A/N: Finally, I can type up some good action scenes! I am going to love this; I'm sure of it. I have some great ideas for the battles in the Forest of Death so hang on and prepare for the ride! Yes, I'm hyper right now. Here are your review responses.
Chidori vs Rasengan: You were right, though. It does sound cooler. Also, I do the hand-seals when I'm bored so I see whether or not the seals actually flow together.
ShadowBack: I like responding to reviews. This means that people have a reason to review because they know they are going to get a response from me, no matter how short the review is. Also, I appreciate the multiple reviews. I thought that if Sakura and Sasuke were curious about Naruto, they would try to pull something like this. I also knew that if Naruto was there when they did try to pull this off, he would get really pissed. I would think, with his intelligence, he would figure out what he could do to prevent himself from being revealed, even to his closest friends. Do you recall in the series when Kabuto showed a couple of ninjas Naruto's data? It did say that Naruto was the carrier of the Kyuubi and that would have been devastating to Naruto if the others found out by that little card. About Anko, you will have to read to find out, will you?
Anime girl987: I know, isn't it exciting? I can't wait to type it up!
Causeiambetta: Thank you for the compliment. I hope you like this chapter, too.
Underdark Ranger: It seems that a longer chapter is worth the wait, isn't it? By the way, I love their fries.
Dragon Man 180: I'm glad to hear it was interesting. I've read some other stories which have the paper exam depicted as a dull and boring experience when, in reality, it was a test with loads of pressure and the feeling of a 20 ton weight in the air is present and felt by every single genin in the room. Also, trust me, the Rain guy won't get anything on Naruto.
Silver Warrior: Man, I loved writing that part. Sasuke had his head handed to him on a silver platter while Naruto sends him mental messages that are saying, "You idiot; can't you see straight or are you just blind?" Also, I wasn't so proud of the way Naruto cheated, but I knew it was never used before, so I kept it there. The prank, I agree, was a good touch. About Anko, however, you will have to find out on your own.
Conan98002: Naruto will never be just comedic relief in this story. That is just a waste of a perfectly great character. I'm surprised the series didn't dwell on Naruto's terrible childhood that much. Seriously, if you were living alone without any love or guidance from anybody, how would you feel? After answering that question, ask yourself this; how would you feel if everyone in your city/town/village/whatever hated your guts and gave you nothing but insults, cold stares, spare saliva, and misdirected anger? Once you are done with that question, take the two previous questions and fuse them together. How would you feel if your life was just one big painful memory consisting of you and only you being bombarded with negativity on all sides? The answer to this last question is the description of Naruto's life. If anything, Naruto should be the complete opposite of comedic relief.
VFSNAKE: Kyuubi will make an appearance very soon. The second question's answer is a secret, even to me. Kakashi will be hurt some more for being a lazy asshole sometime later in the story.
Meca Vegeta: Um, what are you talking about?
Draonzice: Actually, it was something I thought up on the spot. It still was pretty funny, though.
Kyuubidaime: That would be interesting, but I already have the third exams planned out, including how the fights will go and what will happen after the preliminary battles for the third exam.
Anime Boy07: Riding on Tommy is fun. I knew I would have to include a scene like that sooner or later and I thought Kabuto's info cards were the best opportunity.
Cearo Dameer: I update pretty quickly unless I'm busy. I'll tell you when I am, though.
NarutoNineTails: Is it really that amazing?
Hanlim80: Okay, here you go! I hope you like it!
WarShadow: You know, I hadn't thought of that. I guess it'll be pretty long.
Nekoofdeath: I'm glad you like it; enjoy!
Gyper: I just made them longer as I got used to writing. It's nothing that big. I'm still glad you like the story!
Gaara the hated: Naruto doesn't have everything, though. He still has to deal with the problems of human life and there are a few things that Naruto could do without. Otherwise, yes, some of the events are suited to Naruto's advantage.
Tellemicus Sundance: Now that I think of it, I'm in a competition with other writers out there, aren't I? That's interesting. I never thought of it that way. I'm glad you like my story. I am trying to separate my story from the true storyline and the storylines of others while making it possible, at least in the ninja world. I sometimes mentally plan out battles or things like that, but I mostly get the ideas as I type. Well, keep in touch!
Disclaimer: Francis: Hi, everybody! I'm Francis the incredibly short giraffe. I'm only about 7 feet tall. I don't like it when we have to run from lawyers so please don't say Omegaguardian owns Naruto or else I'll eat all of your hair, okay?
OG: Okay then, Francis; I think they got the message. Don't eat their hair unless they deserve it. It hurts.
(Start chapter)
"What the hell is this?"
Naruto looked up as each one of the examinees said something similar to the above phrase. The above phrase itself was said by Uzumaki Naruto. Naruto looked up into Training Ground 44; the training ground in which they were to take the 2nd part of the exam.
Anko watched as each of the examinees reacted the way each genin normally did when this test occurred. She smiled as she caught their attention.
"This ground, Training area 44, is also known as the "Forest of Death". You'll soon find out first hand why it is called that."
Naruto felt the need to assert his mask and he did so in the form of a very rude outburst.
"I'm not afraid of this area just because it's called the "Forest of Death." Bring it on!"
Naruto looked forward to see Anko smiling pleasantly. Naruto noticed something and mentally got ready for anything. Naruto's suspicions were deemed true as Anko drew a kunai from her sleeve and threw it towards Naruto. Naruto was unable to react as he kunai grazed his cheek. Naruto then stepped to the right as Anko appeared behind where he was standing. Naruto quickly drew a kunai as Anko drew another from her sleeve. The kunai met with a loud "clang".
"Well, you are a spirited one. You've got guts to try and match me."
"Hmm, I faced much more dangers than you and the forest combined in one hour. I always have to be on guard. In fact…"
Naruto puffed in a column of smoke as Anko stood, baffled.
Anko sensed someone behind her and she used her kunai to try to stab the perpetrator, but she met a puff of smoke. Anko then looked around to see that she was surrounded by Shadow Clones. Naruto smirked as Anko huffed in annoyance. Naruto let her address the crowd as Naruto smiled smugly.
"Anyway, let me describe the area of your test. This forest is surrounded by 44 gates. There is a tower in the center of the forest about 10 kilometers from each of the gates. Your objective is to get to the tower while holding these two scrolls."
Anko pulled out two scrolls. The first scroll was white and had the kanji symbol for "heaven" on it. The second scroll was black and had the kanji symbol for "earth" on it. Anko continued to explain.
"Each team will receive one of these scrolls. Half of you will receive a heaven scroll and half of you will receive an earth scroll. You must gain these scrolls by any means necessary."
Anko put the scrolls back and held up one finger as she spoke again.
"There are also a few rules. The first rule is that you must reach the tower with both scrolls within 5 days. The second rule is that your entire team must arrive together. If one of your teammates is incapacitated or dead, your entire team fails. The third rule is that you must not open any of the scrolls until you reach the tower. But, before you get the scroll, you must sign one of these."
Anko then pulled out a large stack of papers and handed them to Naruto. Naruto then read the paper and he noted that the document was a contract saying that Anko would not be responsible for any death in this test. Anko then spoke again.
"In order to participate, you must sign one of those. If you don't and you die, it would be my responsibility. I don't like lawsuits so only sign if you are sure. When we are ready, you may exchange three release forms for one scroll. That's it for the explanations."
For around 30 minutes, the genin scattered to discuss with their teams or mentally debate whether or not they should sign the paper.
Naruto signed it instantly. Like he said, he had faced more dangers than this forest can dish out in an hour so 5 days should be no problem.
He looked around and tracked down the rookie nine. Sakura and Ino were having one of their famous "discussions" as Shikamaru and Chouji stood in horror. Kiba and Shino were sitting near a tree where Kiba was trying to get Shino to talk with their signed forms next to them. Sasuke was sitting by a rock, looking over his paper for any sign that said, "By signing this, Uchiha Sasuke will be able to defeat Uchiha Itachi." Hinata was sitting near a tree, obviously debating whether or not to sign the sheet. Naruto smiled and approached her.
"Do you mind if I join you, Hinata-chan?"
Hinata stiffened as Naruto approached. She shyly nodded as he sat down. Naruto looked at Hinata's paper as he spoke.
"Are you nervous?"
Hinata nodded slowly as Naruto continued.
"I don't blame you, Hinata-chan. There is actually a chance of dying in the forest during this test. But, think about it. The only people that can die are the ones who fail, right?"
Hinata nodded as Naruto continued.
"It's simple! All you have to do is get a scroll and get to the middle of the forest. When you pass, you can't die!"
Hinata turned towards Naruto as she thought about his words. By the way he said it, this test is easy! She still wasn't convinced and she still held a small depressed look. Naruto noticed this as he started to speak again.
"Come on, Hinata-chan; with your team's excellent teamwork and your great individual strengths, you'll pass this test easily! Also, I hope you make it through the test! I want to see how powerful you've become," Naruto said as he stood and walked away, leaving Hinata on the tree feeling at least a little bit better.
The curtain opened around the table that Anko pointed to and a man walked out and called to all the genin.
"We're ready now! Bring your team's three applications and we will give you a scroll! Then, choose a gate and wait for the gates to open!"
Each of the genin brought their applications to the table and got their scroll. The curtain was still in place, preventing anyone from seeing the scroll that the team received. This also prevented the others from finding out who has the scroll. Each of the teams gathered at each of the gates. Naruto's team was gathered in front of Gate 12, holding a Heaven scroll. Naruto didn't trust his teammates with anything so he sealed the scroll in a regular-looking one and gave Sasuke a scroll with a very convincing paint job. Naruto had one thing to say before the test began.
"This is going to be fun."
The gates burst open and Team 7 rushed in. 25 other gates opened similarly and the teams present rushed into the forest.
(POV change)
I hate this forest. It's so… creepy. Of course, I would never say this out loud. Naruto-kun was right, though. Kiba-kun and Shino-kun made an excellent plan to capture our enemies. Even if we need to get a scroll, it doesn't mean we have to fight.
We stood in the center of a clearing. I don't really say much, Kiba talks more than enough to cover both Shino and I. About 5 minutes into the conversation, I sensed something at the same time Akamaru started barking. Kiba got the message and got ready to speak to his soon-to-be hostages.
Suddenly, a set of screams were heard from my right. Three figures fell to the ground, writhing in pain. One of them was unlucky enough to hit one of my trip wires, unleashing a barrage of kunai at the unsuspecting ninja. That idea was a prank courtesy of Naruto-kun and his influence during school.
The ninja staggered to their feet and hit Kiba's trip wire, sending them up on the tree in a net as Shino's bugs devoured their flesh. Kiba began to speak.
"Those are Konoha Village's Jumping Leeches. If they continue sucking your blood for 5 minutes, you'll die. Now, hand over your scroll and we might let you go, seeing as my friend here is one of the few that can control them."
They immediately dropped their scroll and we were very lucky. It happened to be a Heaven scroll to match our Earth scroll. Now, all we need to do is get to the tower.
Like I said earlier, Naruto-kun was right!
"I know that those leeches hurt, but you don't have to scream so loud!" I thought as the leeches were relieved from their bodies. We did leave them in the net, though.
(Meanwhile)
A lingering scream was heard across the forest where Naruto was. Naruto heard the scream loud and clear, as did Sakura and Sasuke. We stopped momentarily and I chose that opportunity to do something that I forgot to do.
"Hold on for a second, I have to use the bathroom."
Sakura and Sasuke groaned as I left the small clearing to go behind a tree.
(POV change)
Couldn't he have done that earlier? Now, we're wasting time! This is stupid! We shouldn't have to wait while the dobe relieves his system of bodily waste!
Suddenly, however, Naruto jumps out from behind the tree. Something was wrong, though.
"Isn't the dobe right-handed? Why does he have his holster on his left side? Wait; the scar on his face, where's the scar?" I thought as the "Naruto" spoke.
"I'm sorry I took so long. There was just a lot of pee in there…"
I interrupted him with a direct tackle as this imposter is sent flying into a tree trunk. Sakura was about to beat him down, but she didn't seem to notice the flaws in his appearance.
"Sakura, this Naruto is worse than the real Naruto when it comes to transforming. This guy's a fake! Take a good look at his face and his kunai holster."
Sakura drew a kunai as she finally noticed what I did moments earlier.
Suddenly, a few kunai came and hailed upon the fake Naruto. The questions at hand were, "Where are those kunai coming from?" and, "Where is the real Naruto?"
Naruto jumped out of the trees startling Sakura and Sasuke. Naruto then came and punched the ninja in the gut while yelling at him.
"You asshole; you could have at least waited until I was done!"
Naruto puffed out of existence as the Rain ninja changed back into his real body.
The ninja, wearing a Rain headband, spoke in a cold voice.
"So, which one of you has the scroll? Your friend seems to have abandoned you."
Sasuke immediately jumped up and formed six seals and blew out a flame while calling out the name of the technique.
"Katon: Housenka no Jutsu!"
The Rain ninja dodged the fireballs and charged towards Sasuke. Sasuke kicked the ninja and sent him flying away. The Rain ninja cursed and started to jump away.
Sasuke ran forward to give chase and stepped on a kunai. He lifted the kunai by focusing his chakra into the sole of his foot, making it stick to his shoe. Sasuke make a kicking motion, sending the kunai flying towards the Rain ninja. Sasuke saw the kunai hit and fall down out of sight. Sasuke then heard sounds of fighting and came into the clearing in which the ninja fell only to see Naruto searching the ninja. Naruto then stood and spoke to Sasuke.
"Hey, Sasuke, that really hurt!"
(Later)
Naruto sat as Sasuke spoke about what just happened.
"Okay, we need a password or phrase of some sort to make sure that we don't get fooled by an imposter of some sort. The pass-phrase will be the ninja song, "Ninki". Answer whoever asks with this phrase. "A large amount of loud enemies is the friend of the shinobi. Hide and stay silent. A shinobi must understand the proper time: when the enemy is tired and ill-prepared." If the phrase is said incorrectly, assume they are the enemy, regardless of their appearance."
"Okay, it's time to act some more," Naruto thought.
"I didn't get all of that; can the password be "Swordfish" or something like that?" Naruto asked
"You idiot, I got it on the first time," Sakura scolded.
Naruto suddenly felt a small pain as a needle grazed his cheek. Naruto looked in the direction it came from to sense the chakra molding of a person using a wind technique. Naruto instantly made the seals Ushi, Saru and Hitsuji out of sight and went in front of Sakura and Sasuke. Naruto used his wind to blow his teammates out of the line of fire and braced himself for the impact.
Naruto landed a little later. Naruto used Toppuu to brace his impact as Naruto landed softly. Naruto dusted himself and looked around. He began to walk back as he saw one problem
It was one huge snake.
"Holy shit," was all Naruto could say before he was eaten by the snake.
Naruto was pissed. "Damn, snake; I'm going to get you for this. Now, what can I use?" Naruto thought as he searched his jacket. He found a familiar scroll as he smirked.
"These are the swords that I got from Wave country! This snake is toast."
Outside the snake, a voice could be heard clearly despite the source being sandwiched between 2 feet of flesh.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"
Suddenly, the snake exploded as 20 orange figures jumped out of the snake, each wielding two swords. Naruto jumped into the trees with 18 of his clones while one started to head to the area where he thought Sasuke and Sakura were.
As the clone walked toward the battle zone, Naruto found some sinewy branches and fashioned them into straps and tied them around his back to allow him to keep the swords on his back. Naruto had a feeling he would need them.
(Meanwhile)
A giant snake was chasing Sasuke through the trees. Sasuke was afraid for his life as he ran out of the snake's path Sasuke started to panic as he thought and instinctively ran away.
"That guy's killer intent is terrifying! I have to get away. I have to run! I have to keep moving!"
Sasuke looked back as Sakura looked in horror. The snake was about 3 feet away when, suddenly, Sasuke saw a series of orange flashes. One of the flashes landed besides Sasuke and spoke.
"Sasuke, I forgot the stupid phrase. The password is swordfish."
Sakura looked in joy as Naruto held his swords, soaked in snake blood. If they weren't as relieved to see Naruto as they were at that moment, they would have questioned the swords, but they left it alone for now.
Naruto prepared for battle as he sheathed one of the swords. Naruto figured out that fighting with one sword was much easier than fighting with two, especially when he had absolutely no experience.
Naruto was disgusted as a figure rose from the bowels of the sliced snake. The figure wrapped his body on a tree branch as Naruto prepared himself. The Grass ninja, as judged by his headband, started to speak.
"So, Naruto-kun, you managed to beat my snake, did you?"
"Yeah, I did, but I think your other snake isn't doing much better. You know; the one that tried to eat me?"
Sasuke thought as Naruto and the Grass ninja had their conversation.
"Even if Naruto's here, what difference does that make? This guy is on a whole different level! At this rate, we all are going to be killed! What can I do? What can I do? Wait; the scroll is with me! If this goes well, we can escape with our lives!"
"Hold on; I'll give you the scroll if you leave us in peace."
Naruto narrowed his eyes as he spoke to Sasuke.
"Sasuke, what the hell are you doing?" Naruto asked in a voice that restrained anger.
"Shut up; it's the only way!" Sasuke yelled back. The Grass ninja spoke as Naruto clenched his fist in anger.
"That's very smart of you. Sometimes, the only way to get away from a predator is to distract it with another meal."
Sasuke then threw the scroll. Naruto charged forward and grabbed it, glad that he made such a convincing copy. He then pocketed the scroll while landing next to Sasuke again. Sasuke started to yell at Naruto as he landed again.
"You are an idiot! Why did you do that! Don't you understand the situation!"
Naruto only responded by turning and punching Sasuke in the face, sending him flying.
Sasuke flipped mid-flight and landed on a nearby tree branch. Sasuke began to yell again.
"You bastard, what are you doing!"
Naruto was breathing hard as he raised his sword. Naruto started to speak as he stared with a cold eye.
"You're lucky I need information from you or else I would have hit you with this sword. Where's Sasuke!"
"What are you talking about! I am Sasuke!"
"There's no way the real Sasuke is this much of a coward. Now, tell me where he is!"
Sasuke widened his eyes in realization as Naruto continued.
"What guarantee is there that he will let us go if you give him the scroll? I don't know how strong this guy is, but you are way too freaked out to handle the situation! I have officially lost all remaining respect for you, Sasuke-chan!"
"Naruto-kun, you are absolutely correct. Why go away when I can have both you and the scroll?"
The Grass ninja raised his sleeve and bit his thumb. His left arm had a tattoo on it. The Grass ninja spread his blood on the tattoo as Naruto widened his eyes in recognition. Naruto charged to prevent him from completing the technique as the ninja formed five seals, I, Inu, Tori, Saru, Hitsuji. Naruto jumped to attack as the ninja said the name of the technique.
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu"
A large wind blew as Naruto was suspended in the air. A large snake burst through the branch that the ninja was standing on and tried to attack Naruto. Naruto used his sword defend himself as the snake drew closer. Naruto used a small burst of wind to move himself upward as the snake completely missed. Naruto then landed on a tree branch and waited as the snake approached. The snake's tail started to move down like a hammer as Naruto raised his sword to defend. Naruto did not feel an impact as he looked forward again. Naruto only saw the Grass ninja smirk before the tail rose from beneath him, destroying the branch. Naruto flew upward and hit his back hard on a tree branch overhead. Naruto then fell as though he was unconscious but he still held the sword tightly. The ninja commanded the snake to eat Naruto as the snake lunged forward for the kill. Naruto immediately opened his now red eyes and ferociously swung his blade through the snake's nose. Naruto continued to rain heavy slices through the snake's snout as Sakura and Sasuke watched in horror. Naruto was flicked away every so often by the snake, but he always came back and continued his onslaught. Naruto was flicked away one final time as He fell to a lower branch. The Grass ninja started to speak as Sasuke stood in awe and fright.
"Now, it's your turn, Sasuke-kun. How are you going to fight?"
The snake charged towards Sasuke. Sasuke was frozen in fear as the snake's bloody head drew closer. Sasuke could see every drop of blood and every incision as he stared forward into the face of what he believed was his death. Sasuke braced his body and closed his eyes as he heard an impact in front of him.
This was odd, however. Sasuke was also supposed to feel the impact. The fact that he didn't tugged at his curiosity. Sasuke opened his eyes to see Naruto in front of him, holding the snake back with only two kunai. The swords that he used were sheathed on his back. Naruto lifted his head as he spoke. The one thing that shocked him more than Naruto's increased speed and power was the fact that Naruto's sky blue eyes had turned into a blood red color. The fear that he felt from the Grass ninja was nothing compared to the fear placed within him by Naruto's eyes.
"This Sasuke in front of me is not the Sasuke I know. You are a weak coward."
Sasuke widened his eyes as a tongue wrapped around Naruto's torso and arms. Naruto was lifted upward as the Grass ninja looked at Naruto closely.
"So, this is the Kyuubi brat. It's surprising that he's still alive. I need to dispose of him, now. He's a menace."
The Grass ninja focused his chakra on each of his fingers as a purple flame appeared on each of them. The ninja used his tongue to lift up Naruto's shirt as the seal appeared. The ninja thrust the hand with the purple flames into Naruto's stomach while calling out the name of the technique.
"Gogyou Fuuin"
Naruto's eyes widened as they shifted from blood red to their usual sky blue. The last thing Naruto heard as the Grass ninja's laughing and the last thing Naruto felt was a kunai pinning his shirt to a tree.
(Meanwhile)
Sasuke watched as the Grass ninja held their Heaven scroll Sakura started to yell at Sasuke.
"Sasuke-kun; Naruto is different from you. He may be an idiot and a nuisance sometimes, but at least he's not a coward!"
Sasuke lowered his eyes as Sakura looked in confusion. Sakura smiled as Sasuke suddenly whipped his head upward, his Sharingan active.
"If I can't risk my life now, how can I hope to defeat him? I will fight!"
The snake under the ninja exploded in a puff of smoke and the ninja landed on a nearby branch. As if an unheard signal went off in the area, the ninja and Sasuke charged at each other, each armed with a kunai. The kunai clashed and the two ninjas exchanged blows. Sasuke ducked the ninja's punch and counterattacked using a kick. The kick is blocked and is met with another fierce punch. Sasuke suddenly jumped back and attacked with a barrage of projectiles. All of them seemed to miss as the Grass ninja stood still, watching the kunai and shuriken rush past. He watched in amazement as he thought.
"Is this the Soufuushasan no Tachi?"
Sasuke landed on a high tree branch and held the strings with his hands and teeth. He yanked on the twine, pulling the projectiles and changing their course to wrap around the Grass ninja. The ninja was tied to the tree behind him by the ropes and Sasuke smirked as he held the strings inside his mouth. Sasuke then quickly made four seals before he burst into flames. The Grass ninja could only look in horror as Sasuke used a powerful fire technique.
"Katon: Ryuuka no Jutsu"
The searing flames traveled by the strings to incinerate the Grass ninja. The ninja's body grew limp as the technique ended and Sasuke sank down, nearly exhausted.
Sasuke stood unsteadily as Sakura came near him. Sakura looked at Sasuke in amazement as the ropes broke on the tree across the clearing. The ninja started to speak as he walked forward. His voice; however, sounded… different. The ninja had his hand over his forehead protector's symbol as he spoke.
"Well, Sasuke-kun, it seems you are a true carrier of the Uchiha blood. You truly are brothers. Something is shining in your eyes that have the potential to be stronger than Itachi. I want to have you after all."
As he finished, the ninja removed his hand, revealing a headband with a musical note. Sasuke and Sakura couldn't move at this point due to some strange force. The ninja held the Heaven scroll and it started to burn as he spoke again.
"My name is Orochimaru. If you wish to see me again, defeat my team of Sound ninja and survive the exam."
Sakura started to speak as he finished. "What are you talking about! We never want to see you again!"
"I doubt it," came as a response. Orochimaru formed an odd seal as his neck began to stretch towards them. Paralyzed, they couldn't move out of the way as Sasuke was bit on the neck. An odd symbol, much like the commas in Sasuke's Sharingan, appeared on Sasuke's neck as he started to scream in pain. Sakura started to yell.
"What did you do to Sasuke-kun!"
Orochimaru started to disappear through the branch he was standing on as he spoke his last set of words.
"I gave him a farewell gift. He will come to seek me for power. It was enjoyable testing your abilities."
Orochimaru only laughed evilly as he disappeared, leaving Sakura with the burden of carrying her teammates.
(POV change)
It was dark. He couldn't see. All he could see was blackness as he woke up. Naruto could feel his surroundings and Naruto could hear voices in the distance, but he just couldn't see! This was crappy!
"I hate this! I don't even have the energy to open my eyes! Whatever the hell that snake bastard did to me is really screwing with my chakra! It feels different for some reason. Wait, I think I hear something." Naruto thought as his hearing improved slightly.
"My name is Orochimaru. If you wish to see me again, defeat my team of Sound ninja and survive the exam."
"Who is that? Is that the snake bastard? He sounds different."
"What are you talking about! We never want to see you again!"
"That's Sakura; I know it."
"I doubt it."
"That's the snake bastard. What does he mean?"
What Naruto heard next disturbed him. He heard Sasuke's piercing scream. Sasuke screamed continuously as Sakura spoke.
"What did you do to Sasuke-kun!"
"Something's wrong. That scream sounded really bad."
"I gave him a farewell gift. He will come to seek me for power. It was enjoyable testing your abilities."
"That was a test! I don't want to even think about what would happen if he was serious!"
Naruto tried to open his eyes to no avail. Naruto was plucked off the tree about 5 minutes after Sasuke's screaming stopped.
(Later)
Naruto was dropped hard onto the ground. Naruto could hear and feel his surroundings. Just because he couldn't open his eyes; it didn't mean he was unconscious. Naruto could hear a gentle pat beside him as he thought Sasuke was placed on the ground. Naruto was slightly annoyed.
"Gee, Sakura, you could at least treat my "unconscious" body with respect. The more you injure it, the more you have to wait for me to heal. Since I'm conscious, I should be able to move in about a few hours."
(Later)
"Were you keeping watch all night?"
Naruto awoke with a start. Naruto was now able to move his head slightly and open his eyes a small amount so he moved his head to face the source of the voice.
Naruto could see fuzzy images of three people in the distance as the one in the center spoke, at least, that is what Naruto thought.
"That is no longer necessary. Wake Sasuke-kun up, if you don't mind. We wish to fight him."
Naruto kept his head in position to make them believe he is asleep since, for all intents and purposes, he is. Naruto heard Sakura's voice beside him as she spoke.
"What are you talking about! Who are you! What do you want! We know that a guy name Orochimaru is pulling the strings from the shadows!"
The three people made a sudden movement. They were obviously surprised.
"Who are these assholes? What do they want with Sasuke?" Naruto thought as he listened closely to Sakura's words.
"What is that weird bruise on Sasuke-kun's neck! You want to fight him after you gave him something like that!"
"Bruise; what bruise are they talking about? I didn't know about a bruise."
"Since you know about that, we can't let you live. Zaku, kill the girl."
The person on the left moved forward and started to speak.
"With pleasure; this is going to be fun."
The center person moved and stopped the person called Zaku. "Zaku, wait; there's a trap here."
The center person moved and bent down to pick up something green. He then spoke to Sakura.
"Grass doesn't grow in this fashion. This is obviously a trap. Traps are useless if they are noticed. Kill her."
The three blurs moved upward and started to go out of Naruto's small sight range. Unable to see, Naruto closed his eyes completely and focused on the sounds.
Naruto heard a snapping noise like the snapping of rope near his body followed by a loud roaring noise. The roaring noise stopped abruptly and was replaced by a crackling noise. Naruto then heard three impacts as well as a familiar voice calling out a technique name.
"Konoha Senpuu!"
Naruto immediately recognized the voice and tried to open his eyes. Naruto could open them a little wider and he could see clearly in a small area. A person wrapped in bandages and a hay-like coat spoke to a person in green spandex.
"Who are you?"
"I am Konoha's beautiful green beast, Rock Lee!
Sakura then spoke to Lee in a whisper that Naruto could hear.
"Lee, what are you doing here? We're enemies in this fight."
Lee responded as Naruto listened in.
"I said I will protect you with my life. I intend to keep that promise."
Sakura responded as Naruto was able to open his eyes normally. Naruto could see in a wide range, but he stayed still since he couldn't move his body that much.
"Thank you, Lee."
Naruto looked closely as Lee unwound the bandages on his arms. The hay-backed Sound ninja charged towards Lee as he prepared for his attack. Before Lee disappears in front of the Sound ninja, he says one phrase.
"It is to protect the people you care about!"
Naruto looked closely as Lee knocked the Sound ninja into the air using the same tactic that was used on Sasuke before the first exam. Lee then landed on the ground and disappeared, reappearing behind the Sound ninja as he flies through the air. Lee says something out of range and then wraps the bandages around the Sound ninja and held him as he began to spin rapidly. Naruto watched in awe as the Sound ninja smashed into the ground.
"Omote Renge!"
Naruto grimaced slightly as he noticed another ninja which Naruto thought was Zaku plunge his ands into the ground and force something down, bracing the hay-backed ninja's fall. The ninja rose out of the hole and stood to face Lee again.
"Terrifying; that technique even hurts that much on a sponge of dirt. Now, however, it's my turn."
The ninja then raised the sleeve on his right arm, showing a large silver device with holes. The ninja charged forward and stopped right in front of Lee. Lee only kneeled down in pain as the ninja spoke.
"Your techniques are fast, but our techniques surpass that with the speed of sound. I'll show you something that hark work can't surpass alone. A wall of sound is your worst nightmare since sound is just vibrations that are interpreted by the ears. If you damage the membrane in the ears, you lose all sense of balance. That move was impressive, though"
Another Sound ninja called out from his position near two holes. Naruto knew he was the reason the hay-backed ninja survived the attack. "Yeah, you made me reveal my ability. I can control air pressure so creating a cushion of air is easy pickings." The ninja said as the hay-backed ninja spoke again.
"Now that you're incapacitated, I can go after YOU!"
The Sound ninja charged towards Sakura. Naruto found it incredible when Lee stumbled over and blocked the blow, allowing the metal device to vibrate, creating a screeching noise. The ninja began to speak.
"That's really impressive. You shouldn't be able to move. I'll fix that, though. This arm plate acts to make tiny sounds unbearably loud. It's an amplifier, if you will. Also, if the plate doesn't point towards my target, I can use my chakra to guide the sounds to my target so I hit my mark anyway!"
Lee screamed as he fainted on the forest floor. Naruto was regaining movement ability little by little but he was still a liability if he went into battle. Sakura called out as Lee fell and she threw some kunai. They were blocked by the hay-backed ninja's arm plate. Sakura threw a set of shuriken and they were knocked back by a gust of air coming from the boy ninja's palms through little holes. The shuriken were blocked and reflected as Sakura fell over. The third Sound ninja, a girl, grabbed Sakura's hair as she spoke.
"Your hair is so much shinier than mine. If you have time to shampoo your hair, train! Hey, Zaku, let's kill Sasuke in front of "Little Miss Pretty Ninja" here."
Zaku smirked as he walked forward towards Sasuke and Naruto. Naruto was able to use about half of his body at this point, but he was planning to ambush the ninja if he needed to intervene. Naruto felt something weird beside him and turned to see something rising out of Sasuke. Naruto turned around as the girl ninja spoke.
"It's useless; that won't work against me."
Sakura turned to face the girl slightly within her hold as she held a kunai. She smirked as she did something that surprised everyone.
"Who said it was for you?" Sakura asked as she cut her pink hair where the girl Sound ninja was holding her. The ninja fell back and Sakura immediate charged at Zaku. Naruto inwardly smiled as Sakura found her inner courage and threw a barrage of kunai at Zaku. Zaku thrust his hands forward and called out the name of his technique.
"Zankuuha!"
Sakura performed a variety of seals and disappeared in a puff of smoke only to be replaced by a log.
"Kawarimi no Jutsu? That is so basic."
Sakura appeared above Zaku where she formed the same seals.
"Are you doing it again? Can't you do anything else?" Zaku asked as he threw kunai at her and started to look around, convinced that she turned into a log. Zaku was surprised, however, when a drop of blood fell on his face.
"What; she's real this time?" Zaku asked before he was tackled to the ground by Sakura's body. Sakura immediately bit onto one of his arms as Zaku bashed her head with the other. Naruto cringed at every blow as more blood poured out of her wounds. Naruto could move his entire body, but he couldn't move it very well. Naruto felt the presence beside him grow as Sakura's body was thrown. Sakura was in bad shape as she landed on the ground. She started to try to stand as three figures jumped into the battle area.
Naruto recognized them instantly. Team 10 had come to try to help Sakura's situation. Sakura and Ino were having a small conversation out of earshot as the presence within Sasuke increased again. Naruto was starting to get worried as he heard tidbits of the conversation.
"Hey, guys! What was that for! These guys are dangerous!" Chouji shouted.
"It's troublesome, but Ino jumped out. If she went out, our position was compromised anyway." Shikamaru responded.
"Sorry to get you involved, but we're a three-man team," Ino said as a response to Chouji's comment.
"We'll work it out, somehow," Shikamaru said as Chouji started to protest again.
"No way; I don't want to die yet!"
"Well, then go ahead and run, fatty." Zaku said as Chouji turned his back.
Naruto twitched. If there was anything you shouldn't say to Chouji, it was saying he was fat. Saying that is basically a death wish. Chouji reacted as he usually did.
"What did that guy just say?"
"I said you can run if you want fatass."
Chouji turned in anger at being called the "f" word twice in the span of 2 minutes. He started to uncharacteristically yell at the sound ninja, gain a twitch from Naruto and a confused and dumbfounded look from Sakura.
"I am not fat! I am just chubby! Okay, Ino, Shikamaru, you know what to do, right? This is a war between Leaf and Sound!"
Ino started to speak. "Sakura, you go take care of your teammates. We'll take care of these guys."
Sakura nodded as Ino called the other two members of her team. "Okay, Team 10, Battle Formation: Ino-Shika-Chou! Okay, Chouji, go for it!"
Chouji nodded as he formed a seal with his hands.
"Baika no Jutsu, followed by Nikudan Sensha!"
Chouji turned into a large boulder as Sakura blocked the entryway to the tiny cave. I could see Chouji's limbs and head go into his body while the entire structure began to roll at high speeds. Zaku started to laugh as he spoke.
"What's that technique? It's just a rolling fatass. Zankuuha!"
A ripping wind created a large headwind for Chouji's rolling body and the two attacks were evenly matched for a moment. When the boulder that was Chouji's body lifted into the air, Zaku was confident that the battle was over. The problem was the fact that there was now a looming shadow over him as he saw a large green rolling object attempt to smash him from above.
The hay-backed Sound ninja rushed to save Zaku from an untimely doom by a large meat boulder but suddenly, he was unable to move. When he did, it wasn't movements that he wanted. He found out that a shadow was connecting him to Shikamaru, who was making him copy everything he did, no matter how stupid! Shikamaru then started to speak
"This is Kagemane no Jutsu. You can't move unless I tell you to and your movements are my movements."
The girl saw how ridiculous her teammate looked as he called to him.
"Dosu, is that really necessary? This is hardly the time!"
She then realized that he was copying every stupid movement of Shikamaru and he could do nothing about it. She heard a small conversation between the shadow-user and the blonde girl
"Shikamaru, you take care of my body while I'm gone!"
"Yeah, I'll do it."
"Ninpou: Shintenshin no Jutsu"
Zaku was surprised since both of his teammates were incapacitated while he was left with a rolling meat boulder. Naruto smirked inwardly as he saw the brilliance in that plan. The girl Sound ninja began to speak in Ino's voice.
"Okay then, if you want your teammate back, drop your scroll and leave! When I can't sense your chakra signatures, I'll release your teammate."
Ino chuckled as she held onto the Sound girl's consciousness.
She was met with a rude awakening as Zaku turned his palm towards Kin. Ino called Chouji to block the inevitable wind attack, but he made it only to get hit with half the blow. Kin's body hit a nearby tree and Ino's body started to bleed, much to Dosu's delight. Naruto inwardly frowned as he also realized the flaw in their team's strategy.
"These guys defy all that they were trained to do! Ino and Team 10 figured that they would actually care about their teammate! Since they don't this plan is falling apart, especially since Chouji has returned to normal. Also, if I know the Kagemane that well, I know that time's almost up! This is bad! I have to get up, but I can't move my body that efficiently, yet! Shit! This is really bad! Wait, who is that up there?"
As Naruto predicted, the shadows began to recede from Dosu's body as he regained motion. Chouji was now incapacitated since he was recovering from the Nikudan Sensha. Shikamaru was now placed in a very bad position as he held Ino's body.
Naruto struggled to look up to see what appeared to be Lee's team. A small discussion took place in which Dosu complained that these people were coming like insects. A person with eyes similar to Hinata's spoke and activated his Byakugan, scaring the Sound ninja as he spoke.
"The boy with the bowl cut is ours. Since you hurt him, we are now involved."
The Byakugan wielder felt something and looked towards Naruto. Naruto was getting worried because of this aura rising out of Sasuke. Dosu ignored the white-eyed boy's questioning gaze as he spoke.
"Well, if you don't like it, why don't you come down here and "teach us a lesson"?"
The white-eyed boy smirked before responding.
"I won't have to."
Naruto felt one last intense burst of chakra beside him as he turned to Sasuke. He was waking up and he stood steadily and came up behind Sakura. He could only ask one thing as he looked around.
"Sakura; point out the ones who pummeled you into that state."
Sakura was afraid as she felt the cold aura radiating from Sasuke's body. Naruto felt the aura and it was the darkest thing he has ever felt. Sakura could only stutter out a response.
"Sasuke, your body…"
Sasuke looked at his hand and watched as the black marks extended and the purple chakra intensified. He smiled as he gave his response.
"It's alright, Sakura. I feel power emanating from my very core. I realize now; I am an avenger. Even if I must sell my soul to the devil, I must gain power at any cost. Now, tell me!"
The people present looked up in horror as Zaku, the oblivious idiot he is, answer Sasuke's question.
"It was us! We did that. In fact, I pummeled her personally."
Sasuke looked at him with blood-red Sharingan eyes as black marks and purple chakra crawled all over his body. He began to speak in a cold tone.
"Then you will be the first to suffer."
Shikamaru chose this moment to take Ino and Chouji and run into the bushes while shouting to Kin.
"Ino, get back to your own body! We don't want to get involved in this!"
Kin reacted by canceling the technique and slumping to the floor. Naruto saw Team 10 disappear from sight as Sasuke went towards Zaku. Zaku placed his hand together and started to focus chakra in his palms. Sasuke whipped up and reacted as Zaku unleashed his technique.
"Zankuukyokuha!"
Zaku smirks as he realizes that they vanished. Overconfident, Zaku mutters, "Heh, I blew those pipsqueaks away."
Zaku is surprised when he hears a reaction to that statement in the form of Sasuke's voice.
"What pipsqueak are you talking about?" Sasuke asked as Zaku is flung halfway across the clearing. Naruto could see that Dosu was visibly shaken by Sasuke's speed and strength, as was Naruto himself.
"Where the hell did Sasuke get this power! Is it from those black marks? Also, did he have to drop me so hard!"
If Naruto wasn't immobile, he would have yelled at Sasuke for dropping him, but it seemed that he was busy.
Naruto watched in horror as Sasuke used a fire technique that Sasuke called Katon: Housenka no Jutsu to produce some fireballs. Zaku laughed smugly as he blew the fire out to reveal Shuriken within the flames. Zaku blocked the shuriken and Naruto heard Dosu's voice as Sasuke vanished.
"Zaku, look out underneath you!"
Zaku looked down and Sasuke hit his chin. As he fell forward, Sasuke grabbed Zaku's wrists. Naruto could hear Sasuke speak in a cold voice as Zaku struggled to free his arms.
"You are prideful of your arms, I take it? It's time to bid them farewell."
Zaku struggled to free his arms and screamed out in agony as Sasuke yanked forcefully, dislocating the shoulders. Even Naruto, who was on the ground, could see that. Sasuke then turned towards Dosu and spoke in the same cold tone.
"Now, it's your turn."
Sakura chose this time to run forward and grab Sasuke from behind. Naruto could hear very clearly as Sakura spoke from Sasuke's back.
"Please stop, Sasuke-kun. You've done enough."
The black marks receded as the dark aura disappeared. Naruto could see Sasuke's knees buckle as he fell to the ground. Sakura stayed with him to make sure he was alright as Dosu spoke.
"I see that I'm too weak to face you. It seems that my teammates are also in no condition to fight so I will give you this as payment for your trouble. If you let us go now, I will guarantee that if we meet again in this exam, we will not hold back. I bid you farewell and I apologize for the inconvenience."
Dosu dropped a black scroll of Earth as he went to pick up his incapacitated teammates. Zaku was still in pain and Kin was recovering from Ino's Shintenshin no Jutsu. Dosu started to walk away as Sakura called out to his retreating form.
"Wait; who is Orochimaru and what does he want!"
Dosu stopped and turned his head slightly as he responded.
"We don't know. We were only ordered to kill Sasuke-kun. I don't know what his plans are. I'm sorry."
Team 10 returned to the clearing as Dosu and his team left. Naruto could finally move most of his body, but he was still lying down with his eyes closed, thinking about his situation.
"Well, this sucks. I can move my body after the battle. Man, Sasuke gets all the fun."
Naruto's thoughts were interrupted as he felt a bump on his head. Naruto slowly got up and glared at the person who hit him, which just happened to be Shikamaru. Naruto spoke with a steely glare.
"You are so lucky that I can't move my body that well right now. I do appreciate what your team did for Sakura, though."
Shikamaru seemed surprised at this little tidbit of information. It seemed that everyone was too focused on the battle to notice that he was awake. He looked around to see a girl in a pink shirt shaking Lee back into the world of the conscious. He also saw Ino trimming Sakura's now short hair. He picked up the Earth scroll with a wide smile since he knew that they completed their objective.
(Later)
At the beginning of the fourth day, Naruto and Team 7 were traversing through the forest. There was a conversation taking place, but it was mostly between Sakura and Sasuke, much to Naruto's annoyance.
"So, how are we going to get a Heaven scroll?" Sakura asked.
"I don't know, but we have to do it fast. We only have a day left," Sasuke responded.
"Hey, guys…" Naruto started.
"Shut up, Naruto. Sasuke, where are we going to find another team?" Sakura said.
"Guys…" Naruto said before Sasuke started speaking.
"I don't know. We should try near the tower. Shut up, Naruto," Sasuke said in response.
"But, guys, we have a Heaven scroll," Naruto said.
"Don't be stupid Naruto. We only have an Earth scroll," Sakura said.
"No we don't, we have…" Naruto started again.
"SHUT UP, NARUTO!" was the simultaneous reply from his teammates.
Team 7 soon reached the tower and Sakura and Sasuke groaned. Naruto thought that now would be a good time to say what he wanted to say as he, alone, opened the door. Sakura began to yell as Naruto took out a plain scroll and the Earth scroll inside the tower.
"Naruto, you know we can't pass without both of the scrolls!"
Naruto groaned outwardly as Naruto opened the scroll that looked normal. A puff of smoke appeared as he spoke.
"That is what I've been trying to tell you! I have the Heaven scroll!"
Naruto grabbed the item that appeared within the smoke and showed it to Sakura and Sasuke. They both stared dumbly at Naruto as he picked up the Earth scroll and pushed his teammates in the room and shut the door. Naruto walked in front of them as he noticed their faces. He only said one statement.
"Well, don't you feel stupid?"
(End Chapter)
Technique List:
Katon: Housenka no Jutsu: Fire Release: Chinese-Phoenix Immortal Fire Technique
Kuchiyose no Jutsu: Summoning Technique
Gogyou Fuuin: Five Element Seal
Soufuushasan no Tachi: Manipulating Windmill Triple Blades
Katon: Ryuuka no Jutsu: Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique
Konoha Senpuu: Leaf Whirlwind
Omote Renge: Front Lotus
Zankuuha: Decapitating Air Wave
Baika no Jutsu: Multi Size Technique
Nikudan Sensha: Human Bullet Tank
Kagemane no Jutsu: Shadow Imitation Technique
Ninpou: Shintenshin no Jutsu: Ninja Art: Mind Body Switch Technique
Zankuukyokuha: Extreme Decapitating Air Waves
A/N: Man, I love it when Naruto tricks the hell out of someone. That reaction from Sakura and Sasuke really made my day! The statement from Naruto only made it even better! I love that! I hope you like it. This chapter really starts to bring out the Action/Adventure part of my story.
Revision Notice: This is about an hour and a half after I posted my latest chapter.Sorry, butI forgot to add the Technique List at the end of this chapter so I added it. Thank you to all who reviewed up to this point! I'll update soon!