"Well? What should we do with him?" Kiba asked out loud, nudging his head to the unconscious Naruto lying on the ground. "Should I kick him awake?"
"Please, don't!" Hinata sputtered out almost immediately, before comprehending what she was saying. The sooner Naruto woke up the better. Even if it was by force.
Her doubts resurfaced when she remembered the low feral growl. Hinata tapped her throat, suddenly being reminded of the excruciating pain she felt in the almost too real dream.
Her earlier statement fell on deaf ears to the Inuzuka's dog. Akamaru proceeded to jump off his master's head, walking over to the blonde. He turned around and lifted his right leg.
The sound of a certain liquid could be heard washing itself over Naruto's left cheek.
Kiba burst out laughing, Sakura put her hand over her mouth, trying to hide the snickering that was escaping from her mouth.
Even Sasuke couldn't help but show a smirk at the sight.
The Hyuga of Team 7 merely gave a sad look to the body of the unconscious Naruto, feeling very sorry for the blond at the moment.
Shino just looked on, slightly confused on what was so funny about a dog pissing on an unconscious person.
Akamaru halted his 'go' time. He put down his leg and turned to face Naruto, barking in his face twice. The ensuing saliva found itself scattering itself over the Uzumaki's face.
Moments later, Naruto began to stir.
Actually, he didn't stir. More like bolt upwards with a loud scream.
Hinata flinched, covering her left ear which was still a little messed up from Dosu's attack.
"EVERYONE HIDE! THAT PERSON! THE SNAKE PERSON! WHERE IS SHE?!" Naruto shrieked, jumping forward and purposely falling to the ground, looking around to find the person who attacked them.
Kiba raised an eyebrow, "You're one of a kind, Naruto."
Akamaru let out a bark of agreement.
Said blond turned his head to face to the brunet. "Dog Breath! And…" He turned his head to Shino. Immediately, a blank expression appeared on his face. "Uhh…"
"Shino." Kiba supplied.
"Shino! Yeah! What are you guys doing here?!"
While the Aburame showed no emotion on his face, his tone of voice displayed his frustration and disappointment towards the loud Genin.
"You have forgotten me, Naruto?"
"Huh?" Was the noise that came out of Naruto, "What do you mean?! I haven't seen you guys in ages!"
The bug user narrowed his eyes, "You recognized Kiba right away."
The whiskered ninja sweat-dropped, What a weird guy…
"They helped us out."
His ears immediately perked up as he heard the voice of his female teammate. He turned to see a bruised and beaten Hinata along with a short-haired Sakura, who was supporting a fatigued Sasuke.
"Hinata! What the hell happened to you?!" Naruto bellowed out of surprise, running over to the group of three, finding himself slightly angry at seeing his teammate in such a state.
"She got in a fight with the Sound Trio." Sakura spoke for her fellow kunoichi. "We decided to help fight them off. So be thankful, Naruto!"
"Huh?!" The blond turned his head to the green-eyed girl, still not catching on.
As they watched, Kiba let out a sigh, "That idiot. Always out of the loop. Looks like he hasn't changed much since the last time we saw him."
"On the contrary, Kiba. While Naruto does display the same childish characteristics that he had in the Academy, he has also changed as well. How do I know? Because Naruto never paid attention to Hinata in the Academy. And the old Naruto that we remember wouldn't stand being on a team with Sasuke and would most likely have immediately started an argument with him."
The Inuzuka glanced at his teammate, then rubbed his ears, thinking that he was hearing things. He never expected to hear Shino of all people to essentially compliment Naruto. He had thought that the Aburame found Naruto very annoying, and just hid his dislike for the boy all the time.
"AHHHHH! The scroll!" Naruto yelled, remembering that Orochimaru, the man who attacked them, had taken the scroll.
"Don't worry, idiot. Hinata got the scroll back. And as a negotiation, the Sound Shinobi gave us the scroll we needed." Sasuke spoke for the first time since Naruto woke up.
"Really?" He turned to Hinata and then to the members of Team 8, "Awesome!"
At that moment, Sasuke stood up, taking a long glance at each of the members of Team 8, pulling out a kunai as he did so, much to the surprise of his teammates.
"Sasuke-kun! What are you doing?!" Hinata gasped out of shock.
"Their objective is obvious. They're trying to deceive us. Make us think we're safe. Then, when we have our guard down, they'll strike us down and take the scrolls. Especially now that we have two." The Uchiha explained his actions, thinking that the concept was simple to understand.
"What did you say, bastard?!" Kiba took a step forward out of anger, "For your information, we already have the scrolls we need! We just saw Hinata in need and decided to help! After all, you and Naruto over there were just lying on the ground unconscious! If anything, you should be thankful!"
"Stop spouting crap! If you really have the scrolls, then show us!" Sasuke responded with a hard tone.
Sakura obliged silently, taking out the scroll in her possession, while Shino showed his own.
A momentary silence formed within the group of six.
Unexpectedly, it was Sasuke who broke it.
"Well, then… it seems I made a mistake."
"No shit, dumbass…" Kiba muttered under his breath so the onyx-eyed ninja wouldn't be able to hear him.
Sasuke slipped the kunai back into his pouch, turning to his teammates, "Come on. We should get going."
"I agree." Shino stated, walking closer to the Uchiha, "There are less than three days left in the second round. The earlier we get to the tower, the better. Why? Because during the final day, more enemies will wait at the tower and attempt an ambush to get a scroll or to pick out the competition."
"We should go as a group." The jade-eyed kunoichi suggested.
Sasuke looked at the girl with a perplexed look. The Sakura in front of him now was completely different from the one back at the Academy. Before, she was only good in book smart as well as being an annoying fangirl. Now, she was actually a competent ninja and more serious about the job as well.
"You have changed." The raven-haired Genin spoke his thoughts out loud to the girl.
This earned a pause in the kunoichi's breathing pattern. She looked away from Sasuke, a small blush appearing on her face.
"Is that bad?"
Had he looked into a mirror, Sasuke would know that he was actually smiling. Everyone's jaws dropped (except Sakura) as they saw the look being given to Sakura Haruno. The same girl who was one of the young Uchiha's loathed fangirls.
And it wasn't even fake. There was a little bit of shine in his smile.
They all listened as he made his response…
"No." Sasuke's expression regressed back into a neutral look, "Back in the Academy, I viewed you as merely a hindrance. Something that would just get in the way of my goal should I ever associate myself with you."
Sakura's head dipped slightly, feeling guilty of how she acted in the Academy. She hadn't cared for how Sasuke himself felt. She hadn't bothered to look and see if he was hurting inside. She had only cared about her own needs.
But… that was then. And this is now.
"I also viewed Hinata and this dumbass in the same way."
Naruto glared at his teammate.
"Now… for whatever your reason may be, you strive to become stronger. And you've finally taken the role of kunoichi seriously. Humph!" Sasuke closed his eyes with a smirk before continuing, "It seems my opinion about you has changed slightly, Sakura."
The heart in the girl's chest skipped a beat as she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Sasuke was… acknowledging her…
He took his attention off of her, his usual serious expression returning once again.
"Alright. Let's hurry up."
Later-In the Tower
Team 7 now stood at their own specific resting room in the tower at the center of the Forest of Death.
Fortunately, on their journey to the tower with Team 8, they did not encounter anyone.
The six split up into their respective teams, as Team 8 had to go to their own entrance as well.
It was a good thing Team 8 helped out. Had they not interfered with the Sound Trio, Hinata thought she wouldn't have lasted in the fight. Although her sudden increase in power surprised her opponents, they eventually would have adapted and overwhelmed her easily.
But now they were here, with less than three days to spare. At the very least, they could get Sasuke fixed up, as none of them knew what the Curse Mark on his neck really did. Naruto was unconscious, Sasuke was essentially taken over by corrupt Chakra, and Hinata didn't have an understanding of the phenomenon herself.
When they went in, they were surprised to find that the scrolls they had were used to Summon Iruka, their Academy teacher. He explained that since they finished early, they would get a room to themselves where they could rest for the rest of the three days.
About an hour after they arrived at their room, Kakashi walked in, wearing a casual look on his face. The Jonin sensei of each Konoha team were required to visit their teams immediately after they arrived, but in typical Kakashi-fashion, the copy ninja was late.
Naruto was the most surprised out of the three Genin. Truthfully, he hadn't expected Kakashi to even show up and see them. And this was evident when he yelled out his name with a surprised tone.
The silver-haired Jonin waved, speaking nonchalantly with a smile hiding under his mask, "Yo! It seems to me that my little Genin are slowly starting to grow up. And you made it out of the Forest of Death much faster than I expected."
"Damn straight!" Naruto's lips formed a cheeky grin, already having forgotten the hardships they had to go through in the forest.
"Umm… Kakashi-sensei…" The soft voice of Hinata projected through the ears of the occupants of the room. A hint of fear was in her voice as she immediately thought of the Snake Sannin.
"Don't you worry, Hinata. Orochimaru isn't going to hurt you guys anymore." Their sensei spoke with a reassuring tone, walking over to his pupil and placing his hand on her head as a way to console the girl.
Hinata flinched slightly, not expecting the sudden contact from her sensei.
"Wait! You know about that guy, sensei?!" Naruto questioned with a surprised tone.
"That Orochimaru…" Sasuke cut in with a serious expression, "Just what was he doing in the Chunin Exams? Why did he go after us?"
Kakashi's eyebrow narrowed in order to match the facial expression the raven-haired ninja was wearing, "That man… Orochimaru. He wants power. And getting your Sharingan is one of the most desirable ways to get such power. Speaking of which, before the deadline for the second-round hits, I need to do something with that Curse Mark of yours, Sasuke."
Immediately after that statement, the Uchiha placed a hand in the spot where the mark was. A chill ran down his spine as he remembered the man biting down on his neck. Although he didn't show it, Sasuke was still mortally terrified from the experience.
With a reluctant nod, the boy followed Kakashi out of the room, leaving Naruto and Hinata to themselves.
When they were out and far from the room, both Sharingan wielders could feel a cold presence walking towards them slowly. Kakashi merely glanced at the approaching figure while Sasuke fully directed his gaze towards it.
The auburn-haired boy stopped walking. Kakashi and Sasuke did the same. The former already knew some sort of interaction was going to spark between the two Genin.
Both identified each other with equally flat tones. Both staring into each other's soul as a means to try and scare the other away.
"Sasuke Uchiha."
"Sabaku no Gaara."
Sasuke scanned Gaara's body, looking for something specific. Something very significant. Something that if he couldn't find any of, it would prove Kabuto's data from before right.
Although he didn't show it, the surprise and shock radiating off of the Uchiha could be sensed by both Kakashi and the redhead. In fact, the cyclops couldn't help but feel slightly taken aback by the state of the Sand ninja's body.
It was clean. Completely clean.
This guy… Sasuke's hand curled into a fist as he grit his teeth out of frustration, He made it through the forest without sustaining any damage…
To make it through the Forest of Death completely unscathed. Even high-ranked Chunin wouldn't be able to make it through the forest without receiving at least one scratch. There is more to this kid than meets the eye… Kakashi thought to himself as he continued to look at the boy.
There was… something about it. It could be his facial expressions. It could be how he spoke. Hell, it could even be how he stood and walked.
But something about it made it seem like Gaara was a mindless tool due to the fact he was showing very little emotion. If one looked deeper, they would think that a tiny bit of boredom was hidden beneath his actions. However, other than that… nothing. Just a blank shell.
"You are… intimidated by me."
Sasuke widened his eyes. The look on his face prompted the sand ninja to elaborate.
"Your hand…"
The onyx-eyed boy peered down to see both of his hands shaking uncontrollably. And unlike the time he stood face to face with multiple Mizu Bunshins of Zabuza, this wasn't from excitement. It was very well from fear…
Why… Why am I acting like this? Am I… still afraid?!
"It seems that you live for only one purpose. And without that purpose, you have no reason to live. You have a goal and fighting strong opponents and spilling their blood will make you strong enough to achieve that goal. However, deep down… you're scared out of your mind. You can't live with this world. And the only thing keeping you going is that one goal."
Sasuke's breath hitched as the image of his brother's Mangekyou Sharingan appeared in his mind. It was as if Gaara had just put him in a Tsukuyomi like Itachi did all those years ago.
Except no Genjutsu was a part of it. He was mentally torturing him without even trying. And to the Konoha Genin's dismay… it was working!
The weakened Uchiha clenched his fist, I'm still so weak! The fact that I am subjecting myself to his words…
"It seems you are not the man I took you for, Sasuke Uchiha. Your blood is, while the most satisfactory of everyone participating, still unsanitary for Mother." Gaara murmured calmly, walking past Sasuke with killing intent unconsciously leaking off of him.
The lone Uchiha glanced at the Suna Shinobi as he kept on walking with an unwavering stance. And with each step, he found his confidence wavering.
He was so caught up in his thoughts that he was actually taken off guard when Kakashi placed a hand on his shoulder.
Sparing his sensei a look, the Jonin spoke.
"Don't you worry. We'll get you there soon enough. Now, come on. We have a Curse Mark to seal."
Meanwhile
Pale eyes… Check.
Same appearance as last time… Check.
Same condescending attitude as before… Check.
Yep, based off of that list, Naruto knew that it fit the description of Hinata's cousin, Neji.
"Bastard! What the hell do you want?!" Naruto bellowed, not liking the fact that he was standing in their room.
He came after Sasuke and Kakashi left, it was as if he was waiting for them to depart.
The eyes he looked at Naruto with had a disappointed glare in them, along with a 'You're a failure' feeling to it. However, the look wasn't directed at him. It was specifically towards Hinata.
"None of your concern, Uzumaki." Neji spat with a smug tone of superiority in his voice, knowing that the blond Genin stood no chance against someone like him. His eyes never left Hinata's, and boy was she frightened.
Those cold, watchful eyes picking up her every move. Reading her body language and translating it perfectly. No matter how many times she tried to stand up to those eyes, she always failed. And she didn't know why.
By technicality, they were her eyes. They were of the same clan. They were literally cousins. But how can he give such a look with his eyes. How can he look so threatening while Hinata herself always looks like a wilting flower?
It frustrated her… deeply.
"I admit, I am surprised that you've managed to make it this far, Hinata-sama. It seems fate has dealt you with good luck for the time being. However, it ends here. Withdraw. I've seen the eyes of everyone here. You don't belong here."
Hinata winced under his gaze, looking down at the ground. Naruto grinded his teeth, tapping his foot out of frustration as he tried to restrain himself from snapping.
"You'd best take my advice." The branch member slowly crossed his arms with a cross expression on his face, "Should fate give you a bad opponent, like me for example, you'd only get yourself seriously hurt. Don't make that face, Hinata-sama. I'm only telling you what is best for your own benefit."
That was the last straw.
"Do you always feel the need to put down those who you believe are weak?! If I ever get paired with you, I'm gonna kick your ass, ya know!" Naruto took a strong step forward, raising a fist towards the male Hyuga.
The prodigy couldn't help but chuckle uncontrollably. "Oh please. Someone like you beating me? As far as I'm concerned, you're just as weak as Hinata-sama here."
"Grr…" Naruto growled, but couldn't come up with an answer to Neji's statement. No matter what he would say, the side branch Hyuga would not falter whatsoever.
"Nothing to say? Very well then. I hope not to see either of you in the next round, for your own sakes." Neji told the two, turning around and leaving the room.
When he was far out of earshot, Naruto immediately yelled out, "He has one of the longest sticks up his ass, ya know! Hell, I'd say it rivals Sasuke's stick. And that thing is HUGE! Don't let that intimidate you, Hinata! Whoever I fight in the third round, I'll kick their ass! Especially if it's that guy or Sasuke!"
Hinata smiled slightly, despite her downed mood. No matter how damp it got, Naruto could always lighten the atmosphere with just the sound of his voice. And no matter what would happen, he would always aim to surpass their Uchiha teammate.
That's just like him. Always so determined.
If only she had that determination…
Days Later
"Kakashi, I assume you have sealed the Curse Mark?" Hiruzen asked the silver-haired ninja in a quiet voice so none of the contestants could hear.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. The Curse Mark has been taken care of."
Anko, who was standing right next to the two, narrowed her eyes towards the Uchiha, who was standing in front of his opponent, Yoroi Akado. She had encountered Orochimaru in the forest, and he had told her that he was in the village to get Sasuke. The reason… she could only assume that it was because of his Sharingan.
That wasn't the only thing. Apparently, the boy was already tagged with the Snake Sannin's Curse Mark. The same one she had. Even if it was sealed, the mark could still be deadly if released. She didn't like the chances of that happening.
However, she knew that no matter what she would say, Sasuke would still be allowed to fight.
At the very least, he only had to fight once, much like all the other contestants at the moment.
The battle went by very quickly. Sasuke was able to use his ninjutsu and Sharingan since the mark was sealed. However, the way he finished off surprised a lot of people, particularity Might Guy and Rock Lee.
He had finished Yoroi off with a move he called the Shishi Rendan (Lion's Barrage). However, Guy mentioned that it had a very similar concept to the Omote Renge (Primary Lotus). According to him, the first two moves were exactly the same.
Lee deduced that Sasuke must have used his Sharingan to copy his movements and then implemented them into his own move.
Since the Uchiha boy already got the Curse Mark situated, he was allowed to watch the rest of the matches.
The next two matches were Zaku Abumi vs Shino Aburame and Misumi Tsuguri vs Kankuro. The matches ended with Shino and Kankuro's victory.
Everyone looked to the black screen in anticipation as they waited for the next two people to be picked out to fight. The two names the screen stopped was of two Konoha Genin.
Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka…
Honestly. I don't know about this chapter.
I'm calling it an interlude chapter because of how short it is.
Now, I'm going to try and put the prelims into one chapter, as not much will change there. I'm just redoing Sakura vs Ino, reworking Hinata vs Neji, maybe Naruto vs Kiba? Who knows..
Well, that's all for now guys, hope you enjoyed this interlude chapter.
Take care, goodbye!