*Chapter 3*
Akari walked in silence, eyes on the ground as she headed home for the evening. The twins a few steps ahead of her, talking animatedly with each other. She was only half listening, her siblings chatting away about the exam. Both of them relieved to have passed, glad they had not been caught cheating. They felt lucky in having the skills needed to pass.
She glanced up briefly at their laughter, quick to lower her gaze again. Kicking at a stray pebble, watching it bounce along the road dejectedly. Her thoughts on her siblings and the skills they spoke of. Their matching chakra natures. Water. Just another distinct difference between Akari and her siblings. She had no knack for water release whatsoever, having tried plenty of times as a child. Her disappointment in herself uncomfortable to recall. The younger version of Akari not quite understanding why she couldn't be like the twins. A bit jealous of their strong bond, unable to help the feeling if being left out.
That wasn't the only thing on her mind though. The more Akari listened, the more she realized just how useless she had been. How obvious it seemed now, her inability to come up with a solution on her own. She had relied on the twins to pass, had done nothing to help. Then, adding insult to injury, she had almost quit. Akari had been seconds away from raising her hand, Naruto's confident words the only reason she hadn't. The boy deserved her gratitude. He had unintentionally kept her from making a mistake.
Akari supposed she also had Sasuke to thank. It might not have been his intention, but his comment had eased her nerves. She would probably be feeling anxious for the upcoming test if not for him. instead, she was eager, excited at the prospect of meeting him in the finals. Of proving she was capable, a part of her wanting him to see how strong she had become. In order to do that though, Akari had to prove she could pass with her own skills. Her siblings were her team but she couldn't expect them to get her out of everything.
"Home at last." Riko yawned.
Akari looked up, startled to find that he was right. The trio were now standing at their front gate. She had been too distracted to notice their arrival. Riko was quick to open the latch, striding up to the door and disappearing into the two story house. Already calling out to their mother, the boy in urgent need of food. He was almost as bad as Choji, Akari thought. Mizuko made to follow but stopped when she reached the front porch. She turned and looked at Akari who had yet to make it past the gate.
"You've been awfully quiet. Thought you'd be more excited." She said.
Akari just shrugged, finally walking into their front lawn and closing the gate behind her.
"I am. I was just...thinking." She responded quietly.
Mizuko waited for her younger sister to reach her before sliding open the front door. Letting Akari step inside first before following.
"Don't be nervous. We'll pass the next one too." Mizuko tried to assure her.
The two girls slipped off their sandals at the entryway. Putting them away neatly against the wall. Both of them shaking their heads at the sight of Riko's, their brother leaving his laying in the middle of the hall. Mizuko grumbled with annoyance as she placed them next to theirs, used to picking up after her twin.
"I don't think I would've passed the first one without you."
Akari chewed on her lower lip, a little embarrassed at having admitted this. Mizuko straightened at her words, standing in the hall with her hands on her hips. The very familiar reprimanding expression already on her face. Akari just stared back at her older sister, choosing to focus on the girls outfit. At the black tights and mesh crop top. A light blue sleeveless vest worn over it, unzipped at the front. She suddenly found the color if it more interesting than Mizuko's scolding glare.
"Is that what's bugging you?" The older girl asked, tone firm.
Akari could only shrug again, frowning a little.
"Akari. Remember what Hayama Sensei told us. This is a team effort. There's nothing wrong with letting us help you." Mizuko said.
"I know! But that doesn't mean I can just do nothing! I should have at least contributed a little. What if you guys hadn't been here? What if I had to figure it out on my own and ended up failing!" She grumbled.
At Akari's growing pout, the young girls lips beginning tremble, Mizuko sighed. She reached out, grabbing the younger/s arm and pulling her into a side hug. Making sure to rub Akari's arm in an attempt to comfort her.
"That's just it. We're a team which means you never have to do anything without us. Everything we do, we do together."
Akari took a deep breathe, her worries slowly dwindling away. Mizuko never failed to make her feel better, the older girl always the responsible one. Keeping her siblings in line while watching over them at the same time. She was a natural at it, Riko and Akari always looking to her for any sort of trouble they found themselves in.
"Thanks." She mumbled, leaning against her sister.
"Its what I'm here for. Forever and always." Mizuko grinned.
The eldest gave Akari one last squeeze before making her way inside. She stared after her for a moment, a small smile on her lips, before following. As she made her way down the hall, already anticipating the feel of her comfortable mattress, Riko walked out of kitchen. With his arms full of leftovers, he nodded towards the doorway leading into the living room.
"They want to know how things went." He said.
Riko gave a sympathetic shrug at the sight of her expression. An annoyed grimace having crossed her face. Then he was disappearing upstairs, lovking himself in his bedroom for the night. Sighing, Akari turned away from the stairway and walked into the living room. Suddenly feeling more tired than she actually was.
"Well? Anything?" Her mom stood from the couch at the sight of her.
She was a small woman. And the one the twins most resembled. Their hazel eyes were the exact copy of hers. Her soft features also having been inherited by them. The only difference was her hair, the strands a darker shade then the twins. A chocolate brown, long against her back.
Their father had yet to move from his spot in his chair. The twins had received their ash colored hair from him. Along with the man's height and build, Mizuko and Riko a bit taller than most their age. Kin was normally a light hearted man, prone to loud bouts of laughter. But tonight, he watched Akari with a stoic expression. Guess it was going to be one of those conversations, Akari frowned to herself. She made her way to an empty seat, falling into it before answering her mother.
"Nothing. It was fine." She muttered, crossing her arms.
Both her parents seemed to relax, the tension in their bodies leaving them. Her mother easing back onto the couch, sighing with relief. Akari couldn't help the glare on her face. Growing irritated by their reaction.
"Why do you guys always do this. Interrogate me everytime I come home." She grumbled.
The two adults shared a look, that same one Akari always caught them wearing. One that said they were hiding something. And that they thought she was too young to realize it.
"We just worry that's all. Remember how we told you about your birth parents? About the...the condition they had?" Her father said.
Akari looked away at this, choosing to stare out the window instead. Unable to stop the pang in her chest at his words. Hating being reminded that she didn't belong. That these people weren't her real parents, that the twins upstairs weren't her blood. She supposed it was pretty obvious, what with the huge differences between them. Her darker features contrasting severally with their lighter ones. Still, she had yet to come to terms with the truth. Her parents having revealed it barely a year before.
"I keep telling you, there's nothing wrong with me. Whatever they had, I don't have it." She said, jaw clenched.
Akari couldn't stand it. How they scrutinized her, watching her for the smallest hint. As if one day they'd look at her and find whatever flaw it was they thought she had. Akari wondered what they'd do if they found it. How they'd react to having taken in a damaged child. If they'd one day decide she didn't fit, that her being there was wrong.
"We can't be sure, sweetie. You're still young, it could appear as you get older." Her mother said softly.
Akari figured she was trying to sound comforting. Trying to cushion her words, to make them less painful. She wasn't doing a good job of it though, Akari tensing in her seat. Images of herself being left behind, forgotten, playing in her mind.
"What happens if I do get this...this condition. What happens to me?" She asked, barely above a whisper.
Her father blinked at her, a little taken aback by the question. Her mother looked confused by it, brow furrowed. As they both began to speak, looking ready to assure her somehow, she put up a hand up to silence them.
"Don't lie. I'll know if you do." She warned.
Again, they shared that same look. Akari felt sick at the sight of it, stomach churning uncomfortably. She suddenly wanted to take it back, to forget she asked and just go up to bed. But it was too late, the words had been spoken.
"We don't know. We're not sure what will happen. Which is why we're terrified to find out." Her father was the one to reply.
Her mother reached out, looking to want to pull Akari to her lap. But their daughter flinched at the movement, the woman's eyes flashing with hurt at the sight. Her mother lowered her hand, clenching it in her lap. Looking to be on the verge of tears. Her father looked as if he wanted to scold Akari for it, for rejecting her mother like that. She didnt care to let him.
"Why?" Akari muttered.
"Why what, sweetie?" Her mother asked carefully.
The woman looked a bit hesitant now, as if she were speaking to a frightened animal. Her voice wavering, looking to not have expected the path the conversation had taken. Akari always quick to answer their questions and that was it. This was the first time the girl had the strength to question them back.
"Why do you think I have it? Whatever it is. Could be that I don't." Akari said, trying to sound confident.
She failed, her own voice wavering as she spoke. Already knowing that she wasn't so lucky.
"This condition is usually inherited. Though only one of your parents had it, there's still a chance you will too. Itachi…"
Akari cringed at the name.
"Itachi was familiar with it. It's why he visited so often, so that he could help us if you did have it." Her father finished.
Akari stared at her parents, recalling the first day the Uchiha had stepped foot in their house. The images of her terrified parents, their pained expression branded into her memories. She then thought of her days in the Academy. At the way they'd look at her when she got home. When she'd tell them of her growing accomplishments, of the praise she'd get from her Senseis. A natural they had called her, all of them saying her parents would be proud. Except they weren't. The two of them more frightened by her skill than anything. She could never understand why, hurt by their reactions. It got to the point where she would tell them nothing at all, unable to bear the sight of that look any longer.
"What are you keeping from me?"
Her parents startled at her words, gaping at her stoic expression. Akari's face blank of emotion, tired of feeling anything at all. She decided she wanted the truth, and once she had it she'd throw it away. Whatever it was. For it must be something truly awful to cause these two people so much agony. Making them blind to the pain it caused their daughter. Pain she tried so hard to conceal behind a pretty smile. A smile she was too exhausted to wear right now.
"Akari…" Her mother started, voice strained.
Akari's anger flared, recognizing the hesitation in the woman's tone. Knowing they wouldn't reveal anything. Not now and maybe not ever. They'd continue to keep silent on the matter. Whether it hurt her or not.
"You won't tell me?" Akari interrupted.
Both her parents refused to meet her eyes, looking resigned. Slowly, her father shook his head.
"Fine." She spat.
Akari didn't want to hear any more excuses. So she rose from her seat, giving her parents a curt nod goodbye. Then she was leaving the room, ignoring their sounds of protests. Quietly, eyes empty, she climbed the stairs to the second floor. Mizuko and Riko both had their doors slightly open, watching her with concern as she passed. Akari had no doubt that they had heard. But she said nothing, and neither did they. Akari stepped into her room, closing the door and locking it behind her.
She mechanically began to undress, changing into her pajamas with muscle memory alone. Not really paying attention to the steps, barely registering the comfort of her bed as she slipped under the covers. Her mind numb, the ringing in her ears distracting her from sleep. Though she desperately wanted to close her eyes, to forget the hurt, she couldn't. Her parents secrets keeping her awake. Her need to know growing by the day, to the point where is was becoming hard to bury it. For months she had forced herself to ignore it, forced herself in believing that they were lying for good reason. That they were doing it to protect her like they said they were. But then why did it hurt so much?
Akari turned on her side, curling into herself, pulling her knees to her chest. The pain in her rib-cage almost unbearable, her thoughts turning dark. Her doubts creeping in, her own self-worth beginning to dwindle. What could be wrong with her? Why did they, the people who raised her, look at her like she was broken. Damaged. She wanted to know. She had too. Akari realized she couldn't live like this, being left in the dark. For the first time in years, she suddenly found herself yearning for Itachi. He knew what this...this flaw inside her was. If he were there, she could beg him for the truth.
Akari sniffled, wiping at a stray tear. Falling asleep to comforting images of Itachi Uchiha. Forgetting for a moment that he was a murder, a monster.
No. Not forgetting. Akari knew what he was. But in that moment, in that place between sleep and awake, Akari just didn't care.
•
The next morning, Akari had smiled at her parents. Choosing to put on her usual carefree persona, to pretend nothing had happened. Ignoring the worried glances her family threw her way. It's how she coped. How she was able to live her life as normal as possible. As if she wasn't in constant pain, as if she didn't feel like she was drifting with no where to go. Unable to find a place where she belonged. She once thought this was it, with these people, in this house. Now, she wasn't so sure. Yet, she continued to pretend like it was. Things were just easier this way, less troublesome, she thought.
"Huh. So this is the Forest of Death." Riko muttered.
Akari blinked, shaking her head in an attempt to free herself from her thoughts. Mizuko shot her a worried look, the eldest having been watching her since they left the house. Akari ignored it, refusing to meet her older sisters gaze. Instead, she glanced around. Finally paying attention to her surroundings, taking in what the others had already noticed.
"Well. Its a forest. And it certainly looks like death." She said.
Anko had the candidates meet her a few miles outside the village. Everyone was now gathered before her, the genin staring in awe at the gated trees behind their proctor. The place was the definition of creepy. It was clear that this was no ordinary forest. It gave off an ominous aura, its trees tall and foreboding. They were bunched so close together that no shed of light could make it through the branches.
"Look. He's already acting up." Riko nudged her.
Akari turned to him, her brother nodding towards the front of the group. She followed his gaze to find Kakashi's squad closer to the front. Naruto was currently in the middle of a dance. His hands placed on his hips as he swayed side to side. Akari rose a brow at this, her lips quirking into a small smile. She watched as Naruto pointed a finger at Anko, not sure what was happening since he had his back to her.
"Do your worst! You're not gonna scare me away! I can handle anything!" She heard him cry out.
Beside her, the twins sighed. A few of the Genin around them snickered, everyone now looking at the blonde. Akari could only shake her head with exasperation. To think the day had barely begun and already Naruto was making a scene.
"So. Looks like we got ourselves a tough guy." Anko smirked.
Before Akari could blink, the proctor flicked her wrist. A hidden kunai falling from her sleeve and flying through the air. Naruto didn't have the chance to react as it sliced his cheek. A small line of blood appearing on his startled face. Akari stood in the weapons path, side-stepping to avoid it. A bit shocked by the proctors actions, she watched as it continued down the large group of Genin. Seeing how it flew past a ninja from the Grass, slicing through the woman's long hair. She didn't even flinch, the ninja's expression somewhat amused. Akari stared at her for a moment, stunned by the lack of reaction. Then she was turning back towards Naruto. Seeing that Anko now stood at his back, the boy freezing up at their proctors show of skill.
"A kid like you dies at the very beginning." Anko smiled.
The proctor placed a hand on Naruto's face, so lightly that the gesture seemed almost affectionate. The she was lifting a finger to the cut she had left on his cheek, the blood dripping down slowly. Naruto looked terrified, blue eyes large and his body tense as she caught a drop with a grin still on her lips. None of the other genin dared to move, everyone watching silently.
But then Anko went on the defensive, letting yet another kunai drop from her sleeve. Still holding on to Naruto, she glanced behind her to find the Grass Ninja at her back. The woman carried the first kunai wrapped in her serpent like tongue. Her lips pulled back in a sinister grin, face half covered by the bamboo hat she wore. Though she she looked to have felt threatened, Anko still kept a smile on her face. Her weapon still held in her grip, inches from the Grass Ninja's face.
"I'm returning your kunai." The woman said, tongue twitching at her words.
"Thank you for taking the trouble." Anko replied politely.
The two women wore matching smiles, but their eyes told a different story. The expression behind them nothing but murderous. Their bodies tense, as if they were eager for bloodshed. Everyone around them looked startled by the sudden appearance of the Grass Ninja. Akari and the twins included, nobody having sensed the woman's speedy approach.
"But...don't stand behind me like that. Thirsty for blood." Anko added, a warning in her voice. "If you don't want a quick death."
Her words didn't match the smirk she wore. Their proctor taking the knife from the woman's tongue.
"It's in my nature to act up at the sight of red blood." The Grass Ninja answered, her tongue reeling back into her mouth.
Akari blanched, finding the woman extremely creepy. Her siblings looked to feel the same way, the both of them eyeing her warily. Nobody wanting to take their eyes off her, just her presence alone making them feel threatened.
"And my precious hair got cut so I got a bit excited."
"Sorry about that." Anko told her.
But the woman had already turned her back, returning to her place next to her squad. Akari's eyes followed her as she passed, her body vibrating with a sudden need to flee. As if she sensed it, the Grass Ninja's eyes flickered to her. Her lips quirking into a smile at the sight of Akari flinching. She couldn't help it, feeling so small underneath the woman's heavy stare. But it was over just as quickly as it had happened, the Grass Ninja not the least bit interested in her.
"She sped past us to quickly, I didn't even catch it." Mizuko whispered.
Akari could only shake her head, not having noticed the Grass Ninja until she was right up against their proctor. The woman had to have passed right by them, yet the three siblings had felt nothing. Akari has to work to tear her eyes away from the woman, not wanting her out of her sight for some reason. As if she knew it was foolish to turn her back on her. Still, she managed to turn her attention back to the front. The woman forgotten for now.
"Evidently we've got a lot of hot-blooded kids this time. This will be fun." Anko stared after the odd woman.
Their proctor walked back to her initial place at the front, turning to address them.
"Before we start, I need to hand these out to you."
She held up a stack of forms, everyone staring at her with blank expressions. Akari suddenly wondered if this was another written test, her head already beginning to hurt at the thought.
"Consent forms. You have to sign if you want to take part in the test." She explained.
"Why?" Naruto asked.
"From here on out, we're bound to find a couple of corpses." Anko said with a smile.
Akari shared a look with the twins, everyone realizing this wouldn't be an easy task. She couldn't help but glance behind Anko, looking through the wire gate at the forest behind it. Wondering if the proctor was just trying to scare them or if this place was just as dangerous as she made it seem.
"Well, I'm going to explain the second exam now." The woman stated.
She held out the stack of papers, Naruto stepping forward to take them from her.
"Your survival skills are about to be challenged." She started.
The forms were now being distributed, everyone passing the stack around. It was Neji who ended up handing it to Akari, the Hyuuga and his squad having walked up to join them. She gave him a nod in thanks, taking a form before passing them on to her siblings. Akari stared at the sheet, eyes scanning over it briefly. Taking in the dotted line at the bottom where she would have to sign. Feeling a bit apprehensive at the thought of being carried out in a body bag before this was over.
"Suddenly, a written test doesn't sound too bad." Riko muttered beside her.
She silently agreed, sucking in her bottom lip nervously as she turned her attention back to their proctor.
"Training ground 44 is surrounded by a total of 44 locked gates." She was saying.
Anko was holding up a scroll, an image of the grounds drawn on the parchment . Akari stared at it, at the round image with trees and river cutting down the middle. She focused on the tower in the middle, wondering just how deep in the forest they'd have to travel to reach it.
"In this confined area, you're going to go through a survival program. The contents of which are..."
Anko rolled the scroll back up, shoving it in her coat. Then she was pulling out two more, holding them out in front of her.
"Anything goes scroll battle." She grinned.
"Scrolls?" Sasuke asked.
Akari looked over at the boy, the Uchiha standing confidently with his hands in his pockets. He stood by himself, Naruto closer to the front and Sakura a bit further back. He seemed to be paying close attention, not looking the least bit bothered. Akari stood a little straighter at the sight of him, trying to shake of her nerves. Suddenly feeling inferior at the sight of the boy's calm demeanor. He probably hadn't even flinched at the mention of corpses earlier.
"I want you to fight for two scrolls. A Heaven and an Earth. 26 teams passed the first exam. 13 of them will get the Heaven..."
Anko held up the white scroll.
"The other half will get the Earth."
She held up the darker of the two.
"To put it simply, you'll be vying for them." Anko explained.
"And the conditions to pass?" Sasuke wondered.
"Your squad must bring both scrolls to the center tower." Anko told them.
Akari stared at the scroll in the woman's hands. Understanding that the fate of her team depended on them. She suddenly felt the pressure, eyeing all the genin currently standing around her. 26 teams, Anko had said. That meant there would be a total of 78 ninja locked inside that forest together. 75 of them being against her, everyone in this for themselves.
"That means that out of the 26 teams, half of them will fail." Sakura said.
"Except it has to be on time." Anko clarified.
Mizuko sighed, looking to have expected something like this. Riko just looked resigned to their fate, not really focused on Anko. His eyes glued to the dark forest, expression calculative. Anko could add all the conditions she wanted and it wouldn't change anything. They would still be going in there, there was no going back for them.
"The time limit is 120 hours. Do it in exactly five days." Their proctor ordered.
"Five days?!" Ino exclaimed.
"What about food!?" Choji chimed in.
The large boy looked awfully disturbed by the woman's words. A stricken expression on his face. Akari felt for him, knowing how important food was to Choji. It basically defined who he was, the boy never without a bag of chips in his hands.
"Learn to be self-sufficient! Find what you need in the forest!" Anko chided.
"However, one should also take into account the man-eating beasts, poisonous bug, plants and much more."
This came from a silver haired man at the front. Akari recognized him as the one from before, remembering the round spectacles on his face. He was the one who had befriended Naruto early on, the one who had been attacked by the sound ninja. He seemed alright now, no sign that he had been previously hurt.
"That means, with these circumstances, there is no way half the teams will pass."
Akari looked to Neji, the boy not having said a word till now. His brow was furrowed in thought, already focused on the task. Akari wished she had his ability to move forward without letting nerves get in the way. She was beginning to wonder if all the guys she knew were like this, her gaze falling to Lee who wore a determined look on his face.
"The nights are shorter these days, meaning we'll have less time to sleep and recover. Seems pretty grueling." The bushy-browed boy smirked.
Akari realized then that she would be going into this with quiet a few hot heads. Suddenly hoping she can somehow manage to stay out of their way. She didn't think she could keep up with some of these guys stamina if she were being honest.
"On top of that, you'll be surrounded by enemies. Even sleeping will be a problem." Sasuke added.
Enemies. Akari looked around again, it finally hitting her that some of these people were old friends. People she has once shared a classroom with. Yet, as soon as they stepped foot in that forest, these same people would be gunning for her. No one would think twice of stealing her scroll, there was no such thing as friends in a situation like this. They had their own teams to think about.
"Right. I'm telling you right now, a lot of you won't be able to endure this course." Anko said.
"So, can you quit in the middle of it?"
Akari didn't have to look to know who had spoken, recognizing the lazy drawl. She was not the least bit surprised that Shikamaru would ask such a question. The boy's personality was just like she remembered, still hesitant to do any extra work. She couldn't help but smile, glad to know that some things didn't change.
"According to the rules, you can not give up in the middle of it! I want you to spend five days in the forest." Anko told him with a grin.
"Just like I thought, this is going to be such a pain." Shikamaru grumbled.
This time, Akari did giggle. Neji shooting her a look, brow raised questioningly. She just shook her head, lips quirked up in a smile.
"Moving on. If all three members can't make it to the tower with both scroll and within the time limit, your disqualified. Same goes if you lose a member or they become incapacitated. Another condition, no one is allowed to look at the contents of the scrolls."
"What happens if you look?" Naruto asked nervously.
"When you look at it you'll find out." Anko answered.
Then the woman was pointing over to a hut, three ninja sitting beneath it at a desk.
"I'll exchange your consent forms for the scrolls in there. After that, pick an entrance. All gates will be opened simultaneously. Finally, a word of advise, Don't Die!" Anko finished.
With those final morbid words, everyone scattered. All the genin splitting off to fill out their consent forms. Akari and her team stood in place for a moment, Neji's doing the same. The six of them huddled together for a moment, eyeing the rest of the contestants.
"This exam is going to be nothing like the first. More than half of the teams will definitely be eliminated." Tenten said, reading over her form.
Akari was doing the same, seeing that a lot of it was just a statement on the dangers of the exam. Making it clear that if she signed, no one would be held responsible for her death. She was basically signing her life away.
"Something tells me that was her intention." Mizuko muttered.
The girl was watching their proctor carefully, expression pensive. Akari was staring at Anko too now, feeling a bit wary. She supposed their second proctor was a little odd. A bit psychotic even.
"She does seem a bit on the sadistic side, doesn't she?" Riko said.
"She wants to thin the herd. I have no objections to this." Neji smirked.
"Of course you don't." Riko rolled his eyes.
Neji shot him a glare but Akari's brother just ignored it. She wondered when the two would get over their little feud. Riko had already admitted that he only kept at it becuase he thought Neji's anger was funny.
"Excited Akari?"
She looked to Rock Lee, the boy giving her an eager smile. Akari nodded in response, flashing him a grin of her own.
"We must let the power of youth lead us to victory!" Rock Lee exclaimed.
He held fist up in the air, a wild fire burning in his eyes. Lee wasn't one to get nervous, always up for the challenge. Akari suddenly felt sorry for anyone unlucky enough to cross his path. Lee might just be the most dangerous thing to encounter in that forest.
"The power of youth. Right." She chuckled.
Then she noticed how Lee's eyes seemed to soften. His attention now elsewhere, the exam forgotten for a moment. Akari frowned at his change in demeanor, finding it odd. She followed his gaze, eyes widening at the sight of Sakura Haruno. The girl walking on her own as she stared down at her consent form. She was alone, Naruto and Sasuke having gone off elsewhere. Akari almost groaned, unable to believe it. What was it about Sakura that attracted these idiots? She swore she'd never understand.
Akari didn't say anything to him though, hoping he doesn't end up getting hurt by his little crush. Sakura only had eyes for Sasuke and it wouldn't take long for Lee to realize this. Akari doubted anyone could lure the pink-haired girl away from the mysterious Uchiha. Naruto certainly hadn't managed to do so yet.
"We'll see you when its over. If you make it, that is." Neji said all of a sudden.
He didn't wait for a response, already leading his team away. They stared after them for moment, Riko glaring at the boys comment. Then they were following Mizuko under the shade of some nearby trees. Once they had been handed their forms, they sat down to fill them out. They were silent, not really in the mood to speak. As they read through the questions, the severity of the situation hit them. This was going to be dangerous, maybe even fatal. Hayama Sensei had warned them of this but it hadn't felt real until now.
"They're putting up a curtain. We won't know who of the three members will hold the scroll. We'll have to pay attention to details out there if we want to play this right." Mizuko muttered.
Akari and Riko looked over to the hut. Watching as one of the ninja dressed in gray pulled the curtain closed. Completely blocking the view of the desk, no one able to see what was happening inside. Akari then looked down at her form, knowing that all she had to do was sign. For some reason it was harder to do than she thought. Could she really consent to possibly getting murdered in that forest. She supposed death was an occupational hazard for any ninja. Akari glanced at her siblings, watching as they scribbled away. Not hesitating a moment longer, she lifted her pen to do the same.
"Ugly! Ugly! Ugly!"
"Billboard! Billboard! Billboard!"
Akari's head shot up at the angry voices, immediately recognizing them. A few feet to their left, she found Sakura and Ino arguing. Shikamaru and Choji standing nearby, both wearing frightened expressions. She watched curiously as the two rivals shot each other one last glare before stalking off. Thankfully they went separate direction, the boys looking relieved by this fact.
"Wonder what that was about." Mizuko muttered.
Her sister hadn't even bothered to look up from her paper, not really all that interested in the answer. Riko didn't even look to have heard the two girls, tongue poking out between his lips as he focused on signing his name. Akari just shrugged, figuring their argument was probably something petty. It usually always was. Quickly, she finished filling out the form. Once done, she and the twins stood from there spots. As she did, someone else caught her attention.
It was Naruto, the boy strolling by with his head down. He seemed to be looking over his form, a frustrated look on his face. Then he was glancing up, having caught sight of Hinata standing alone by a tree. Akari rose a brow, a bit surprised the boy had even noticed the mousy girl. She watched as he said rose a hand in greeting, calling out to her. The raven-haired girl raised her head in surprise, a flush immediately rising on her cheeks. Akari watched as Hinata averted her gaze, unable to look her crush in the eyes. Then, as if she had noticed something, the girl began rummaging through her pouch.
Just as she found what she was looking for, Naruto lost interest. He passed her by, giving a quick wave goodbye before continuing on his way. Completely oblivious to Hinata's dejected expression, disappointment clear in her eyes. Akari felt a pang of sympathy for the Hyuuga, watching how the girl stared down at the small container she held in her hands. Standing alone once again, her shy attempt completely ignored. Akari tsked, feeling a little peeved toward Naruto all of a sudden. He couldn't have waited just a moment longer?
"It's about time for the scroll exchange!" One of the overseers called out.
She sighed, knowing there was nothing she could do about it now. Akari followed her sibling, the trio making their way towards the hut with the rest of the genin. When their turn came up, they stepped behind the curtain. Inside was a ninja sitting at a desk, waiting with his hand held out. Mizuko handed him their paperwork, trading it for a scroll. She gave it to Riko who shoved the Earth scroll in his pouch. They had already agreed that he would be the one to carry it. Akari had faith that her brother would keep it safe.
She didn't doubt him even as they made their way to gate 14. The three of them staring through the wire, eyeing the dark forest nervously. To ease her nerves, Akari glanced around. On her left she noticed Kakashi's squad, just two gates down. As if he felt her gaze, Sasuke turned to face her. The Uchiha stared at her for a moment, his lips quirking into a smug smile. She took this as a challenge, narrowing her eyes at him. His smirk only grew at her reaction, the boy turning back to his gate. Akari did the same, feeling a bit competitive now. She took a deep breath, bracing herself for what awaited her beneath those trees.
"Alright! Listen up you maggots! The second phase of the exam has begun!"
Gate number 14 opened, the three siblings rushing inside without hesitation. They immediately took to the trees, jumping from one to the other effortlessly. Mizuko had the lead per usual, maneuvering Riko and Akari through the forest. After distancing themselves far enough from the other ninja they came to a stop. Choosing to stay in the branches, the trio crouched and faced each other.
"Okay. We have an Earth scroll which means we need to steal a Heaven." Mizuko stated.
The twins kept low, their backs to each other. Akari remained standing, leaning against the trunk of the tree. The three of them keeping their guard up, eyes following any sudden movement in the forest around them.
"I think we should attack first." Riko suggested.
Akari's gaze flickered toward a few rustling branches. Relaxing when she heard the howling of a monkey.
"We could tail a few of them. They're bound to pull out their scroll at least once. If they don't have the one we want we keep going." Her brother continued.
Mizuko was silent for a moment, thinking this over. Her siblings looking to her expectantly. In the end, it was her call. That was her responsibility as their chosen leader.
"It could be hours before we find anyone. Even then, we'll waste more time waiting to see what they carry." She muttered.
Riko sighed, nodding at her reply. She had a good point.
"Should we split up?" Akari wondered.
The twins looked up at her, brows raised. Waiting for her to elaborate.
"It's risky, I know. But we'll cover more ground that way. We can also spy on more than one team at a time." She told them.
Mizuko sighed, reaching back to pull her shoulder length hair in a half pony. Her fringe brushing against her forehead, stopping just above her brows.
"It's dangerous to travel alone in a place like this. Still, it would be more efficient, less time consuming." Mizuko said.
They gave her another moment to think it through. But it was clear this was their best option. Five days may seem like a lot, but a plenty could happen in that time. Anything could end up delaying them. Finally, Mizuko came to a decision.
"We'll start small, don't go further than five miles from this point. We came from the south so we know there is no one back there. Riko, you take the east. Akari, the west. I'll go north. Scout your designated area just long enough to make sure its clear. Then meet back here. If neither of us find anyone, we'll move to another point and try again. Remember, no further than five miles."
On Mizuko's orders, the three of them scattered. Akari took off in the direction she'd been given. Leaping through the trees, her eyes searching the forest floor from the safety of the branches. She didn't think she'd find anyone right away but she somehow she got lucky. Or so she thought, seconds before recognizing the squad below her. With great stealth, she came to a stop and crouched behind some leaves. Peeking through the branches, she stared down at Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. The trio sitting on the ground, talking quietly each other. Akari strained to listen, feeling a little guilty for spying.
"Alright. I'll take the scroll." Sasuke rose.
Akari instantly glanced at the boys pouch hoping for a glimpse of white. She leaned forward a little, a bit too eager for a closer look. Akari rose a hand to shove some of the foliage out of the way, realizing her mistake a little to late. One of the branches snapped in her fingers, Akari immediately freezing at the sound. Down below, Sasuke tensed. His eyes quick to look up, pinpointing the source of the noise.
"I know you're there." He called, voice calm.
Akari sucked in her lower lip, chewing on it nervously. Inwardly chastising herself for her stupidity. Naruto and Sakura were standing now, both on the defense. Team 7 knew she was there. At this point, she really had no other choice. Akari stood from her hiding spot, stepping off the branch and dropping to the ground. Sasuke and the others stepped back, recognizing her but wisely keeping a safe distance.
"Akari? How long were you hiding up there?" Naruto asked.
He glanced up at the trees, then back at Akari. Looking a bit frustrated at not having noticed her presence.
"Not long. Just passing by." She shrugged.
She made sure to keep her body relaxed, not wanting them to get the wrong idea. Unfortunately, Sasuke wasn't all that trusting. His Sharingan was active as he scanned the forest around them.
"Where are the twins?" He asked her, accusation in his tone.
Sakura's eyes widening, body tense as she too started searching the area. Naruto just frowned, looking a bit confused by his teammates doubt in Akari. She didn't really blame them though. This was technically a free for all, every team for themselves.
"Don't know. We split up. You guys happened to be in the area I'm supposed to be searching." Akari explained herself.
"Searching for targets, I presume?" Sakura glared.
Akari sighed, hands in her hips.
"That's pretty obvious, don't you think?" She rolled her eyes.
Team 7 shared nervous looks, the three of them refusing to relax. All of them on guard, even if Akari was a friend. Or, somewhat of a friend. She wasn't quite sure since they really hadn't seen each other in so long.
"Look, I'm not going attack you. I promise." Akari tried to assure them.
"Then why were you sneaking around?" Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
"Well, the plan was to attack. But only if you had a Heaven scroll." She told them.
Akari almost groaned at their expressions. Naruto's eyes widening with obvious panic, Sakura's face drained of all color. Only Sasuke kept his emotions in check, face blank. Still, the other two had already given them away.
"Damn. So that was a Heaven scroll I saw then." Akari muttered.
"We won't let you take it!" Sakura immediately pulled out a kunai.
Akari rose her hands, showing she had no intention of doing so. Already having made up her mind.
"There's no way I can take the three of you on by myself. I'm good, but not that good." She admitted.
They seemed to relax a little at this, though they still looked a bit wary. It was Naruto who believed her the most, taking a step towards her.
"You don't have it, do you? The scroll." He said.
Akari couldn't help but grin, a little surprised by the blondes quick thinking. Sakura and Sasuke seemed a little shocked as well, eyeing their teammate with raised brows.
"Nope. Wouldn't have shown myself if I did!" Akari chuckled.
"Thought so. I'm guessing one of the twins is carrying it? That would be the smarter option. You've always been the most irresponsible out of the three of you." Sasuke said.
Akari pouted, glaring a little at the Uchiha. Having taken full offense.
"Rude. But...true." She admitted.
"Are you going to tell them? That we have the Heaven scroll, I mean?" Sakura asked suspiciously.
Akari let out a huff, still a bit irked by Sasukes dig. It didn't help that he was wearing one of those stupid smirks of his.
"No point anymore. Kind of lost the element of surprise. You'd be expecting us now." She grumbled.
"Oh good. I was a bit worried there for a second!" Naruto laughed.
He had relaxed completely now, coming over to throw an arm around her shoulder. Akari smiled at the contact, glad the boy wasn't awkward around her. Acting as if they had never stopped speaking to each other. As if they had never stopped being friends. It was a relief, she thought. Not having to start all over with him. Not that it'd be hard, since Naruto was quick to take in a friend.
"Me too. I'd hate to be the one to disqualify you guys so early in the game." She smirked.
"Excuse you! Its you who'd end up the loser!" Naruto tugged at her hair.
He looked a bit relieved, she realized. As if he hadn't expected her to accept his touch so easily. Almost like he had been waiting for her to push him away. Rejecting him for some reason she didn't know or understand. Wanting to reassure him somehow, Akari laughed. Shoving at Naruto playfully, like anyone would with a friend. His grin seemed to grow, ruffling Akari's hair and tightening his grip when she tried to get away.
"Are we done then?"
Akari's giggles caught in her throat, her smile faltering at the cold voice. She glanced over at Sasuke, having forgotten him in the small moment she had shared with Naruto. The Uchiha was openly glaring at them, standing there with his arms crossed. Sakura was staring at him, brow furrowed, a bit confused by his change in demeanor. Naruto just glared back, looking put off by his teammates bad attitude.
"We don't have time to get chatty. If you're not going to fight us, you can be on your way." Sasuke said.
Akari blinked at him, her expression falling. She had always known Sasuke was difficult, a bit unpredictable at times. Still, it didn't sting any less. She stared at him, not sure what she had done wrong this time. Akari used to be able to read him as a kid. Instantly knowing what had caused his anger, immediately doing what she could to ease it somehow. But that was before. This was now.
Sasuke noticed her watching him, scoffing and turning away with a frown. He refused to look at her again, waiting for her to do as he said. To walk away. She realized then that Sasuke wouldn't be so easily befriended again. He wasn't like Naruto, the Uchiha less inclined to accept people. Even if that person was her, a one time childhood friend.
"Jesus, Sasuke! No need to be so…"
"It's fine." Akari stopped Naruto.
She pulled free of the blondes hold, taking a few steps away from the trio. Naruto looked to her, a frown on his lips as he watched her go.
"I should get back to my team. Good luck." She said, waving over her shoulder.
Then she was leaping back into the trees, leaving Squad 7 behind. Not looking back once, forcing herself to bury the hurt she had just felt. She had become an expert at it. Hiding away anything and everything that caused her pain. Its how she lived. How she coped.
She hadn't made it far when she suddenly felt a strong gust of air. The force of it causing her foot to slip, Akari letting out a startled gasp as she crashed through the branches. The air knocked out of her as she landed roughly on the forest floor. Akari groaned on her back, blinking up at the forest canopy now miles above her. She had fallen from pretty high up, a miracle that she hadn't broken anything. Or at least she hoped she hadn't.
Akari let out a painful hiss and she pushed herself to sit. She quickly examined herself, relieved to find only a few cuts and bruises. Though she'd probably have to bandage her ribs, feeling a stab of pain in her torso when she tried to stand.
"What the hell was that?" She muttered to herself.
Akari glanced over in the direction the wind had come from, the sounds of frightened animals reaching her ears. All of them frightened of the sudden disturbance. She couldn't tell what had caused it, the trees around her thick and making the area dark and full of shadows. She'd have to climb back up into the branches, she realized. Akari needed to be sure whatever it was wasn't an attack on her.
"Breath through the pain, Akari. Just breath through the pain." She hyped herself up.
Before she could change her mind, she pushed herself up and onto her feet. Her ribs protesting at the sudden movement, her body tensing at the sharp pain shooting up her side. Still, she forced herself move. Gritting her teeth, she gathered up some chakra and jumped. She nearly didn't reach the lowest branch, her hands struggling to grab on. Thankfully, her fingers were able to get a good grip and she pulled herself up. Akari took a deep breath, panting heavily as she rubbed her aching ribs. She was high enough to see the damage now.
Akari looked down at the forest floor, gaping at the wide gash that had cut through the ground. Dust and dirt still floating in the air above a path of shredded roots and leaves. Akari followed its path, mouth turning to ash when she realized how close she had been to getting hit. It had barely missed her, just the force of it having knocked her down. The her eyes widened when she came to another realization. Akari had left Naruto and his team back there. Her fingers dug into the trunk of the tree she held herself steady on. Lower lip bleeding from where she had bit it too hard out of worry. Should she go back?
Before Akari could make up her mind, she heard a rustle of leaves behind her. Without hesitation she swiveled on her feet, crouching low as she flung her kunai at the sound. A familiar yelp catching her by surprise, Akari gaping at the sight of Riko in the tree next to hers. Her brother having fallen back on his ass, her kunai embedded deep in the trunk just a mere inch above his head. Its ribbon still fluttering from the force of the throw.
"Watch where you throw that thing, you brat!" He exclaimed, looking very annoyed.
"You shouldn't sneak up on me, idiot!" She stuck out her tongue.
Riko just scoffed, pushing himself up to stand. He yanked the kunai from the tree, struggling a little with it. Once he got it free, he jumped over to join her. She took the weapon back with a huff, still annoyed with him.
"What are you doing in my area anyways? Weren't we supposed to meet up at the designated point." She asked, wincing a little from her injury.
Riko frowned, taking a moment to scan her body. Expression turning concerned when he took in the rips in her dress where the branches had snagged it. A few leaves still stuck in her hair.
"What happened? Did you run into anyone?" He asked.
She didn't protest when he lowered her to her knees. Making her keep still as he gathered some chakra in his hands. Using the small amount of healing that he knew to help her some. She was grateful for it, sighing in relief when the pain in her side began to subside.
"No. I fell." She replied after a moment.
Riko didn't seem convinced, giving her a dubious look.
"You fell? Akari, you haven't fallen out of a tree since you joined the academy." He said.
"It wasn't my fault! There was this huge tunnel of wind earlier! Nearly took me out!" She defended herself.
"Was that the crashing noise I heard earlier?" He rose.
Akari stood as well, stretching a little. Happy to find that the pain was just about gone. Her ribs still ached some but Riko had done his best. Healing Jutsu's weren't really his forte.
"Yeah. Totally caught me off guard. Didn't even sense it coming." She grumbled.
Something that big really should've been easier to catch. To think it had snuck up on her completely. Riko took in the damage it had caused, hissing at the sight of it. His face scrunched up with sympathy.
"Damn. I wonder if anyone got caught in that." He muttered with a shake of his head.
"Maybe." Akari frowned.
Riko didn't notice her guilty expression, already turning his back on the destruction. He didn't care to think about anyone other than their own team. It was a mind set Akari should have as well. She couldn't risk worrying about others, it could end up being her own teams downfall. Already she had chosen to let a Heaven scroll go, not planning to give Team 7 away. She needed to keep reminding herself that there were no friends in here. Only enemies.
"Come on. I was actually looking for you. Mizuko found us a target." Riko told her.
"We've got ourselves a Heaven scroll?" She asked.
"We've got ourselves a Heaven scroll." Her brother grinned menacingly.
With that, Riko launched himself onto another branch and started heading north. Eager to catch up to his twin. Akari glanced behind her one last time before going after him. She stamped down her guilt at leaving her friends behind. Unsure of their fate. There was nothing she could do now anyways. Either Team 7 made it out or they didn't. It was no concern of hers.