"Heh why do you think they call this the Forest of Death ?" Naruto whispered as he and the rest of Team 7 leapt from tree to tree.
Sasuke grunted. "I think that's one question that we should avoid finding the answer to." he commented as he scanned the treeline carefully.
Naruto nodded silently agreeing with his friend's assessment.
Hinata remained silent as her Byakugan studied their surroundings carefully. She hadn't seen anything out of the ordinary yet, however she had the strangest feeling that since they'd entered the forest that someone was watching them.
"Here..." Sasuke stated as he leaped down into a dense section of the forest...he slowly pushed back several layers of foliage.
"Perfect" he whispered as he stepped forward and pointed towards an enormous tree the base of which had a large hollowed out section that was hidden by the surrounding foliage and from the treetops above.
"I take it we're not heading straight for the tower?" Naruto mused.
Sasuke shook his head as he strode into the hollowed out tree before gesturing for the duo to follow him.
"Shino will be tracking me thanks to his beetle here" he said as he extended his pointer finger before making his way further into the tree.
"Instead of moving further into the Forest, we should set up a base camp here and wait for Team 8." Sasuke stated.
"H-hai that m-makes sense" Hinata said softly as she followed behind Sasuke and took a seat on the floor.
Naruto scratched the back of his head. "Yeah I bet most of the other teams are going to be in a hurry. I just hope we'll be able to find a scroll."
"That is our main objective, but if everyone else does make a beeline for the tower, this forest will turn into a war zone. This is far more than getting a scroll and getting to that tower...there is a reason why we are given five days to get to the central tower...we could cover that distance even with the perils within half a day or so...but we need to think of our survival." Sasuke said as he leaned against the far wall of the inside of the tree.
Naruto silently nodded as he looked over at Hinata, concern showed on his face. "Hinata? are you alright?"
The Hyuuga girl blinked a couple of times. "Hai...just trying to focus on our surroundings." she said as she forced an uneasy smile.
"The others will be here soon..."
"Good that was faster then I had expected." Sasuke mused.
Naruto eyed Hinata moment longer, before finally turning his attention to the rustling sound nearby.
"Looks like you guys didn't waste any time" Kiba exclaimed with a toothy grin as he strode forward till he was standing just outside the hollowed tree with Sakura and Shino directly behind him.
"Kiba-kun,Shino-kun,Sakura-san" Hinata said softly as she smiled shyly at the trio.
Shino nodded his head towards the trio while Sakura grinned.
Sasuke turned his attention to the trio as he crossed his arms. "I guess that beetle did the trick, but first what is a Leaf Ninja's greatest strength ?" He asked as he moved in front of Hinata and Naruto not in a particularly defensive position but slightly guarded.
Shino adjusted his glasses. " The Will of Fire" he replied simply.
Sasuke relaxed. "Sorry for being on edge...but I'm not willing to take any chances." he said.
The rest of the genin traded a look.
"What was that all about ?" Kiba asked as the entirety of Team 8 made their way into the tree and took a seat next to the members of Team 7.
"Sasuke-san and I discussed the need for a password for when our teams met up, though the chances were unlikely that either of us were being deceived it wouldn't be impossible considering the unknowns we're dealing with in this Exam." he said.
"Woah...I think that's the most I've ever heard you speak at once Shino." Naruto commented with wide eyes.
"The bad thing is I think I can say the same thing." Sakura said before giggling and slapping Shino playfully on the back who in return shot her a dirty look.
"Heh I don't know Shino seems to do a lot of talking to that chick at the ramen stand." Kiba said before offering his friend a toothy smirk.
"Kiba...unless you wish for me to introduce you and Akamaru to some fleas...shut up" he said in a cold emotionless voice.
Naruto shivered. 'Woah who knew Shino could be so scary' he thought to himself.
A moment of silence filled the group before Sasuke spoke finally.
"Alright so first of all we need to decide how we go about this...our team has an earth scroll." Sasuke stated.
Shino nodded before speaking. "And we possess the heaven scroll" he replied.
"Perfect...then we can help one another without having to worry about who gets the first scroll we find." Sakura said.
Sasuke laced his hands before nodding. "You're right...this way we can help one another without competing with each other during this portion of the exam." he said.
"So what's the point of meeting here in this tree?" Kiba asked as Akamaru offered a bark as well.
"Simple we don't want to get caught in the initial conflicts going on...I think we should wait till nightfall and then split up into Two groups. One group to scan the nearby forest to find scrolls and the other group can remain here at base camp to guard our scrolls." Sasuke stated.
"Why should we leave our scrolls behind here ?" Kiba asked.
"Correct me if I'm mistaken...but by doing so even if our scouting team is compromised and caught, we won't forfeit anything as a unit...Is that right Sasuke-san ?" Shino asked.
Sasuke nodded. "Right...I say since the gates we entered were towards the south side we send our scouting team to sweep from east to west and avoid going too far towards the tower for now."
"That is if there are no objections." he added after a moment.
As silence fell over the group Sasuke took that as a signal to continue.
"Alright now we just need to decide the teams." Sasuke said as he looked around at everyone.
"I think it would make a lot of sense to send Kiba,Hinata,Shino and me to search. " Sakura said hoping her crush wouldn't reject the idea.
Sasuke seemed to consider the idea, as Naruto leaned back with his hands behind his head and frowned.
"So that leaves me and Sasuke behind to guard then?"
"Well...what I was thinking is...with Hinata's Byakugan, Kiba's nose, Shino's bugs and my Genjutsu to hide us we should be able to find these other teams without giving away our position... " she suggested feeling a bit unsure of herself as everyone stared at her.
"I actually like that idea Sakura...it makes sense and seems to cover our bases...but my only question is how will we know if anyone is in trouble ?" Sasuke asked as his charcoal gaze looked around the group.
"I can answer that...I will give each of you one of my beetles...should there be a problem simply apply some chakra and I will have no problem finding you." Shino stated.
"Alright...I guess we have a plan then...we wait till midnight then we set out...should you not find anything before dawn double back to camp. " Sasuke said.
Midnight had arrived only minutes prior leaving only Naruto and Sasuke behind in the hollowed out tree. Silence had prevailed over the duo as Sasuke's attention remained focused on the nearby radius that surrounded their position. Naruto was unusually serious as he leaned against the back of the tree.
"Do you see anything Sasuke?" Naruto asked as he leaned against the back of the tree.
Sasuke grunted as he cast a look over his shoulder. "Nothing but trees and animals. I really wish Hinata had stayed instead...she would have been a better look out."
Naruto laughed as he slowly stood and brushed his pants off. "Come on you know she'll be more helpful out there. Besides you know you love being here with me." he said as he flashed his friend a cheeky grin.
"Don't push your luck idiot.." Sasuke offered halfheartedly as he watched the blonde approach the edge of the opening in the tree.
"Where are you going?" Sasuke asked as he quirked a brow.
"I need to take a leak and I doubt you want me to do that where we're sleeping. Don't worry I'll only be a moment."
Sasuke only grunted as he heard the blonde rustling in the foliage nearby.
Hinata flipped forward towards an adjacent branch before stopping. Kiba and Akamaru followed suite while Sakura and Shino stopped on the branch behind the pair.
"Why are we stopping ?" Sakura asked quietly as she looked at the two in the front for answers.
Kiba looked over his shoulder at the Sakura and Shino, before looking back down towards the forest floor.
"I can hear the sound of battle...and smell blood nearby, we should probably be careful." Kiba whispered.
Hinata frowned. "It's not a battle...It's a s-slaughter." she murmured softly.
Wordlessly the four Ninja dropped to a lower branch, before peering through a veil of foliage until they spotted the battle in question, in the middle of a small clearing.
There they saw two groups of Ninja or more precisely what remained of one of the teams.
The group could see the Sand headbands on three of the Ninja, across from them was a single Ninja from the hidden rain village. He was on his knees and could be heard begging for mercy.
"H-here the scroll is all yours ...please don't kill me" he pleaded as he tossed an Earth Scroll, it landed a few feet away from Gaara who seemed to pay it no mind.
"I have no need for your scroll...we have already attained what we need"Gaara said in a deadly tone as his icy blue eyes narrowed.
"T-then why a-attack us ?" the man sputtered.
"You and your comrades looked at me the wrong way...and mother begs for your blood" he said simply as the cork to his gourd was released as sand began pouring out rapidly.
"G-gaara maybe we should just go...we don't need anything from him." Temari suggested in a fearful tone.
Gaara turned as he looked at his sister with no compassion in his eyes. "Silence or you'll be next" he said before he turned back to the Rain Ninja who began screaming as he tried desperate to flee only to have sand wrap around his ankles and drag him backwards.
"Who in the world are these guys ? "Kiba whispered as he clenched his fist.
Hinata on the other hand narrowed her eyes as she studied the redheaded boy. "G-gaara...Naruto and I met him before the first exam. He...doesn't seem stable and I think the other two are his siblings.." she whispered as she paled.
"What are we going to do ? " Kiba asked as his nails bit into the wood of the branch they rested on.
"Kiba from the feeling I'm getting from my insects and Hinata-san's expression...I don't think there's anything we can do...this individual ...whoever he is...is different...I don't think even at our best could we take him at the moment, let alone the rest of his team as well." Shino offered.
"We can't just let them.." Sakura started to say only to be caught off by the boy's screaming.
Kiba gritted his teeth and was about to lunge forward only to stop as he heard the red head speak.
"Sand Burial" Gaara cried as he clenched his fist causing a loud implosion with his sand.
From the treeline the group could only watch in horror as blood spewed all over the place...several droplets even staining the branch they stood on.
Nothing remained of the former Rain Genin...
The foursome remained rooted as they watched the sand siblings make their way from the scene after a few moments leaving behind the extra Earth Scroll.
When reality snapped back into place for the Duo a couple of minutes later, Shino spoke up.
"Kiba get that Earth Scroll...for our team and then let's double back...I don't think it's a good idea to be separated any longer...especially, if there are more people like that in this exam."
Kiba still stood shocked a moment before Akamaru barked and returned him to his senses.
"Right." he replied simply as he looked around the area a moment before dropping down to the ground to collect the abandoned Earth Scroll.
Hinata squeezed her eyes shut as she took a deep breath to calm herself.
Sakura likewise took a moment to regain her composure. "You're right. Let's get back."
Sasuke frowned as he spied once more the various wildlife around their base camp.
'Nothing but a few owls and a white snake with yellow eyes ?' he thought to himself as he quickly sprung to his feet and took a defensive stance. He met the predatorial gaze only to find himself rooted there now. He gritted his teeth as he watched the snake slowly transform into a slender and pale man with equally yellow and disturbing eyes.
"Hello Sasuke-kun" the voice purred in a sickly sweet way.
"Who are you?" Sasuke spat as he tried to keep the fear from showing in his voice.
"Ah I have many names. The Snake Sannin. The White Snake, but most simply refer to me as Orochimaru." he said as an unnatural smile spread across his lips.
Sasuke eyes widened. 'The Rogue Sannin. Is this why I feel such fear?...I feel powerless in his presence.'
"So I see you've heard of me...good. I do hate awkward first meetings. I'd like to offer you a gift Sasuke. You see I know that you desperately wish to avenge your clan...and I can give you the power to do so. Of course that will require you to cut ties with the Leaf" he chuckled.
"I don't need your help to kill Itachi. I'm getting stronger every day. It's just a matter of time till I catch him and avenge my clan once and for all." Sasuke growled as he tensed as he tried to free himself from his paralysis.
Orochimaru stalked forward a wicked smile on his face as he leaned closer his lips only an inch from Sasuke's ear.
"These bonds are a weakness Sasuke-Kun. Itachi realized this...and you will soon enough. But here allow me to offer you a gift. Should you survive it...seek me out when you've steeled yourself." he said as he extended his fangs as he lowered his head down towards Sasuke's neck.
However before he could seal the deal a fist collided with his jaw hard sending him flying backwards about fifteen feet.
"Keep your mouth off of Sasuke" Naruto roared as he landed in front of him in a feral crouch. His eyes were blazing red as he was surrounded by an intense cloak of demon chakra.
'Naruto...so this is the power of a Jinchuriki' Sasuke mused to himself, before relaxing as he felt himself able to move once more.
Regaining all his awareness Sasuke's expression grew more serious.
"Naruto we can't fight this guy. He's a Sannin we have to run."
Naruto flashed a feral grin.
"No way. If he's that good we won't be able to escape anyways. Signal the others...I'll hold him off as long as I can" he said as he turned to look at the pale man who now stood with his arms crossed with devilish smile on his face.
Sasuke grunted as he reached into his collar and pressed his forefinger against the small beetle that rested there. He applied a quick burst of chakra hoping it would have the desire effect.
"Well aren't you full of surprises Naruto...and here I thought you were still engaged with my pet."Orochimaru purred.
"No I gave your friend an upset stomach when I made several hundred shadow clones and burst out of his gut" Naruto growled.
"Hmm...how interesting a little Jinchuriki right here before me...it would be so interesting to see what you and your little girlfriend are capable of together" he murmured aloud as he eyed the blonde.
Naruto eyes widened realizing that the man clearly knew a great deal about him.
"I don't care who you are...but if you mean Hinata any harm I'll kill you." Naruto warned his eyes narrowing as he crouched lower.
"Ah such unbridled fury... I'd love to stay and see what you are capable of, however I have pressing matters...plus I look forward to seeing how you all fair in this little exam...here take this as a parting gift " he said smirking as he tossed Naruto a heaven scroll.
"Remember the name Orochimaru children...for the next time we meet...I will make time to play with both of you." he said before he began to laugh as he sunk into the ground swiftly leaving no trace of his destination.
'And I look especially forward to seeing you again Sasuke. Perhaps then we won't be interrupted.' the Snake Sannin mused to himself.
Naruto swallowed hard as he looked back at Sasuke.
"Let's get back inside and wait for the others..."he said as he took a deep breath letting the demon chakra recede into his body.
"Yeah..I think that would be a good idea." Sasuke responded in a numb manner as he followed the blonde back into the hollow.
A few minutes later the two teams found themselves rejoined in the midst of discussing what had happened.
"Orochimaru?" Sakura asked her eyes widening as she shared a look with Shino.
"That name sounds familiar...who is he?" Kiba asked as he scratched behind Akamaru's ear.
"Orochimaru is the name of one of the Three Legendary Sannin...however unlike the other two he went rogue years ago. He easily outclasses anyone in this exam...in fact I don't think all of the genin combined in this exam could pose a threat to him." Shino stated as he adjusted his glasses slightly.
"So that means he wasn't even trying against us.." Sasuke mused, before shaking his head.
Naruto had been fairly quiet as he scooted closer before wrapping an arm around Hinata before forcing a smile.
"Either way we sent him packing...and got this in return. " Naruto said gesturing to the Heaven scroll next to him.
"Yeah and we picked up an Earth Scroll while scouting." Kiba said offering a toothy grin before frowning slightly as he remembered how that had come about in the first place.
"Hmmm despite the trouble some of us experienced tonight...we should be fine to approach the tower as we are...I doubt many other groups would think to attack our two teams combined." Shino said.
"I just hope we can avoid Gaara.." Sakura murmured quietly still slightly shaken from earlier.
"What happened with Gaara?" Naruto asked his expression growing serious once more.
Hinata spoke up. "We saw Gaara murder another team in cold blood. He didn't even need their scroll...they just upset him and he...he crushed them with sand."
Naruto closed his eyes, before speaking. "We should probably try to forget what happened tonight. We all need sleep if we're going to get to the tower in good shape.
As everyone agreed and began to make preparations for bed, Sasuke remained standing as he looked over at Naruto and Hinata.
"Naruto can I have a word with you ?" he asked.
Naruto hugged Hinata and squeezed her hand, before he stood up and followed the raven haired Ninja out of the hollow and a few hundred feet away.
"Oi whats up Sasuke ?" Naruto asked as he placed his hands behind his head.
Sasuke turned with a serious expression on his face as he studied the blonde.
"Naruto I need a straight answer from you...what do you know about Gaara?" Sasuke asked as he leaned against a nearby tree.
Naruto's expression grew more serious. "You want to know how he slaughtered an entire team of genin with ease or why he killed that team for no reason? " he asked his tone low.
"Both and I get the feeling you know why.." Sasuke said as he studied the blonde for a moment.
"Gaara is similar to me and Hinata..." Naruto said his gaze now downcast as he seemed to be deep in thought.
"That Monster was nothing like you two." Sasuke retorted as he took a step forward his eyes serious.
Naruto gritted his teeth closing his eyes before reopening them so Sasuke could see his crimson predator gaze.
"Maybe the two of us have chosen a different path...but we could have so easily become that...he shares our burden...but he has become buried in his loneliness and hate...through that he became like he is now. Don't you think you understand that yourself? " Naruto asked as he took a breath before his eyes returned to their normal cerulean hue.
Sasuke realized he had misspoken before and took a deep breath before continuing.
"I'm sorry for what I said...but how do you know that about him ? Did he tell you this?" Sasuke asked.
"He never had to...I could see it when I first looked into his eyes...it's not something I can explain...but only a fellow Jinchuriki can understand that burden and the pain that comes with it." Naruto said.
"So how do you plan to deal with him if we have to in the next round ?" Sasuke asked.
"I'll get through to him...somehow... but I need you to keep this a secret. " Naruto said as he looked seriously at Sasuke.
"Are you serious I should probably tell every Jonin in the leaf as well as the Hokage." he said exasperated.
"Please Sasuke give me this chance." Naruto pleaded.
Sasuke groaned. "Fine...I don't like this...but I trust you" he said as he relaxed.
Naruto seemed taken back a bit, but he forced a smile as he patted his friend's shoulder.
"Sasuke I won't let you down. Believe it. Now come on it's getting late."
*Author Note* And another chapter done. I'm really excited about the prelims. I won't spoil any details save the fact that very little in the prelims will resemble the show. In any case thanks as always for reading and I'll see you all next time!