Chapter 19: The Test
Konoha, Hokage Tower
It had been nearly three days since Sakura had convinced Sasuke to reject Orochimaru. After he had returned, Kakashi had informed Tsunade of this recent development of Sasuke returning by choice. She was pleased by her student's achievement. She grinned, looking up at the copy-nin.
"So... she waged her life, gambled and won," Tsunade said, folding her hands together. "She's learned more from me than I thought."
Kakashi nodded. "Yes, and she was able to fight him in a prolonged battle, even finding a temporary way to counter his Chidori Nagashi."
"Definitely a good thing," Tsunade said, now looking at Kakashi. She began looking through some more papers. "Council's going to be all over my ass to have Sasuke brought in."
Kakashi nodded. Tsunade then began looking over Naruto's file. "Hm..."
"It's past time for it," Tsunade muttered, apparently to herself.
"Past time for him?" Kakashi asked, slightly confused.
She reached down under her desk and placed a Chunin vest on the desk. "This is for Naruto," She said simply with a smile.
"Huh?" Kakashi asked, slightly shocked at the turn of events.
"It's simple, actually. Due to his aid in rescuing the Kazekage, his attempts to keep your group together in the desert and looking over of a teammate, as well as completing a jutsu that not even Yondaime Hokage could complete, and of course defeating the S-Ranked criminal Uchiha Sasuke under Ba Sing Se," Tsunade explained.
Kakashi looked at her, then a small smile of his own. "I'm sure he'll be thrilled."
Tsunade smiled. She then began looking over the small file about Katara. Reading over her abilities and the growth she displayed training under Kurenai impressed the Hokage.
"Is there something else, Hokage-sama?" Kakashi asked, waiting to be dismissed.
"Hm...yes, this Katara girl," Tsunade started, looking at Katara's abilities. She had excellent chakra control, was smart and capable, and her bending abilities were apparently master level. "Any day now she could take the test for the Genin rank, correct? Or even today?"
"According to Kurenai, she is progressing rapidly and her chakra control especially is top notch."
Tsunade nodded. "Then I'm authorizing you, or Kurenai, in the capability of promoting her or any of the other travelers in your group to genin."
The Hokage looked over the small files for Toph, Suki, and Sokka. Toph was a blind Earthbender who was very skilled, however she was…unpredictable and had a 'I'm the best' complex. Suki was a seasoned Kiyoshi Warrior skilled in fan combat and the katana. And Sokka had a gifted mind, but average skills in battle at best.
"Is there any reason why these three haven't received any shinobi training?" Tsunade asked him, giving the jounin her critical eye.
"Toph has received some from Sakura during the downtime of their Earthbending sessions; however we haven't had a chance for Sokka or Suki yet."
"Then it's time to change that," Tsunade said, looking Kakashi directly in the eye. "You are now responsible for training these three."
Kakashi nodded. "Very well," he waited to see if the Hokage had anything else to say. "If that is all, Hokage-sama, I shall take my leave."
Tsunade nodded as Kakashi did the hand seals leisurely, and created the portal. He put his hands in his pockets as the portal closed slowly.
Tsunade looked down at her papers as she began shuffling through. "Know I just need a reason to give to the Council about Sasuke staying..."
Avatar Campsite
Back around the camp, Sakura had just finished unraveling the bandages around Naruto's shoulder. She grinned seeing that he barely had a scar there. She glanced over to Aang who was still sleeping in the medical tent. The blonde then groaned.
"Why didn't Kakashi-sensei take me with him? I wanted to get one of my extra jackets from my apartment," Naruto complained, putting his hands under his chin.
"Because you were too busy moaning over Hinata-chan, fighting with Sokka over whether his boomerang is an effective weapon or not, calling Sasuke-kun various names and asking me for the tenth time if Sasuke did anything inappropriate to me to notice when Kakashi was leaving."
Naruto's head drooped at that. "You're cruel Sakura-chan."
She giggled at that. "Well anyway, the less orange the better."
Naruto looked down at himself instinctively as he examined his orange and black clothes. Or what was left of them without his jacket "I happen to like orange, thank you very much." He told his female teammate defensively.
"Though it's not a very good color for a Ninja..." Sakura reminded him, while Naruto gave her a sharp look at her attire.
"And pink is?" He countered, and that's when Naruto went slamming into the ground leaving a sizeable impression in the dirt. "Anything else you want to comment on?" Sakura asked 'sweetly'.
"N-No...sorry Sakura-chan!" Naruto said from his position in the dirt, and Sakura smiled at him.
"Good."
Sheesh...her and her temper... what is it with insanely strong kunoichi and them pounding me into the ground every chance they get? Naruto whined mentally as he picked himself up and rubbed his head. "So, how's Aang doing?"
"He's getting better," She admitted. "Instead of being in a coma, he seems to be in a deep sleep. More like a trance I would guess." She looked in the Avatar's direction. "Who knows what's going on in that mind of his now."
Naruto nodded. The thought then crossed Sakura's mind. "So what were you working on while you were temporarily out of action?"
"That's a secret, Sakura-chan," Naruto told her happily, flashing his trademark smile.
"Aw, come on, you can tell me!" Sakura complained.
"Nope! That would ruin the surprise!" Naruto said. He took another look at Sakura and notice impending doom coming from his pink haired teammate, he quickly added. "Besides...it's not finished yet."
Sakura glowered, and then she looked down. "Alright...keep your secret."
Naruto breathed out a big sigh of relief, and then they heard a crash, and looked over to see Sokka trying to hit Sasuke with his boomerang. The Uchiha was avoiding each and every throw with a look of utter contempt on his face. Sokka was getting more and more frustrated since he had yet to land a single blow.
"You call yourself a warrior and still play with toys?" Sasuke asked, inching his head over as the boomerang came soaring around again. He easily caught it and looked it over. "Looks breakable to me."
"Hey give me that back you jerk!" Sokka yelled as he tried to get the boomerang back from Sasuke.
"Should I take up my promise of kicking your ass in four seconds?" Sasuke asked, calmly playing keep away with it.
"They seem to be getting along well," Naruto said dryly.
"It looks like you've been replaced as Sasuke-kun's punching bag, Naruto," Sakura joked.
"Aw, must you be so cruel to me, Sakura-chan? I did kick his ass under Ba Sing Se. He won't find me his punching bag!"
"You were his punching bag when we were kids thought," Sakura reminded him and his head drooped again.
"Why are you so cruel to me?" He asked, wiping away a fake tear as Sasuke's and Sokka's fight increased.
"Hey! Who was the one that got his butt kicked underneath Ba Sing Se by Naruto?!" Sokka yelled, jumping at Sasuke who easily sidestepped the lunge.
"Just because Sasuke's back in your life doesn't mean you two have to pick on me again!" Naruto cried dramatically at Sakura.
"Who's the two eyed wannabe monkey that thinks he's a real warrior!?" Sasuke shot back, sidestepping yet another lunge from Sokka.
"Who's the big traitor!?" Sokka retorted angrily, throwing yet another useless punch.
"Well, can't argue with that," Naruto said happily, like being in the family sense in Sakura's mind.
"Go play with your toys, idiot." Sasuke calmly threw the boomerang a distance, where it firmly embedded itself in a tree.
"Should we do something?" Naruto asked Sakura hesitantly, listening to Sokka incoherently whine about how the dumbass was treating his most prized weapon.
"Nah, we need a good show," Sakura said as Sasuke easily avoided all of Sokka's punches, and as if Sokka was shorter than him the Uchiha had put his hand on the young warrior's forehead to hold him off.
"You call that a fighting stance?" Sasuke asked. "What are you trying to do, bore me to death?"
"I'll kick your ass!" Sokka retorted as he struggled to land any blow on Sasuke.
"Prove it. Show me." Sasuke as he calmly stepped aside. Sokka - not expecting the sudden stop of resistance - fell face first on the ground. And Sasuke placed a foot on Sokka's back. In one swift motion, he took out his sword and tapped Sokka's neck with the back of it. "You just got beheaded."
"I...I wasn't expecting that!" Sokka yelled as Sasuke calmly sheathed his chokuto.
"So? You expect your enemy to do what you want? Play by your rules?"
Sokka glared at him and Sasuke sighed. "Your sister seems to be learning that with her sparing sessions with Kurenai."
He turned and walked towards the tree. He took hold of the boomerang and in one swift motion, yanked it out of the bark and tossed it at Sokka's feet. "Go play with your toys. Come back when you're truly a warrior." he then walked off.
Sokka gritted his teeth as Sasuke walked away. 'I hate that guy!' He put a hand to his chin. "Hmm...How can I kick his ass? Let's see..."
"Need any suggestions?" Naruto asked as he walked over. "I'm all for kicking the teme's ass."
"Know his weaknesses or any kind of lethal death rays that shoots out of your eyes?"
Naruto shook his head. "Hm...I wonder since he likes Sakura-chan a lot now...oh, I got it..."
"Make her beat him up?"
"No, something worse," Naruto said, chuckling. He whispered the plan to Sokka, who began to laugh and the teenager tried to hide it.
"Oh, that's perfect," Sokka hissed under his breath, loving the mental picture of Sasuke.
The two clasped their hands. "Now, when do we execute it?"
"Right now?"
"Nah, he'd be expecting some type of retaliation...we have to do it when he least expects it."
"Ok," Two seconds later, Sokka asked again. "Now?"
Naruto shook his head. "Lets wait until tonight, tomorrow, after Sakura finishes bathing."
"Alright," Sokka moaned, but didn't protest any further.
Down at the river, Katara was learning the finer parts of taijutsu from Kurenai. So far…she wasn't doing too well. She had caught on to ninjutsu fine, having somewhat of an affinity towards it as well as chakra control. But…close, hand to hand fighting was what she clearly had weakness in.
"Still too slow, Katara-chan," Kurenai said as she caught Katara's punch and tossed the young Waterbender into the river, making a big splash.
"Sorry!" Katara said, getting out of the water and bending it off of her. "Warrior skills are Sokka's thing. Not mine."
"No bending. This is taijutsu training."
"Not even to dry off?"
Kurenai shook her head. "You can dry yourself off if you can land a punch or kick on me."
"Um...ok..." She said, stopping. She then ran at Kurenai again, intent on landing a blow on her sensei.
Kurenai parried her fist away and dodged a roundhouse kick. The genjutsu mistress leaned back and avoided the kick and Katara began throwing a series of punches. With one hand Kurenai blocked them and the young Waterbender began to get frustrated. She launched her hand in a knife fist, intent on getting Kurenai in the face. However, the genjutsu mistress caught her wrist as she dodged and twisted, making the waterbender groan in slight pain.
"Never allow anger to cloud your judgment," She said, putting Katara in a submission hold. "That just makes it easier for your enemy to overwhelm you."
Katara nodded, panting slightly as Kurenai put her out of the hold. "Try one more time. Focus, but don't let anger overwhelm you."
Katara took a deep breath and launched herself in a punch at Kurenai again. The genjutsu mistress avoided the blow but the young waterbender got close. Katara then threw another punch, and Kurenai avoided it, yet she felt the wind from the blow caress her cheek. Katara began forming up a plan while she watched her sensei's footwork. She threw her fist in a punch again, but at the last second launched a kick, slamming her foot into Kurenai's face.
"Impressive," Kurenai admitted, rubbing her jaw where Katara's foot had connected.
Katara panted and her sensei smiled warmly at her. "So are we done for now?"
Kurenai nodded. "Yep, time for a break."
Kakashi had returned at the same time as the two returned to the camp. He was carrying something in his hands and he looked at the group. He then cleared his throat, looking at Naruto.
"First off, Naruto, please step forward," Kakashi ordered, and Naruto looked at the others and gulped.
"Whatever happened, I didn't do it!"
"By order of the Hokage, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Chunin," Kakashi said before Naruto could continue with any excuses.
"Finally!" Naruto said as quickly put on his new vest and looked at himself in pride.
Kakashi smiled. He then looked at Toph, Suki, and Sokka. "Hokage-sama has also put you three under my responsibility. I am going to train you."
"What?" Suki asked.
"Seriously?" Sokka added in enthusiasm.
"Why do I need it?" Toph asked, not seeing the point of training.
"You'll be able to beat up more bad guys," Sakura said with a giggle.
"And you'll be able to hide from you parents without them ever finding you," Naruto added, and that instantly sold Toph.
"Ok, I'm in!"
"Alright. Tomorrow, meet me in the field a half-mile away from here. It should give us enough space. Wake up at five AM and don't eat breakfast."
"Why not?" All three asked, not seeing why they shouldn't eat breakfast.
"Because you're likely to throw up," Kakashi told them seriously, making them gulp.
Kakashi smirked at their reaction, and then walked off. The three were left to wonder what type of training they got themselves in.
Ba Sing Se Palace
Azula did a low sweeping kick at Kabuto's legs, making the medic nin jump back. The traitor grinned as he dodged her blows, coming closer and closer to striking him. At the throne, Orochimaru watched, becoming impressed by the princess. Kabuto dodged the attacks again, being pushed back by the ferocity of her strikes.
Impressive. Not as impressive as Sasuke-kun, but impressive none the less. Few could stand up to Kabuto and yet she's doing it in a very short time, Orochimaru thought as he watched the match further.
Kabuto caught her wrist and redirected her next attack. However, she predicted that and kicked him in the kidney as she fell forward, making the traitorous Jounin groan. Azula shot a look of triumph at her teacher's face. Orochimaru laughed with amusement. He then stood up, applauding softly at her.
Azula looked up. "What's that for, Orochimaru?"
"Merely offering my congratulations," Orochimaru replied simply. "It's not often I get to see Kabuto squirm in agony."
"Is that so? He said it would take a week for me just to touch him," Azula said in pride.
"And how long as it been?"
"Just three days since we started."
Orochimaru looked at Kabuto. "Care to comment on that?"
"I...underestimated her rate of growth, Orochimaru-sama," Kabuto replied. "She is definitely a genius of high caliber."
"I expect no less from the daughter of the Fire Lord," Orochimaru said as he approached Azula. "And what is it that drives you, my dear, ambition, hatred, or the urge to pound Kabuto flat?" He reached out and touched her face, his finger tracing her jaw line as he looked her in the eyes. "Or something...more personal perhaps?"
"I...want to make myself stronger so I am worthy of Sasuke," Azula replied. "And so I can rule the Fire Nation with an iron fist stronger than my father's."
"Worthy of Sasuke?" Kabuto commented out loud. That was new.
He's an Uchiha, a genius, and a handsome man," Azula said with a grin. "Everything I've been wanting for in a husband. Strength, intelligence, and good looks. None of the suitors at home interest me, only when Sasuke worked with my team and I, I found my perfect match."
"And to think you two were betrothed to each other," Orochimaru said, now running his finger through her hair. "You nearly had him too."
"I will get him back."
"Oh? And how do you plan to do that?" Orochimaru asked, intentionally baiting her.
"I will drag him to my bed and take him."
"One must find him first in order to drag him," Orochimaru told her.
"Excuse me, Orochimaru-sama, but what do you mean when you by this betrothal?" Kabuto asked hesitantly.
"It was to cement the alliance between Oto and the Fire Nation. My protégé would marry the Fire Nation Princess to make out agreement permanent."
Kabuto raised an eyebrow. When did this happen? And why hadn't he been informed about this? Orochimaru then looked back at Azula. "So I ask you again: how do you intend to get him back?"
"As soon as he's found, by force."
"He is most likely with Naruto by now, who had defeated you earlier. As well as several other shinobi. Do you believe that you can take Sasuke by force with that sort of odds against you?"
"I will just attack with an entire army of my soldiers," Azula said and Orochimaru sighed.
"Such naiveté is unbecoming of you, Princess."
"And why is that?" Azula asked angrily.
"Your enemies are Naruto-who can create his own army of clones to fight yours, Hatake Kakashi, who can perform nearly a thousand jutsu and copy every move you or army make, Haruno Sakura, who has super strength and medical ability, as well as a Hyuuga and an ANBU. You lack the power, Azula, simple as that."
"Then I will just have to get more power!"
Orochimaru grinned. Far too easy. "Very well, and I can give you that power."
Azula looked at him. "How?"
"You've read up on my Cursed Seals, haven't you?" Orochimaru asked and Azula gave a nod. "Good, that makes this simpler. My newest one is the most powerful I ever created, even more powerful than the Curse of Heaven and Curse of Earth."
"And you would give this to me?" Azula asked suspiciously.
"Take it as an act of good faith. However, I must warn you-this seal has a low survival rate. 98 of those who received the Curse of Hell have died."
"Then those you put it on are weak. I am not." Azula said, making a fist. "I could handle two of them."
"Excellent," Orochimaru then stepped back, and did the seals. Azula watched...and the Snake Sannin's head began stretching at an incredible speed. She leaned back just as he bit her neck, injecting the formula made from Juugo's blood into her.
"Now...let me see that resolve of yours!" Orochimaru hissed, nearly laughing as he infected another person with his curse.
Azula began screaming in unimaginable pain. Her entire body felt like fire as three inverted commas appeared on the bite mark. Her screams echoed threw the entire palace, making Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee run into the throne room.
Zuko shivered slightly, as he looked at Mai and Ty Lee. "I don't suppose either of you know what's happening to my sister."
"I can answer that, my good Prince," Orochimaru said suddenly from behind of Zuko, making him leaped back reflexively. The Snake...freak always got him on edge since he arrived.
"How many times must I tell you not to do that?!" Zuko roared, despite the fear he was feeling. Orochimaru had developed this little game of suddenly appearing around him and scaring the hell out of him, and it worked every time too. But yelling always seemed to make his fear subside, at least temporarily. "Now...what the hell did you do to my sister?"
"I merely gave her what she wanted: power."
"What?" Zuko asked as Mai ran over.
"She has a fever...it's like there's a boiler under her skin!" Mai told the Prince in fear.
Orochimaru didn't react in the slightest. "Oh. So perhaps she won't be able to handle after all." he shook his head mockingly. "And after all her bragging and boasting...how disappointing."
"What?" Zuko snarled once again.
"The Cursed Seal of Hell has a 98 death rate, Zuko-kun," Orochimaru clarified, smirking slightly. "I suggest you watch your dear sister closely. Either she'll over come it and become stronger, or she'll leave this world… permanently."
Ty Lee and Mai picked Azula up. "We're going to take her into her room. Zuko, start getting some cold water," Mai ordered, hefting the Fire Nation Princess over her shoulder.
"Right," Zuko said as he felt Orochimaru's hand on his shoulder stopping him. He glared at the man. "Now what do you want?"
"I'm going to offer you the same power, Zuko," Orochimaru whispered. "Imagine it. You'd be the most powerful Fire Lord to ever rule the Fire Nation..."
"No thanks." Zuko said. "I plan on living."
Orochimaru chuckled. "I never thought you'd be...afraid of power. Zuko, think of it, your father will finally acknowledge you..."
Zuko felt his eyes rise. "So...if I have...power...Father will..." He then shook his head. "No...I'll get my father's respect my own way. Sorry, Orochimaru, I won't take your power."
"Why not?" Orochimaru pressed, pushing his temptation further. "If your poor sister doesn't survive, then you will have an opportunity to gain your father's full attention, respect and acceptance. And power will only further increase that happening. Why refuse?"
"Because...I don't want your power," Zuko snarled angrily. "I'll gain strength my own way, without having to rely on you or an outside source."
"Fine...and I can't force you to take it, due to you being the Fire Lord's son..." Orochimaru sighed, looking very disappointed. "But be warned, my prince, you would do best not to deny my offers or get on my bad side."
"I'll take my chances," Zuko said, walking off to his sister's room.
"You can't win them all, Orochimaru-sama," Kabuto said after watching the scene and the Sannin shrugged.
"I know...yet it's just so hard when people actually refuse me."
"Indeed. You usually kill those that do."
"Unfortunately, Zuko-kun has diplomatic immunity from my wrath."
"And what if he was to experience an unfortunate...accident."
"Oh Kabuto, you have such an evil mind," Orochimaru said and his right hand chuckled.
On the other side of the palace, Zuko walked into the room where his sister was, a wet cloth in his hands. "Sorry it took so long. Had to be wary of snakes," He said handing it to Mai. "How is she?"
"Not good..." Mai replied as she put the damp cloth on the princess's head. "It's like her entire body is on fire, and there is no way to put it out."
"Can't we find some healers or whatever this city has?" Ty Lee asked.
"Would any healer have any experience with something like this?" Zuko asked Ty Lee and Mai.
What would we lose by trying?" Mai asked him, and he shrugged.
"If you're concerned for her, shouldn't we try everything we can instead of wondering how it won't help?" Ty Lee added, getting a little frustrated with the prince's attitude now.
Zuko sighed. "Sorry, its just...you heard what Orochimaru and Kabuto said about this one, right?"
"So are you just going to give up and leave her for dead, or are you going to try and help her no matter what the odds are, like what family is supposed to do?" Ty Lee asked, and without waiting for an answer, she walked out of the room.
Zuko leaned back. "Let's try to find someone to help her," he told Mai.
Mai nodded. "I'll stay here and do what I can for Azula. Just be quick."
Zuko nodded and he took off to follow Ty Lee. They separated and took different paths. As he ran along looking for anyone that even looked like a healer. As he did, he passed an odd Sound Shinobi every now and then. He started walking as he heard two Sound Ninja talking.
"I heard that a few representatives from Kumo and Iwa are here."
'Kumo and Iwa?' Zuko thought, listening further into the conversation.
"What for?"
"They want to secure a powerbase here."
"Bah. They would be better off fighting in Konoha," the other said. "The war here's particularly won."
"There is still the Northern Water Tribe to take care of, as well as rebellions in the conquered territories."
"I gave it a month for those "rebellions" and two for that Water Tribe," The other said. "Without Shinobi support, they have no chance whatsoever. And Konoha's too busy in our world to give them that support." Both Sound ninja laughed at that, as they walked off. "Let's go find some beer."
Zuko breathed out and he kept walking, trying to find any healer for his sister. Zuko kept walking as he looked through the various shinobi, not willing to trust any minions of Orochimaru. He wondered why his father allied with these people. Was it simply an alliance for either sides to win their respective goals or was there something...more to it? The thought of that Naruto kid entered his mind again. For some reason, the 'kicking of the Fire Nation's asses', he couldn't stop thinking of it.
He stopped when he realized he hadn't heard Azula screaming for awhile. He looked back wondering what it meant. Was she sleeping peacefully now, had she overcome it on her own or was she actually...
He then ran back to the Palace as fast as he could. He broke into the room and saw his sister sleeping peacefully, though her face was still contorted in pain. Zuko panted, looking at Mai.
"What happened?" Zuko asked Mai, who's brow was furrowed in confusion on Azula's condition.
"All of a sudden her screaming stopped. She's still alive, but it's like she's in a coma."
"I...don't know, she still has a fever, and that mark on her neck is pulsating."
The two leaned in and saw the cursed mark pulsating in a red color. Each time it did, Azula's face contorted in more pain and more sweat trickled down her face. Zuko and Mai were at a loss on what to do…
Village Hidden in the Rain-Amegakure
Konan walked through the Village Hidden in the Rain, passing the rebels that joined Pein-sama's cause. They all bowed respectfully to her, since she was 'God's Angel'. News on how Pein recently went and crushed Hanzo and those of his closest supporters was rapidly spreading throughout the city. Most of the remaining loyalists were now swearing fealty to Pein, mostly out of fear, while a select handful were either running, or attempting to assassinate Pein himself. Those that did were fools; brave fools, but fools none the less. No one could stop him now. She knew that fact very well.
News on the War outside Rain's borders had also been on the minds of most of the rebels. Some wanted to throw Rain's support to Orochimaru, thinking it would further their God's vision, while others wanted to be neutral, others wanted to manipulate both sides, and a small majority even wanted to join Konoha's alliance.
Konan had to admit that not even she was sure of what Pein was planning to do. While it was her job to pass his instructions to his followers, as well as be the icon that inspired loyalty and courage, she did not know any of what Pein was planning to do. She just carried out her orders. She had received word that Kakuzu and Hidan had entered Fire Country to collect some more bounties, and that Konoha had not only dispatched their 'Niju Shotai' again, but as well as the Sannin Jiraiya...her old teacher.
She walked into the High Tower - as it was commonly called by the masses - when she stopped suddenly and saw Pein standing there, looking down at the city. When did he get back? She was under the impression he wouldn't be back for another few days at least.
"Report, Konan-san," Pein ordered stiffly.
"The Niju Shotai has been dispatched under the Sannin Jiraiya to combat Hidan and Kakuzu."
Pein didn't move an inch, "prepare to find new members then. We can't expect those two to survive against a Sannin."
"Why not recall them then? Zetsu can be in and out before Jiraiya or the Leaf reach them. It is his specialty, after all. Or you could even contact them yourself and recall them."
"I will send them a warning of the approaching danger. It will be up to them or not to heed the warning," Pein told her and she nodded, bowing low.
"By your will," Konan said.
"Konan, you are to retrieve the Eight Tail. Its last known location was to be in Mist. Zetsu will provide you with the exact location but be warned-its powers are some of the most dangerous."
"It matters not. The Eight Tails will fall. It is by the will of God after all." Konan said. "What are its abilities?"
"It can control gravity," Pein replied calmly. "The Jinchuuriki containing it is extremely paranoid as well."
Konan nodded as she bowed slightly. "I will contact Zetsu and leave at once then, God."
Pein nodded and Konan walked away. Wings of paper began to form on her back as she fell off the tower, and then she began flying off.
Training Zone next to Avatar Camp
Sokka yawned as he leaned against a tree. Like Kakashi said, he, Suki, and Toph awoke at five AM and didn't have breakfast. The three of them were waiting for their teacher to arrive. All of them (despite Toph's objections) were provided with shuriken and kunai so they would have a feel for the ninja weapons.
"Shouldn't he be showing up now?" Suki asked as she looked around, suppressing another yawn.
"Any minute now," Sokka said eagerly and impatiently, not knowing himself.
"I can't feel him anywhere. Do we have the right place?" Toph asked as Sokka and Suki looked at three strange cut logs that were put in the ground. "Not sure, let's just keep waiting,"
Six o'clock rolled around, and Kakashi still hadn't shown up. Seven o'clock rolled around, and the three of them began getting hungrier. Eight o'clock came and Sokka was groaning as he clutched his stomach. Nine o'clock rolled around and Toph was skipping rocks across the ground to try to get her mind off her hunger. And finally ten o'clock rolled around…
"Good morning!" Kakashi said lazily, waving his hand at the three of them.
"W-Where have you been?" Sokka asked as his stomach roared. "I need meat!"
"What happened to being here at 5 AM!?" Toph roared, stomping her foot to kick up a huge cloud of dust.
"Sorry about that, I had to avoid an army of black cats and ladders so I wouldn't get bad luck."
"There are no black cats or ladders in this area!" Suki yelled angrily.
Kakashi rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "And there was that old lady..."
"LIAR!!" All three of them roared before he could finish his latest excuse.
Kakashi chuckled. 'Just like old times...' He then looked at them. "Well, I'm here now so let me explain the test." He pulled out two bells. "It's simple. All you have to do is take these bells from me. Any way you can. That's all there is to it. The only way you're going to get these bells, by the way, is to attack me with the intent to kill," he told them as he put the bells on his hip. "And you have to do so before noon rolls around. Whoever doesn't get a bell will be tied up on the stumps I set up."
"Piece of cake," Toph said, cracking her knuckles. "Don't blame me if you get killed."
Kakashi grinned. "Very well, let's begin. When I say start, try to find a hiding place for an ambush..."
"I have a question." Sokka said, looking at the two bells. "Why are there only two bells? Shouldn't there be three?"
"Ah, very good question," Kakashi said with a smirk. "This is to guarantee that at least one of you gets tied to those posts. And those that do: get chore duty for a week strait, all the chores."
"WHAT?" All three of them asked.
"Not only that, but the one on the post will not get any lunch or dinner today. Don't feel so bad," Kakashi told them with a grin, noticing their dismal faces. "All three of you could end up tied to the posts after all."
"I am so going to get one of those bells!" Toph announced, confident she'd be getting one.
"On my pride as a Kiyoshi Warrior, I will not fail!" Suki yelled.
"And I'll get one of those bells, just you wait and see!" Sokka yelled and Kakashi grinned.
"Good, now...begin!" Sokka and Suki immediately dashed for the forest while Toph leisurely stood in front of Kakashi.
"Alright, just you and me Kakashi, one on one!"
"I wouldn't recommend-" Kakashi was cut off as a mound of rock erupted under his left foot.
Quickly he leapt backwards and landed on the ground, only to see that Toph swung her arms forward, and sent large boulders coming at him from different directions. Calmly, Kakashi moved aside, barely dodging by centimeters, only to realize a third rock was coming directly at him. He quickly grabbed a kunai attached with an exploding tag and hurled it at the rock, destroying it. He then stood back on the ground.
"You could at least let me finish."
"Fine," Toph said as Kakashi reached into his pack.
"Now the first lesson any Shinobi should learn is taijutsu, you do know what that is, right?"
"Yeah, yeah," Toph said impatiently. "Hand to hand fighting crap. Don't care about. Ok, times up!"
She slammed one foot down on the ground hard, causing a multiple of rocks to shot out towards him. He did several back flips to avoid such debris and then slammed right into a rock outcropping that hadn't been there a moment ago.
Rubbing his sore backside, he thought. 'So she used that frontal attack to lure my into her trap by attacking me from the rear, clever.'
Toph then held out both of her arms like she was straining to grab something, and then slammed one foot on the ground, kicking up a large cloud of dust. Kakashi nodded, impressed as the dust cloud reached him. Toph then felt him pull out something, and stopped the attack.
"If this is hand to hand you're focusing on, why are you pulling out a weapon?"
The Jounin grinned. "Its no weapon, I just want to catch up on some reading. Continue."
He then felt himself sink into the ground, then large rock slaps erupted like a snapping bear tear. Calmly, Kakashi tossed the book in the air, and then punched himself out of the ground, just narrowly avoiding the earth trap. The second he landed on the ground, a large rock silhouette slammed into him, to which he could only presume that Toph had encased herself in rock like armor. Ignoring the new sense of numbing in his right hand he placed his hands on her and attempted to push her back.
Now why go for a frontal attack now. Unless... He quickly jumped back as the entire rock armor exploded outward towards him, and he had to use both his hands and feet to block all the debris at him.
She expected to hear him crying in pain now, surely that wide area attack hit, but she didn't hear anything. Then she began searching, why. Whenever something landed on the ground she launched a pillar and missed. Where was he? Was he...floating or something? She couldn't feel him anywhere. Then she felt something behind her and attacked, sending a rock pillar flying out. All she got was an explosion of smoke and she looked around.
"Konoha Secret Taijutsu: Sennen Goroshi (One Thousand Years of Pain)!" was then heard from behind her again. In slow motion she turned around...just as a painful butt poke hit her. The color drained from her face...and then she was sent flying off into the air screaming.
"What. Was. That?" Suki asked in disbelief from her hiding place.
"That looked...painful..." Sokka said, subconsciously rubbing his butt.
Kakashi looked around in the smoke wondering she landed. "Now...where did I -" he then felt his footing shift as he went into a complete split. "Now...that's...uncomfortable..." Kakashi muttered, glad he was in a smokescreen and no one could see him.
He then felt three stalagmites hit him in his back and he went flying out. Fortunately for his pride, he managed to recover himself and land gracefully on the field without looking awkward by any observers.
My backs going to be giving me some serious problems before I'm old at this rate. Kakashi thought as he looked in the smoke. She must be quite mad now. Had she been thinking that last attack could have knocked a bell off and she could have gotten. It seems now she's more interested in beating the crap out of me instead of going for the bells.
At that moment, Toph finally stopped rubbing her very tender area and was swearing under her breath. Ok. That was it! Time for the ultimate payback! She calmly waked out of the smoke, surprising Kakashi. Why leave her protective smoke? In response, Toph reached behind her and held up Kakashi's little book. "Hey, drop something?"
Kakashi looked around. "How did you get that?"
"You threw it up in the air to avoid my attacks earlier, remember? But you never picked it up afterwards. Your loss," She then ripped it very fast and scattered the remains of it, laughing loudly.
Kakashi's jaw had dropped, but he quickly regained his cool. Reaching into his pack...he brought out another copy. "I have multiple copies of Icha Icha."
"So I'll get those as well then," Toph said, shifting her stance again, the earth raise under her feet, like she was on a mound and then starting sliding towards him.
The Jounin leapt over it and started charging Toph. He began pumping chakra into his legs and his speed steadily increased. Toph was having trouble tracking him.
"Fine then," Toph said, shoving her hand towards the ground and jumping in the hole, which sealed itself up afterwards.
Kakashi stopped, but ready to move again at a moment's notice. What are you planning now?
Underground, Toph reached out and touched the sides of the earth with her hands and feet firmly in place. She then stomped her foot. The ground around Kakashi erupted in spikes, but he jumped quickly almost into another patch.
She's hiding in the earth and launching these spikes at random to hit me. Also, when she does feel me, she shots them at a five meter radius instead of just that one spot... As he jumped around, getting nicked every now and then. Kakashi put the book back into his back pocket. I don't believe it, she's actually forcing me to use my Sharingan. He jumped high into the air. She can't sense me up here, but the second I touch the ground, it'll start all over again. And this is getting tiresome. I'll bet its taking all her concentration to do this and that she would be vulnerable if I attacked her directly. But that's a moot point since she's hidden herself underground. I try and go through the ground; she'll have me right where she wants me. He then nodded to himself. Alright then, enough with me being on the defensive. I'm taking the offense now.
As soon as his Sharingan was revealed, he instantly saw Toph's chakra under the ground.
So that's where you are. He crossed his fingers, and created a clone. He then sent the clone towards the ground, which immediately began running as he did earlier, while he prepared something special while Toph couldn't feel him and was distracted by his clone.
He gathered lightning chakra in both his hands, channeling it to the max. Not enough for a chidori, but more than enough to burst through the earth like a hot knife through butter. Repositioning himself in the air, he propelled himself downward - directly over Toph's position.
Toph grinned as she felt herself getting closer and closer to the damned masked Jonin. It was only a matter of time before… she then felt the earth splatter right above as Kakashi seemed to be boring through the earth itself with his hands as a focal point. A split second later, he emerged right by Toph. What just happened!?
"Hiya." he said lightly as he kicked Toph in the stomach. Not as hard as he could, but enough.
Toph coughed in surprise, and was knocked out.
Kakashi powered down his hands, then picked her up and jumped out of his hole. He then looked around the field where they had been fighting; it looked like an entire army had been fighting there. There were craters, dust rising from the pillars that was sent up on him.
"Oops. Guess we over did it a bit too much," Kakashi said sheepishly and then looked at the unconscious girl he was holding. "I know you can fight, but unfortunately for you, that's not the point of the excuse. Too bad you lost focus in your goal. You didn't even try to barter for a bell when you had my book."
He then walked over and tied her to the stump, being sure that her feet didn't touch the ground.
"One down," he said, and then out loud. "You two better hurry, times running out."
Suki and Sokka gulped. He then walked to the middle of the field again.
He shrugged and pulled out his book. "Fine by me if you two do nothing."
He began walking around and Sokka gulped. He then saw something gleaming near a tree. His eyes widened-it was a bell!
"Lucky me," Sokka said happily to himself. He went to the bell and looked around. Seems too good to be true... then picked up a stick, and poked the bell. Instantly, the stick was caught by a rope!
"Nice try, Kakashi!" Sokka said. Make sure not to step anywhere near that area, he carefully bent down and picked up the bell. He then put on a wide smile. "I win!"
Then...he was caught in a second trap! He dropped the bell as he was yanked into the tree upside down!
Hey! Stupid tree...stupid rope...stupid trap..." He got his trusty boomerang, and tossed it up to the rope and cut in half. "Sheesh," He said as he looked for the bell. "Hey! Where did it go!?" He began searching the area. "That's not fair! I got a bell fair and square!"
"S-Sokka...!" a pained voice yelled, and he glanced to see...Suki, beaten, broken, and bleeding. She had kunai in her back, chest, and shoulders. Her uniform had been ripped and her right leg had been twisted. Sokka paled and went ghostly white. Then threw up and fainted.
'Too easy,' Kakashi thought as he began walking away. This is good because I'm not in the mood to go all out again like I did with Toph. He said, rubbing his back once more and making a mental note to keep an eye on Toph and his precious remaining books. He then looked around. "Ohhhh...Suuuukiiii..."
Suki walked out. "There's no point in remaining hidden anymore."
"No, there isn't." Kakashi agreed, flipping another page in his book.
She took her katana, and began charging Kakashi. He took out a kunai and blocked her strike.
She began swinging fiercely and strongly, which Kakashi blocked each time. "I hope you have a better plan than this. Toph already tried a frontal attack and she lost."
"Oh, I do," Suki said and Kakashi tripped on something. He then looked to see nearly two dozen shuriken being launched at his side as Suki leaped back.
He quickly jumped back to avoid the shuriken. Then automatically reach behind him and grabbed Suki's arm, shocking her. "Too predictable," Kakashi said as he threw her over his shoulder. "A nice attempt, but too predictable." He said as he walked over to her. "Tell me. Do you know what the third shinobi skill is?"
"No, I don't."
"Ninjutsu. I presume you've at least heard of it, correct?"
"Yes, I have," Suki said, taking a fighting stance.
"Good," Kakashi said with a smile as Suki then felt something grab her ankle; she looked down and saw a hand grabbing it. Wait? What? But Kakashi was...she was submerged in the earth up to her neck in the next second, as Kakashi walked over to her and knelt down. "I created a Kage Bunshin earlier, remember? It was never destroyed. Something you should had considered."
She struggled, trying to get out of the trap. She couldn't move her arms or legs…
He looked at the time. "Looks like you have about...ten minutes. If you're lucky, maybe you'll be able to free yourself and try again. Maybe." He then walked off, waving at her. "Later."
Suki then looked around. "Great. Now what?"
At other part, Sokka woke up. "Crud, that was creepy."
Sokka looked around and as he came to where Suki had engaged Kakashi, his jaw dropped. There was...Suki's head.
"HOLY FRIGGIN CRAP!!"
Suki looked up. "Uh...Sokka a little help here..."
"AND IT TALKS!!" Sokka added in despair, grabbing his head in a panic. "THE GHOSTS OF MY PAST HAVE COME TO HAUNT ME!!"
"Sokka! I'm alive! Dig me out!"
"Huh?" He asked, and then pointed stupidly at her. "You're alive?" He narrowed his eyes; tip toed over to her and began looking at her suspiciously. "Really now?"
"Yes, I'm alive," Suki said. "Kakashi just buried me in here, it's like he could do Earthbending! He used a clone to pull me under!"
"How can I trust you?" Sokka asked deviously, poking her on the head. "How do I know this is real and not some devious and diabolic trick from the powers above?" He then stood up and pointed dramatically at her. "Prove you're the real Suki!"
"When we first fought you charged me with a punch and I tied your arm to your leg making you fall onto the dojo floor."
"AND I STILL SAY THAT WAS A-" He said automatically, and then he stopped. "Wow, it really is you, but where's the rest of you?"
"Under the ground," Suki said, struggling more than a little annoyed now. "Like I said, Sokka, he pulled me under with a clone, like it was Earthbending. NOW GET ME OUT OF HERE!"
"Oh. Right," Sokka said, finally coming to terms of reality and not fantasy. "I'll have you out in a-" there was a loud buzzing noise. "That can't be good."
"Huh? What?" Suki asked.
"Didn't you hear that loud buzzing noise?" Sokka replied, looking around.
"Yeah, I did..." Suki said, looking around.
"It means," Kakashi's voice was heard. The two looked up to see him in a tree. "You're times up."
The two drooped their heads and they all were at the stump about a minute later. Sokka and Suki were disappointed in themselves, and Toph was just angry. All three of them were hungry as well.
"GET ME OFF OF THIS THING!" Toph yelled as her stomach growled.
"Maybe later. For chores with the other two since you all failed." Kakashi said, crossing his arms. "Do you know why you failed? Do you know why ninja's are put on squads of four?"
"No." All three answered.
"No ninja is a 'lone wolf'; we all have to work together. Toph, if you had Suki or Sokka helping you, two of you would have gotten the bells. Sokka, you could have come up with a plan. Suki, you could have actually got a bell, but no, all three of you decided to work alone not together. Even though I've been ordered to train you three...since you failed, on top of the chores, I won't train you."
"Well are we supposed to know how shinobi act or why they're put on squads of four if no one ever told us that before!?" Sokka yelled. "How are we expected to know that sort of thing without prior knowledge!?" He then pointed at Kakashi. "And I did get a bell earlier!"
"Yet you lost the bell, Sokka," Kakashi said as Sokka charged him. He blocked the boys punch and flipped him onto his back. He then pointed a kunai at Sokka's neck. "Suki, kill Toph or Sokka dies!"
"Huh?" Both girls shouted in disbelief, they didn't believe what they just heard.
"That's the type of situations ninja are put in," Kakashi answered calmly, removing the kunai. "And Sokka, you've seen Naruto, Hinata, and Sakura working together, as if in a squad, haven't you?"
"No," Sokka complained. Those three were usually apart doing separate things, like at the Drill Naruto and Hinata were with him, while Sakura was with Toph. He couldn't recall a time when all three of them had worked together like Kakashi had just claimed. Of course, half the time he couldn't remember where you put his own stuff, but that was beside the point!
Kakashi merely shook his head. "It should be expected you should work together, shouldn't it?"
"So we're expected to know your rules and crap just out the blue?!" Suki asked. She, after all, had been with these people the least! "We haven't lived your lifestyle, followed your rules or know what you're expectations are! We live in different cultures!"
"That is true, but haven't you worked in 'squads' with your fellow warriors, Suki?" Kakashi asked, and she gave a nod. "And Sokka, do Water Tribe warriors normally fight alone?" Sokka shook his head. "Teamwork is not something limited to one culture. It's something that should be instinctive for you to do at all times. You're very nature should be to work with others, especially if you're involved in groups as much as you are. Regardless if it's Konoha standard or your own." He considered, and decided to be blunt. "Do any of you know why there were only two bells when there were three of you?
They all shook their heads, though Suki had to cover Toph's mouth from giving a more colorful response.
"Even though there are only two bells, if you work as a team you know that one person sacrifices the right to get a bell for the good of the others," he told them. "This is a lesson in teamwork. I wanted to see which of you would put aside your individual needs and suggest to the others that you work together. Instead, you all merely went your own way of doing things." He paused for a moment and finally got off of Sokka. He then walked over to the place he had stored the lunches. "Now, I'm going to give you another chance." He tossed two bento lunch boxes at Suki and Sokka's feet. " You'll have three hours this time to get the bells. Eat now to gather your strength. Except Toph, don't feed her."
"Why not!?" Toph asked in anger, her stomach growling.
"Since you got too focus on your anger, forgetting your goal of getting the bells," Kakashi replied simply. "I'll know if you fed her or not."
Kakashi walked away as Sokka and Suki reluctantly ate. Toph's stomach growled and she whined. She was so hungry when...Suki offered her some rice.
"Toph, open your mouth."
"What are you doing?" They both asked.
"If we're to have any chance against Kakashi, all three of us need to be at our best. Toph being hungry hurts the group...so...eat, please."
"Take mine, too." Sokka said, after quickly eating some pieces. "Except those ones," He added with his mouth full.
"Thanks!" Toph yelled and suddenly an angry wind began blowing. All three looked to see Kakashi there.
"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU JUST DONE?"
"E-e-eating?" Sokka suggested.
"You weren't supposed to feed Toph!" Kakashi yelled, his 'anger' growing with each second.
"So what? We need to all be at full strength to fight you!" Suki yelled back.
"Yeah! We're a team!" Toph yelled.
"What they said!" Sokka yelled, standing with his teammates to take anything.
"THEN YOU ALL ARE GOING TO SUFFER THE PUNISHMENT!" Kakashi yelled dramatically, and then he smiled. "Pass."
Silence, followed by a group. "Huh?"
"You're working like a team, that means you pass," Kakashi said, and he chuckled. "You three were almost like Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke when they went through their first time."
"We were?" Toph asked, curious what happened in Kakashi's last Bell Test.
"Yes, Naruto ended up on the stump, Sakura was caught in one of my Hell Genjutsus, and Sasuke ended up buried to his neck."
"Yeah. Sure. Whatever, can we go eat now?" Sokka asked, drooling. He passed and now he wanted to move on to more important matters: eating meat!
"Wait a little while; you have to hear the rest of what I have to say. You're the second team to ever pass my test, the others all went through their individual attacks on me, one ended up on the stump, and even after drilling into them that they were suppose to work as a team, they followed my rule of not feeding their tied up teammate to the letter. Hence, they failed, and were sent back to the Academy," Kakashi said. "Now, listen to these words: 'A ninja who breaks the rules is trash, but a ninja who abandons his comrades is even lower than trash.'"
"Got it!" All three yelled.
"Good, you can eat now."
They all started walking off, then Toph yelled. "WHAT ABOUT ME, YOU IDIOTS!! GET ME OFF THIS THING!"
She roared and grunted, trying to get off of the stump. The three of them walked off, and Toph's head drooped as her stomach growled again.
This is just too cruel… Toph thought as tears dropped from her eyes.
To be continued…
Author's Notes
Sorry it took so long. I owe Dalen – known on Fanfiction as FictionReader98 - a BIG piece of credit for this; I wouldn't have been able to get it up this weekend without his help. Due to my PC shutting off during the night, I accidentally saved a blank page for my document instead of the work I did the night before. Dalen helped me write it all out again. So big thanks Dalen!
Please read and review.