Ninja of the Void
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any characters associated with it.
"Talking"
Thoughts
Chunin Exams 3
~ Forest of Death ~
A man under the guise of a ninja hidden in the grass watched in cold calculation as each genin team entered through their gates. But his interest was more focused on a particular team which was entering through a gate nearby. This man had his eye on Sasuke Uchiha, the last member of his clan with the ultimate eye technique without equal. This particular man wanted those eyes for himself. However having the eyes would not be the same as owning them.
Implanting the Sharingan eyes always left them on by default which exhausted chakra faster. So to reap the best benefits without the drawbacks, he needed to own his body. To do this he needed to ensnare him in a carefully woven trap to make certain he commanded his absolute obedience. Knowing his history with his brother and clan, he already had a plan in play.
Orochimaru, the snake sannin formerly of Konoha could hardly contain his excitement. His dream was to be the greatest ninja who had ever lived. With the power to bend the world to anything he wished it to be, his eagerness could only be matched by his patience. "Soon Sasuke Uchiha, you will be mine".
So taking his cue his team entered the forest making haste to find team seven to begin the first step of his plan.
~ Forest of Death ~
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio were now leaping through the forest careful not to be spotted while simultaneously keeping a look out for a group that could have their scroll.
"Come on guys!" called Ino excitedly. "Let's quickly get a scroll and get to the finish line!"
"But don't you think we should make sure we have the proper food provisions?" asked Chouji. "We might get stuck here longer then we planned".
"If it's going to be that troublesome why don't we just take a scroll from Naruto's or Hinata's group" said Shikamaru which earned him a glare from his team. "I'm just saying".
"Well there wouldn't be any point though" then said the husky ninja. "Our three teams have the same scroll. So there really isn't any point to go after them".
"True" then said Ino. "Plus it would be in rather bad taste after the week we spent together".
The boys nodded at this.
"Well let's just be the first to finish then! That'll show who the best amongst the rookie nine is!"
Shikamaru and Chouji could only sigh in agreement as they had no choice but to follow along.
Team eight definitely had an advantage in this particular test. Shino's bugs were used for reconnaissance as well as sensory. Kiba's nose could sniff out danger as his dog Akamaru could gauge the strength of his opponents. Hinata's eyes could see if an opposing team had what they needed thus reducing their need to oppose an enemy team unnecessarily.
"By the way Hinata" asked Kiba. "What's that thing Naruto gave you?"
The pale girl gave a strained chuckle at this. "Just a . . . . Good luck charm".
". . . . Well if you say so".
Shino and Kiba knew it was partly a lie as the three of them were trained to check for deception with their unique talents. However in this particular case they knew it wasn't exactly a lie, but it wasn't entirely the truth either. But since she was their teammate it was best to leave it is.
Now safely packed away in her ninja bag, was one of Naruto's time seals. Of course she knew how to use it as she was the one who practically invented it. In learning with Naruto, she had a fair understanding of how the seal formulas worked. But as useful as this ninja tool was, it wasn't designed for her. Due to mass consumption of how much chakra it needed to power it she was better off sticking to her own techniques. But looking at her current circumstance it didn't hurt to have one just in case.
"Let's move quickly" said Shino. "Victory favors the bold".
At this notion they spotted a group whose plates said they were from the village hidden in the sand.
~ Forest of Death ~
"One crazy event after another" sighed Naruto as he finished beating down his current opponent.
"What did you think? Everyone is desperate to pass and only half will make it to the next test" said Sakura as she delivered her finishing kick to the opposing ninja.
"Waste of time" then said Sasuke at finishing his opponent. "They didn't even have the scroll we needed let alone their own".
"Probably got theirs stolen early on" said the pink kunoichi. "It's bound to happen. But we have to be more careful from now on".
Naruto and Sasuke nodded at this. It was understood that this was a survival mission to whom everyone was pitted against each other. This meant conserving as much as possible as this was a dog eat dog competition to which if you were too weak to continue there would be a good chance of either defeat or even death.
"Man this stinks" said the blond throwing a slight tantrum. "We have to run from fights like cowards".
"Don't be such a dobe" then said Sasuke. "Who knows what is up a head? So it's best that we stay as fresh as possible". Although he partly had to agree with Naruto, for he hated running from a fight.
"Boys . . . . ", Sakura could only sigh as she knew that was probably what they were most likely thinking. Even though she felt Sasuke was the most mature in their group, she sometimes wondered if she was the more mature one when it came to problem solving. "Well let's get going then".
So they went as team seven ventured through the forest being careful not to run into any dangers. Although they were worried about opposing teams, the forest was equally as dangerous as there were leeches the size of cats, bugs as big as them, man-eating plants looming around, and many other things they didn't want to closely look into. But seeing they weren't going to make any more progress that day, the team decided to make camp for the night at a place they believed would be safe.
Sakura gathered the wood as Naruto caught their dinner while Sasuke lit the fire.
"Katon! Fireball no jutsu" as the young Uchiha spat out a small burst of flame lighting the fire as Naruto stuck six fishes around them.
Sakura took a seat as she looked into the blaze as the light of the fire reflected in her eyes. "You know" as a soft smile formed, "I never really thought about it. But it's nice spending time like this with you guys".
Naruto smiled at this as he turned the fishes around.
"I suppose" said Sasuke stoically. Although he didn't want to admit it, this bonding time was beginning to grow on him. Of course at first he detested it as it was all a means to an end for what he wanted. But after spending time with the other rookie nine he started to feel something he hadn't felt for a very long time which was a sense of belonging. Hell, even Sakura's annoyingly attentive personality began to grow on him. However this was all stuff he kept to himself. "Hand me a fish".
After their meal the trio slept in shifts to make certain they didn't get ambushed in their sleep. But by the time morning came, they were off again. However unknown to them, someone was watching them the entire time.
"What the plan?" asked Sakura. "We only have four days left to complete this test not to mention make our way to the center area".
"Simple" Sasuke smirked. "All we need to do is find the team with our scroll and get it".
Naruto folded his arms behind his head. "Stop trying to act cool jerk. You have no idea how we're supposed to do that since we have no idea who has the heavens scroll".
"Tsk, whatever" as he still kept his cool.
Although Naruto was still annoyed by this personality quirk Sakura being the adolescent girl she was found his rebellious behavior to be very cool.
As the pink kunoichi continued to absentmindedly fawn over the young Uchiha, she then noticed her teammates had stopped moving. ". . . . Guys? What's wrong?"
The blond looked serious as did Sasuke.
". . . . Did you feel that?"
"Yeah . . . . Something's close".
At first confused, Sakura now knew what it was as she started to feel a low rumble. ". . . . What is that?"
"I don't know" said Naruto warily.
"But whatever it is" then continued Sasuke. "There's no point in running". For whatever it was, it was big from the chakra presence they felt as they were completely surrounded by it.
The rumbling continued to grow stronger as team seven started to grow tenser to discover what this big presence was.
"Where the hell could it be?" asked Naruto looking around as his face started to reflect worry.
"I . . . . I don't know". For Sakura could feel her knees shaking. As much as she commanded them to stop, she could not deny she was starting to get scared.
"Where the hell is it?" stressed Sasuke. In his analysis something didn't seem right. He didn't sense anything move around him. But if that was the case, then where could this thing be? Soon realization came to him but a bit too late as the attack was already upon them. "Move!"
Surprise came from underground as an enormous snake shot out gobbling the blond that was in his path.
"Naruto!" his teammates called, but it was too late to reach for him. So salvaging what he could do Sasuke grabbed Sakura as he jumped them both back.
"Sasuke-kun! What about Naruto?" But as they looked, the snake had already began slithering away faster than they could chase it.
"That dobe!"
But before they could plan their next move, "it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person Sasuke Uchiha".
The pair then looked to see a very intimidating looking ninja before them. Although he was supposed to be a genin, his presence felt much stronger than that.
Sakura could feel the killing intent the ninja was giving as she felt her body freeze at his aura. " . . . . I think we might be in trouble".
~ Forest of Death ~
"Let me the hell out of here you stupid snake!" screamed Naruto as he was barely succeeding in keeping the reptile from swallowing him. In the brief moment before the attack, he saw as their attacker was clearly a giant snake. But something this big living in the forest was just unbelievable. Nevertheless he was more concerned with getting out alive then thinking why this snake decided to make him lunch.
But he was barely hanging on as the snakes saliva did not allow him to use chakra to stick to anything and his hands were barely hanging onto the reptiles fangs. As he continued to struggle, he was also forced to wrestle with the snake's tongue as it was successful in grabbing his leg pulling him in.
Naruto clenched as now he was getting pissed. "Alright you stupid snake! You want a meal I'll give you a meal! But I hope you like it spicy!" to which he then dropped in.
From outside the snake, it had a satisfied look on its face. But soon a questionable look appeared as it then looked in pain. Its body soon expanded before normalizing a moment later. It then opened its mouth as smoke shot out as it soon passed out.
~ Forest of Death ~
Sasuke was battling like hell against the enemy ninja, but felt how futile it was.
In one move, their opponent launched a powerful genjutsu which caused both he and Sakura to pause in fear at feeling the cold hand of death on their shoulder. However the young Uchiha refused to go down like this as he recovered quickly and started his counter. The thought of running did cross his mind. But seeing the kind of state his pink teammate was still in he couldn't abandon her like that. So he began to fight as his life did quite literally depended on it.
Orochimaru was pleased thus far at what he was seeing. Sasuke's physical parameters were well above his expectations of what he wanted when he took his body for his own.
Sasuke could tell his opponent wasn't taking him seriously. "But he's going to regret not doing so". So pulling out several wires and shurikens, he launched them all with high precision. Then seeing the moment was right he merged all the wires together around him as it swirled around the enemy binding him to a tree creating one wire in front of him. "Katon! Dragon fire no jutsu!" to which in one stream of fire his opponent was immersed in flames as he appeared to be burning alive. "That ought to show him" he breathed out in relief.
But his eyes then snapped open as a snake emerged from the flame shooting right at him. "I won't move in time!"
Just as the snake was an inch away from biting him, "The hell you don't!"
Right before the young Uchiha's eyes Naruto appeared grabbing it as it started to snap in front of his face. "How did you get here?"
"Questions later, just get this thing out of my face!" as the snake's attention was now focused on Naruto as it started trying to bite him.
Sasuke immediately snapped out of his stupor as he grabbed for the snake head as well. But in doing so both boys were then pulled forward towards their enemy as he then grabbed them both by the neck in a choke hold showing great ease as he held them both up.
The boys struggled to get free but were unable too as it was clear they were completely out of their league in strength against the man they were facing.
"Fu fu fu, how entertaining you've both been. But I'm afraid I will have to cut this short now". The man then reopened his mouth as his tongue started to transform back into a snake.
"Eww" thought Naruto as he then reached back to his ninja pack. "Looks like I have no choice but to use my last time seal". In getting so far from his team, he needed to get back to them as soon as possible as the snake attack seemed to have more purpose to just be a coincidence. With his last time seal he planned to do whatever he could to end this fight.
Orochimaru easily spotting his move whacked his hand which caused him to drop the scroll. "Fu fu fu interesting, how did you escape from the snake I sent to eat you?"
Naruto grunted as he gave a smirk. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
"Hmm it doesn't matter as I'll be starting with you soon" as his snake began inching closer to Sasuke.
As the young Uchiha eyed the reptile with slight fear, relief washed over him at seeing a kunai fly right by his shoulder stabbing the snake in the throat.
"Ahhhh!" Orochimaru screamed.
Both boys were then released as they fell flipping to correct their balance as they stuck themselves to the tree.
Naruto looked to see his scroll. "Sakura! The scroll! Throw it to me!"
The pink kunoichi body flickered to it as she picked it up and threw it.
The blond caught it as he unbundled it. "Hey Sasuke got my back?"
"Why? Got a plan?"
"Yeah, keep him busy!"
Sasuke dashed forward shooting multiple fireballs to which Orochimaru easily swatted away. Then sending his snake tongue out again, he was surprised he didn't have to move as his other teammate had him covered.
"Don't forget that I'm here too" said Sakura as her kunai connected wire was successful in binding the snake tongue.
"Annoying pest" as he flicked his tongue lifting the pink kunoichi throwing her aside.
Sasuke reengaged the man shooting more fireballs at him. "Hey dobe! Any day now!"
"Just get me near him!"
"I'll cover you both" as Sakura pulled out several shurikens and kunais.
"Alright! Let's do this!" to which their plan commenced.
"These brats are starting to become quite the pests". Orochimaru couldn't believe it. Three little genins just barely out of the academy was giving a war veteran like himself this much trouble, "Annoyances!"
Sakura threw several kunais forcing Orochimaru to dodge. At waiting for this moment Sasuke came face to face with him giving him the best genjutsu he knew, but knowing that wouldn't hold him for long he had no choice but to depend on whatever Naruto was planning.
Orochimaru punched Sasuke away as he rubbed his eyes at receiving the full brunt of it. "I'll make you pay for that!" But then felt a hand on his chest. The snake man looked down to see a seal formula on him with the blond's hand placed over it.
"Be gone!" Naruto commanded and with that their opponent disappeared to which his scroll turned to ash.
At seeing the enemy ninja nowhere in sight, the trio quickly found a safe place to recuperate as they went over what just happened.
"There's no way a guy like that could have been a genin" said Sakura. "He was way too powerful to be just that".
"Agreed" said Sasuke. For in facing him, that man was at least as strong as Kakashi . Probably even stronger from what he felt. He then looked to the blond with scrutinizing eyes, "Naruto, what did you just do back there?"
Naruto choked at the question. "Uhh . . . . just a new trick I learned".
"What kind of trick is that?" then questioned Sakura. "I've never seen anything like it before".
"Well, it was just something . . . . I've been working on".
Sasuke felt irked at the blond's attitude in trying to avoid the question. So deciding to just spill it out for him, "You just performed a time-space jutsu didn't you? There's no way you could have just appeared like that before with a body flicker. Plus whatever you did to that guy was unlike any jutsu I have ever seen".
"Time-space jutsu? Naruto?" said the pink kunoichi unbelievably. "There's no way he can do something like that".
However the young Uchiha kept his glare. There was no way he was going to let Naruto skate by on this one. In seeing his track record, his blond teammate was doing things that should be by all tense of purposes impossible. At this time, he demanded the truth. If he chose to keep prolonging it then there was definitely going to be a problem between them.
At seeing the questioning eyes his teammates were giving him, he could only sigh as he had no choice but to fold as prolonging the truth any further was going to cause problems. "Yeah . . . . It's true".
Sakura stared as she could only gape at the confession. "No way, you were capable of such things? That kind of stuff in jounin level work!" as she was still in utter disbelief at what she was hearing.
Sasuke continued to keep his glare as a bit of jealousy began to spur in him.
Naruto waved his hands at this. "Well it's not like I know it".
". . . . What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well . . . . " as he scratched the back of his head. "My dad left all this research for me which I was able to look at. All I did was decipher what some of the formulations did and rest" noting the things he's done before "is history". He then began giving a nervous chuckle, "so basically I understand how to use it, but I don't understand how it works . . . ."
"Wow" said Sakura as she reflected at every miraculous thing she had ever seen Naruto do. "That's one hell of a thing to inherit". Thinking about it now, "What ninja could have been working on time-space research?" Time-space manipulation was still a relatively new field in ninja research even though it's been around for so long. Only a small handful of people in Konoha were even looking into it due to how dangerous the research was. In that thought she could only ponder, ". . . . who is Naruto's dad?"
However at the confirmation of his suspicions, Sasuke had other thoughts. "I need to get my hands on that research . . . . " With such power at his finger tips revenge would not be just a dream anymore. But it was something that had to wait till later as now they were still in the middle of a test and doing something antagonistic to his own teammate now could prove to be quite conducive to his goal in gaining power. He then got up, "we'll talk about this later".
"Oh by the way Naruto" asked Sakura as a certain thought came to mind. "How did you escape from that snake?"
". . . . Let's just say I gave it heart burn, indigestion, upset stomach, and diarrhea all at the same time".
"OK . . . . So how did you escape?"
". . . . Let's not talk about it" as the blond grimaced at the sheer thought of it.
At that statement Sasuke and Sakura could only show an expression of disgust as they realized what his statement implied. " . . . . Eww".
"So what now?" then asked Sakura. "Without knowing our surrounding territory we have no idea what to do next. Although logically it would make sense to wait near the finish line to steal one, the danger level increases as probably other teams have thought of that plan as well. Plus with that snake attack, all the surrounding teams are probably very far away from us now".
"I've got it covered" said Naruto as he made his cross seal. In an instant several bunshins ran out in all directions. "We should know shortly of what to do next".
~ Forest of Death ~
Team eight was running into quite a bit of trouble. On day one, they had a run in with the sand siblings. At witnessing them slaughter some hidden rain ninjas they were going to be the next course as they were spotted by the creepy red head that sent his sand after them. At seeing the kind of monster they were up against, Hinata had no choice but to use her time seal to jump them out of there. Upon use, her chakra reserves were seriously tapped forcing her team to stop to allow her to recuperate.
But what really turned things to the worse for a wounded prey is when the vultures started to come. As bad as it looked it was also a benefit. In the several teams that went in to try and pick them off they were also preoccupied with other team ambushes as soon their area started to become a battle royal. However Shino and Kiba did not dare to leave Hinata's side until she was ready to move again. But the Hyuga heiress would not have such a thing.
"What are you guys waiting around here for?" said Hinata. "We have to do something now".
"You can't" said Kiba adamantly. "After whatever you just did yesterday you're in no condition to do anything else".
"He's right" simply said Shino.
"But staying here isn't any safer" rebutted Hinata as she looked out to the battle field. "At the way things are looking we may have to fight our way out".
"But you're not strong enough to do a full on fight!" At that statement Kiba flinched as he could've sworn his usually nice pale teammate was giving him the famed Hyuga glare.
"We don't have a choice. We have to go now".
The bug ninja stared for a moment before looking out again for she had a point concerning their situation. "Very well. Just stay close".
Team eight then rushed out and at noticing this action some of the teams engaged them as the others were still busy fighting amongst themselves. But in this fight, their main advantage was that their opponents were not expecting much out of rookie genins and that was going to be their downfall.
"Hey guys! We've got your back!"
Just in time, team ten arrived to join the fray as they made quick work of their arrogant opponents.
Kiba and Shino were off battling their own adversaries which left Hinata open as another team advanced on her knowing she had their scroll.
Hinata backed into her Jyuken stance as her options were limited. " . . . . I might have to try my new jutsu style".
But to her surprise, team seven came flying in as each taking their own opponent as Sasuke flew in with a kick while Naruto and Sakura flew in with a punch.
"Naruto-kun!" as her eyes shined upon his appearance. "What are you doing here?"
"One of my bunshins saw what was going on. So he alerted us and now here we are".
Hinata smiled brightly at this as she nodded. "Some of the people here has the heaven's scroll. Here's our chance to get one!"
"Alright! Let's get this party started!" as the rookie nine began crushing the opposition.
"Who the hell are they guys?"
"They're supposed to be rookies right? Why are they so strong?"
"Run away!"
"Let's get out of here and just find someone else to steal from!"
Upon seeing their attempted escape, Sasuke and Shikamaru were successful in securing a scroll for their team.
"He's escaping" stated Hinata as she began to give chase to the escaping team with a heaven's scroll.
"No! Don't go off on your own!" exclaimed Naruto as he ran right behind her.
"Wait you guys!" said Kiba. "Don't go without a third back-up!"
"She'll be fine" said Shino. "Naruto will keep her safe, but more importantly . . . ." as his bugs swarmed around a panicking hidden grass ninja. "We've got our own ninjas to take care of".
"You won't get away" as Hinata was right behind them. As they attempted to escape she was closing in right behind them as she was easily fast enough to catch them. But that's when she noticed something amidst. ". . . . Why are they slowing down?" Finally closing the distance behind them, she realized too late what they had done. In landing, she activated several exploding tags as they were lit around her. At attempting to jump away a net of more tags was about to fall on her. Unable to see a way out, she did the only thing she could do. "Kaiten!" However the explosion was still immense as her Jyuken style defense was successful in absorbing most of the force, but not enough as the blast threw her flying into a tree as she rebounded off it landing on the ground.
"Did we get her?"
"Who cares! So long as the scroll is fine let's just take it and go!" As they approached her a blond ninja then appeared in front of them as he kneeled next to her.
"Hinata-chan! Hinata-chan! Are you OK? Speak to me!" as Naruto held her up to see her condition. However as he gently shook her, she appeared lifeless to the blond jinchuriki as his heart sank at receiving no response whatsoever from his pale friend. "Hinata-chan . . . ." at his eye soon began to widen in shock to what this could've meant.
"Hey, is that guy one of her teammates?"
"Doesn't matter, just move him aside, get the scroll, and let's get to the center as fast as possible without running into any other trouble".
"Yeah . . . .what the?" as the hidden waterfall ninjas looked around, it appeared as if all the animals were running away. "What in the hell are they running from?" But in careful observation anything that could move was moving away from their area. "What the hell is up with the wildlife?" for even the trees seemed to have been shivering. As they looked back they saw as the blond slowly set the girl down as he soon stood. Then as he turned to face them, nothing could describe the fear they felt as he looked to them. The moment they stared into his eyes they swore they saw a demon of absolute bloodlust as he was now glowing an ominous red orange chakra.
"He's . . . . he's only one guy right?" one of them said trying to sound confident. "We can take him if we work together".
"Yeah . . . ." as his tone reflected nervousness. "Let's get him now before any of his teammates show up".
Naruto was barely containing himself as he stood still.
The three waterfall ninjas stepped back as they felt a pulse of his malevolent chakra.
"I think it would be wise to retreat".
Just before they could do so Naruto had easily closed the distance between them as he stood in front of them growling all the while. "None of you are going to get away with this" he growled. In one move the Kyubi's chakra pulsed hitting all three of them at the same time.
"What the hell was that?"
"Let's just get the hell out of here!"
But in blinding speed Naruto captured all of them as he began beating them mercilessly. Even though his opponents were competent ninjas and skilled in many ways, they were like helpless children against the blond's demonic rage as their techniques had little to no effect on him.
As two of them were beaten well into unconsciousness, one was still left trying to crawl away. He was then turned around as Naruto grabbed him by the shirt lifting him up. The waterfall ninja was now beyond scared as he didn't have enough willpower to fight back anymore. "Please don't kill me" he choked out. "It was nothing personal, it was just part of the test".
"Just a test?" as Naruto was barely controlling his rage. "She is my friend! And now I'm going to make you pay for what you did to her!" as he struck him hard enough to dislocate his jaw. But that wasn't enough. His rage would not be quelled from just that. He needed him to pay and he was going to pay with his blood as he struck again and again and again. "Now you're going to die!"
"Naruto-kun! Don't!"
At those words, "Hinata-chan" as he slowly looked back to see the pale girl now resting against the tree as she looked scared at what was occurring. He immediately dropped his battered opponent as he quickly went to her side. Upon approach, the Hyuga heiress slightly flinched back out of impulse. ". . . . What have I done?" It quickly became clear to him that she saw it all. Moments passed by in uncomfortable silence as neither of them knew what to say.
He then looked to the side as he tried to play this one off with an innocent laugh. ". . . . I'm sorry . . . . Hinata-chan. If I scared you with what I just did back there".
However the Hyuga heiress was still scared at what she was witnessed too. However, Hinata easily recognized the façade Naruto was putting on as he appeared to be quite hurt about how she reacted. At realizing her initial reaction, she shuttered but she couldn't help it considering what she just saw. So slowly she began to speak up, ". . . . thank you Naruto-kun . . . . for saving me".
"Ye . . . . Yeah" as he rubbed the back of his head nervously.
Hinata slowly stood up as she walked towards him all the while thinking carefully about her blond friend. Although she was slightly scared of him, he was still the same person she came to know. As she steadied herself, she now stood before him with calm eyes as she looked into his soul as if searching for an answer, "Naruto-kun . . . . is this the thing you didn't want to tell me?"
Naruto gave a slightly pained look before giving a choked laugh. "No Hinata-chan . . . . " as he started to look away again. "It's not anything like that".
"Naruto-kun" as a sad expression began to appear. "Please don't lie to me and please don't play games with me either. I want to know the truth . . . ."
The blond jinchuriki could only feel himself waver as he swore he would never make her cry. But this was something he could barely accept himself. So how was he supposed to expect his closest friend to do what he could not? But with a heavy heart he looked into her pale eyes as he told her the truth of what he discovered about himself.
As the Hyuga heiress patiently listened, she was in the lack of better words stunned at what she was hearing. "No way . . . . Naruto-kun is the Kyubi's jinchuriki?" It was more or less common knowledge that each of the great elemental nations had a bijuu in order to balance the power between the villages. But the identities of the jinchurikis were usually kept a secret as they were commonly feared and hated by their own villages. But in uttering this fact to herself she began to feel her heart break as she recalled how most adults tended to treat her friend. ". . . . Have you really been hurting this much Naruto-kun? Were you really forced to live with such a burden?"
At seeing her, " . . . . She's definitely scared of me now . . . ." Just by looking, it reflected a mixture of emotions which made it difficult to register what she was really feeling. But trying to avoid the inevitable he turned around as he gave a strained laugh. "Well . . . . that's the story . . . . I understand that you're scared . . . . and if . . . . you don't want to be around me anymore . . . . I understand". He dared not try to face her and he dared not wish to stick around to hear her answer. Just as he was about to run away he felt a tug at his jacket. Being surprised by this action, Naruto then turned around to see Hinata looking at him pleadingly. ". . . . Hinata-chan?"
". . . . It doesn't matter Naruto-kun" as her eyes now became shadowed underneath her bangs. "It just doesn't matter . . . ." Hinata then looked up. For her eyes now reflected sincerity at what she had to say next. "You're still the same person I've known ever since we were children. You're not a danger to anyone especially to me. So please Naruto-kun don't be sad anymore because . . . . because . . . . you're not alone anymore".
"Hinata-chan . . . ." at hearing those words he couldn't help but grasp the pale girl as he held her tightly as if confirming this was real. ". . . . Thank you".
In response to this Hinata blushed as he had never been held like this by her blond friend before. However she soon relaxed as she understood what this meant to him as she slowly hugged him back. "I'm glad you're OK now . . . ."
As they softly held each other they soon heard a whistle sound.
"We were so worried about you guys and you run off doing something like this?"
The pair looked at the source of the voice to see the entire rookie nine looking at them which caused them to blush as they jumped apart from each other. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to see you hugging" said Sasuke in a kind of irritated tone. "I can't believe I got dragged here for this".
"Wooh Naruto, Hinata, how long has this kind of relationship been going on?" teased Ino.
"I can't believe you guys made us worry like that" said Kiba.
Shikamaru, Chouji, and Shino remained silent as they didn't really care to add anything to the already complicated situation.
Meanwhile, "Naruto!" said Sakura threateningly which caused the blond to feel slightly scared now. "You better not have done something inappropriate to Hinata while we were all off fighting to pass this test".
"No! It's nothing like that".
Sakura then cracked her knuckles in a threatening manner as she didn't believe that blond's story.
"Really Sakura-san" said Hinata. "Nothing happened!" and so the debate went as the rookie nine attempted to sort through the drama of what they saw. But after a good twenty minutes things finally calmed down as the group were readying themselves to leave.
"Since we all got the scrolls we needed" said Kiba. "We better go to the finish line before someone decides to jump us or something".
"Right!" said Ino. "Last one there is a rotten egg" as her team was soon off as Chouji and Shikamaru could only sigh at the enthusiasm of their teammate.
"Let's get going" said Shino. "The longer we wait the more dangerous it'll become for us".
"Let's go dobe" said Sasuke. "I don't want to wait around here forever".
"Right right" said Naruto. "Let's get going". But before the two teams departed he looked to Hinata one last time. "Please keep my secret for now".
"I will" as she smiled softly.
And with that the rookie nine were off to the finish line.
To be continued . . . .
Author's notes: As noted in the last chapter, the time seals are very weak in comparison to the watch not to mention they can only accomplish a few of the tasks the watch does. But for those wondering about Orochimaru, I have something fun planned for him later in the story which I think some of you might like. So I ask for your patience as I had already planned out pretty far how this story will go.
Also hopefully I portrayed Sakura as a more useful character because seriously she kind of sucks until Shippuden.
So I thank everyone for taking the time in reading this fic and further extend my gratitude if you can review it as well.