I do not own 'Naruto'
Chunin Exams: Forest of Death
"Welcome everyone!" Anko shouted. "To the forest of death."
The forest was large and ominous, it didn't help that they could hear strange sounds coming from it.
"It doesn't seem all that scary." Kiba stated cockily.
As fast as lighting a kunai sailed past his face. The blade just lightly cut into his flesh drawing a drop of blood. Anko was right behind him with a kunai at his neck.
"It's the hot headed ones like you that end up splattered on the ground." Anko spoke as she licked the blood.
She felt a presence behind her. It was giving off subtle killing intent.
"Hello, I believe this is yours." It was a Grass ninja holding Anko's kunai with an elongated tongue.
"Thanks but you shouldn't be behind me." Anko stated with a hard smile "The kid behind you could get the wrong idea with the killing intent and kill you."
Everyone saw the blond behind the Grass ninja. Gone was the mischievous smile. It was replaced with a hard mask. If his eyes were visible many were sure that they were cold as ice.
"Take her warning." Naruto ordered. I just need a reason.
Naruto didn't trust the 'Kunoichi', something about her rubbed him the wrong way. Especially since she knew so much about him, not even Konaha Shinobi knew that much.
He would have shot her, but that would have caused a commotion. Even during the Chunin exams, where Genin died left and right, one could not simply kill another in cold blood.
The Grass ninja gave a predatory smile before backing away.
"That was unnecessary gaki." Anko spoke "I can take care of myself."
Naruto didn't speak. He never took his eyes off of the Grass ninja.
"Getting a little tense there Naruto, are you being protective?" A new voice asked. "What would Ino think?"
Naruto turned to see Haku.
"What are you doing here?" Naruto asked.
"I've been here since the first exam." She answered, shocking him. "It was nice watching your display before the tests."
Damn. He thought. I was careless to miss her. If she had decided to take a shot against him, it could have been bad.
"Your Council thought it would be wise for me to take these exams and progress as a 'proper Konaha Kunoichi'." She stated with lack of enthusiasm.
Naruto called bullshit. The Council knew of her vendetta and probably thought this would be a good opportunity for her to go through with it without backlash. Haku was more than happy to oblige.
Though I wouldn't put it pass them to ignore my assessment of her skills. He thought. They probably thought I was too weak to fight against a competent Shinobi or something.
"And your team?" He asked.
The Ice Kunoichi motioned towards Sai and another Genin that he did not recognize. More than likely a Root ninja.
What are you planning Danzo?
"Hey I'm still here." Kiba spoke.
"Good." Anko spoke. "You can hand these out." She handed him a stack of papers. "These are permission slips so that if you die we don't get blamed."
"What are we doing this time?" Someone asked.
"The task is simple, each team will be given a scroll." She held one that read 'Heaven' and one that read 'Earth'. "Your job is to retrieve the opposite scroll from the other team, by any means necessary." She let that one hang in the air. "You have five days to do so and make it to the tower in the center."
"What about food?" Chouji asked.
"There are plenty of plants and wildlife in the forest." Anko assured. "Just don't let them eat you first."
"If that becomes too difficult you could eat your enemy." Naruto offered.
What scared many Genin was that Chouji seemed to actually be eyes were shifting back and forth between the many contestants. His family had created several types of spices and other seasonings that truly brought out the flavor in meat. Each of his enemies could be used as a door to new tastes. He began drooling at the prospect of a new flavor.
"Can we begin?" Ino asked nervously. "Chouji is scaring me."
The teams were each given a scroll. They were each designated toward a gate.
"A word of advice." Anko spoke. "Just don't die."
The test began.
Team 7 were moving through the forest at an even pace before coming to a stop. Once they covered enough distance they came to a stop.
"Okay we need a plan." Naruto stated. "I think we..."
"Who put you in charge Baka?" Sakura asked.
Naruto turned to the wannabe kunoichi with a small glare. It was a rare thing for her to get the new Naruto to show her any real emotion.
"You and I want the same thing." Naruto stated. "Me off the team, to do that, we need to get through these exams. After that, I don't care, we can go our separate ways. Until then, can we act as if Kakashi's training on teamwork actually worked?"
"Fine."
They were a little taken back by hi statement, but agreed none the less.
"Good." Naruto stated. "Now stay here, I'm going to go pee."
"Don't say something like that in front of a lady!" Sakura shouted.
"Act like one and I'll treat you like one." Naruto stated as he went behind a tree.
Naruto returned five minutes later.
"What took so long?" Sakura asked.
"Killed a Genin that was trying to ambush me." Naruto answered. "No scroll."
Team 10 stood in the middle of the forest.
"We need a plan." Shikamaru stated. "One that doesn't involve us fighting against a stronger team."
"So who?" Ino asked.
"How about Team 7?" Chouji asked.
"No." Ino and Shikamaru answered.
"Why?"
"Sasuke was the Rookie of the Year and I'm not sure if that stuff about Naruto are true or not, but I'm not taking any chances." Shikamaru answered.
Oh they're true. Ino thought.
Ino felt an alarm go off in her head, making her jump back. Just as she did, several senbon were lodged into the ground. It seemed that her training had actually paid off.
"Hello Ino-Chan."
Team 10 tensed at the voice, knowing they had an unwanted guest.
"Haku." Ino replied coldly. Hussy!
"Hmm, so where is he?" Haku asked as she looked around. "I thought Naruto would be close by so he could protect you."
"For your information, I can take care of myself." Ino snarled as she took a fighting stance. Naruto made sure of that himself.
"Relax, I have no quarrel with you." Haku stated kindly. "Just your boyfriend."
Haku turned to leave with her team following close behind.
"Wait, what scroll do you have?" Choji asked.
"Does it matter?" The third member asked. "Do you plan to fight us for it?"
Choji wisely closed his mouth as the team left.
"Haku-San, should we not search for a scroll?" Sai asked.
"Who cares about the scroll?" Haku asked. "Your master didn't sign you up for that and we both know that."
"It would be helpful if we need it to face Team 7 in the next exams." The third member advised.
"Fine, let's go." Haku stated as she changed direction towards a nearby team. Don't die Naruto, not until I kill you.
What happened? Naruto asked. Oh right, hit by a wind blast.
He tried to sit up, only to realize he wasn't alone. In front of him was a snake the size of a tree.
Not wasting time, he shot the giant snake in it's head, both killing and dispelling it.
A summons? He thought. I could search for a scroll or find my team. He needed both, but one couldn't be replaced. Better find my team.
He had found his team, now he wished he had gone scroll hunting.
Naruto looked down towards the rouge Shinobi that he would have to fight. The Shinobi that had just bested his teammates. He had hidden in the tree above, but knew he couldn't stay there for long.
Who is this guy? Naruto began thinking of all possibilities. A large amount of chakra and snake like appearance as well as summons. He felt like smacking himself when he found out the answer. Orochimaru of the Sannin! He mentally shouted.
It didn't matter why a guy like that was in the village, though he had a few ideas, all that it meant was trouble.
I'm no match for that. Naruto thought as he fell into the shadows. I'll have to sit back and see what I can do, strike when or if I ever get an opportune moment.
"Here, take the scroll and leave us in peace." Sasuke spoke as he held out the scroll.
Fool. Naruto thought. A real Shinobi doesn't give away the purpose of the mission, especially when the enemy enjoys playing around. It was a sign of strength, meaning they could take what they want at their leisure.
The traitor began saying the very thing himself, much to Naruto's dismay.
Orochimaru let a smile form on his lips as he waited for the young Shinobi to act. A small snake began crawling from his sleeve while he drew a kunai and held it at the ready.
Naruto mentally cursed, he needed to act immediately.
Jumping down, he fired a water bullet.
Orochimaru sidestepped the projectile and thrust his arm forward. The snake attached to it extended in a lung, but never disconnected from the Sannin. Naruto saw the attach coming and moved to the side as best he could while descending in mid-air. He was able barely avoid the serpent from striking his face.
"Gotcha!" Orochimaru shouted.
The serpent turned while in mid-air and struck Naruto from behind, digging it's teeth into the back of his neck. The Snake Sannin pulled his extended arm back and the snake reacted. Caught off guard, Naruto was pulled towards the Sannin.
Orochimaru raised his kunai and impaled Naruto in his stomach. Never breaking stride, he flipped the blond over his shoulder and into a tree. It cracked under the force of the impact.
Damn, should have known I wouldn't be able to kill a S-Rank rogue that easily. He thought as he stood.
"Naruto, what are you doing?!" Sasuke asked in outrage. "He'll kill us!"
"You think he'll let us go because you gave him a scroll, he even said he wouldn't." Naruto stated calmly as he removed the kunai. "Isn't that right, Orochimaru."
"Oh my, what gave me away?" The rogue asked as he removed his disguise.
"That would be telling." Naruto answered.
"You really are a mystery." Orochimaru chuckled. "Like the unseen ones who support the great tree."
Sasuke said nothing as the words rung in his head. He hated to admit it, but the Shinobi in front of them was out of their league. He even managed to swat Naruto aside.
"And you have a plan?" The Uchiha asked.
"Yes, remember what we had planned for the bell test with Kakashi?" Naruto asked. "This isn't so different."
"Yeah, except we might lose our heads!" The Uchiha growled. "This is like the Zabuza situation all over again, he can just kill us and take what he wants."
"Exactly!" Naruto stated.
"Hn." Sasuke stated as he drew a kunai.
"What was the plan with Kakashi?" Sakura asked as she made her way towards them.
She had never been apart of it, and it was unlikely she would be apart of this one as well. That did not mean she didn't want to be informed.
"One of us distracts the opponent and the other comes in and further divert their attention." Sasuke explained. "In that second, one of us swipes the be-scroll and then we...retreat."
"Well...why don't we do that part now?" She asked as she eyed the woods.
Has she not been paying attention? Naruto thought to himself. I know where this is going.
Team 7 were shocked by what happened next.
Naruto placed a comforting hand on her back. "Don't worry Sakura-Chan." He smiled. "We can win this if we work as a team."
Naruto threw the bloody kunai as hard as he could towards the enemy, as well as several others. With that attack starting the fight, Orochimaru jumped from the branch he was on to avoid it.
Shadow Clone Jutsu
Unleashing over a dozen clones, Naruto had them charge the rogue in an attempt to dog-pile on his. Orochimaru smirked as he saw the attempt and with a simple back hand, he sent several clones into each other.
Naruto, thinking the Sannin was distracted, aimed a finger. He was rewarded with a kunai to the hand.
Should have known it wouldn't be that easy. Naruto thought as he removed the blade.
That was the second time he made that mistake, he knew he wouldn't survive a third one.
Back with the other members of Team 7, Sakura and Sasuke watched the one-sided fight. Sasuke had his Sharingan flaring wildly as tryed to find the slightest moment for when he could jump into the fray. So far, he found none. This did not go unnoticed by Sakura.
"Sasuke-Kun, maybe we should...leave." Sakura stated wearily.
"We can't he'll just hunt us down." The Uchiha growled. Come on, give me an opening!
"Not if he's distracted...with Naruto." She pointed out. "It's not like he can win against a Sannin. Besides, won't we be better off without him?"
Sasuke tensed at the suggestion Sakura made.
He thought about how the dead-last humiliated him
It's his own fault. Sasuke thought. For humiliating me, thinking he could get in my way.
With a nod towards his pink companion, they left as silently as possible.
Striking Shadow Snake
A single snake flew from the Sannin's robe and tried to bite Naruto. Luckily the blond was agile enough to land on it's head. With the right amount of chakra control, he was able to run down the reptile.
Noticing a sudden shift in the snake's body, Naruto jumped off as it's head came back. Had he been a moment slower, he would have been bitten in the back.
Holding W.C.B in a reverse grip, he swung the blade. Orochimaru grabbed the blond by the arm, smacking wrist and forcing Naruto to release the Kunai. He grabbed Naruto's other arm and pulled. This kept Naruto from getting any leverage to break free and kept him in pain as he tried to keep his sockets in place.
"That's an interesting look in your eyes Naruto-Kun." Orochimaru stated. "Your bloodline I presume."
Naruto had his eyes activated and locked on Orochimaru. The snake Sannin actually shivered when he saw the emptiness in them.
No doubt the work of Danzo. He thought.
Naruto raised his foot to Orochimaru's jaw, forcing a release. He delivered a punch, only for it to be caught in an iron grip. He tried it with his other hand, only for the same result.
"I'm taking these." Naruto stated.
Naruto confused the Sannin when he intertwined their fingers. Naruto forced Orochimaru's fingers into a series of seals, much to his shock. Two different Jutsu's at once.
Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu
Wind Style: Great Breakthrough
Naruto combined the two into a powerful Jutsu, the wind increasing the flame. Being at such close range, it was practically a bomb to both their faces
"Show me more!" The Sannin squealed as he enjoyed the display.
Naruto stood upright and sheathed his weapons, much to Orochimaru's surprise.
What's he up to? The snake thought.
"What's your game?" Naruto asked cautiously. "What're you and Danzo planning?"
Orochimaru looked at Naruto before laughing again.
"What gave me away?"
"'Like the unseen ones who support the great tree', you said." Naruto quoted. "That describes a root."
"You are interesting indeed." The snake complimented. "I wanted to give this to Sasuke-Kun, but we're running low on time, so you'll have to suffice."
The snake sannin through a kunai at the blond, forcing him to jump, only to be snared by Orochimaru's superior speed.
Naruto grunted as he felt the fangs break through his skin. Then came a searing pain that spread throughout his body. It was too much, even for him, he collapsed at the snake's feet.
"W-What...is this?" He forced out.
"I will enjoy studying you Naruto-Kun." Orochimaru stated as he pushed the blond from the branch. "If you survive."
Deep within Naruto's subconscious, a giant red eye snapped open. Filled with malice, the creature let out a chuckle.
"Foul snake." He spoke in a deep voice. "I don't know whether to kill you, or thank you."
Then the pain doubled and all he could hear was dark laughter.
Review
Yes, I meant to have Haku in there but forgot. So I needed to throw her in.
Naruto rarely gets a curse mark. He was already unstable, let's see what happens now.