Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing how the Curse Seal of Hell begins reacting to being sealed away and some major changes as a result of it. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
It wasn't long before Sakura, Kin and Karin had fallen asleep along with Naruto and Satsuki with all five of the Genin sleeping peacefully. Only for the whiskered ravenette to begin tossing and turning in his sleep, gritting his teeth as the Curse Seal of Hell began pulsing on his neck. Before it began glowing a fiery orange as it started working to break free.
*Mindscape*
While within Naruto's mindscape, the claw-like markings of the Curse Seal began appearing and spreading out along the walls and pipes. With more of the markings covering the pipes as they started glowing with Naruto's Chakra running through them. Integrating themselves directly into the Uzumaki's Chakra Network.
The markings kept moving until they reached a large chamber with equally large cage doors covering an entire wall opposite of the entrance of the chamber. With the marks not stopping as they spread along the walls and bars of the cage, going to the center where a sealing tag kept it closed. Glowing as they began integrating themselves within the new seal.
Within the cage, the Kyūbi's eyes opened after sensing the Curse Seal still activating and how it began spreading throughout the mindscape. The Bijū felt intrigued when it saw how the Curse Seal was now beginning to integrate itself within the Eight Trigrams Seal.
'Strange, I've never seen a Curse Seal react in such a way. And before when it was being sealed, it seemed like it was trying to fight off the sealing, when not even the damned Uchiha's mark reacted in such a way.' Thought Kyūbi, narrowing its eyes at how it seemed as if the Curse Seal was trying to adapt, trying to find ways to still influence its host.
Though before Kyūbi could think on it further, it was shocked when it saw the markings began integrating itself further into the seal. With it now going through the openings meant for the key and where it was loosened when Naruto started using its Chakra.
'What kind of Curse Seal is this?!' Kyūbi thought, not believing the way the Curse Seal was acting.
Knowing that if it fully integrates itself within the Eight Trigrams Seal, then it'd begin merging with Naruto's Chakra as well, just like it was doing with the fox's own power. Or is it trying to gain more power so that it can break the Evil Sealing Method so it can continue influencing the Uzumaki?
With it shocking the Bijū that the Curse Seal would act in such a way, that it's not just passively influencing Naruto to use its power. It's actively evolving and adapting to move past anything that's trying to suppress, as if it was alive itself.
'This is no ordinary Curse Seal, it's something else. But what?' Thought Kyūbi before growling and narrowing its eyes when the markings started moving through the inside of the cage.
Allowing the fox to soon sense its own Chakra within the Curse Seal, as well as Chakra from the rest of its siblings as well.
'How did that snake get our Chakra?! Wait…' Kyūbi thought, wanting to know how Orochimaru had been able to get its and its siblings Chakra, only to stop when it sensed more Chakra in the seal.
Though it wasn't Chakra the Kyūbi recognized, it could sense five different Chakra pieces within the Curse Seal with all five of them feeling like the Five Elemental Affinities. But more than that, the Chakra seemed oddly…similar to the Bijū's Chakra. Not in the sense it came from Bijū, but that all five fragments felt as if they were part of something…greater.
'That's enough!' Thought Kyūbi, seeing how the marks were still spreading out before it flared its Chakra to push them back into the Curse Seal and purge it.
Refusing to have the brat depending on any outside source of power other than its own, let alone power coming from a mark that could've killed them both.
The Bijū smirked as its Chakra began forcing the marks back and out of the cage, knowing the Curse Seal will soon be dealt with. Only for the Kyūbi's eyes to widen when the marks suddenly stopped retreating and began glowing before it felt the mindscape start shaking.
'What's it doing now?!' Kyūbi thought, not expecting the Curse Seal to begin reacting to its attempt to destroy it, doubting it'd have a means to defend itself from its Chakra.
Before the fox was shocked when from the walls and floor of the cage, trees and wooden tendrils burst forth and began forcing its Chakra back, allowing the marks to continue spreading out. With it not stopping there as the wooden tendrils shot towards the Kyūbi, wrapping around its limbs, tails, and body.
'Mokuton?! How could it-' Thought Kyūbi in disbelief while working to tear away the tendrils before it could be suppressed, until it's eyes widened in realization.
The Uzumaki Clan was distantly related to the Senju Clan and if one went far enough back they would have a common ancestor. So no matter how small the chance is, there was still a chance they would have the potential to awaken the Mokuton as well, including Naruto.
'It awakened the Mokuton by finding it in his DNA!' Kyūbi thought, realizing the Curse Seal must've been searching Naruto's DNA and Chakra for a means to fight back against its attempt to destroy it, with it finding the Mokuton and awakening it.
Cursing and panicking at the idea of being suppressed with Mokuton again, the Kyūbi quickly began shrinking down to escape the tendrils before they could completely restrain it.
With the Kyūbi turning into a human girl, looking to be a few years older than her host, with long red-orange hair that went all the way down to her shapely ass along with a few strands hanging over her face and framing it, fair skin, and crimson red eyes with slit pupils. Along with her having three jagged whisker marks on her cheeks, claws, and fangs pointing out from her lips. With her most noticeable trait being a pair of fox-ears on top of her head, in the place of human ears.
"I am not being fucking restrained by this a second time!" Said Kyūbi as her now smaller form letting her slip through the tendrils, jumping away when smaller wooden tendrils shot out towards her.
Releasing a blast of fire from her mouth, Kyūbi burned away the tendrils before they could reach, moving further back when more shot down above her. With multiple branches stretching out from the trees, wrapping around her arms before she quickly ripped them apart with her claws.
'I need to think of something fast!' Kyūbi thought, feeling panic take over since she really had no way of escaping them as long as Curse Seal kept trying to restrain her.
Before the vixen gasped when suddenly golden chains burst out of the walls, shooting towards her and wrapping around her wrists and ankles, lifting her up into the air.
'Not these too!' Thought Kyūbi struggling against the chains, recognizing exactly what they were from how long she was restrained by them.
Unlike that other Uzumaki brat who only had Adamantine Attacking Chains, these were the completed form and ones she truly hated, Adamantine Sealing Chains.
"Damnit! I refuse to be-" Kyūbi said trying to break free, only to gasp when the chains began moving and wrapping up her arms and legs.
With her then unable to help but moan when the two chains around her legs continue up her body, with going up between her legs, pressing against her pussy in the process. While the second went up her back, moving between her ass doing so. And the ones around her arms moved across her chest, wrapping around her breasts, squeezing them as they met in the center. As the two moving up her body soon reached her neck and wrapped around it, merging together into a collar as they did so.
'Kushina, you fucking kinky bitch, this is you fault!' Thought Kyūbi, blushing in embarrassment and mortification at the way the chains wrapped around her, blaming her second host for this.
Though Kyūbi didn't stop trying to break free, now even more desperate to escape to the embarrassing restraints. Only to moan again when the wooden tendrils shot out and began ensnaring her entire body, pressing the chains even further against her pussy and breasts. With her struggles soon growing weaker as the Mokuton began suppressing her Chakra and leaving her docile.
'I…fucking…hate…these…' Kyūbi thought before her head slumped forward with half-lidded eyes, falling into a semi-unconscious state.
Once she was completely restrained, the Curse Seal markings continued spreading out, moving along the chains and tendrils as they began covering Kyūbi's body. While the chains and tendrils began further wrapping around her until soon the vixen was wrapped in them like a cocoon. Before a dark Chakra soon began emanating off of it as the Curse Seal began further evolving with new power.
Though while it was doing this, the Curse Seal kept spreading through the rest of Naruto's mindscape, adapting and evolving further after the Kyūbi's attempt to purge it. With it now starting to actively seek out any other potential threats to it.
Until it soon located two foreign Chakra Fragments deeper within Naruto's mindscape, being able to sense the two fragments had similar Chakra to its host. Yet they were different enough for the Curse Seal to know they weren't part of Naruto and instead seemed to have been placed within the Eight Trigrams Seal. And with how similar they were to his Chakra, the Curse Seal believed they likely came from his parents. Most likely put in place as safeguards should the Eight Trigrams Seal begin to fail and the Kyūbi would break free.
But with it now having integrated itself within the Eight Trigrams Seal, the Curse Seal saw both Chakra Fragments as threats to its evolution. Before having more wooden tendrils and chains shoot out, quickly wrapping around and restraining both fragments before they could react. But it didn't stop there as the Curse Seal began unraveling both Chakra Fragments. Until they were returned to being just pure Chakra, which it moved into the cocoon with the Kyūbi to incorporate them into it as well.
Once that was done, the Curse Seal searched for any other potential threats, only to find nothing else that would prove to be an obstacle, allowing it to continue spreading uninterrupted.
*Real World*
Back in the real world, the Evil Sealing Method was now struggling to continue suppressing the Curse Seal of Hell until it soon shattered and faded away from Naruto's skin. With the Curse Seal soon activating again as it was freed and began spreading over Naruto's body. Causing the Uzumaki to suddenly wake up with a gasp as its power rushed through him. Only to immediately fall back asleep as the markings around his body began changing from what they were before.
The Eight Trigrams Seal's symbols beginning to spread out over Naruto's chest, around his shoulders, his upper arms, and going around his sides over his back. While the swirl within the Eight Trigrams Seal changed to now resemble the Uzumaki Clans emblem, with matching emblems appearing on Naruto's shoulders that the symbols went around in arches. Along with six magatama appearing around his neck. While the Curse Seals markings spread over Naruto's face with two curved claw-like markings appearing on his cheeks as his whisker marks became darker and jagged. With more appearing under his eyes and curving around them and more marking appearing over his eyes. As well as large markings going down his arms resembling fire with claw-like spiraling protrusions.
Once the marks had finished spreading, the glow around them vanished while the Curse Seal on Naruto's neck vanished having fully incorporated itself within the Eight Trigrams Seal and Naruto's Chakra Network.
*With Orochimaru*
Meanwhile, after his clone had dispelled Orochimaru had gone to his hidden lab within the Forest of Death. Having set it up back when he was still a Konoha Ninja, knowing it'd be safe from ever being found given that hardly anyone enters the Forest of Death. Let alone try searching it for anything they wouldn't expect to be here.
"I take it your team failed, Kabuto." Orochimaru stated without looking up from his work, having sensed Kabuto the moment he got close to the lab, with the spy stepping out of the shadows.
"Afraid so, we lost our chance at locating a Heaven Scroll before time ran out. And it's such a shame, I was actually looking forward to Final Exam this time." Said Kabuto with a smirk, not really disappointed he failed the exams again since he's only meant to gather data on all the Genin that participate.
"That's likely for the best. One can only take the Chūnin Exams so many times only to forfeit after coming so far, before it begins looking suspicious. Especially now that my old sensei is aware of my presence in the village." Said Orochimaru as Kabuto nodded in agreement, knowing someone would've eventually grown suspicious with how he kept forfeiting the exams at the Third Stage.
"True enough. But I take it you succeeded in your own goal, Orochimaru-sama." Kabuto said, though already knew the answer.
"That's right, Satsuki Uchiha has received the Curse Seal of Heaven and seems to have taken quite nicely to it. Even better, I've marked Naruto Uzumaki with the Curse Seal of Hell…and he survived." Orochimaru revealed, causing Kabuto's eyes to widen in shock.
"The Curse Seal of Hell? You gave it to Naruto…and he actually survived?" Kabuto asked in disbelief.
"Indeed, and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing how it develops in its first host. Especially what will happen after Kakashi used the Evil Sealing Method on it. From what my clone saw, it seems even while he was performing the sealing, the Curse Seal was trying to fight it off. So, if I had to guess, I believe the Evil Sealing Method won't last for long." Said Orochimaru, eager to see how Naruto's Curse Seal will respond and change to the Evil Sealing Method.
"Interesting, I must admit that is rather intriguing to know someone's finally survived having that Curse Seal branded on them. But Orochimaru-sama, why even bother marking Naruto, let alone with the Curse Seal of Hell? His Academy records are abysmal, he's little more than a brawler when it comes to Taijutsu, I doubt he'd even notice he's under the affects of a Genjutsu unless someone told him. The only worthwhile Ninjutsu he has is the Shadow Clone Jutsu and even then he just uses them to overwhelm opponents. I'd honestly be surprised if he survived the weakest Curse Seal being branded onto him." Said Kabuto while pushing his glasses up, having no idea why the Snake Sannin would bother marking someone as weak as the whiskered ravenette.
This made Orochimaru stop what he was doing before sighing in disappointment as he turned towards the spy.
"You disappoint me, Kabuto. I may understand Kin's ignorance and the rest of my spies in Konoha being biased in his abilities. But I'd expect more from my second-in-command to look beyond what's right in front of you. Perhaps you've been in Konoha for too long if you're being blinded by the same idiocy as the rest of this village." Orochimaru said, making Kabuto frown.
"You believe that there's more to Naruto than what we see." Kabuto stated.
"I don't believe it, I know it. Perhaps everything you've said about Naruto is true, yet no one sees the potential in the boy. He has the most powerful Bijū sealed within him, that alone makes it so he'll grow to be a powerful Ninja should he master the fox's Chakra. But even without that, his heritage makes it so if he had the right training, he could stand among even the most powerful Ninja in history. With his father being Minato Namikaze, a Ninja that was trained by Jiraiya and even the Yondaime Raikage believed was unmatched. Flee-on-sight orders were given to enemy Ninja that encountered him, he single-handedly wiping an army of a thousand Iwa Ninja and if not for him, the Kyūbi would've reduced Konoha to rubble. Even I can't deny if Minato had lived, I would either be dead or still loyal to Konoha to avoid the risk of facing him. And then his mother, Kushina Uzumaki, a pureblooded Uzumaki descended from a clan feared and revered enough that three villages banded together with several smaller nations just to wipe them out, with the only reason why Kumogakure wasn't involved in the attack was because they declared neutrality during the Second Shinobi World War. Kushina was also the Kyūbi Jinchūriki before Naruto and capable of wielding the fox's power as she liked, possessing enough Chakra that she could fight for days on end and not even feel the least bit tired or exhausted. Having skill in Kenjutsu that made even the Seven Swordsmen hesitate to face her, while her Adamantine Sealing Chains could restrain the Kyūbi, making anyone else child's play in comparison. And both of them were Fūinjutsu Masters of unrivalled ability, not even Jiraiya's talent in the art reached their level." Explained Orochimaru while Kabuto's eyes widened further with each word.
"Naruto has both the Kyūbi and a heritage that gives him potential beyond anyone else, only a rare few could possess such an innate talent. I gave him the Curse Seal of Hell because if anyone could survive it, it would be him." Orochimaru said, the spy's eyes widened even more at this realization.
"Giving him the Curse Seal of Hell along with the power of the Kyūbi and the potential of his parents…he could very well be compared to Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha themselves. The closest someone could ever reach to rivalling the Sage of Six Paths." Said Kabuto in disbelief and amazement, unable to even imagine the kind of monster Naruto could become if he mastered that kind of power.
"Exactly. All that potential would be wasted if he remained in Konoha. Which is why I want you to begin gathering any information you can find about Naruto as well as getting befriend the boy and his teammates to help in his turn. Kin is already in the process of getting close to him and Tayuya will be joining, soon enough." Ordered Orochimaru with the Medic-Nin pushing his glasses up and smirking in realization.
"Understood, Orochimaru-sama. Though I think I'm understanding it now, you didn't mark Naruto just to use him as a potential vessel nor are you trying to get him to join you just for the sake of helping him realize his full potential. You intend to have him be your successor should the worst happen, is that right. After all, on top of everything he'd be capable of in the future combined with learning everything you know, then there's no way that someone who could kill you could ever hope of standing against Naruto. So rather than eliminate him before he can become a threat, you want him to carry on your legacy to keep the windmill spinning as it were." Kabuto said, making the Snake Sannin chuckle lowly.
"As always you guess correctly, Kabuto." Orochimaru said with a smirk.
"But if you truly intend to make Naruto your successor then it's unlikely you'll be able to take Satsuki's body without turning Naruto against you. He may very well be the one that does kill you, if you try it." Said Kabuto, knowing that Naruto would never let Orochimaru take Satsuki as a vessel.
"I'm aware of the possibilities, but it won't truly matter either way. With my Immortality Jutsu, I'm more than capable of waiting a few centuries to take one of Naruto's and Satsuki's descendants as a vessel, giving me both the Sharingan and Uzumaki Clan's powerful lifeforce. And should my decision to have Naruto carry on my legacy be warranted then I wouldn't be able to take Satsuki's body anyway, as I'll be dead. Either way, I will have succeeded in the end." Replied Orochimaru, knowing that no matter what happens, his plan will have succeeded.
"It seems you've really thought of everything, Orochimaru-sama. I suppose that just leaves what we'll be expecting from the Curse Seal of Hell on Naruto. Or at least what we can guess will happen, given he's the only one to have ever survive it being branded on him." Kabuto said, aware they had limited knowledge of the Curse Seal of Hell and what it's capable of.
"Yes. Tell me Kabuto, what do you remember of the Curse Seal of Hell?" Orochimaru asked, wanting to know what he remembered about the Curse Seal.
"Well I know, unlike with the other Curse Seals, anyone that does manage to survive will gain full access to Jūgo's Kekkei Genkai, letting them passively absorb Natural Energy which would let them freely enter Sage Mode indefinitely since they'd never run out of Natural Energy, that's if they learn Sage Mode. You also took it a step further by incorporating Chakra gathered from the Bijū and the Genryū into the Curse Seal, granting it even greater power. As well as having taken inspiration from the Reibi in giving the Curse Seal of Hell the ability to manifest its own Dark Chakra using the darkness within its host, without the drawbacks of the Dark Chakra that the Reibi produces. And that the Curse Seals placed on the Sound Four are precursors of the Curse Seal of Hell as while not having the same raw power and potential of the finalized version, nor that of the Curse Seal of Heaven and Curse Seal of Earth, it still puts them above the Curse Seals placed on test subjects and prisoners." Kabuto explained, going over everything he knew about the Curse Seal of Hell.
"It's also because their Curse Seals are precursors to the Curse Seal of Hell that I integrated the Underworld Turnover Kinjutsu into them, as it releases the hatred within their Curse Seals to create an undetectable and untraceable barrier, ensuring they take their opponents down with them." Said Orochimaru, having created the Underworld Turnover Technique solely for revenge, given it also kills the user it's meant to be a last resort Jutsu to ensure their enemies die with them.
"Yeah. I also know they have the ability to help the Sound Four adapt and evolve during a fight but only by a limited amount and in their Stage Two Forms, improving their primary abilities. Jirōbō's physical strength increases tenfold, making him strong enough to likely lift one of your summons. Kidōmaru's accuracy increases to the point he can see Chakra with his third eye and pinpoint an enemy's weak spot as well as creating even deadlier weapons with his Spider Sticky Gold. Sakon and Ukon became able to fuse with other people and not just each other, letting them tear opponents bodies apart on a cellular level. And Tayuya's Chakra grows even stronger and potent letting her cast even stronger Genjutsu while allowing them be heard from longer distances. While all four of them can draw out more power from their Curse Seals when feeling intense hatred and rage." Said Kabuto, knowing while they weren't the strongest, the Sound Four's Curse Seals still weren't to be underestimated.
"Yes, while they still don't compare to the Curse Seal of Hell, their own Curse Seals are still incredibly powerful. Unfortunately, they also aren't much of a basis to go off in terms of the Curse Seal of Hell. Especially since unlike all the other Curse Seals, I haven't placed part of my soul in the Curse Seal of Hell as it's simply too powerful and unstable." Orochimaru stated, not wanting to risk what could happen if he did integrate part of his soul into the Curse Seal of Hell.
"Meaning that the only thing we really know is that the Curse Seal of Hell is also capable of adapting and evolving as well, only it doesn't have a limit to how much it can evolve." Kabuto said with the Snake Sannin nodding in agreement.
"Correct again. But more than that, the host doesn't need to actively draw on its power for it to adapt and evolve, it will do so on its own as if it was a living being. Though not truly sentient, instead only acting on instinct, reacting to any threats and working to overcome them and if possible incorporate them into the Curse Seal. Yet…now that it's finally found a host that's survived, that may very well change." Said Orochimaru, unsure and eager just how far the Curse Seal of Hell will evolve and adapt on a host.
*Team Seven's Room*
*Mindscape*
Meanwhile, within Naruto's mindscape the cocoon that ensnared the Kyūbi and the Chakra Imprints of his parents was now fully enveloped in an aura of dark Chakra. With the Chakra pulsing every so often as the Curse Seal of Hell began converting and changing them as the Kyūbi's hair slowly began to change from orange to white. While her skin started to take a darker tone.
*Timeskip-One Day*
The next day, Team Seven, Karin and Kin all woke up, feeling much better after finally getting some sleep. With Sakura quickly turning towards Naruto and Satsuki, wanting to know how they're feeling after Kakashi sealed away their Curse Seals. Only for the pinkette to gasp in shock and panic at seeing the markings covering Naruto's body. Her panic only growing when he opened his eyes, showing he now had black sclera and dark purple irises with slit pupils.
"Sakura, what is it?" Satsuki asked in concern at why she suddenly gasped.
"The marks are back!" Said Karin in fear and worry at seeing the marks on Naruto's body, afraid her cousin would go berserk again from the Curse Seal.
"What marks?!" Naruto said shooting up, looking at Satsuki in concern to see if her Curse Seal activated again, but was relieved to not see any markings.
"Naruto! Just…just please calm, alright. We're not your enemies and no one's going to attack, so…so you can relax." Said Sakura, hoping they can get him to calm down before he goes berserk again.
"Wh-what're you talking about Sakura? Why are you all looking at my li-where'd these come from?!" Naruto asked upon seeing their wary expressions, only to soon notice the marking across his body, making him panic.
"You're…still you then?" Kin asked, preferring to not have a repeat of what happened when he and Satsuki first woke up, especially if he can't tell who's a friend or enemy.
"Yes I'm still me! Where did these marks come from! I thought Kakashi-sensei was supposed to have sealed that thing away! Why are these still here?!" Naruto said, wanting to know why the Curse Seal was seemingly still active.
"Are you sure the sealing worked?" Questioned Karin, only to flinch when Naruto suddenly glared at her.
"Yes, I'm sure the damn sealing worked! I was knocked out because of it!" Said Naruto before stepping back in shock when he saw the look on Karin's face, immediately feeling guilt.
"I…I'm really sorry Karin, I…I don't know why I did that." Naruto said with the redhead looking at him, sensing he really didn't mean to snap at her.
"It…it's fine, Naruto. Those seals did seem to…make you and Satsuki more aggressive when they activated the first time." Karin said with Sakura and Kin nodded in agreement.
"Let's just…try to stay calm and figure this out. Clearly something happened when Kakashi-sensei used the Evil Sealing Method on Naruto. Naruto, did anything different happen from when he used it on me?" Satsuki asked while looking at the whiskered ravenette, with Naruto trying to remember what happened.
"The…the Curse Seal felt like it was trying to activate when Kakashi-sensei was doing the sealing and…it did seem to take longer than when he sealed yours. It felt like…like the Curse Seal was trying to stop it or something." Replied Naruto, much to the girls confusion.
"Can…can a seal even…do that?" Sakura asked while looking at Karin, wondering if she knew anything about a seal acting like that.
"I've never heard anything about a seal doing something like that before. While I have heard that certain kinds of seals can be used to bring objects to life or give them a level of sentience, I've heard nothing about a seal being sentient itself. Let alone enough to react the way the Curse Seal did." Karin said, wondering just what kind of seal it was to somehow be alive or at least sentient enough to respond to being sealed away.
"Okay so whatever that thing is supposed to be, it clearly didn't like being locked away. And now it's done…whatever to make more marks appear on Naruto's body." Stated Kin, feeling completely lost at what's happening, hoping she can get a chance to ask Orochimaru or Tayuya when she shows up.
"Should we try asking Kakashi-sensei if he knows a better seal to use or something?" Said Sakura, not wanting her teammate to go around with the marks covering his body and the reaction they could get.
"I don't think that's a good idea. Even if Kakashi-sensei does know a better sealing method, there's a chance it could make things worse and have the Curse Seal spread even further around Naruto's body." Satsuki said, doubting another seal will be any better than the last one.
"Yeah, not only that but sensei said the Evil Sealing Method was used specifically to seal away Curse Seals and it didn't work, so I don't think another will make things better." Added Naruto, not wanting to risk the Curse Seal somehow changing even further.
"Why don't we try thinking of something, later." Karin suggested, given it's unlikely they'll be able to think of a solution at the moment.
"I'm with her, we aren't going to figure out anything about a seal we still know nothing about. Besides, you three still need to head to the arena to learn about the Final Exam." Added Kin, reminding Sakura of what Kakashi told her.
"Oh yeah, Kakashi-sensei told me where we're supposed to go to learn what the Final Exam will be. So…I guess we should head there after you both put your shirts on." Sakura said, making Naruto and Satsuki see that they were still topless from the sealing last night.
Before they nodded at their words, figuring they should at least go see what they'll be doing for the Final Exam and then think of what to do about the Curse Seal.
*Later*
After getting dressed, Team Seven headed for the arena in the tower where they found the other teams that had passed the Second Exam, seeing they were the Suna Team, Team Ten and Team Nine. With the Jōnin Sensei and Hokage also being present as well. The three lined up with the other teams, getting several looks from Naruto's new appearance and markings. Especially from Kakashi, Anko, the Hokage and, unknown to everyone else, Orochimaru who was disguised as the Oto Team's sensei.
'Your power's truly become weak, old man.' Orochimaru thought, not believing the Sandaime can't sense him, even when he's standing right behind him.
Before the Snake Sannin smirked at Naruto, seeing the markings on his face and was intrigued at the sight of them, given it doesn't even look like he's actively using the Curse Seal.
'I was right then, the Evil Sealing Method didn't last. More than that, it looks as if the Curse Seal has permanently entered the First Stage Form. Meaning it's unlikely that it can be sealed away again, even if it could it'd just break whatever seal is used. Very interesting.' Orochimaru thought, pleased at this development, knowing it will truly be more powerful than he could've imagined.
"I thought you said you sealed it away?!" Anko hissed lowly while glaring at Kakashi, not believing the whiskered ravenette was now actively using the Curse Seal in front of everyone.
"I did! I used the Evil Sealing Method on both and told them how to keep it strong to make sure the Curse Seals didn't influence them!" Whispered Kakashi, wondering how the Curse Seal could possibly be active, doubting Naruto was actually using it willingly.
"Well clearly you didn't do a very good job, did you!" Anko said quietly.
"I did the same thing to Satsuki! I don't know why it didn't work for Naruto! We also still don't know anything about the Curse Seal on him, for all we know it could've broken the Evil Sealing Method!" Kakashi retorted, knowing he did the sealing perfectly and it should've worked, now believing the Curse Seal could be much stronger than they originally believed.
This made the purplette covered her mouth to muffle a scream in annoyance, not believing this was happening.
'Now I need to do something! Great!' Anko thought, looking at Team Seven before giving a glance at the Hokage.
Willing to admit to herself that with Naruto and Satsuki being marked by Orochimaru, she was developing some biases towards them. But she also wasn't going to standby and do nothing while the Uzumaki brat could potentially have his mind and memories messed with by seals. That was a line she wasn't willing to cross, even if it would ruin any plans her old teacher had for the brat.
'Fuck me if this ends up backfiring.' Thought Anko, thinking of a way she could try to keep an eye on the brats without it being obvious.
While Hiruzen looked at Naruto warily, wondering why it seemed like the Curse Seal was active and his appearance being further changed with his different eyes.
'I may actually need to have Naruto watched if he willingly using the Curse Seals power or if it's still capable of influencing him despite being sealed away.' Hiruzen thought, unsure which is right, but knew the Curse Seal on him wasn't like anything he's seen or heard of before and needed to be monitored carefully.
"First off, congratulations on finishing the Second Exam!" Anko announced, feeling pleased that the number of Genin had been reduced to less than half though she had expected the number to be in the single digits, she's pleased there are only twelve Genin left.
"Now pay attention, Hokage-sama will be explaining the Third Exam! So listen carefully, maggots!" Said Anko, nodding to the Hokage and stepping aside for him to speak.
Stepping forward, Sarutobi looked at all the teams that passed, noting that three of the teams were among the rookies.
'I see now why they fought so hard to enter. Though I'm now wishing I refused Kakashi.' Hiruzen thought while glancing at the Jōnin, understanding why they wanted to enter their teams so badly, having faith that they would be able to handle the exams.
"First before, I tell you what the Third Exam entails, I want to explain something about the test itself. So listen closely now, it's something that all of you need to understand. I'm going to tell you the true purpose of these exams." Revealed the Hokage, confusing most of the Genin.
'True purpose?' Sakura thought, confused at what that meant, given it seemed obvious what the purpose was.
"Why do you suppose our country holds these exams in conjunction with our allies? To raise the ability levels of the Shinobi and increase friendship between allied nations to be sure. But it's important that you understand its true meaning. The exams are so to speak…they're a representation of the battle between allied nations!" Hiruzen said, making the Genin gain an uneasy feeling.
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Questioned Tenten, wondering why allied nations would be battling.
"If we look at our history, all the countries we're currently allied with were once neighboring nations which continuously fought with each other for power. In order to avoid destroying each other's military strength needlessly, those nations picked champions to do battle on behalf of their countries in a mutually selected location. That is how the Chūnin Exams originally began." Explained the Hokage, with Naruto clenching his fists slightly.
"So we're really just the shiny new tools villages get to show off in front of everyone, right?!" Naruto said spitefully, getting more than a surprised looks, along with wary looks from those who knew about his Curse Seal.
"Naruto, relax." Whispered Satsuki, making the Uzumaki clench his teeth but backed down while the Sandaime looked at him warily before he continued.
"While these exams are used to select those Shinobi who are worthy to become Chūnin, that's not the whole story. These exams are also a place where Shinobi can carry the pride of their nations on their backs and fight against other Ninja for their very lives! Many leaders and people of prominence from various countries are invited to attend these exams as guests and also possibly to seek Shinobi to work for them. This exam could determine the course of your Ninja work from here on out and more importantly, those rulers and prominent figures will watch your battles. Taking note of the strength of each Ninja and how each nation is developing. If there is a gap in power between the countries, the strong nations are inundated with mission requests for their Ninja and conversely the request to countries deemed weak decline. Therefore the stronger our nation is, the better our position when it comes to negotiating with neighboring countries. So it's important to show how much military strength our village has. The country's strength is the village's strength. The village's strength is the Shinobi's strength. And the true strength of the Shinobi is only achieved when it's pushed to its limit, such as in a life or death battle." Explained Hiruzen, making Orochimaru smirk at his words.
'I wonder how strong your village will be when it loses its last Uchiha and Jinchūriki, old man. At least you won't be alive to see Konoha crumble.' Orochimaru thought.
"This exam is a chance for each nation to display the strength of its Shinobi and hence, the strength of the nation itself. It's because this is an exam where your life is on the line, that it has meaning, and it's for this very reason that for the strength of the nation that your forerunners fought in this exam. It's truly a dream worth striving for." The Hokage concluded, with Naruto scoffing quietly.
'Risking your life for a village that doesn't give a damn about you in the first place. Yeah, that's really a dream someone should strive for.' Thought Naruto before shaking his head at the sudden dark thoughts.
"But then…why did you say the exams are to increase friendship?!" Tenten asked, wondering how an exam could be meant to support friendship between nations, when it's purpose is to have them fight each other.
"You only remembered half of what I said, you also mustn't have the wrong idea of the exams meaning! This is a custom in which balance is preserved by fighting and dying, in the world of the Shinobi that is friendship. The Third Exam is a fight for life with the pride of your village and your own dreams at stake." Declared Sarutobi, looking around at the Genin.
"Just tell us what the test is already. I can handle anything you throw at me, so stop wasting my time." Gaara said, getting impatient at how long it's taking to know what they'll do next, only caring if he gets to kill someone.
"Hmph, very well. Now then, listen closely, I'm going to tell you all exactly what you'll be doing for the Third Exam-" Hiruzen said, only to stop when a sickly looking Ninja appeared kneeling before him.
"Hokage-sama, please allow me to finish explaining the Third Exam as the appointed proctor." Said the Ninja, making the Sandaime nod in response.
"Of course Hayate, please explain." Replied Sarutobi, moving aside to let Hayate explain the Third Exam with Hayate stepping up and turning towards the Genin.
"It's nice to meet you all, I am Hayate Gekkō the Proctor of the Third Exam. Now then, for the Third Exam all of you will be putting abilities in battle to the test, in one-on-one combat. But before we have the Third Exam, all of you will have one month to prepare yourselves to face your opponents as well as giving plenty of time for the traveling dignitaries to arrive. As for who you all will be facing, please direct your attention to the screen above us." Hayate explained before motioning to the upper left panel on the wall as it lifted up displaying a screen.
"This will determine who you will be facing for the Third Exam in one month." Said Hayate as the screen began shuffling through the names of the finalists.
Temari vs Tenten
"For the first round, it'll be Temari vs Tenten." Hayate declared, making both girls look at each other.
'Hmph, this'll be a piece of cake.' Temari thought, smirking as she looked Tenten up and down, not worried about her chances with the brunette clenching her fists.
'I'll show her what I can do.' Thought Tenten, not liking the look on the Suna Kunoichi's face.
Satsuki Uchiha vs Sakura Haruno
"The second is Satsuki Uchiha vs Sakura Haruno." Said Hayate, surprising both girls that they'll be fighting.
"Uh…Satsuki-" Sakura said, doubting she'd have a chance against Satsuki, believing it'd be better if she forfeited and let her fight someone that'd give her a better challenge.
"Let's both just do our best Sakura, and make sure you use all the time you can to prepare for the finals. And don't hold anything back, show everyone what you can do." Said Satsuki, cutting her off, surprising the pinkette that she actually would want to fight her before she quickly nodded.
"R-right!" Replied Sakura while Naruto smiled at his teammates.
"I'm sure you both will be really great." Naruto stated, making the girls smile at him.
Neji Hyūga vs Gaara
"The third round shall be Neji Hyūga vs Gaara." Hayate said with Gaara looking at the Hyūga and Neji doing the same.
'I may need to be careful with him. But fate has already decided who the victor will be.' Neji thought, confident he'll be able to defeat Gaara with the training he'll be doing.
Only to scowl when Gaara looked away after giving him a dismissal look, instead turning towards Naruto and Satsuki.
'Them…mother wants their blood. They will prove my existence.' Thought Gaara having no interest in Neji, not with the power he sensed from Naruto and Satsuki.
Rock Lee vs Chōji Akimichi
"Round four will be Rock Lee vs Chōji Akimichi." Said Hayate.
"Yosh! Let us ensure we have a youthful match! But please understand that I will not hold back in attaining victory!" Lee said, smiling and giving a thumbs-up to Chōji.
"Oh man, why couldn't it have been an eating contest. I'm starving after going through that forest." Said Chōji, holding his stomach.
"Just do your best Chōji, maybe afterwards Asuma-sensei will take us out for barbecue." Shikamaru suggested, causing the Akimichi Heir to immediately gain a fire in his eyes at the mention of food.
Naruto Uzumaki vs Shikamaru Nara
"Round five shall be Naruto Uzumaki vs Shikamaru Nara." Hayate stated, with the whiskered ravenette smirking eagerly at his match.
"Don't be too upset when you hit the ground, Shikamaru." Said Naruto while the Nara sighed tiredly.
"Troublesome. I prefer just forfeiting right now than having to fight." Shikamaru said only to grunt when Ino smacked him on the head.
"Don't even think about it, Shikamaru! You can't lose to Naruto of all people! We'd be a joke!" Ino said, refusing to let Shikamaru forfeit or lose to Naruto.
Only for the Yamanaka Heiress to shiver and feel eyes on her, making her look only to flinch at seeing the dark glare Naruto was giving her.
"You're next when I'm done tearing him apart!" Growled Naruto, angered at her words, that anyone who lost to him would be a joke.
His words and actions once again getting surprised and wary looks, those that knew him not used to seeing the Uzumaki act like this before. While those that knew about the Curse Seal grew more concerned at how it's affecting him.
Kankurō vs Ino Yamanaka
"And for the final match, Kankurō vs Ino Yamanaka." Hayate said with Kankuro and Ino looking at each other, before the former scoffed.
'I doubt I'll even be fighting. With a month to prepare, it'll give me plenty of time to work on Crow for the invasion and I can't reveal all its secrets. And besides, that kid…' Thought Kankuro, looking at Naruto warily at his sudden outburst and changed appearance.
Not sure how or why he suddenly changed so much, only that whatever happened to him in the forest, it reminded Kankuro too much of Gaara.
'Yeah, if he wants to fight her too, I'm not getting in his way.' Kankuro thought, not wanting to find out just how similar Naruto's become to his brother.
"Those are all the match-ups for the Third Exam. Make sure you all prepare yourselves in one month and are ready for anything your opponent has in store for you. Now then, you're all dismissed and good luck to all of you. We'll see you all in one month." Hayate said.
All the Genin nodded before everyone began leaving the arena, knowing they'll have a lot to do for them to be ready for the finals.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see the Curse Seal is beginning to adapt and evolve to break free of the Evil Sealing Method, leading to it spreading through Naruto's mindscape, soon reaching and integrating itself into the Eight Trigrams Seal. Getting the attention of the Kyūbi as it watches the Curse Seal spread, sensing its own Chakra and its siblings when it begins spreading to the inside of the Eight Trigrams Seal.
Leading to the Kyūbi attempting to purge, only for the Curse Seal to retaliate and awakens the Mokuton deep within Naruto's DNA and the Adamantine Sealing Chains, restraining Kyūbi before spreading to her as well. Before we then see the Curse Seal search for any other threats to itself, discovering Minato's and Kushina's Chakra Imprints as well, capturing them and adding them to the cocoon with Kyūbi as it begins converting them. With it also beginning to change Naruto as well, putting him in a permanent Stage One Form.
Before we then see Orochimaru and Kabuto discussing why he marked Naruto as well and being aware that he likely won't be taking Satsuki as a vessel if he has Naruto as his successor, but knows either way he'll succeed in his goal. While also revealing more information about the Curse Seal of Hell and what it's capable of, as well as how the Sound Four's Curse Seals are precursors to it and their own abilities. With both knowing they have now idea what to expect, only that the Curse Seal will continue evolving and adapting.
Then we go to the next day as Naruto and the girls react to the markings covering Naruto's body and how the Curse Seal broke free of the Evil Sealing Method, before trying to think of something only to come up with nothing but to wait and hope nothing else happens. Before Team Seven heads to the arena to learn about the Final Exam, with Kakashi, Anko, and the Hokage being concerned and wary at seeing the markings on Naruto, while the disguised Orochimaru is intrigued at the new changes.
Finally the Hokage explains the true purpose of the exams before Hayate announces when the finals will take place and who will be fighting, showing different matches than canon, aside from Temari vs Tenten. With the Genin then being dismissed to train and prepare for the next month. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out