Kiyoshi's POV

Metal clanking against each other echoed out into the night, the bark on some of the tree's were riddled with cuts; footprints laid all around the dirt and grime, blood riddle the edges of my lips; I lost how long I've been in battle, it was a losing battle from the beginning. It was a challenge I knew I would soon regret taking, the man in front of me hardly took any damage. The only wound he had was the mark he gave himself on his arm, it was the clear difference in skill and experience.

"I commend you for still standing, but looks like this is nearing the end." My eyes were swollen, bloody saliva dripped from my slacked jaw despite it all I knew what my fate was. Was my life worth the safety of others? I hardly knew those people, my body was visibly weakened the bald attacker wasn't taking joy in beating me senseless anymore. I didn't have friends yet, why did I risk my life for them? A knee to the face pushed me onto my ass, my long dark hair getting mixed into the grime and grass. It seemed I got hit to the point where blood was coming from my forehead, weakly looking up to the white moon. I let my passing thought run through my body, the true reason I did this was the small exchange of words that were parted between me and Masuo. Ah, yes I remember now.

-Three months ago-

The physical activity Jiei put us to today was beyond anyone's physical capabilities, luckily for me, I was able to push through but in end I was gassed. The girls were monsters, they weren't as tired as the boys. By now everyone was in our last class of the day, however after such an exercise I had to dry my sweat-drenched shirt, it didn't stink but the amount of sweat around it was unreal. I chose my usual secluded spot, no one cared to look in this small narrow corner of the academy it was riddled with trash and some bugs; yet the sun helped dry my shirt. I was alone, I didn't get along with anyone in hindsight.

Keeping my senses sharp, I jumped at every little sound; being shirtless wasn't embarrassing. I was proud of the slim body I had, my training was built for me I was simply young which is why my muscles weren't noticeable yet. I didn't want anyone to catch the scar's that riddled my arms, especially Aju one look and the questions will come pouring faster than I could make my own tea.

"Interesting, how did you get those scars?" I didn't react to the familiar voice, my skin paled a lump forming in my throat. Why was I so scared to reveal my scars? They were a normal part of life, perhaps my subconscious hated it about me; the fact I couldn't recall how they came to be...the situation I was in to fully understand. I could feel my heart beating against my chest, the thumping alone proof of my anxiety. Sweat trickled down my body, my breathing slowly becoming a mess. I heard the sound of paper flipping, maybe if I ran now...they wouldn't chase after me?

Swallowing down this feeling of fear, I turned to face the one who figured out my secret. Wavy violet hair was the first thing I noticed, my vision took him in shortly after; it was the second person I didn't want to find out. Despite being quiet, people were fond of my looks which granted me a ton of information. Thanking the girls that mustered up the courage to fawn over me, I composed myself. I could tell the truth, but that wouldn't lead me anywhere, lying would simply place me in a corner or open unwanted doors. "I don't remember." I opted for the truth, it was the best option when dealing with someone.

Masuo eye's widened as if he didn't expect me to answer, his lips curved into a smile as he ran his finger along one of the many scars I sported. His cold touch caused me to shiver and scowl, we weren't friends I didn't even know his last name. Backing away, I grabbed my shirt. I knew of his capabilities at best, if he were to blackmail me taking care of him would be easy. "Don't remember? Could be a case of trauma. Sometimes, the brain will force us to forget things that mentally or physically harm us. If that is the case, it makes everything juicy." I didn't like his tone, but his words drew me in. From explanation alone, it seemed as if he was well versed in this thing.

Watching him scribble in his book, I quickly placed my shirt on. "Trauma is tricky, opening it can result in a number of things...it could mess someone up forever to breaking them. Do you have any more scars?" He sounded professional as if he's been doing this for years, perhaps that was the excuse I told myself for answering?

"Yes." Masuo stopped writing for a moment, maybe he figured out something I couldn't? "Strange, you hardly talk but here we are," Watching he closed his book and placed it in his pocket, "Listen, I am interested in figuring out why you can't remember and the causes; but even I must warn you the process is tedious, namely there could be many reasons for those marks including self-harm and so on." He gave it to me straight, and for a moment I thought about it. Realistically speaking, I would never harm my self but my memory is hazy of things before Konoha.

"Can you help?" Why did I ask the question? He was the first in my age group to see these oddities and had a different reaction than I thought; the way he was presenting himself seemed like he could figure out something about myself.

"Sure, if I can crack this lock then it'll help in my goal." The male outstretched his hand in front of me, "Let's make a pact here, if you find anything out you will tell me immediately and I will continue to watch or find anything about how they came to be?" I took the hand, this wasn't friendship but a partnership one in which we both will be receiving something.

-Present-

After that, we would hang out a bit not a lot as I was usually busy with training and he went off to do his thing. Squeezing my hand dirt clumped in my palm, he was supposed to be helping me so seeing the state he was in earlier most likely helped in this decision. One of these bastards did a number to him and if Shikamaru wasn't around, let's just end it at that. Picking myself up was harder than expected, legs wobbling I fell right back down at the older man swiping my feet to the side. Facefull of dirt, I closed my eyes.

'Pathetic, that's what you are.'

Those words rang in my head, the voice felt so familiar but I couldn't place it. Fear replaced with anger, I felt my heart stop for a moment. "Damn, you held out longer than expected." His foot pressed up against my back, the pressure nonexistent. I was slipping away from myself, darkness surrounded me. Before I knew it I was submerged in the dark water again.

The older man released his footing before stepping back, "Sorry kid, looks like you wasn't strong enough to even protect yourself." As he began moving away, my body lifted up like a corpse bones cracking with every movement. "Looks like I was wrong, you still got some fight left." Cracking his knuckles the bald man turned back to face me, "The name's Badio."

"Someone that's going to die doesn't need my name." Badio rose a brow at the words, the air around us blew the grass to the side. My legs tensed, dirt spiking in the air as I left from the spot; I was faster, after a second or two I delivered my leg near the male's dome the attack being blocked with ease. I was stronger, Landing, I quickly moved to the side trying yet another series of kicks only for Badio to block most of them.

Badio suspected another kick or at least it's what he saw, what he blocked was merely an afterimage, the real strike was my fist in his stomach the force causing him to bend. Pushing to the side, I leaped off one foot backflipping in the air my leg came out and the tip of my sandal hit the back of his head. I didn't find myself falling as he grabbed onto my leg, the look in his dark eyes enough to murder me alone. Bracing myself, he repeatedly punched my arms that blocked my face.

Badio released his hold and focused his chakra in his arm the last hit making me roll across the ground. "Looks like, you had more in the tank than I thought previously." His rough voice didn't match his expression, "What exactly do we have here?"

The injuries I sustained were healing, my chakra taking a violent turn for the worse. "C'mon now, is that all you can muster?" I couldn't contain the laugh that shot in the air.

Tiger: Earth Release: Bunshin

The ground next to Badio rose and began to take the shape of a human, the more it developed it started to become Badio himself. "Let's get serious kid." Both of them started running at me, it was exciting. The clone hit me in the face, my feet leaving the ground only for the real Badio to grab onto my leg and slam me back into the terrain. Placing my hands on the soil and pushing myself up, I turned my head only to get kicked in the face.

Getting picked up, I lost focus on the world for a second my body burning from this strange sensation. My world was upside down literally, "I'll kill you once you let me go." Badio watched as my eyes flickered red then back to normal, letting me go I was hit once again by the clone. Rolling around, I stopped myself and stood. Both charged at me again, ducking under the real one I bought my hand back before pushing it out into the clone's groin. My muscles flexed as it felt like I punched a steel body, the clone turned back into a pile of rocks, pebbles falling onto the floor.

My insides were hot, my body felt like it would overheat unless I soothed myself. The chakra that outlined my body, slowed and started to change colors, in the midst of everything the older man came to deliver another blow to my face.

My smaller hand hardly reached his knuckles, holding his fist I twisted it slowly the bone snapping out of place was like music, his pained expression giving me a newfound delight. My chakra was unstable I could feel it, focusing it into my other hand I bought my arm back. "Let me return the favor." My shoulder pushed my muscles, the wind against my arm reducing the damage. It wasn't enough to save the attacker, my fist reached his stomach the strike forcing him to spit up blood before going limp.

"Pathetic." Letting the bald man fall my heel pressed against his neck until I heard a crack removing myself, I stumbled. I was feeling fine before, but after pushing that burst of chakra out I felt weaker than before. Falling back, I found my vision leaving me.

No one's POV

The medic's around readily helped most of the children, Seiko was one of the few with minor injuries besides his broken arm; even then he was attempting to help since he awoke. He wasn't that much help in his eyes, but the staff was grateful for his usefulness he knew what items were called and how to treat minor wounds. Some even praised him for his knowledge and makeshift splint, of course, some questioning was supposed to be a top priority but he couldn't leave until he knew everyone was fine. Propping Kiba to the side, he applied some ointment to the burn the Inuzuka had, his dog barking away in Seiko's ear. Most of the medic staff available were tending to Sasuke trying to heal the damage he sustained.

After applying a wet towel to his side, Seiko watched as the male calmed down in his sleep. Crawling away from the preteen he began to check on Kirayari, she was fine for the most just suffering from exhaustion and stress; considering the situation, the male was surprised that no one was breaking down now that they were freed from that hell. His hands dusted away her bangs before he placed the damp towel, moving onto Hotaru he pressed against her wrist; she had a pulse and looked uninjured. The staff removed the white-cropped hoodie from her to inspect the blood on her glove, even Seiko could tell it wasn't her own. Placing his hand on her stomach he exhaled a pulse of chakra emitting from his fingertips, as expected she was low on chakra. Removing his hand from her bodysuit, the male turned to face yet another victim.

Standing, he looked around taking in everything. Looking down at his hands, he noticed the splint he wore was still effective the white fur he used to keep his arm steady and warm now staining red. Both of his hands were covered with blood the exam was hell luckily, he was thankfully alive. The sudden hand that gripped his shoulder caused his heart to drop, a small yelp leaving his lips.

Akane removed her hand from the shorter male, her round red eyes taking apart his appearance. "I am glad you made it," She didn't know anyone in this group personally, having to go through everything alone had underlying effects whether it showed now or later was the true question. "I heard there are a couple still inside, don't worry even though I won't be of much help I know my sister will find a way to help everyone."

Seiko looked at his superior, he didn't know what to say. It was solid advice, but surviving in there alone wasn't possible; he didn't want to think like this but what else could be done? Apparently, a barrier was over the forest preventing people from entering.

Akane didn't have intelligence like a Nara. The circumstances around the situation were being carefully thought out by everyone; it was a spitball theory, but the terrorist attack could've been the bait to hold something like this. If that was the case, whoever planned this whole thing wasn't a simple threat. "I think you should tend to some more people, I am going to check on something." With that, she made way through the children lying on the floor. The Hokage was currently in his office guarded by who knows how many people, most of the Jonin's were attempting to look for a way inside the forest still. With all this preparation, it would be dubious not to think this was an inside task.

Iruka watched everything, turning to the blonde child next to him he knew the air would need to be clear one way or another. "Hey, Naruto when did you learn that jutsu?" It consumed a lot of chakra, but this little brat mustered enough to get everyone and keep pushing.

The whiskered-face child looked up at his sensei, "The Hokage taught it to me as a gift, he said I would need it to keep up with everyone." Iruka scratched the back of his head, for the Hokage to teach Naruto this he must've known he'd need it.

"Ah, I can safely say that you saved the day here." Iruka's eyes went back to the exit, no other signs have been made; it wouldn't be much longer until someone marked the children inside as deceased. "If I can ask another question what exactly happened inside there?"

It was a question Naruto couldn't answer, the sudden thoughts of some people's deaths bought his mood down. "It was a different experience for everyone, we would've never come together if Mia hadn't gone out of her way to locate everyone. If anyone is the thank for our success, it's her."

-A couple of hour's ago-

Mia looked at everyone they could gather, it was obvious something else was going on. The atmosphere was rancid, fear was written on people's faces while others were more so shocked. At least it wilted out those who had potential, "We are stuck in here, at least from our perspective." Exhaling, she found herself parched. Moving around for a long duration was not easy in the slightest, "We have no details on the exam, from the start I felt as if something was amidst. The exam seemed too extreme for mere academy students, adding in the fact that the land is known as its peace it makes it odd to make us fight especially when we will be put on a team with each other right?" She used some of Hotaru's words, it would only help in labeling everything.

Everyone was tired besides a select few, the injuries were too much for anyone to handle; they didn't have a medic onboard and to rope in the fact none of them were Genin only made problems worse. "We were placed against each other during the academy so why would you think fighting each other now was a problem?" Aju yelled out, her behind on the ground and knees up to her torso the large hoodie over her legs.

"We were closely monitored, and didn't have to use weapons! Now, we aren't and blood has been spilled already." Mia knew her logic didn't have any proof to back up, yet it wasn't making any sense to her. Iruka and everyone went on about the Will of Fire and how it signifies what Konoha actually is, perhaps she was overthinking things and fearing for her own safety?

"I believe you Mia-chan!" Naruto stood dusting himself off if he knew that old man then the test that they were taking had underlying aspects revolving around it, recalling the death of one of his classmates the male shook his head. "People are dying, that is something the Hokage would want to prevent!" They were told they would be monitored but everyone's words changed each time they were told something about this exam.

Shinobu rose his hand before speaking, "Look, we won't find an answer anywhere. When one becomes a Chunin they are forced to fight each other death or not, taking in that your words become invalid. Right now, something else is going on it could be more terrorist attacking!"

The sound of an explosion forced the people awake to be on guard, whatever was going on wasn't good.

-Present-

As Naruto finished explaining, Iruka swallowed he didn't know what the plan was revolving around this test and they were in the same set with the children but it seems the children made more leeway, the next generation was truly something special.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's smile was gone, his fingers twisting the gray beard he had. Having time to think about it, he had a guess what was going on. On his desk was a snake with its head chopped off, the body was still moving or having certain spasms. Taking a puff from his pipe, the old man exhaled the smoke clouding around the room. The windows were closed and the door was unlocked, it was his mistake endangering the children with an exam he didn't fully explain then again would it make that much difference? Standing, he moved to the window his eye taking in the village lights. The civilians thought the children were still in the middle of the exam, once the truth came out he'd receive backlash, a formal apology was all he could give. Without this interruption, the plan would've gone smoothly.

The exam was supposed to test comprehension and companionship over greed and self-belief, why would he advocate peace and teamwork. The way to pass the test heavily relied on teamwork. Perhaps, the growing man wasn't adapting to the changing world trying to stick his beliefs on everyone, was violence always the answer.

Taking another whiff of his pipe, it calmed his soul by now one could tell he was using it as a stress reliever. Quickly separating his mouth from the tool, his lungs began to reject the smoke; his hand came to the wall to catch himself as he began coughing. Regaining his composure, the Hokage shakily made himself towards his desk. Everyone was going to graduate, it was a must at this point; those who survived at least he'd host a funeral for the fallen children and if anyone wants to opt-out of becoming a shinobi he wouldn't put it past them, after all, they were young children going through traumatic things...then again rebounding off of this will show who was fit for being a ninja.

The door opened, a bewildered Anbu operator checking every corner after hearing the Hokage cough; well Hiruzen had one thing certain he found the spy. The fact they were dressed in such gear meant they must've taken out one of the members. "Wearing a deadman's clothes in front of me is quite bold."

"You know how hard it was to fit a clone inside this outfit?" The man spoke staring out the window, "You should really cut your losses, this village has many prospects and you can't bring out their potential...only we can." The Sandaime heard words like this before by numerous people, but the two that really meant it were far greater threats than simple terrorists.

"I came to warn you unless you want this village destroyed you better make some changes." The clone disappeared into a cloud of smoke, leaving the Hokage to wallow in his own thoughts.

xXx

Kei opened his eyelids, they were still in the same position as before nothing was changing which meant the kids inside were failing? He didn't like thinking like this, especially when his brother was involved. Crossing his arm's the adult turned to look at the soon-to-be Genin that was awake, what was his brother thinking risking himself like this?

Reina finished her check-up on Hinata and stood, her lavender hues pinpointing on the Jonin alone. Something was off about him, he was calm despite his younger brother being alone in the forest. To make matter's worse, he had a relaxed look on his face like he knew he'd be fine. It was merely a personal thought but she didn't trust the dark-haired male, and although he never gave off any signs she knew he was wary of her.

Kurenai tapped Reina's shoulder only to get a yelp from the girl, following where she was staring she saw Kei. "Geez, you've been hung up on Kakashi so long I was wondering when you'd lose interest. Kei is a good man, he's nice to everyone and isn't that bad in the looks department." Nudging her friend, Reina shook her head.

"I don't know what you're talking about, but I am only wondering how he can stay calm in this situation. He hasn't helped with anything, even now he's looking straight ahead." Reina let her thoughts flow out, the last thing she wanted was the two to clash cause of her own ideas.

"Everyone has a different coping mechanism, not much is known about him or his brother; they simply appeared one day he climbed the ranks which only proves his skill, take in the fact that his only family member is in danger right now while he is out here powerless." Kurenai ran her fingers through her hair, "His parents aren't alive, I don't know the details but he openly admitted to that."

Reina would be lying if she said losing a family member was easy, she knew the feeling but she had her clan and all he had was his brother. "You're right, maybe I am too deep in my head...after this stressful day sleep is what everyone needs."

Kei heard every word that was said between the two, it intrigued him that Kurenai was backing him up; they weren't friends so it was a nice sight. He was worried, but for an entirely different thing. His brother was a top priority but, Reina had the right idea to suspect him. Was it a women's intuition? If someone found out he worked with Danzō right here and now, he'd be placed on a watch list. No, if they found out it was him that made them all fall asleep then he'd be in deep trouble; it wasn't like he knew what was being planned all he did was what he was told.

As long as his brother came out safe, then he wouldn't lash out at the older man.

Minor answers and some more questions, some interactions but mostly that Kiyoshi fight. Seiko showed off some more of his medical knowledge, and shows he's really warm-hearted, best boy? The Hokage reveals a part of the true exam, some minor moments with Kiyoshi and Masuo. Renia still has her eyes out for Kei and I don't blame her.

Thanks! Masuo is one of the brighter students in this group analyzing things at a higher rate, plus his background also comes in handy with things like this. In this chapter for example we see him and Kiyoshi have a little moment it shows where his hypothesis with Kiyoshi having memory loss. Kirayari did rank in the top three, she's that hidden gem that people overlook. As for Fukō questioning himself when the word knight came up, nice insight.

Sakura in canon hasn't been well-liked I can see why. I am going to implement some changes to her strickly because she needs some early development besides cutting her hair, I won't say she is wasted potential but she could've been fleshed out better. Now, whether she'll be better or worse is to find out. Orochimaru hm, you'll find out down the line! Thank you.

When Mia and Hotaru work together, they can accomplish things that would shock anyone. Kirayari and Seiko's little moment may blossom into friendship, if it does it'll be something pure-hearted. As for this bringing characters closer, most likely we will see. But it may also cause some opposite reactions. Masuo is someone, that can change in a second one of the most versatile characters. Everyone is going to have hardships cause of this including the Jonin, Still that Hotaru-Mia combo is killer.

Don't worry, in this chapter and in the next you will get to see where everyone should stand in teams. But interesting insight, Mia and Hotaru, Kiyoshi and Aju, and Kirayari and Seiko. That leaves, Shinobu, Masuo, and Fukō left. Anything is possible, maybe to complete the Mia and Hotaru trio will be Ino lol. Thanks, the ones that stayed behind are going to need it. Death can come for any of them, after all, it's called the Forest of Death for a reason!

Kirayari did indeed handle that situation better than most, she was in the top percentile of the class. Well, death will always follow those who becoming ninja, especially in this world. No one is safe, canon and all. Take this as a warning lol, if those who had small encounters ended up how they did imagine what's going to happen to those who stayed back, we had one fight already with Kiyoshi, and at first, he was getting handled and even got jumped for a second! Thanks for the words, the aftermath is what will bring forth lots of interactions though.

Now, the next chapter will be posted sometime this weekend since next week I will be busy. I am trying to keep a chapter a week going, so it'll be released this weekend instead of the weekday. A somewhat small chapter, with action and some past times. For this battle, I wonder what everyone will think of Kiyoshi. Still small scenes with Akane she will become more involved once everything is said and done.

Thank you all, see ya.