Better Equipped

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters.

: Thoughts

Chapter 10 - The Chuunin Exam: Orochimaru

"Welcome to Area 44, where the second part of the Chuunin Exam will take place!" Anko greeted them. "This place is also known as the Forest of Death and you'll soon find out why it's been called that."

"Forest of Death, huh?" Naruto pondered.

Anko continued to give instructions about the rules and the scrolls while Naruto payed more attention to a certain Grass-Nin.

So, that's Orochimaru in disguise. I can't sense strong chakra coming from him so I'll need to make sure that this person is really Orochimaru. I can feel that he is suppressing his chakra to Genin level to avoid being suspicious. All I have to do now is go according to the plan I've made.

At the moment, Kiba saw that Akamaru was nervous from sensing bad vibes coming from Area 44. He patted his partner on the head and tried to calm him down. "Don't worry, Akamaru. We'll get through this place easily." He gave Akamaru one of his best arrogant grins. "The Forest of Death is as scary as a carnival."

Suddenlym, a kunai flew past Kiba's face.

Naruto stared at the scene, dumbfounded.

Holy cow! Kiba unknowingly did the job for me. Thanks for being my replacement, bud.

"Not being serious can get you killed, you know," Anko stated. She appeared in back of Kiba and grabbed him in a chokehold. She withdrew another kunai and slowly pierced into Kiba's skin.

You're so lucky Kiba, to be held by such a lady! Do I have something for bloodthirsty women? Screw being replaced, the person she is holding should have been me. Damn you, Kiba!

While Anko and Kiba were still trading insults, the Grass-Nin wearing a straw hat walked by and gave the kunai back to Anko which she threw earlier. The kunai was being held by the Grass-Nin's abnormally long tongue.

"You shouldn't sneak up on me like that." Anko warned. "You just might end up dead."

"I'm truly sorry, but your kunai cut my hair and it got me a little excited."

"It looks like we have a lot of bloodthirsty ones in this exam."

Naruto walked up to his teammate to check on Kiba's status. "You don't look too good, man. It looks like you're about to perform that Air Dynamic Marking technique instead of Akamaru."

"Do you ever learn to shut up?" Kiba replied.

After Team Seven was called in to trade their application for a scroll, Naruto made his way towards Anko. "Anko-san!"

Anko turned around to see who called her name and saw Naruto approaching. "Naruto? This part of the exam will definitely rock. A lot of blood will spill. Don't you find that exciting?"

The blond Genin gave her a confused look. "Sure, I'm overwhelmed with joy. Anyways, I got something important to tell you. We can't talk over here, so let's go to a more secluded area and bring two Chuunins with us."

"What is this about Naruto?"

"I believe we have an uninvited guest in our midst."

As the group got to a secluded area, Naruto motioned everyone to step into a small circle.

"We need to delay this second exam for awhile," said the blond Genin. After seeing that everyone was confused at his suggestion, he planned to reveal what he knew of the situation. "Time is something we don't have so I'm going straight to the point. I believe that Orochimaru has entered this Chuunin Exam and is disguised as the Grass-Nin who returned your kunai to you."

"Are you insane?" one of the Chuunin asked. "What reason does Orochimaru-sama have to enter the Chuunin Exam?"

Anko had kept quiet for awhile. Her former master coming back to the village was too good to be true. A long time ago, she vowed to kill the Snake Sennin after he betrayed the village by performing illegal experiments with members of the Leaf Village Ninjas and giving her the curse seal. Her mind popped back towards the present moment and she studied Naruto's features. The lower half of the young ninja's face was hidden beneath a mask so it was difficult to analyze his expressions. However, Naruto's eyes seem genuine and he wasn't one to kid about this type of situation.

"How can you be sure that it's Orochimaru?" Anko asked.

"Well, the long tongue is a dead giveaway. Sure, body elongated jutsus are common in some places but it's strange that the Grass-Nin would use that jutsu to return your kunai. Why would he use a jutsu while he could simply return the kunai by hand? He could just be showing off but it felt more like that Grass-Nin is trying to tell you that he and you are somewhat related or knew each other. Plus, he also said that he loves the sight of blood which is something you got from your sensei."

Naruto let the information sink into their heads before continuing. "He might not seem strong now but that is because he's suppressing his chakra. I can feel his hidden power and it's way above Genin level."

Before he knew it, Anko began to storm off towards the direction of her former sensei but Naruto quickly tag her with a web line and stopped her from advancing. "You'll only get killed faster that way, plus a lot of Genins will probably get hurt on that battle site. Luckily I have a plan. I know I'm just a Genin, but hear me out.

"We can't take care of this situation ourselves," said Naruto. "At the moment, I don't think there is anyone in the Leaf that could match his strength. Hokage-sama is getting too old and Tsunade and Jiraiya-sama are no where to be found. He must've entered this exam for a reason and we should assume it isn't good, at least not good for our side. We should postpone the examination for now until this situation is taken cared of. Even if that man is not Orochimaru, we should still make sure. I asked for two Chuunins to be here because I want one of you to contact Hokage-sama while the other gathers all available Jounins and Anbus. Have them meet up with Hokage-sama and let him make the decisions."

"Anko-san, I know you hold deep hatred towards that man, but please don't do anything foolish. Only another Legendary Sennin can possibly take him on. No suicide attempts, okay?"

Anko gathered the Genins again and announced that the exam was put on hold due to some difficulties. A lot of people complained while some actually welcome the given time to rest and develop strategies.

"What's happening?" Kiba asked. "I want to get this over quickly."

"Good things come to those who are patient," said Naruto. He was walking towards his team.

"Where did you go, Naruto-kun?"

"I went off to talk with Haku. He came by to say "hi
and stuff and left after wishing us good luck."

I'm sorry that I have to lie. If Orochimaru somehow overhears, everything will become difficult and unpredictable. A lot of lives are at stake here. I have to think for the best of people's interest.

The Third Hokage was at a small meeting with the ninja council until a Chuunin rushed in and said there was important information.

"Orochimaru?" the Hokage repeated. "He's at the exam now? How did you get this information?"

"I received the information from one of our Leaf Genins sir. It was Uzumaki Naruto."

Sandaime nodded. If Naruto was involved somehow, it means he'll need to check up on the situation. The boy was a reliable ninja but not a reliable writer since he writes so damn slow. "Assemble all available Jounins…"

"That has already been taken care of, sir. Naruto requested two Chuunins. One to contact you whiles the other assemble the Jounins and Anbus and meet up with us here."

Short minutes later, the room was filled with the Hidden Leaf's best.

"Some of you may know this already but we have information that Orochimaru may have infiltrated our village and is currently participating in the Chuunin Exam under a false identity. The subject is dangerous and is classified as an S-Class Criminal. He is disguised as a Hidden Grass Ninja who wears a straw hat. We are to secure the Genins. Let the Chuunin Exam continue but leave the Grass-Nins out."

Naruto and his team sat far away from the large crowd to go over their own strategies. He noticed that Hinata was unconsciously shaking a bit but it's understandable. "Don't worry, Hinata-chan. You trained very hard for this exam so you will do very well. Remember your training. You are a Hyuuga, the Leaf's noble family. Being confident also means you have to be arrogant at times. So, I guess you should try to be arrogant but think before your actions. If you really do see that your opponent is at a higher level than you, don't pick a fight. Also remember that Kiba and I are here beside you."

Akamaru barked.

"Oh sorry, and you have Akamaru here too," Naruto corrected.

Well, being extremely arrogant did boost up Ranma's confidence way up so I hope it would work for her.

"Yeah, we'll be here Hinata, so don't worry," said Kiba.

Team Eight and Ten were also wondering what was happening as like the other Genins in the exam. Each of the Leaf Genin teams sat away from each other since it may seem awkward later if they were pit against another. Shikamaru was actually glad that the exam was still on hold. It gives him time to relax a bit.

The Chuunins that Naruto sent out returned and relayed a message to Anko.

"Okay, Genins!" Anko yelled out. "The exam is about to begin. Please go to your assigned gate. Once the gates are opened, steal the opposite scroll you have and meet up at the tower in the middle of the forest. I only have one piece of advice to you all… Don't die!"

What did the Hokage planned?

Anko saw that Naruto was looking at her with a questioning expression. "Naruto! Didn't you hear? You and your team are supposed to go to your assigned gate. Don't you guys want to be Chuunin?"

Naruto nodded.

I guess they want to clear the battlefield from us Genins. Let us continue our exam inside while they battle Orochimaru on the outside. Guess I'll do my part here and take care of Kabuto and the other Sound-Nins.

Once Team Seven got to their assigned gates, Naruto went over the strategy.

"Once the gate opens, Hinata-chan, use your Byakugan and locate the nearest team and use your x-ray vision to see if they have the opposite scroll. Akamaru, use your hearing and tell us if something is approaching us. There are animals, giant bugs, and man-eating plants in there so it's your job to tell us. Everyone be cautious of traps that other teams may put up. If one of our teammates has been gone from our sight and return, we should make passwords to make sure that person is the real thing. We'll make some code that keeps changing. Kiba, your password will be Asuma. Use his name in any sentence you like. Hinata-chan, use Kurenai-san's name in any opening sentence you wish. I'll use Iruka-sensei's name. Remember each other's key word in the code because once we enter, it won't be safe to say the password again."

Team Ten were also going over their strategy again before the exam continues.

Shikamaru looked at his teammates. He is well-known in the group as a genius of making strategic plans. "Here is the plan again. We only and I repeat only target weak and low level Genins."

"I still can't believe that's the plan Shikamaru," Shino said disappointingly. "You're saying this as if we are weak."

"If Shikamaru says so then it's our best option," said Chouji, backing Shikamaru up.

"Thanks."

On another side of the Forest of Death, Team Eight was getting excited, or at least Sasuke was.

"What can we do?" Ino asked. "We got the weakest team in this Genin exam."

"I'm not weak," Sasuke defended.

"I didn't mean that Sasuke-kun. You are strong while we are weak, especially Sakura here who is the weakest one in the team."

"Hey!" Sakura couldn't really defend herself since Ino's comment was true. She hasn't really trained herself because she wasn't really motivated. The only reason why she trains is to compete against Ino for Sasuke's affection. "I guess we should concentrate on targeting the weakest team in this exam. That is the smartest thing to do in our situation."

"But we are the weakest team, Big Forehead!"

"Shut up, Ino-Pig!"

Sasuke stopped the two from arguing farther. "We are not the weakest here. If we plan correctly, we should be able to secure a scroll."

Sakura was feeling a bit better. Sasuke seems really confident about winning and getting through this exam. A little confidence began to build within her. "You're right Sasuke-kun. You are an elite Uchiha after all. We'll get through this."

That's right. I am a god! Seems like being in this weak group too long has made me super arrogant. Need to talk to my psychiatrist about this after the exam is over.

The green light appeared above the gates which signaled them to enter. The Genins began to run in and started hunting.

Orochimaru was waiting impatiently. Things happened that weren't going according to his plans. He should have already been inside and gave Sasuke his curse seal. It was if some force was working against him. Something caught his attention. Things were a little too quiet for his taste. Years of experience had taught him to be very suspicious of every little detail. His instincts told him to move and he did just that. A shadow burst out from the trees behind him but only managed to capture his men.

"This is the Shadow Copy Skill if I remember correctly," Orochimaru stated. "Kage Mane no Jutsu?"

Shikamaru's father came out in the open. Orochimaru's men who were captured by his shadow exactly copied his movement. He released his jutsu right before kunais were launched against the henchmen. Jouins and Anbus had now appeared on the scene. Behind them was the Third Hokage, Orochimaru's sensei.

"What are you doing back here, Orochimaru?" The Third asked.

"Sarutobi sensei, how good it is to see you again. This welcoming act you have is a bit too much, don't you think?" Orochimaru was trying to buy him sometime to think. The number of ninjas present would surely delay his plans. Waiting to finish him off is a large number of Jounins, Anbus, and his old sensei. Now, he wasn't going to let them have their way. It's not his style.

"It's time we finished what we started a long time ago Orochimaru!" Anko yelled.

"Why, it's Anko my dear old student. How have you been? I don't believe you actually have the skills to detect me, so how did everyone know I was here?"

Ibiki made his appearance known in the crowd. "One of our spies gave us information that you would make an appearance during this examination."

"A spy, you say?"

"I believe you know the man very well. Why don't you show yourself to our guest?"

Kabuto slowly walked out from behind Ibuki. "Orochimaru-sama, you didn't really think I would betray the Leaf, would you?"

Orochimaru looked into the eyes of the one who betrayed him. "How dare you betray me, Kabuto!"

"They happen to offer better benefits."

Ibiki smirked. It seemed like his plan was working. The Kabuto beside him was actually a fake whom Kakashi had used Henge no Jutsu to transform. After receiving information from Naruto, he quickly went over Kabuto's files and everything he'd found looked very suspicious. The Sound-Nin spy failed the Chunnin Exam many times by resigning. He belonged to a family who were enemies of the Leaf. Kabuto was taken in and raised as the adopted son of the head of the Medic-Nin Division after the battle that killed his folks. Earlier, he called for a special Anbu team to retrieve the boy. It was likely the team he sent will encounter Kabuto in Area 44. If things went wrong, he hoped this little show will turn Orochimaru against his spy and kill him later on spot. This will save the Leaf trouble.

"I do have a strong grudge against the Leaf. I will admit that. But today is not the day where we settle our differences." Orochimaru made quick hand seals that only high skill ninjas were able to see. He created a massive wind which knocked out all surrounding ninjas.

Those unaffected by the jutsu immediately launch a counter strike. However, the attacks were neutralized by four Anbus.

"Did you think that Kabuto was my only spy?"

The four masked Anbus quickly removed their disguise and reveal themselves as Orochimaru's main bodyguards.

"I can't believe we were discovered this fast," said Tayuya, the only female in the bodyguard group. "I knew we couldn't trust Kabuto. He seemed too much of an ass kisser and would succumb to any greater benefits. He's a lot worse than the tub of lard next to me."

"Shut up, Tayuya!" Jiroubou yelled. "You always try to put me down at any chance you get."

Kidoumaru didn't say anything and started to spray his webbing over the enemy ninjas. The situation didn't look good to him as they were being overwhelmed in numbers. If a real fight broke loose, they wouldn't stand a chance against that many ninjas. In addition, a lot of the Leaf-Nins looked really strong. He used all six hands to shoot off his webbing.

"Orochimaru-sama, please leave the area," said Sakon. "We will meet up with you later."

Orochimaru nodded his head before giving his sensei a cold smile. Then he jumped into the Forest of Death to seek his prey.

The other two bodyguards performed their own unique skills to delay the Leaf-Nins. Tayuya played her flute to put the ninjas into a genjutsu while Jiroubou created an earth dome over them. However, the Leaf-Nins proved to be very skilled and defuse all their efforts. Soon enough, all the Leaf-Nins were free.

"Don't take us so lightly," said the Hokage. "All present here are Konoha's elite ninjas."

Seeing that they were in big trouble now since their master was gone, each of the Sound-Nin bodyguards decided to leave the premises. They nodded to each other and quickly perform a teleportation jutsu.

Most of the Leaf-Nins there was about to pursue the enemy but was stopped by the Hokage.

The Hokage clenched his fist tightly seeing how he had missed another chance to kill his fallen student. Then he ordered a team of Anbus to chase after Orochimaru whom was the real target.

Anko followed the Anbus not caring if she disobeyed any orders. She vowed to kill her old sensei for betraying the Leaf and putting the dreaded seal on her.

"Everyone, return to your regular post," the Hokage commanded. "If we follow the bodyguards, we might unknowingly fall into a trap. We have yet to know the reason why Orochimaru has returned to the Leaf Village. Remember to be on alert from now on in case something happens. We will have a meeting as soon as we know Orochimaru's status."

Once in the forest, Hinata activated her Byakugan. Finding and retrieving the scrolls was a very simple task when they had the skills, strategy, and tools. They now had the two scrolls needed to pass this exam.

Naruto couldn't stop thinking about what was going on outside. Had the Leaf finally gotten rid of Orochimaru, or did he make a getaway? He knew that bad guys usually manage to escape being utterly defeated from watching television shows in his past life. However, the good guys do tend to win in the end. Sometimes the victory cost the hero's life but that was something he didn't want to think about. He hoped that Orochimaru would at least run away from the Leaf Village for awhile. He knows that he couldn't take on the Snake Sennin by himself. He could barely fight against the Jounins at his current state. There were many reasons. One was that he had a short body so the opponent would have the size advantage. Another was that his chakra manipulation was still not perfect. He still tend you use too much chakra in his jutsu more than what is needed. Orochimaru still has many years of experience over him and that was a very big disadvantage.

"Alright, we got a complete set of scrolls," Kiba pointed out. "Should we head to the tower now?"

Naruto was thinking hard. The important thing now was to know the situation outside of Area 44 and Sasuke's status. "Hinata-chan, can you locate Sasuke?" Finding Sasuke was an easier task than using the Byakugan to locate the huge fight outside the forest. First off, they don't know which direction the fight against Orochimaru was held and it could be on the opposite side of Area 44. Secondly, Hinata will probably over exert herself from using too much chakra to locate the fight. Lastly, there was no guarantee that Hinata is able to see that far since he hasn't tested the maximum distance in which the Byakugan can see.

"Oh? Why are we looking for Sasuke?" Kiba was ready to go to the tower, but now he knew his teammate has other plans.

I should start telling them the truth now. I won't benefit from anything if I keep them in the dark. They deserve to know what's going on since they are on the same boat as I am.

"I'm going to disclose some confidential information for you right now. Akamaru, please warn us if you sense any incoming danger. Okay, there has been an illegal infiltration in this Chuunin Exam by an S-Class Criminal. He is one of the Three Legendary Sennin who is a wanted man because he betrayed the Leaf. He is the Snake Sennin, Orochimaru-sama. All available Jounins, Anbus, and the Hokage are currently battling him at this moment. However, in my experience, people like Orochimaru don't die easily. I believe that his target is Sasuke for unknown reasons."

"So we find Sasuke and see if he's alright? That should be a simple task to do."

Naruto looked at Kiba seriously. "Whatever happens, do not, I repeat, do not attack Orochimaru." He let that information sink in before continuing. "He's an S-Class Criminal, a Legendary Sennin for that matter so we can't beat him. Not even Kakashi can beat him. The Hokage is getting too old for a task like that which means we need another of the Legendary Three to at least stop him or make him run."

"I think you are underestimating us Naruto. We can take him on. We even beat Kakashi remember?"

The container of Kyuubi looked at his friend like he had grown a second head. "Kiba, the fight with Kakashi during the bell exam wasn't even a real fight. He just wanted to test our teamwork. If he wanted to, he could have gotten out of our trap with a few jutsus. Kakashi sensei is supposed to be a genius and what is scarier is that Orochimaru is stronger by a lot."

Furthermore, that snake is more powerful than Kakashi. To sum it up, I am totally screwed. But I should be able to give him a decent fight since I've been training all these years to fight him.

"I know it's going to be tough but please listen and follow my next instructions. You are not to interfere in the fight if Orochimaru does take on Sasuke. I will fight him alone."

"You're nuts! We are a team…."

"Kiba-kun is right. We can't just leave you to fight."

"You both will only get killed out there. I have the best chance to slow him down until reinforcement comes. But your jobs are equally important. Bare with me ok? When Orochimaru does leave, it is your job to take care of the wounded. That'll probably be me, Saskue, Ino, and Sakura. You'll have to protect us because no matter what happens, we are stuck in here until five days when the exam ends. Do you understand?"

The two nodded hesitantly.

"I don't like this at all but I understand," Kiba stated.

Naruto acted cool but deep within, he was afraid. For the first time since he was technically born in this world, he was afraid. All the planning he had done hadn't really prepared him for this moment. Everything to him was a game until now. If he makes one mistake, it could cost him a lot. He and his friends would be in danger. Naruto looked at his hands and find them shaking. All these time helping Hinata find her courage and he was still weak.

Everything in this world is real. I'm Naruto and that is real. If I bleed, the blood is real. If I die, my death will be real. I'm scared. Is this what all heroes and superheroes go through? I use to dream a life like this and now since I'm actually living it, I can't help but feel regret and wish my old life back.

"I'll share something with you guys. I'm very scared." Naruto took a couple of deep breaths.

Scared enough to perform Air Dynamic Marking. Guess I shouldn't have made fun of Kiba earlier.

"Hinata-can, have you located Sasuke?"

The Byakugan was activated and scanned around the area. Hinata wished that she found Sasuke soon and could say that he was fine. Her best friend and teammate sounded not like himself as if he was going on a suicide mission. Her hand rose to cover her mouth. Sasuke was currently fighting someone and that person seemed very strong. "Team Eight is located east of here and they have encountered someone strong." She looked at her friend to see what his decision was.

I guess Orochimaru did manage to escape from whatever traps the Hokage made. Plan A has failed which now leaves me with Plan B. Plan B is to hold him off until someone else more powerful comes and save my ass. All that planning ahead didn't go very well since it wasn't thought out. In the end, I still have to enter this fight. This totally sucks!!!

"Alright. Let's move, team."

Sasuke was truly terrified of his situation. The fight had already been one sided ever since it started. He had surrendered his team's scroll to the Grass-Nin but the enemy simply tosses it aside. It was all he could do to save Ino, Sakura, and him. He felt helpless again just like the day Itachi destroyed the Uchiha Clan.

Ino was seriously injured because he was too afraid to react in time. He saw how she came and aided him when he was in trouble and he failed to do anything for her. Sakura was even brave enough to charge at the monster and she too got hurt.

Don't they know it is useless to fight someone like him, Sasuke asked himself. It was then that seeing the girls in such pain that he just couldn't deal it with himself anymore. He launched at the enemy not caring about his fate. The girls had seen him weak and that was something he doesn't want anyone to see again.

"Katon · Housenka no Jutsu!" Sasuke sent multiple fireballs from his mouth. He combined kunais into the flame hoping that the enemy would get killed by the weapon if not by the fireballs. Unfortunately, his planned and effort failed.

Sasuke made several genjutsu to fool the enemy but most of them only managed to slow the man down. The genjutsu he learned were all from Kurenai sensei whom was an expert in that field. The last illusion he used was creating a field of clones to confuse the enemy. From behind the illusion clones, he shot out shurikens from random places to make the enemy think the clones were real and was attacking. Unfortunately, Orochimaru created a burst of wind from his mouth that knocked the real Sasuke down, thus ending the illusion.

Orochimaru was getting impatient. He needed to end the fight quickly because the Anbus were following behind him. Otherwise, he would love to stick around and further test his future body's abilities. A smile finally began to form on his face. It was amusing that the Uchiha boy kept fighting as though he had a chance of winning. The Snake Sennin performed a set of hand seals and slammed his hands on the ground. From beneath the ground, a gigantic snake appeared.

"Sharingan!"

"So you do have the Sharingan," said Orochimaru.

Sasuke nearly emptied his pockets and his pouch of every weapon he had. The second top rank rookie finally stopped after concluding how useless it was to continue attacking the snake with the same fashion. The snake's scales were very though and the weapons he carried as not efficient even to make a scratch. In the short time while he was throwing his weapons, Sasuke tried to formulate a strategy. Taijutsu seemed out of the question because it was useless against a giant snake. His only answer left was ninjutsu since genjutsu was also useless.

Ino and Sakura were staring at their male teammate. In the beginning of the fight, they saw another side of Sasuke that shouldn't have existed. Sasuke was frozen in fear and actually surrendered their scroll which he was supposed to protect. The fear was too great in him that he failed to respond to the enemy's attacks. But now, it seems like he was back to his normal self and fighting courageously as ever before.

The Uchiha Clan specializes in using fire element attacks. Thus it would be a fire element jutsu that will help him out of this nightmare. One of the problems he now faced is choosing whom to attack first. His mind couldn't make up whether he should slay the snake first then attack the master or do it vice versa. Sasuke jumped from tree to tree to avoid being eaten and being flattened by the snake. His Sharingan helped immensely in analyzing the snake's movement. He could predict when the snake is going to strike which allows him to get away from the attacks safely.

Sasuke's body was already bruised and battered which makes moving hard. "Katon · Ryuuka no Jutsu!" He made a flame blast from his mouth and targeted both the snake and its master. He was trying to take two of them out at the same time if he was lucky. The snake however went through his flame unscratched and slammed into him.

"You are foolish Sasuke-kun if you think something like that can defeat us," said Orochimaru. All of a sudden, the snake he summoned shook its head violently which would have knocked a regular ninja off. It seems the Fire Element · Dragon Fire Skill did cause some damaged after all.

Orochimaru got off from his snake and attacked Sasuke with a right cross to the face and a front kick to the jaw. The combination knocked Sasuke off the tree but the boy somehow managed to latch onto the bottom tree branch and landed safely on the ground.

Using whatever strength he had left, Sasuke continue to jump from tree to tree, evading the Orochimaru's attacks but he had now reached his limit.

Orochimaru's neck and arms stretched out to inhuman lengths. Everything about that technique was like a characteristic of a snake. It is a fitting jutsu for a snake master. He had already calculated where Sasuke was going to jump and land, so he caught the boy easily and delivered a devastating blow.

The wind got knocked out of Sasuke and momentarily disrupted the boy's control of his body. Sasuke's Sharingan spun for its last time as his iris returned to its normal state. The kick to his jaw earlier also increased his immobilizing state and soon the boy lost conscious.

Ino and Sakura was too hurt to move at the moment and could only watch Sasuke being manhandled by the Grass-Nin.

"You are too weak, Sasuke-kun. Luckily it seems like you do have room to grow." He let go of Sasuke and watched the boy fall. He still wanted to install more fear in Sasuke to forever remember his weak state.

Sasuke, soon you will be begging for my guidance. You will become stronger and when the time comes I will take over your body.

Author's Notes:

Thank you for your reviews!

Once again, I want to thank Masiyuu for proofreading this chapter.

Say, remember the jutsu Naruto developed in this fanfiction to fight against doujutsu? I think it was in chapter 6 that I mention this. Well, maybe someone can help me name this jutsu. I was thinking of calling it Anti-Doujutsu no Jutsu. Do you think its kinda lame? Anyways, if you have something better, hope you'll share it. Thanks.

Did anyone read last week's Naruto manga? It was tight! But it looks Naruto is still conscious of what he's doing so his anger or Kyuubi is not controlling him. Wonder if Sasuke will go to Level 2 against Naruto.

Off Topic Discussion: I was looking through some anime sites (because I was bored) and I came across some anime quotes. Some of these quotes are hilarious. Probably my favorite quote that I found was from Goku in the original Dragonball series.

Goku: "Why do women have butts on their chests?"

I crack up every time I read this. If you got favorite anime or manga quotes, share them if you like.