Chapter 6: Cornering a Snake

Naruto was bored. It was the day of the start of the Chunin Exams and Naruto, Isaribi, and Yakumo were already inside the first testing area of the academy. It was easy when Yakumo simply recognized the Genjutsu on the second floor and quietly walked away from the spectacle of Sasuke bloating his Uchiha ego by calling the Genjutsu out loud to then get challenged by the apprentice of the Blue Beast. Now they were in the third floor classroom seated randomly with other Genin participants that now had to take the written exam under Anko sensei's interrogation boss watch, the infamous Ibiki Morino.

Naruto and his team easily answered most of the questions while discretely informing each other their spied out answers via seals Naruto had given them that allowed to have telepathic conversations like he has with Kurama and Kendra. Now they had to wait till Ibiki gave the 'final question' which Anko kind of spoiled to them since she wanted them to get ready for the next exam that she would be the proctor of. Not even sizing up the competition alleviate his anxiety.

Isaribi and Yakumo had to cut off their telepathic connection when Naruto started daydreaming of 'Anko-chan' in various outfits going from an open kimono, a two piece snakeskin bikini, and then a dominatrix outfit. Isaribi was blushing up a storm at her fellow teammate's naughty fantasy's. Yakumo quipped that she would get back at brother Naruto before cutting off the link.

It was an hour later when the intimidating instructor ordered them to put down their pencils.

"All right. It is time for the tenth question! But first, you must choose whether or not to take the question!" Ibiki announced. Much to the testers bewilderment and rising anxiety.

"What do you mean choosing to take this last question?!" Kiba stood up brashly.

Only to whimper back into his seat as Ibiki let out some of his killer intent. He then took off his bandana to show off his disfigured scarred forehead. Many Genin were appalled and looked ready to puke and run out the room.

"As I was saying before I was interrupted…If you choose to take this final question and get it wrong… you and your respective teams will have to relinquish your rights in taking Chunin Exams… Forever!" The Genin were in disarray at hearing this.

"For those who aren't confident enough, you can choose not to take the question and take the exam next year or the following years. But know that it will be marked in your shinobi careers that you bailed, taking your team with you.

Hm, hm, hm…Although there is no shame at backing out now. A Shinobi will always be in life or death situations that may require them and their allies to back down and retreat. There is no shame in knowing your limitations and thinking with your heads than just rushing in like a samurai that refuses to back down and gets a dishonorable death at the end." Ibiki was grinning at seeing many of the kids were shaken by his words.

Naruto reconnected his mental links to his teammates to comfort them. Knowing that Ibiki was much more intimidating than Anko sensei is. Isaribi and Yakumo were thankful that Naruto was their team leader and protector. Someone they too would protect, as they were trained to be a well-knit specialist team.

With that, Ibiki called on those that wished to back out now to raise their hands. Several hands went up as many Genin were escorted out of the room. Leaving only a less than half of what they started with.

After several minutes of silence, Ibiki announces that they all pass. Kiba, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kankuro were stumped by this. That is when Naruto captivated the audience by giving a applauding slow clap.

"I gotta say, you are definitely a master when it comes to fear tactics and wordplay. Are you sure that you are not a Snake Summoner like me and Anko-sensei? You would get along well with many of the snakes in Ryuchi Cave. Not all are into mad science, dattebayo." Naruto joked while many were looking at the blindfolded blonde like he had a screw loose.

Ibiki chuckled at Anko's fellow summoner and future boytoy. This Uzumaki was living up to his title at being unpredictable. Ibiki guessed that Anko may have finked on him so that she could show off her team in the second and third portions of the Chunin Exams.

"Thanks, but no thanks. I have my own special summons that will make puppet boy green with envy at what I got stocked to help capture and interrogate. Right now you all should wait for your next proctor to take you to your next examination area." Ibiki informed the remaining contenders.

They didn't have to wait long as something crashed through the window and smoke enveloped everything. When the smoke settles, Naruto and his teammates were shocked and annoyed at who their proctor was. It seems that the Council may have gotten away with refusing Anko to referee the Genin in her home turf of the Forest of Death.

Long spiky hair faced the audience as the Toad Sage did a silly kabuki dance before summoning himself onto a large toad to wow them. "Alright kiddies! Behold, the Gallant Jiraiya of the Sage is here! Meet me at the entrance of the Forest of Death in one hour!"

The giant toad then leapt through the wall outside before vanishing back to his realm. Only Jiraiya was still in the classroom, flat faced against the wall above the large hole the summon had made. His body not strong enough to bash through like he did with the glass windows.

Team 9 left quickly to get away from Jiraiya and his antics with the other Genin following suit.

Scene Change

"Huh, I am so glad that I disowned my would be godfather. What were my parents thinking when naming him my guardian? At least my godmother is another story and is better company than that super pervert is." Naruto commented as he was interacting with his team and the other females that were waiting outside the barbed fence gates.

Temari wanted to get closer to the jinchuriki that went through, if not more so, than what her brother did in Suna. Another that joined Temari, Isaribi, and Yakumo was the only female Genin in Team Dosu. Her name is Kin Tsuchi.

She and her teammates were ordered to spy on the last Uchiha and this Naruto Uzumaki that somehow gotten the Snake Summons favor more than the leader of Rice Country. Yet, Kin was finding Naruto to be more fun and pleasant company than her own teammates. Teasing him at having his blindfold because his eyes may also see through clothing. Which caused the girls and Naruto to blush in embarrassment.

Naruto got back at her by complimenting on her beautiful long serpentine hair that may feel silky and smooth like Kendra's scales. Getting a goose egg on his noggin curtesy of Yakumo and Temari. Sakura also tried to hit her Naruto but was stopped by her teammate Sai. Sai being Ami's replacement after she quit after her experience in Wave Country.

Jiraiya arrived a few minutes later, seeing his former godson being with so many girls and his head rubbed by Isaribi with a shy smile on her face. Face faulting and inwardly crying at Naruto's good fortune. He quickly got up as he described the opening of the second test of the Chunin Exams.

"Listen up! I need everyone in their respective teams in rows of two after you all sign these papers that what happens in the forest, stays in the forest with Konoha not to be blamed by the other nations." They soon looked over them and signed as some of the guard Chunin Body Flickered the paperwork to the Third Hokage's office.

Once everyone had finished signing and forming their lines, Jiraiya went on to explain the rules.

"Each of your teams will be given one scroll with either an Earth symbol or a Heaven symbol. Once you have entered the Forest of Death, your team must claim another team's scroll that has the exact opposite to your team's scroll. Once you have both scrolls, you are to quickly head to the tower in the center of the forest in five days from now and then you are allowed to open both scrolls when your whole team reaches the checkpoint. You can get the scrolls however you deem fit.

But be warned. There are many beasts in the forest that will eat all intruders in their territories. Many Genin and distracted Chunin have lost their lives in there, hence the dubbed name for this particular forest in Konoha. Good Luck. You're gonna need it." Jiraiya told the teams.

Choji raised his hand to ask a certain question. "What do we do for food?

"You should have some skilled in foraging and survival tactics. And you can take your personal businesses behind in the bushes. As long as you don't get yourself caught by the giant spiders, tigers, snakes, and other predators." Jiraiya lazily replies.

"Okay then. Lets get started! On your marks…set…GO!" The two teams enter through their delegated entrance as they rush to get a head start in reaching the checkpoint.

Only Team 9, Team Suna, and Team Dosu did not vanish like the others as they all had a standoff a few meters from their starting point. Gaara wanting to taste Naruto's blood while Dosu and Zaku wanted to kill Naruto and play with Yakumo and Isaribi until they no longer had a use for them. Temari and Kin were saddened that Naruto and his team had to die, but the planned invasion made Naruto their enemy.

Surprisingly, Naruto, who was holding a Heaven's scroll, raised his hand as he gave Kin his scroll to them. The ninja competitors were shocked at him doing this that they had to asked before they attack.

"Why did you do that?" Kin asked.

"Yeah, why her when you could have given me the scroll, Naruto-kun. I would have spared you and worked out a deal for you and your team if you wanted to live past these Chunin Exams." Said Temari as Kin gave her the stink eye.

"Because your team already has a Heaven scroll, Temari-chan. And these exams would be boring if only Konoha nin were to make it while the other national teams were out of the race. And besides, I know that you are a strong kunoichi that doesn't take the easy way.

My team and I have been training in this forest since we became Genin, so we know how to survive. And I know your brother wants to prove himself against me, but this forest is not the place to do it. Gaara-san are you willing to hold off on your bloodlust until the finals of the Exam so you can show the people your 'existence'. If you were to kill me and my team now, no one would witness how terrifying and strong you and your siblings are." Said Naruto with Gaara and his siblings faltering at his words.

Gaara really wanted to satisfy 'mother', but he understood that proving his existence to a large live audience would be better. Gaara nodded at Temari and Kankuro as they stood down and began following Gaara into the trees. Temari smiled and waved at Naruto before disappearing in a gust of wind.

Leaving Team Anko to deal with Team Dosu.

"I suspect that your team Kin has connections to a pale pedophile. You should know that he is a parasite that will do anything to flee from death. His Curse Marks are proof of that. We have learned that he transfers himself into another body that hosts his fanged hickeys.

Anko sensei talked about how he desires power and knowledge. Meaning that he will mark the last Uchiha in order to gain his Sharingan. You are just the test dummies for his future body." Naruto's words cut deep to Dosu and Zaku who frowned at being labeled as test dummies. Kin shuddered at knowing she was the weakest of their team and happy that Naruto showed that he cared about their lives.

"So here's the deal. You fight Sasuke to see how well you all stand. Then quickly retreat to compete in the next part of these exams. I can offer you sanctuary and training, so you don't bite the dust. However, you will have to swear your loyalties to me and to the Uzumaki Clan." Naruto gave his ultimatum.

Dosu pondered this and noticed that the blindfolded shinobi mentioned him and his clan. But not Konoha village. "And the village too?"

Naruto shook his head before replying.

"Konoha believes itself to be the number one village in the Elemental Nations. Mostly due to the egos of the Council and the civilians. I think Konoha needs to get a good 'manly beating' to humble them more than what the Nine-Tailed Fox did.

But if the Council continues harassing me and my teammates, I may have to leave until the majority change their minds and not be judgmental and blind to tell the difference between a seal and a sealed weapon, or a sensei and their former student. Although I would like to stay in the home of my parents."

Team Dosu was surprised to hear the last Uzumaki not trusting the village they helped create with the Senju and Uchiha clans. Perhaps Lord Orochimaru could convince Naruto to join Sound Village and maybe turn things around then being feared into being future experiments and harsh punishments. Kin just hoped that maybe she could convince Naruto into becoming his maid/servant, or something else.

"Hmph, alright then. Honestly you don't look so tough as the Uchiha brat. Come on lets go." Zaku told his teammates as he dashed away.

Dosu stayed quiet before taking the scroll from Kin and followed after Zaku. Kin was sad to leave Naruto so soon, but she was ordered to stay with her team and follow through on Orochimaru's orders. For now.

After Kin had left, Yakumo and Isaribi questioned Naruto on where they would find their two needed scrolls. Naruto simply shrugged as he suggested they check out the spider area of the forest first and taking the scrolls from the caught Genin. He surmised that they could get both scrolls before their five day limit expired.

Agreeing with Naruto, they dashed to the left part of the Forest to search for webbed victims while scaring off the spiders by summoning Kendra to help them search when they reached there. Not knowing that Jiraiya was nearby and had heard their dealings.

Jiraiya was more upset that Naruto cared little to what happens to Konoha. Once he rendezvouses with Danzo and his Root, Jiraiya would seal Naruto and his memories of the snakes. Making him more obedient and accepting of Konoha and its protection from all harm. The brat would fulfill the prophecy, under the Gallant Jiraiya's guidance. Not some treacherous summons like the Snakes.

Scene Change

"That was a great hunt, Little Storm. And you got both scrolls you need without having to show off too much of your skills. I'm certain you and your team will earn the rank of Chunin. Hopefully before you go through with your decision in leaving Konoha for a bit." Kendra hissed to Naruto after enjoying that giant spider and scaring the smaller spiders away.

"I hope so too, Kendra-chan. If the village does not accept my promotion or the amazing progress Yakumo-neesan and Isaribi-chan have made, then they're more blind than I was. Also the rumors of Orochimaru planning an invasion from the snake spies would definitely light a fire under their keesters. Though you and I can help lessen the damage and gain more favor with Konoha. Allowing me and my precious people to stay longer in the Uzumaki/Namikaze compound." Naruto communes to Kendra.

Kendra nods her head in agreement before she returns to Ryuchi Cave. Naruto has Isaribi and Yakumo hold on to the scrolls. Knowing that any adversary would come after Naruto since he looked stronger than the others. Using the concept of misdirection to Team 9's advantage.

They decided to make camp for the rest of the day while Naruto lifted his blindfold and kept watch with his serpentine eyes. A safety measure to ensure the spiders don't come back anytime soon. An hour later, Naruto's super vision sensed something was coming their way.

Quietly alerting his teammates, he puts his cover back on and unsheathes Orochi-Kodami. Yakumo forms a fog-like Genjutsu that is upgraded by Isaribi's Hidden Mist Jutsu. Making a good cover for Team 9 to disappear and make a quick getaway to the tower.

Unfortunately, a great gust of wind blows the mist away as someone powerful breaks Yakumo's Genjutsu. That someone reveals to be a tall Grass kunoichi. She reveals to have a super long tongue as she stares at her prey from above in the tree.

"Not bad. Combining the Hidden Mist Jutsu with another Genjutsu by the last heiress to the Kurama Clan. My former pupil chose well when taking the responsibility to train you all. Especially you, Naruto-kun. You are quite the talk from what my spies could gleam of your amazing gifts." The kunoichi's voice transitioned into a sleezy male's voice.

"Well, well. This is a surprise to be greeted by the legendary Orochimaru. After only having nearly going through a whole day in the Forest of Death. Shouldn't you be stalking some other Genin that has more special eyes than mine?" Naruto snarked as Orochimaru disposed of his disguise much to the girls' disgust.

"I already gifted Sasuke-kun after playing with his disorienting team. Now I want to see these 'royal' snake eyes that you have and see how they compare to mine." Orochimaru eagerly stares with his yellow slit eyes peering at Naruto.

"If you insist." Naruto begins to pull down his blindfold and remove his protective lenses after alerting his team via communication seals.

When suddenly, the area gets an eerie feeling. Team 9 and Orochimaru are surprised to see over two dozen Root agents with Danzo stepping out of the shadows with Jiraiya at his side. Naruto quickly puts his protective lenses back on as he has Yakumo and Isaribi prepare their strongest attacks to defend themselves while he deals with the Warhawk, Toad Sage, and ex-Snake Sage.

"What a surprise. My former teammate, still a fool. And you are now in cahoots with my former employer. You must be desperate if you are allied to that relic." Orochimaru taunts.

"This has nothing to do with you, Orochimaru. We only want Naruto. I may want to end you for betrayal to sensei and to the village, but Naruto's behavior and growing abilities need to be stopped." Said Jiraiya.

"You would reprogram the child of your most favorite student? I must be dreaming. For you to act as cutthroat and coldhearted like me and Danzo. This is a most intriguing position." Orochimaru turns to look at Naruto to see what will happen next.

"Give up, jinchuriki. You are outnumbered and outmatched. Surrender to fulfill your duty as Konoha's weapon and I will spare your teammates." Says Danzo while not taking his eye off the blonde Genin.

"Not happening! I won't let you take me and my team to become emotionless drones that will needlessly die for your cause of the 'greater good'. You should trust Sarutobi-jiji more than your own shadow you scared mummy! You too, you pervert!" Naruto shouts back as he readies his sword.

"The former God of Shinobi has become too soft. He doesn't realize the dangers that Konoha faces that requires my shadow to fight off for the good of the Leaf. Especially with terrorists that are stalking all jinchuriki. An organization you were once a part of Orochimaru." Danzo hopes that his words will force Naruto to fight the traitor for answers.

Distracting the brat long enough for him and the rest of Team 9 to be detained and reeducated for total loyalty to the Leaf and its 'future' Hokage.

Naruto knows not to let his guard down as he looks to Orochimaru. "Is it true?"

"Yes. They are called the Akatsuki. However, I parted ways with them after getting too close one of their members. Jiraiya knows of their plans to capture jinchuriki as well. Hoping to train you to be like your 'father' and take credit for being your teacher that saves the world. Unfortunately, becoming your sensei won't do him much good for his reputation since his other students are leading the Akatsuki. Making both him and Danzo the authors in creating the most dangerous S-class rouges to ever walk the Elemental Nations." Orochimaru admits. Adding the last bit to throw off Jiraiya and Danzo at this new bit of information.

'You lie!" Jiraiya denies as he works to summon Gamabunta in anger at Orochimaru's claim to the supposed deceased trio from Rain.

Danzo is getting nervous as he sees Orochimaru plans to ally with the rouge jinchuriki to escape. While trying to take down his rival and any number of Root that will weaken Konoha's defenses. Danzo begins unraveling the bandages around his head to gain the upper hand.

"I may not like you for what you did to Anko-chan, but I hate the mummy and the pervert even more. You willing to join forces? I can summon Manda so both you and him can finish your rivalry with Jiraiya and the Toad Boss. I plan on eliminating this old fossil once and for all." Naruto shows his green basilisk eyes that look at the intrigued yellow snake ones.

"Kukuku…I would be happy to fight alongside my old partner. But I require more compensation for my...cooperation." says Orochimaru.

"Sheesh, so that's where Manda got his attitude for wanting human sacrifices before Kendra and I showed up. Hm…I have offered to train your Sound Team in the next exam so that they will be better than your future vessel's training dummies. How about letting me take them to be protectors of the restoration of my clans. You can take any of these drones to be used for whatever after I cut off their leader's head." Naruto offers while asking for Team Dosu's freedom from Orochimaru's schemes.

The pale pedophile cared little for his pawns as he planned to later use them for his forbidden jutsu. Yet having extra fresh bodies for experimentation was a good trade off for those weaklings. Then another idea crossed the pale snake's mind as he knew Tsunade was in the village and had overcome her fear of blood to be a better medic.

"Very well. I can agree to those terms… with an extra clause. Once I have dealt with Jiraiya, I require the help of my other teammate. One of my most special subordinates is suffering from an illness that not even my skills or best medic can heal him. Prove your power, Naruto-kun, and convince Tsunade to cure my patient. Then you can also have him as useful tool to protect your team and allies." Naruto is surprised by the snake's curveball.

He has little time to think as he notices the Root agents getting ready to pounce with Danzo revealing his stolen Sharingan in hopes that it will overpower Naruto's own. He reluctantly agrees as he summons Manda into the forest. Jiraiya stood atop of Gamabunta in silence as he watched in horror at Naruto making a deal with the devil.

"What is the meaning of this, brat? Why am I seeing my pathetic former partner here with you?" Manda orders.

"The time has come to continue your rivalry with the Toads since the Toad Sage has aligned himself with a washed-up shinobi that believes himself to be future ruler of Konoha by turning his subjects into mindless zombies. It is Orochimaru's once chance to show that he is still a competent warrior that he can fight alongside you, Manda-sama. Also in defeating your Toad rival, I can put a few good words for you to Kendra-chan. Your stalemates with Garagara have done little to persuade her." Naruto shares without going into parseltongue.

Manda turns his blue slit eyes to Gamabunta as he gives a fanged grin. Laughing in joy at having the chance to prove his strength and superiority. "I'm gonna enjoy popping you tasty red balloon! I've been waiting for a chance to fight you again after watching your poor little seal keeper be sacrificed to the most powerful serpent I am loathed to say. Your tadpoles may have the displeasure of gazing into her deathly stare in the future."

Jiraiya and Gamabunta were shocked and angered at now knowing Gerotora's fate after having searched for so many years. The Toad Boss unsheathes his large tanto as the standoff is coming to an end. And the battle between snakes, toads, and hawks is about to begin.

Sorry for the delay everybody. Its been a crazy year now that I'm working two jobs and making certain my Crohn's Disease is kept under control. Also spending Christmas with my family and Grandma made this year even more special. I hope that this chapter satisfies you all and your long wait since I have had a lot of story ideas that I had to flush out. And without thinking of adding new stories until I am certain you all can enjoy them.

Unfortunately, my Maggie the Cat-Gargoyle/Naruto crossover story may not happen since I only came up with the idea of Maggie singing Disney's 'God Help the Outcasts' with Naruto being the Quasimodo that may actually get the gypsy girl. Whoever wishes to adopt the 'Fox and the Beastie Beauty', please PM me and I will forward you the rough draft I have for the beginning of the story.

I don't know what my next fanfic updates will be, but please be patient as we start out this new year of 2022.

Stay Healthy, Stay Safe, Stay Warm, and have a Happy New Year!