Chapter Four: The Forest of Death

A week later, Neji, Lee, and Tenten met on a rooftop overlooking the village.

Looking out over the Leaf, they saw it looked in good repair, partially thanks to them. Tenten waited for Itachi to get back with the news. Looking to Neji and Lee, she paused. They'd been instructed to pack their things in preparation for a long journey. Part of a training exercise, though Tenten wasn't sure what their mission was.

Mostly it had been D ranks with various illusions distracting them. It had gotten to be a major hassle, everything from a constant ringing in their ears to bugs crawling over them. Other times they'd had a sense that someone was inside their heads crawling.

On and on, the days had dragged, with little in the way of thanks.

Whatever was working out with Itachi and his family, they heard nothing more about it. Though Izumi showed up now and then and seemed intent on becoming friends with Tenten. That made her suspicious. Especially since the Uchiha Clan as a whole had pretended, they didn't exist.

Either way, Tenten was more concerned about the Hyuga. She could do something about that.

But, at last, Itachi arrived after his meeting with Itachi. They looked to him, his face stoic as usual. "...Did it work?"

Itachi smiled, and it looked unnatural, to say the least. "Yes, yes, everything worked out. Legally speaking, Neji as property has been transferred to my personal property. Here you go." And he handed a deed over to Neji.

"What is this?" asked Neji, reading it.

"I'm transferring property ownership of Neji Hyuga to you immediately," said Itachi. "I believe that having such invasive authority will only interfere with team dynamics."

"Wait a minute, um, does that work politically?" asked Tenten.

"I'll just pass it off as a way of emotionally manipulating you if anyone asks," said Itachi with a shrug. "No one in the Uchiha is very fond of the Hyuga way of doing things. Also, Hiashi does not regard Neji as much of an asset.

"To him, he is little more than an attack dog.

"So we'll just say I manipulated things.

"Please sign here."

He pointed to a dotted line and produced a pen. Neji looked at it. "I, Neji Hyuga, do hereby purchase Neji Hyuga in exchange for the sum of paying for the next batch of ramen.

"Can I have a pen?"

Itachi gave him one, and Neji signed while using the stone balcony as a writing surface. It was a bit difficult with how rough it was. Itachi nodded, and the contract was put away.

"...Thank you, sensei," said Neji, a rare bit of emotion in his tone.

Itachi ruffled his hair and moved off a moment later.

"Don't you think Hiashi will be upset?" asked Tenten.

"I don't care if he is," admitted Itachi. "I did, however, notice that Hanabi Hyuga was unusually somber. I judge that she is going through some internal conflict and has no one to talk to about it.

"Though her discussions with Naruto Uzumaki have been helpful.

"Neji, just be sure to keep a low profile. You may be free, but it's for the best if you maintain a facade of obedience. It will make Hiashi think that he's gotten the better end of the deal."

"Right," said Neji, smiling. "I'll leave the showing off until the Chunin Exams."

Itachi nodded. "Now, the Hokage has called me on an infiltration mission. Something a bit above your paygrade, so I'm going to be out of contact for a bit."

"Seriously?" asked Tenten. "Where are you going?"

"If I told you that I'd be committing a crime," said Itachi.

Silence.

Then Itachi laughed. It was an unnatural sound. "In all seriousness, it's the Sound Village and certain contracts they've made. The recent economic crisis has allowed certain rich individuals to buy out businesses. Since they had enough money to weather the crisis, they could use it to buy property from those who didn't.

"And they could do so at a bargain price.

"All of the Great Villages have done so, of course. But so have many other aristocrats. This has given organizations they control a great deal of influence.

"The Sound Village, apparently, has come up with a great deal of money overnight. I am to investigate the source of this funding. It's probably just going to be a lot of tax paperwork. But if it does get interesting, I'll be a lot more vulnerable with you there.

"No offense."

"Is the Sound Village really that dangerous?" asked Tenten.

"We think that Orochimaru is running it," said Itachi. "Or at least very influential. But, it's difficult to say. The Sound Village operates on a cell-based system. No one in one outpost knows anything about anyone else.

"Operatives who fail are left to their fate. And most of their ninja are either rogue ninja or taken from prisons. Even so, we believe Orochimaru has created a powerful faction within the Sound at least."

"So why haven't we gone to war with them?" asked Tenten. "I mean, Orochimaru was a really bad criminal."

"They've been sponsored by a great many Feudal Lords," said Itachi. "The Sound takes criminals out of jails and saves the state money. Most of them never appear again.

"Many of the lords are using them as a counterbalance to the Five Great Nations. And we know they are receiving funding from both the Land of Rain and the Land of Rice Paddies.

"It also helps that the Sound has no official area of operation. Many of the ninja clans that are part of the Sound don't think of themselves as such.

"Think of them as a kind of middleman."

"So the Sound Village bought out a lot of businesses?" asked Tenten.

"Yes," said Itachi. "And that gave them influence over everyone who uses those villages. It's an ideal source of information. While it is not technically an aggressive move, it is worrying.

"Fortunately, your own efforts served to limit the effectiveness of these tactics.

"The purpose of my mission is to get a feel for the situation. And also, if necessary, assassinate bad actors."

"You mean members of the Sound?" asked Lee.

"I do not know who I mean," said Itachi. "However, with the security of the village on the line, it may be necessary to kill some people. It's unfortunate, but this is the business we've chosen. And if someone has actively betrayed the Leaf, an example must be set.

"But, the Hokage hopes that all this will be a wild goose chase."

"So what do we do?" asked Tenten.

"I've arranged for someone to train you in my stead," said Itachi. "He should be able to act as a substitute until I get back. Which should be in a few weeks at the most.

"I'm quite good at this kind of thing."

"Who?" asked Neji.

At that moment, a blur of green rushed down, and Guy landed before them. "That would be me, Neji."

"Guy-sensei!" said Lee.

"That's right, students!" said Guy as the background behind him shifted to become a sun rising over a beach. "I! Might Guy, am here to instruct you in the practice of youthful enthusiasm and the ninja way!"

"...What?" said Neji.

"I will leave you to it," said Itachi before vanishing.

"We're doomed," said Tenten.

And so, they all assembled for their mission.

"Now then, students, Itachi has asked me to teach you survival training," said Guy-sensei. "We'll be doing a field training exercise that will test the very fiber of your being! But if you prove triumphant, you will be truly youthful ninja indeed!"

"What are we doing?" asked Tenten.

"Follow me and find out. To the Forest of Death!" said Guy-sensei.

"Forest of Death?" asked Tenten. "Isn't that usually only used for the Chunin Exams when they come to us?"

"Maybe so. But we got special permission from the Hokage," said Guy-sensei. "He's taken a personal interest in your advancement."

"Really?" asked Tenten.

"Indeed," said Guy-sensei. "Selflessly averting economic crisis has impressed him! Now, to the Forest of Death!"

Pretty much more of the same happened.

On they moved, Neji keeping the deed to himself in one pocket. Rushing off, they ended up going to the edge of the village. Beyond, they came to a ten-kilometer area surrounded by a chainlink fence. Lying on the grass with her eyes closed like she was sunbathing was Anko. As they arrived, she took off her sunglasses and waved. "Hi.

"Anko Mitarashi here, so I guess you kids are going into the Forest of Death, huh?"

"Yes, we are," said Neji.

"Good," said Anko, drawing out a number of contracts. "Sign these, please."

"What's this?" asked Tenten, reading through it.

"It's a disclaimer voiding all right to legal action against the Leaf if you get killed in there. Everyone has to sign it," said Anko.

"How are we supposed to do legal action if we're dead?" asked Tenten.

"Your family might," noted Anko.

"I don't have a family," said Tenten.

"Neither do I," said Lee.

"My death would be the destruction of property," said Neji. "And Itachi is the one who sent me out here in the first place."

Anko blinked. "Well, that's depressing.

"You still need to sign, though. It's mandatory."

"No need to worry, students," said Guy. "The unbridled power of your youth and determination will allow you to overcome any enemy!"

"Fine," said Tenten.

Lee had already signed, as had Neji. Guy-sensei then stood before them. "Now then, do you have everything you need for the mission?"

"Yeah, we brought the usual stuff. Several day's worth of rations, water, weapons, all that," said Tenten. "I've also got everything I could possibly need in my Fuijutsu scroll. I had to spend that money on something."

"Excellent!" said Guy. "Then let us open the doors and begin the exercise!"

Anko opened the gates lock and slid it apart, and they stepped through. Beyond, they saw a deep, dark sense. The forest had little light within it save what came from beyond the fence. Vines could be seen nearby, and the trees towered above them. Each one was tall enough to be well above any building in the Leaf, even the Hokage's office. And there was an earthy, subdued nature here.

"Now then, in order to complete this exercise, you must do only one thing," said Guy-sensei.

"Yeah?" asked Tenten.

"You must survive," said Guy-sensei.

"Survive?" asked Tenten. "That's it?"

"Yes," said Guy-sensei. "All you have to do is stay alive until someone comes to get you."

"When is that going to be?" asked Neji.

"It's a secret," said Guy-sensei. "This hardcore survival training will teach you to make use of limited resources. Remember to engage enemies over a prolonged period of time." He paused. "Or it'll kill you.

"But best not to dwell on that."

"Amazing, Guy-sensei! I cannot believe you came up with such a brilliant plan!" said Lee.

"No need to thank me, Lee," said Guy enthusiastically. "You should save your energy for the giant snakes. And poisonous spiders. And flesh-eating slimes. Not to mention carnivorous plants.

"But, no need to dwell on that either. Keep a keen eye, and you'll be fine!

"Remember, the power of youth lies within you!"

"But-" began Tenten.

And then Guy leaped over the fence. "Remember, if things become really bad, you can forfeit the mission. So if someone gets really hurt, remember to scrap the operation.

"Sometimes it takes a youthful person to realize he's in a situation he can't handle yet.

"Have fun!"

And he was gone. So was Anko. Tenten laughed nervously. "So uh... how hard can it be, huh? I mean, we could just stick around here by the gates and um..."

"There are a large number of bears around here," said Neji.

"Bears?" asked Tenten.

"Yes," said Neji. "There are also leeches that are sapping the chakra from some of them. And tigers. And there may also be some lions.

"We should find somewhere safer and conserve ammunition."

"Indeed, Neji!" said Lee. "So long as we cooperate, with the power of friendship, we will-"

"There are sixteen giant snakes nearing us," said Neji.

"We uh... we should probably climb a tree," said Tenten.

"Snakes can climb trees," said Neji. "As can bares.

"Follow me."

And they did follow.

Neji was the best woodsmen among them, and he showed it. He led them in a zigzagging path. Sometimes they would scale up into the trees and run along with them. Then they'd head down. Tenten saw no sign of any wild animals, and that was thanks to the Byakugan. Neji was able to avoid every potential pitfall and dangerous creature. As a result, none of them even saw him, or so Tenten suspected.

So it was that they cleared that part of the Forest of Death without incident and came finally to a clearing. Here they sat down to think. A patch of sunless was through here, but it was quickly obscured by clouds.

"We are safe for now," said Neji. "Our priority should be to find shelter soon. The clouds above seem obvious. I think it will rain soon."

"Very well," said Lee. "Shall we split up and..."

"No," said Neji. "We have no means of communication. If any one of us ought to break off from the other, it should be me. My Byakugan will allow me to find you."

"Now hang on, we don't have an objective. All we have to do is survive," said Tenten. "So we gotta focus on finding somewhere to set up a camp. Water is the main priority. We'll run out of that first."

"I agree, Tenten," said Lee. "Then we will have an opportunity to put all our survival training to the test!"

"There is a river a few kilometers away from here. Let's head there," said Neji.

Once again, they traveled in a new direction, and Neji avoided all possible threats with ease. It was a bit anticlimactic. According to him, there were all kinds of horrors they were missing. And they did so by simple virtue of never encountering them. Tenten couldn't help but hope they ran into a problem the Byakugan couldn't solve.

"I don't see how this is any different from what Itachi-sensei usually does to us," muttered Tenten. "Why would they pick a place like this for the Chunin Exams anyway?"

"The Chunin Exams are as much a demonstration of power as they are a graduation ceremony," said Neji. "The Village that hosts them usually sets them in the most dangerous environment. That way, a ninja from other villages are likely to be at a disadvantage.

"It also gives the Village in question an advantage.

"Leaf Ninja are used to forests. Sand Ninja deserts and so forth."

"Whatever," said Tenten.

Soon they came out of the woods and to a fast-flowing river that led down from the mountains. It was wide too, and probably very deep, and Tenten could see great numbers of fish within.

"Alright, let's think," said Tenten. "Alright, we don't know how long we're gonna be here. So we're gonna ration our food. No snacks or anything like that, obviously. Once we find a spot that's good, we'll set things up. Did you guys bring medical supplies?"

"Yes," said Lee.

"Indeed," said Neji. "I have the standard antidotes recommended for travel by the medical corps. As well as bandages and medicine."

"Good because I did too," said Tenten. She looked along the river. "This place isn't any good for a camp. We need somewhere higher, but not too high."

"Why a high place?" asked Lee.

"Rivers swell up during the rain, Lee," said Neji. "You don't want our camp to get washed away, do you?"

"Oh right, excellent point Neji," said Lee.

"There," said Neji, eyes going into Byakugan. "I can see a defensible location with good visibility up there."

"Then let's go," said Tenten.

Neji did just that, and it turned out to be a hill that stood directly next to the hill. It was a steep climb up to it, and off the edge was up to twelve feet. Above them, Tenten saw that the clouds were gathering ever darker. It was going to be a large storm now.

"Huh, this looks like a good place," said Tenten. "Still, the clouds are coming in pretty bad aren't they?

"Wait," said Neji, clutching his sword. "Tigers."

"Tigers?" asked Tenten. "Can't we evade them?"

"Not without abandoning this position," said Neji. "Stand firm and prepare to fight. But make no aggressive move until they strike."

Tenten didn't see the sense behind this but drew out a number of kunai. Looking out, into view came the tigers. They were gigantic creatures, with majestic orange coats and their eyes... they were like violence itself. And yet, there was something wise and beautiful about them. Moving forward, they formed a line and snarled.

These creatures had chakra networks of their own, like all life. Yet, they pulsed with power and circled. Neji had one hand on his sword and held it there, taking a stance. Lee drew out a long, spiked chain.

And waited.

Thunder roared above them, and Tenten waited for it to be unleashed as she looked at these born predators. Ninja or no, they could tear them to ribbons if they got in close. And then, just as the first drops of rain fell, they turned and loped back into the woods.

"They just retreated," said Tenten. "Why?"

"Beasts don't have hospitals, Tenten," said Neji. "If they are injured in a fight, they die. So they prefer to go after easier targets.

"Had we shown them fear, they would have taken it as a sign of weakness. If we'd attacked them, they'd have defended against the threat. Merely standing our ground and presenting a threat was sufficient.

"We should keep a watch from now on."

"Lee, what's with the spiked chain?" asked Tenten.

"Guy-sensei has been teaching me to use it for the greater reach," said Lee.

"...Right," said Tenten. "Let's get the shelter up."

The rain, it turned out, did not start all at once. The brief drizzle halted, and soon they had the tent set up a little bit away from the river. Doing so, however, became difficult with the growing wind.

"This is no good," said Tenten. "If the tent gets blown away, we'll be stuck. But if we camp lower, the rainfall could swamp us."

"Could you not summon a portable shelter with Fuijutsu, Tenten?" asked Lee.

"Well, I..." Tenten halted. "Actually, I could do that. I think. I'll try for it next time. For now, let's get to work." She summoned a number of buckets of water. Then she summoned a huge barrel with a filter above it. "Lee, fill these with water and bring them back. When you get back with them, pour the water into there."

"I do know the Water Purification jutsu, Tenten," said Neji.

"Yeah, but that costs chakra," said Tenten. "This is more practical."

"What's this?" asked Lee.

"Oh, it's a water filter used by military operations to prevent people from getting sick," said Tenten. "It's too heavy to carry around normally, but with my Fuijutsu, we can have one. Neji, give me a hand setting up the tents and such."

"Very well," said Lee.

And he got to work at once. At the same time, Tenten summoned a number of shovels from her scroll. Passing one to Neji, she took one up herself.

"Alright, Neji," said Tenten. "Let's build a wall."

"A wall?" asked Neji.

"Yes, to keep those tigers out," said Tenten. "At least it'll slow them down so we won't get ambushed.

"We'll dig a trench around our tent. From there, we'll pile the dirt on the inside to make a wall of earth. We'll pack it down, so it stays together. Once done, we'll hang a net of bells around the entryway."

"Where did you get all these?" asked Neji.

"Well, um, I kind of figured we might need to make fortifications some time," said Tenten. "So, why not practice now?"

They set to work, and before long, they'd filled a great many buckets with pure water. Once done, the containers were sealed. With their training, they were able to rapidly erect a wall of earth and pack it down. Soon they were surrounded by a trench, bridged by a large plank of wood through the only opening. A gate of wire with many bells on it was then erected, and the bridge pulled up.

"It's a veritable fortress," noted Neji. "This could stand up to many lesser combatants."

"Maybe," said Tenten, depressed. "But it wouldn't last long against a major jutsu from a high-level ninja."

"Did not Itachi teach you to use an earth-style jutsu earlier?" asked Neji.

"Yes," said Tenten. "But only I know that jutsu. All of us can use shovels.

"So if we figure out how to do a thing all of us can do, then all three of us can do it at once. That could even the odds."

"Whatever the case," said Lee. "We shall sleep soundly tonight."

It started pouring.

The three of them ate a meal of rations while in their tent. The wind was largely kept at bay by the walls they had created. A lantern kept the interior warm, and they slept quite soundly.

But Tenten remembers the tigers, and she had a feeling their time here was going to get quite a bit more interesting...