hell, they were afraid of him and he was exhausted and tied up; these idiots were amateurs that snake-guy would never work with.
"You have me captured, for what reason?" The Jinchuriki asked buying time to escape.
"Obviously your scroll stupid." Chubby boy growled out trying to act tough. "Ether it's close by or one of your teammates has it on them. We'll exchange you for the scroll."
The blonde began reading his enemies more closely. The sword guy appeared to be the one in best shape but that didn't mean he was the strongest; physical appearance aside chakra control played a big deal in determining overall strength. The redhead had no real discernible muscle tone, much like Sakura when they graduated the academy and before Kurenai began making her train and eat healthy, for this reason Naruto figured her to be support mainly; Genjutsu, medical, or both. The Jinchuriki was confident he could take them if he got his hands free; despite his soreness. Lame-brains one and two had remembered to take his weapon kit but that didn't stop him from quietly producing a replica kunai.
The redhead became scared and tried to warn her teammates. "Guys, he's up…."
"Shut up outsider!" Chubby exclaimed rudely. "Your only here to make sure we pass the exam, nothing more. We need you to heal us we'll let you know; until then be quiet and let the Shinobi do the thinking."
"Outsider?" Naruto asked curiously.
"A refugee from a distant village." Sword boy explained snootily. "She has no family or place of her own. She serves Hidden Grass for a place to stay and that's all."
The Jinchuriki couldn't believe the level of prejudice coming from the girl's teammates regarding herself. Didn't they have any sense of camaraderie with the redhead at all. Trying to buy more time the blonde asked with a smile that didn't fully meet his blue eyes. "Refugee, didn't happen to come from a place called Whirlpool did you.?"
"How did you know I was an Uzumaki!?" The young girl exclaimed shocked. "Was my red hair that much of a giveaway!"?
Naruto paused in his escape action as he took in the Kunoichi's full image. Of all the places to find a long lost family member, the Forest Of Death during the Chunin Exams was not somewhere he would have guessed in a thousand years. Breaking free of his bindings the blonde rushed forward and grabbed both enemy boys by their throats. Placing them in Paralysis Genjutsu he commanded in a cold voice. "Sleep."
Naruto's long lost cousin could only tremble in fear as her teammates fell uselessly to the forest loam. The blue eyed boy just smiled and explained. "Don't worry cousin, I won't hurt you. I suggest you use your red flare and call for help though. These to dip-shits won't wake up for a few days unless you know the Genjutsu Release."
"Cousin?" The girl asked in a trembling voice.
"Oh, guess I should introduce myself." Giving the girl his best award winning smile the boy exclaimed. I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the future Hokage of Hidden Leaf Village!" Calming down he inquired. "Who are you by the way?"
The redhead took a moment to process she was related to her enemy. Snapping out of her shock she responded. "I'm Karin Uzumaki." Looking uncertain she explained. "I also know the Genjutsu Release; for someone like me that's child's play."
"Uzumaki Born Abilities." The blonde guessed deadpanned. At the girl's nod he asked. "Cool, what you got?"
Relaxing a little the girl explained bashfully. "Well my mom explained what they were called to me long ago. Mind's Eye Of The Kagura which allows me to sense chakra at a vast distance when I concentrate, putting it into a nut shell really. It also allows me to complete conceal my chakra from others, but when doing so I can't sense other people. I also posses Life Leach which allows me to heal anyone by having them bite me, pretty much it really. My mother also believed I had potential to activate the Adamantine Chains but so far nothing has come of that."
"That's cool." Naruto happily exclaimed while ignoring the way the redhead spoke of her mom in the past tense. "I have the Yumegan." At his cousin's wide shocked eyes the boy realized he need not explain further. Hesitantly he asked. "Would you mind me biting you. I'm really low on chakra and all my muscles are really sore."
"I wouldn't mind Naruto, but my ability is only safe to use once a day and my teammates might need it." The girl apologized.
Sighing the blonde explained the facts. "I don't mind you not letting me bite you Karin, but know that you are going to signal the exam proctors to come get you. I've eliminated your team and I want you safe; these guys would ditch you in a heartbeat to save themselves if need be. Even if you know the Genjutsu Release that won't help if I start cutting throats."
Realizing she was screwed no matter what the girl excepted her fate and walked to her pack. Producing the flare she walked back to Naruto and extended her arm. "Go ahead and bite then."
Unsure, the blonde clamped down on his cousin's arm and instantly felt relief as her chakra flooded his system. Straightening back up he thanked her and asked. "I wonder what would happen if you bit someone else; maybe a reverse effect." Shaking his head to dismiss the thought he grabbed the flare and fired it off. "Well, I'll see you around Karin."
The girl watched him go with a happy tired smile on her pale face. Looking down at her asshole teammates she wondered at Naruto's question. Deciding to experiment she lifted up the chubby boy's wrist and bite down hard; instantly feeling his chakra flood her system the girl was surprised at how fast her fatigue left. However, before she was fully healed the flow of chakra stopped. Looking down shocked Karin saw her teammate now resembled a dried out dead husk of a mummy.
Not knowing how to feel the slightly shocked girl stood up uncertain; her dead teammates arm coming off at the shoulder in her grip. They had never liked her and the Grass Village treated her like crap all her life; even worse they were the ones responsible for her mom's death. They forced her to heal their injured Shinobi until there was nothing left. In the end the same fate awaited her one day, well if she stayed in Grass that is. Realizing the truth of that thought the young Uzumaki looked down with vindication as she reached out for the other boy's arm; a thought crossing her pretty head. 'I wonder if my cousin has a spare room I can stay at for a while, just until I find my own place in Hidden Leaf.'
Author's Note:
(1)- Just got that: Grass Snake. Wonder if that was an intentional joke.
(2)- Just in case someone asks I'll go ahead and explain. This is not Yumegan emerging. That will look like when Madara got his Rinni-Sharingan (Is that the name?). Anyways, what happened is Naruto sent direct chakra from Yumegan to his left eye to give it a small amount of the outward abilities of his Dojutsu. It just looks like the Yumegan because the power is being reflected through. Just like when Naruto used Kurama's power when he was younger and his eyes became like the fox's, or how all the corpses under Pain's control reflected the Rinnegan. The only real Rinnegan was in Pain's head and stealing the eyeballs from the corpses didn't gain you anything. At least I think this is how it worked, best way I interpreted it.
Also- The upgrade to Karin's ability Life Leach just came to me. (Also, did the ability have an official name because I can't find one.) Makes since that if you bite her you heal, and if she bites you she heals; your just not an Uzumaki so more of your chakra would be needed for her to replenish and you'll shrivel up like a mummy.
Also Also- Someone said something about Naruto and Shadow Clones. Didn't really get what they meant but I think they were mad he wasn't using them more. The reason was because Mizuki beat the clone swarm easily, you know like he should have done in the show facing a new Genin with no battle experience, so Naruto has come up with more tactics to fight with. Literally don't understand why they never gave him more Shadow Clone-like jutsu in the show. Shadow Shuriken Jutsu and Shadow Shuriken Expansion Jutsu would have help him a lot as a Genin. They were only Forbidden Jutsu because of the chakra cost, not a problem for an Uzumaki Jinchuriki.
One More Thing- When Naruto vanished in a swarm of butterflies he was subconsciously thinking of Hinata. When he disappeared in smoke or mist he was focused more on the battle. His final retreat was him keeping his promise to Hinata so butterflies.