Chapter 4 Zoro's First true test! Chunin Exam begins!
*Team Gai training area*
"Go get him Neji!" Gai cheered as he stood beside his star pupil Lee and the weapon master Tenten as Neji stood across from Zoro both with sweat dripping from their brows.
Gai flashed a big grin towards Kurenai who stood behind her student. After word spread throughout the village that Zoro, a genin, had defeated an A ranked missing nin, even if he was a lower A class, the green clad jounin wanted to test his power against his team. Neji stood keeping his gentle fist stance as he observed Zoro trying to predict what the swordsman would do.
'I thought handicapped with those wooden swords would give me an advantage…' Neji thought.
Zoro rushed at the Hyuga. Neji either parried the blow with a chakra reinforced palm strike or dodged the strike all together. He searched Zoro's form for any opening and like he had before there wasn't one to be found. Zoro jumped backwards.
"Nitoryu! Nigiri Hirameki!" Zoro yelled sending two projectiles roaring towards Neji.
"KAITEN!" Neji yelled unleashing a ball of chakra defending him against the attack.
When the rotating stopped Zoro was there to meet him. Neji was prepared for the sudden attack and struck, connecting with a blow to Zoro's arm then a quick shot to the chest followed by an upper palm strike forcing Zoro off of his feet. Neji let a small smirk form across his face, as he went for a throw to end the match. When he went for the attack his gaze to be met with Zoro's then with the two wooden swords driving him into the ground. Zoro landed and quickly regained his stance followed by Neji jumping to his feet doing the same. The match continued to be a stalemate.
"Stop." Kurenai said. "While this battle is good for both of them, we have to go meet the rest of the team." Both of the Konoha genin dropped their stance.
"Why? Why hold back?" Neji asked.
"I could ask you the same thing." Zoro said as he walked over to Tenten handing her the wooden swords which she made disappear into her scroll.
"Because you where!" Neji raged losing his usual cool demeanor. "I want to see this Santoryu that Hinata won't shut up about! When you do then I'll show you the full power of the Gentle Fist!"
A silence gripped them all. Out of all of them there only Kurenai had actually saw the style and the report she posted on the mission traveled thru the jounin like a wildfire in the following months.
"Push me to use it if you want to see it." Zoro said causing Neji to clench his fist in anger.
"I will when we fight Zoro!" Lee proclaimed.
"Yes Zoro you must come and train with us more often! Your youthful energy will only bolster my teams!" Gai yelled as Kurenai and Zoro stood looks of exasperation on their faces.
"Right..." The two members of team eight said in unison before they disappeared into the nearby forest.
Unseen and not sensed by the other jounin, Danzo, Fu, and Torune watched what was transpiring. Danzo was still frustrated about the failure to dispatch the young swordsman but currently he knew that he couldn't do anything about it. He was counting on the green haired swordsman to help Konoha gain an edge on the other villages.
"Sir. Do you think that Sarutobi will even allow them into the exam? They are first year students." Fu said.
"Yeah. One think you can count on Hiruzen doing is giving them the chance." He stated. "With so much potential in their class there is no way he won't let them at least do the first part of the exam. If not, I'll step in to make sure they do."
*Two months later: Gates of Konoha."
Zoro stood patiently in front of the gates watching ninja's from other villages roll in.
'What's going on here…' Zoro thought.
Earlier while he was training with Gai's team, the weird jounin was more hyped than usual and dismissed him early from there session. Maybe this had something to do with that. Zoro pushed the thought from his mind and started to walk back to the village when he noticed Sakura chasing Naruto and a couple of the kids from around town Naruto hung out with.
'Wondered what he did this time.' Zoro thought with a smirk on his face. Then one of the kids took a corner at full speed and ran into someone he had never seen before. He was with a girl that seemed to be around the same age. He was in all black and had something wrapped on his back while the girl was in white and had a huge unidentifiable weapon on her back. They exchanged a few words when he all of a sudden picked up one of the kids by the collar causing Naruto to jump into action. Zoro started to walk towards them when the kid in black tossed Naruto like a rag doll. Zoro sped up his pace as Naruto yelled at him while Sakura held him back and Sasuke just casually reclined in a tree watching the whole event transpire.
"Basically I hate midgets. Especially the younger ones that are rude… Makes me want to kill them." The kid in black said.
"Well I'm not involved…" The girl said.
"You bastard!" Naruto yelled while Sakura had a look of worry on her face.
"Well after This one I'll take care of that other annoying midget." The kid in black said as he began to throw a punch. Naruto started to run but it wasn't necessary.
"You might want to rethink that." Zoro said as he held the kids arm and squeezed causing him to drop his intended target. All eyes turned to the green haired swordsman.
"Zoro…" Sakura said with distain in her voice.
The kid in black pulled his arm away. Zoro shot a glance at his girl companion who let out a small blush before she recomposed herself.
"What are you doing here." Zoro said placing himself between Naruto and his friends and the yet to be identified strangers.
"Another guy who pisses me off…" The boy in black complained as he held his arm.
"You might want to leave before something happens to you." Zoro said as he put his hand on the Wado. The little girl looked on in admiration while Sakura and Sasuke look at the swordsman with intense hatred.
"Naruto brother you suck…." Another one of the kids said from behind Zoro.
"Ah… I could have taken him easily." Naruto stammered out.
"You know what. I hate condescending people like you the most." The boy in black said as he took the package off of his back and held it by its top.
"Hey, you're even going to use Karasu?" The girl asked. Zoro prepared to get into a basic stance when…
"Kankuro, stop it." Another unknown said. They all looked behind Sasuke to see a red haired boy with a huge gourd on his back hanging upside down. "You're an embarrassment to our village."
"G-G-gaara." Kankuro said face now expressed nothing but fear.
"Losing control of yourself in a fight, how pathetic." Gaara said. "Why do you think we came to the leaf village?"
"Gaara listen. They started it and…." Kankuro tried to explain.
"Shut up or I'll kill you." Gaara replied voice oozed murderous intent that didn't go unnoticed by Zoro. Kankuro shuttered in fright.
"I'm sorry…" He said.
"I'm also sorry, really sorry." The girl said.
"I apologize to you guys for their actions." Gaara said as his eyes bore holes into Zoro analyzing him. "It looks like we got here early but, we didn't come here to play around."
"I know that." Kankuro said.
"Let's go." Gaara ordered.
"Hey wait!" Sakura yelled. And then started to ask a question but Zoro paid it no mind. He glared at the red haired kid and he glared back. After the girl finished whatever she was talking about.
"Hey what's your name." Gaara demanded pointing at the swordsman.
"Roronoa Zoro."
"Gaara of the desert." Gaara said formally introducing himself then turning and walked away.
The girl looked at Zoro with a blush. "My name is Temari." She said as then followed suit.
Sasuke's face flushed with anger. He pushed Zoro aside. "Hey! My name is Uch…" Sasuke tried to say.
"Not interested." Gaara interrupted not even turning around to acknowledge the failed declaration.
"What about me!" Naruto yelled pounding his fist to his chest.
"Even less interested." Gaara replied as he disappeared with his two teammates.
Zoro's warrior spirit itched. 'Why where strong people from other villages in Konoha.' He thought.
"Hey moss head! What's the big deal?" Sasuke yelled grabbing Zoro by his shirt. "Why won't you mind your own business? I would have taken care of them myself."
"What. I acted. You should of instead of just sitting there like a moron." Zoro said as he started to walk away.
"No stop! Fight me right now! We'll finally settle this." Sasuke demanded as he created space between them and activated the Sharingan.
Sakura swooned and cheered on the Uchiha while Naruto and the kids he was hanging out with where a little taken back by the sudden outburst.
"You really want to do this here." Zoro said with a smirk on his face. "This isn't the academy. With no one to stop me, you might not walk away from this one."
Sasuke pulled out a kunai and charged the swordsman with a yell.
"Hmm." Zoro said smirk never leaving his face. He crouched slightly taking the Wado's sheath in his hand. "Ittoryu Iai…."
"That attack…! Wait Zoro!" Naruto called remembering what it could do.
But before Zoro could say the rest the copy ninja Kakashi appeared in between the two genin.
"Now now boys, is that any way to act when we have guest in the village?" Kakashi said.
Sasuke stopped his charged and Zoro placed the sheath back at his side.
"Move aside Kakashi!" Sasuke raged. "I'm settling this with him right now!" He said pointing the kunai at Zoro.
"You might get a chance to do just that, Sasuke." Kakashi said. Everyone looked at the copy ninja with a confusion written on their faces.
"Zoro, Isn't there somewhere else you could be right now?" Kakashi asked.
Zoro looked at the older man and shrugged. He once again started to leave.
"This isn't over Zoro. Not by a long shot." Sasuke murmured to himself.
*Next morning: Team Eight Training Grounds.*
Team eight stood in front of Kurenai. It was a little later than they we're use to meeting but Kurenai insisted that they get a lot of sleep.
"Ok you guys. I just want you to know I have nominated yall for the chunin selection exam this year." Kurenai said with a big smile on her face. Kiba yelped in excitement and Hinata face was filled with doubt while Zoro….
"Chunin exam?" He asked.
The other three face faulted.
"You are a real idiot." Kiba said. "It's the exam we take to go from genin to chunin." Kiba explained.
"Higher rank mean's stronger opponents." Zoro said.
Kurenai rolled her eyes. "It's more than that Zoro. It means you'd have more responsibilities around the village and be expected to perform at a higher level. Here are your applications." She said handing them to the genin. "It's still up to you to go sign up for this. If you still intend to take the exam, be in room 301 at 4pm sharp tomorrow. Good luck." Kurenai said as she disappeared. Zoro looked at his application.
"So that's why those guys where here." He said.
"Hmm?" Kiba asked.
"There were three people from a different village." Zoro said as he etched out there symbol in the ground.
"That's the sand village's symbol." Hinata said. "So you both are gonna take the exam?"
"Yeah!" Zoro and Kiba said in unison. Both of the boys started to wonder how many different genin where gonna be at this exam and how strong they were.
"I don't know if I will…" Hinata said as her voice trailed off.
"Huh. Relax!" Kiba said as he patted her on the back. "You have nothing to worry about."
"Yeah, you're stronger than you realizes. Plus we will be there for you." Zoro said.
Hinata forced a smile. "Yeah…" She replied.
*Next day*
Zoro, Hinata, Kiba walked into the main examination room. They had made it there without any incident. The three Konoha genin looked around at the room full of genin some from Konoha and even more from different villages. Zoro scanned the room. Everyone he caught looking at them where judging them and seeing if they could gauge their strength. Even with all of those people in the room he felt them. The eyes of the kid he met not too long ago, Gaara of the desert. Everything else disappeared from his sight as he and Gaara gaze met again. This time it was different. He could feel every ounce of killing intent that the kid had directed towards him. Zoro not to be outdone did the same in return which caught the sand ninja off guard but didn't faze him.
"Well well. Everyone is assembled." Kiba said bringing Zoro back to reality.
"Geez you guys too." Shikamaru said.
Zoro looked around and the other six from his class that became genin where there.
"Ah Zoro… Long time no see." Ino said cheeks red.
"Sorry Ino. I've been busy training." Zoro replied.
"No big deal." She said lying thru her teeth. She had truly missed her time with Zoro.
"Well after the exam. I'll make time to hang out with you." Zoro said.
Ino's heart skipped a beat. 'Did he just ask me on a date!' She thought.
"You, me, and Naruto. We'll do something."
"Yeah, Naruto too…" Ino said clearly disappointed. "But seriously you and me should…"
"Shut up! Sasuke might, but I won't lose to the likes of you!" Naruto yelled cutting Ino off.
"Sorry Naruto…. Kiba didn't mean it in that way…." Hinata said as she fidgeted around nervously.
"Huh? Ouch!" Naruto yelled as Ino punched him in the head. Ino inwardly fumed.
"Naruto…. Sometimes I really hate you." She said.
"Hey you guys, you should be a little quieter." An older genin said to them. "You guys are straight out of the academy? Just screaming like school girls. This isn't a picnic."
"Who do you think you are?" Ino said anger still seeping from her words.
"I'm Kabuto, but instead of wondering who I am look behind you." The genin said.
Zoro already knew what was going on from his past experiences and what he had seen when he entered the room. He was more interested in the so called genin in front of him. The aura he gave off didn't have the genin feel to it. It screamed danger. As he went on explaining his cards he had in his hand Zoro watched him. His voice didn't make a sound to the swordsman. Kabuto turned to Zoro and tried to give him a reassuring smile. Zoro didn't like this guy at all. He would have to keep an eye on him for now on.
"MY NAME IS UZUMAKI NARUTO! I WON'T LOSE TO YOU BASTARDS! YOU GOT THAT!" Naruto declared pointing at the genin in front of him.
"Sometimes I wonder what goes thru your head Naruto." Zoro said shaking his head. "But I won't lose to anyone either." Zoro said.
"What are you doing!" Sakura yelled as she grabbed Naruto.
"I was speaking the truth." He replied.
"E-everyone it was a joke. He's quite stupid and doesn't know what he's talking about." Sakura said attempting damage control Zoro shook his head at what Sakura was trying to do but then he sensed someone moving around like they were preparing for an attack. Zoro looked up and Kabuto did the same. One of the genin jumped in the air throwing two kunai. Zoro grabbed Sakura and Naruto and threw them to the side. He quickly drew the Wado and deflected the weapon's harmlessly in to a wall.
"Ittoryu: Sanjuroku Pound Ho!" He yelled sending a wave of energy towards the airborne ninja. The defenseless genin regretted his decision until his female teammate was able to wrap some steel string around his leg and pull him to safety. The attack barreled on and created a hole in the ceiling. The third member of the team rushed past Zoro and attacked Kabuto. The older ninja swiftly dodged all of his attacks.
'Tch. His speed is great.' Zoro thought. Then Kabuto's glasses shattered to the surprise of Zoro and the rest of the Konoha genin. Kabuto suddenly fell to his knees and puked.
"Heh." The heavily bandaged genin said proud of what he accomplished.
"Bastards…." Zoro said as Naruto and Sakura ran to check on Kabuto.
"Write down on your cards that "The three hidden sound ninjas, definite future chunin." The bandaged sound ninja said. Zoro was about to continue his offensive when.
"Quiet down you worthless bastards!" A voice rang out as smoke filled the room. When the smoke cleared it revealed several ninjas. "Thanks for waiting. I am Morino Ibiki, the examiner for the chunin exam's first test." He said. Then he pointed in the direction of Zoro and the three sound ninjas. "Roronoa, you sound guys. Stop doing as you please before the exam. Do you want to fail before we even start?"
"I apologize. This is our first time… we got a little carried away." The bandaged sound ninja said.
Zoro just sheathe his blade and made his way back to his teammates.
"Bah… It's a good time to say this. There will be no fighting without the permission of the examiner. Even when fighting is allowed, killing your opponent is prohibited. Those pigs that disobey will fail immediately. Do I make myself clear?" Ibiki stated.
The crowd of genin murmured in agreement as they clamored for seats.
Ibiki waited for them to all sit down. "We will now start the first part of the chunin exam. Instead of your current seating arrangement you will pick one of these seating tabs and sit at the seat assigned to you." He said holding a tab with a number on it. "We will then hand out the exams."
Zoro and Naruto looked at each other. "What! A paper test!" They both yelled in unison.
Zoro sat at his assigned seat sweating bullets. 'A paper exam…" He lamented. This was by far his weakest area. He looked at the blank back to the paper he was given. He looked to his left to see someone he didn't know and then to his right to a smirking Sasuke.
"Heh, looks like we won't even get to fight dead-last version 2." He said.
Zoro silently seethed in the face of the truth. There had to be something he could do to remedy this. Ibiki when over the rules. As he listened, Zoro quietly sunk into a deeper hole as each rule seemed to be singling him out.
"And one final rule, those that lose all their initial points during the test and don't answer any questions right will fail along with their two teammates. Zoro's jaw hit the table. He looked at Kiba who was staring daggers into Zoro then to Hinata who forced a reassuring smile for what she knew was a hopeless situation.
"The exam will last one hour…. Begin!" Ibiki said. With that almost everyone started to answer the questions. Zoro looked at his test and read the first question. It was just a bunch of writing….
'What am I supposed to do with this!" Zoro thought. He looked at the clock. Ten minutes had already passed by. Zoro started to panic a little, and then he heard the sound of a kunai flying through the air and landing on a nearby table.
"What was that for?" The person sitting at the table complained.
"You messed up five times. You fail." The chunin proctor said.
"No way…" He complained disheartened.
"The two on his team get out of here right now." The chunin demanded. His two teammates complained and quickly left the room. Zoro let a sigh of relief. He was no ninja so he couldn't cheat. He looked at the last question.
"The tenth question will be revealed after 45 minutes." It read. Zoro had to bet it all on this question. He looked at the clock and then closed his eyes and waited for the time to pass.
Sasuke was done with the other nine questions a long time ago. He looked over to his rival and noticed none of his questions were answered and he was currently meditating.
'Hmfp. I told you Zoro. I am superior to you. You won't even make it out of the first round.' Sasuke thought.
"Ok now we will begin the tenth question!" Ibiki yelled.
Zoro opened his eyes and let out a yawn.
'He was sleep….." Sasuke thought in disbelief.
"Now before we get to it, I'd like to go over an added rule for this question." Ibiki said. Then the sound of a door opening caught everyone's attention. Kankuro stepped thru with one of the proctors. "Heh. Nice timing. Was your doll beneficial?" Ibiki asked.
Kankuro's face contorted with discomfort.
"Just sit down." Ibiki ordered and Kankuro took his seat. "Now I'll explain. These are rules of desperation."
Zoro's expression turned serious. 'Desperation huh…' He thought.
"First for this tenth question, you must decide if you will take it or not." Ibiki said.
"Choose!" Temari asked annoyed by the revelation. "What happens if we chose not to answer it?"
"If you don't you points drop to Zero and you fail with the rest of your team…"
This set off a wave of outrage from the remaining genin.
"..Oh and if you answer it incorrectly. You will never be able to take the exam again." Ibiki stated.
Kiba jumped up. "What kind of rule is that! There are people here who have taken the exam many times!" He yelled.
"This year we go by my rules." Ibiki responded. "The tenth question. Now let's begin. Those who don't want to take the question raise your hand. Once your number has been confirmed leave."
Zoro was sweating bullets. He had no problem staying a genin forever. He would just leave the village and find his own way in the world, but Hinata and Kiba. Both had families deeply rooted in the village. If he failed them they would be outcast, more so on Hinata. The sounds of genin dropping out filled the room. He had to raise his hand. He wouldn't ruin it for his friends.
"Don't underestimate me! I will not run." Naruto suddenly yelled making Zoro look at his blonde whiskered friend. "I'll take it. Even if I'm a genin forever. I'll will myself to becoming the Hokage, so I don't care! I'm not afraid!"
Zoro was taken aback by the declaration.
'I will become Pirate King!' The declaration by Luffy quickly came to mind. All of his fears were washed away. He too would take the question.
"I'll ask you one last time. Your life rides on this decision. This is your last chance to quit." Ibiki said.
"I stand by my word. That is my ninja way." Naruto said.
Zoro let a genuine smile form on his face. After a minute of silence.
"Good decisions." Ibiki said. "Now to the 78 remaining… I congratulate you on passing the first test!"
Zoro zoned out. He couldn't believe it. He looked down at his still blank test. He ignored everything around him. Finally stuff seemed to be looking up. Then someone jumped thru the window catching everyone off guard. Zoro jumped up with the rest of the remaining genin. The figure threw two kunai and a sheet with a very familiar name written on it. 'Anko….' Zoro thought as he felt his luck slipping away.
"You guys. This is no time for celebrating! I am the examiner for the second test! Mitarashi Anko! Now let's go! Follow me!" The genin stared at here in disbelief.
"Bad timing…." Ibiki said from behind the sheet.
Anko scanned the room. "78 …? You left 26 teams? This test is too easy this time!" She yelled.
"This time there are a lot of outstanding ones." Ibiki said.
"Bah that's fine. I'll at least cut them in half in the second test." Anko said. Then her eyes locked with Zoro's. Her face changed from annoyance to bliss. Zoro could see the wheels in her head turning. "Ahh... I'm getting excited… I'll explain everything once we change places. Follow me."
*Forest of death entrance number 16*
Zoro stood in front of the gate while Hinata checked her supplies and Kiba stretched to get ready for what was in store for them. That ninja from the grass really bother Zoro. He knew that Anko could take care of herself but to be able to sneak behind her like that with a weapon wasn't an easy task and should be impossible for a mere genin no matter how good they were.
"You guys get ready you have one minute remaining." The ninja with the key to let them in warned. Hinata and Kiba walked up to where Zoro was standing.
"Watch out for the sand, sound, and grass teams…" Zoro said as he handed Hinata there scroll of heaven.
Hinata and Kiba looked at him worried. He had been acting strange since they left the initial meeting for the start of the second exam.
"Ok but what's the plan?" Hinata asked.
Zoro drew the Wado and Sandai. "No plan. Get the scroll, then get to the tower as quick as possible."
"Works for me!" Kiba said while Akamaru barked.
The gate opened and team eight barreled thru. Both of his teammates struggled to keep up with the focused swordsman.
Kiba sniffed the air. "Zoro…" He said.
"Yeah." He said as three ninja's from the mist village jumped out at the team. Zoro stopped and prepared to attack only to be vaulted by Kiba who clawed one of the ninja's. His teammates looked surprised. They tried to turn around to help their teammates but Hinata and Zoro were there to meet them. And both using their respective talents quickly dispatched there foes.
"Tch they had a heaven scroll…." Kiba said as he placed the extra one in his pack just to be safe.
Zoro couldn't help but smile. They were like a well-oiled machine. The regular teams stood no chance to against them. Even if they ran into Neji, Lee, and Tenten, he was confident that they could take them down… as long as Hinata didn't have to face her cousin.
*Team eight campgrounds end of Day one*
The first day was eventful. They had come across a team from Konoha that they quickly dealt with and gotten an earth scroll. They had stopped for the night to reenergize for the mad dash they were gonna make to the tower the next morning. Kiba and Akamaru sat by the fire cooking what they had caught in the forest for their team to eat, Hinata was checking the traps and alarms they had laid to keep them and there scrolls safe for the night while Zoro looked deep into the forest. He felt something weird earlier. He felt a ridiculously strong murderous intent in the forest earlier. He knew that the murderous intent had to belong to that grass ninja from earlier. The sand kid's was large but not that large.
"Zoro why are you over there by yourself?" Hinata asked as she returned from her task.
Zoro didn't answer.
"Hey moss head. What's up with you?" Kiba asked.
Once again no answer.
Kiba and Hinata looked at each other. They haven't seen him like this before. Even when he was in fighting mode he answered up. They began to approach him when he suddenly.
"No way!" He said voice filled with concern and jumped into a nearby tree.
"Zoro what's up?" Kiba yelled surprised by the action.
"Don't follow me! I have to take care of something!" Zoro yelled as he bolted into the darkness of the forest.
"Kiba, let's go." Hinata said worried at the panicked Zoro.
"No he said that he had to take care of something. Probably just has to go to the bathroom or something." Kiba said as he went back to tend the fire.
'Zoro….' Hinata thought as she looked in the direction that the swordsman went.
Zoro bound thru the forest. There was no doubt in his mind. He felt the massive murderous intent again and it was too close for comfort. He didn't want his friends to be in any type of danger. The feeling got stronger as he got closer and closer. He drew the Wado and Sandai to be ready to take care of this person. Then the owner came into his vision. I was a long haired person with a person he recognized immediately.
"Anko!" he called out. Both of them looked at the swordsman. "Get away from her! Nitoryu: Nanajuni Pound Ho!" Zoro yelled as he sent the crescent waves at Anko's unknown assailant. The person jumped out of the way and the attack sent the tree he was leaning on crashing to the ground.
'Who is this kid?' Orochimaru thought. The green haired boy checked on his former student/test subject. 'Green hair, three swords, angry disposition, ahh this must be Roronoa Zoro kid Kabuto and Danzo told me about. How lucky am I today, I get to test this interesting kid.' Orochimaru landed on a nearby tree branch as Zoro took a defensive stance.
"Zoro don't." Anko ordered as she had her hand over her curse mark. "Orochimaru is on a different level than anyone you've ever faced!"
"What did you do to her!" Zoro asked his rage reaching new levels.
"Nothing. She attacked first I just… retaliated." Orochimaru answered a smile still present on his face. Zoro didn't waste any time. He jumped at the Sanin and unleashed a barrage of attacks. The older ninja easily dodged the attacks mocking him along the way.
"Is this all you can muster? Hmph all the stories I've heard about you must be false." Orochimaru said. Zoro slashed high with the Sandai and made the Sanin duck then quickly upward slashed with the Wado. Orochimaru was caught by surprise by the attack and the sword caught him on the arm as he tried to dodge.
"Impressive." He said as he licked the wound. Zoro attacked the Sanin only to have him disappear in smoke on contact.
"Suiton: Ja no Kuchi." Zoro heard Orochimaru say from an unknown location. He looked around and didn't see the attack or the attacker.
"Above…" A still suffering Anko said as she had finally catch up with them. Zoro looked up and saw a column of water with a snakes head rushing towards him. He put the two swords above him to try and deflect the blow. The attack crashed into him sending him ungracefully to the forest floor.
"Zoro!" Anko called out. She tried to get to the forest floor as fast as she could.
Orochimaru landed right next to the crater he had made with the young swordsman that attacked him. "Fu Fu Fu Fu. I bet you regret messing with…."
"Nigiri Toro!" Zoro yelled as he slashed at the Sanin.
Orochimaru smirked the airborne Zoro was defenseless and prepared for the finishing attack.
"Otoro!" Zoro yelled sending the downward attack to the unsuspecting Sanin who felt the full force of the attack and was sent crashing into a nearby downed tree. "You should regret attacking my friend." Zoro said as Orochimaru picked himself up.
"Heh. You're not bad Zoro." The Snake Sanin said as recomposed himself. "You still lack what it takes to fight me though." Orochimaru disappeared from Zoro's sight and landed a vicious knee to his gut. Orochimaru started to pummel Zoro with kicks and punches. Blood flew from his mouth as each blow hit home.
"Zoro!" Anko yelled as she helplessly watche her former teacher beat on the boy she was assigned to watch over.
'I have to do something fast.' Zoro thought as Orochimaru continued his barrage. Then when Orochimaru hesitated slightly, Zoro slashed with the Wado and caused Orochimaru to jump back. Zoro quickly put the Wado in his mouth and drew the Shusui as Orochimaru charged in to continue the barrage. Zoro dodged almost all of the new attacks much to Orochimaru's and Anko's surprise, and then he manages to block the Sanin's blows, exposing the older ninja.
"Santoryu: Toro Nagashi!" He yelled as he sliced the exposed stomach of the older ninja. Orochimaru staggered back with a look of surprise and rage on his face. He couldn't fully let loose without exposing himself to the whole village ruining his plans, but this kid was something else. He was taking everything he threw at him and then returning some. Looked at Zoro, he didn't seem like he was getting tired like he figured someone at the genin level should be. He stood there with his three swords defiantly. 'I have to have this kid!' Orochimaru thought as the smile returned to his face. He knew exactly what to do. He held out his hand and Zoro took a defensive stance. Then his smile grew larger as he pointed at the still recovering Anko
"Sen'ei Tajashu!" He yelled as snakes rushed from under the sleeve of his shirt towards Anko. Orochimaru activated the curse seal on Anko to keep her in place.
'Oh no!' Zoro thought. He rushed to Anko's side and grabbed her. The snakes sunk there fangs into Zoro's back causing him to grunt in pain. All Anko could do was look on as she could feel each snake hit him. She looked on as he cut any snake that tried to reach her. Tears formed in her eyes as she started to clench the shirt of the swordsman.
'Fu Fu Fu. That should be enough.' Orochimaru thought. He looked on as Zoro continued his death grip on Anko. Moments passed and no movement. "I have injected you with a creeping poison. The more you fight the faster it spreads. You have about two, three day max to live before the poison takes your body and you die. The more you fight the faster it will spread. Pledge yourself to me and I'll save you." Orochimaru said as his face was filled with pleasure.
"Anko." Zoro said.
"What…" Anko said voice crackling.
"Take my forehead protector and tie it around my head." He said. "
No Zoro." She said in a stern hushed voice. "You mustn't continue fighting. You'll die. Let me go and I'll protect you!" Orochimaru slowly approached them.
"Do it." Zoro demanded. Anko looked deeply into his eyes and gave in. She took the protector off of his arm and wrapped it around his head. "Now hold on." Zoro said.
Anko gave him a quizzical look 'He must be going to run.' Anko said as she put her hands around his waist. Zoro looked back and waited for Orochimaru to get a little closer.
"Tatsu Maki!" He yelled causing a destructive column of wind to form. The Sanin barely had time to react he jumped backwards getting away from the miniature tornado that Zoro formed and shielded himself. Anko let out a scream as she held on for dear life. All the nearby trees where hurdled into the night sky sent flying in every direction imaginable. Orochimaru lowered his arms and a wicked smile formed on his face as he saw Zoro standing, Konoha headband reflecting the moon's light, face filled with determination.
"Zoro…." Anko said as she stared at his bloody back full of small snake fang marks.
"Come now Zoro." Orochimaru said. "You have no hope left with that poison in your body."
"Santoryu…. Ogi…" Zoro said.
Anko and Orochimaru's expressions changed as Zoro started spinning his words. "What?" They said in unison. Then with speeds that neither could comprehend he appeared behind Orochimaru as three wounds gushed out blood.
"Sanzen Sekai!" Zoro said as he fell to one knee after the attack. Orochimaru cried out in pain. Anko rushed past the suffering Sanin and grabbed Zoro.
"You Idiot! Are you ok!" She said.
"I'm fine…" He managed to stammer out.
Then they both heard it as Orochimaru wails of pain became a prideful cackle. Anko turned around to see two hands come out of the mouth and another Orochimaru emerge from the broken body without a scratch on him.
"What…" Zoro said then he coughed up blood afterwards.
"Roronoa Zoro! I must have you!" He said as his neck stretched towards the downed swordsman with the intent of placing a curse seal on the boy. Anko quickly jumped up and placed herself in between the two.
"Move girl." Orochimaru ordered as he activated her curse seal. Anko shuttered in pain but did not move.
"He protected me. Now it's my turn." She said as she threw a kunai with an explosive tag into the air. It exploded forming a pattern. "That will signal all the ANBU in forest who are looking for you to come here. All I have to do is hold you off!"
Orochimaru looked at her hate filled his eyes. "You win this time Anko. But that boy is now in my sights just like Sasuke. I will have him." Then the snake sanin disappeared into the night.
Anko let out a sigh of relief then grabbed her aching seal.
"Glad that's over. Now we have to get you to the hospital to get that poison out of you."
"No. I need to get out of here before the ANBU show up and get back to my team to finish this exam." Zoro said as he struggled to get up.
"What! You heard that snake! Look at you. You're obviously poisoned! We must get you out of here!" Anko protested.
"I will not let them down." Zoro said as he sheathes his swords and started to leave.
"No! I'm putting my foot down your coming with me." Anko said grabbing the swordsman.
"Anko. You have no choice in this matter. Now you're not my guardian, you're my examiner. And the rules that you made up said you can't quit in the middle." Zoro said brushing her hand off.
Anko bit her lip. "Zoro I…"
He didn't give her a chance to finish and disappeared into the forest leaving Anko to think if she had really made the right choice in letting him leave.
When Zoro made it back to camp, Hinata was passed out and Kiba kept watch.
"You looked wore out. Did you go watch that fight. It sounded big." He said. Zoro kept at the edge of the light of the fire so that Kiba wouldn't see his wounds and get suspicious.
"Yeah I saw it." Zoro said as he made it to his pack. He took off his shirt and replaced it with one that Hinata insisted he bring. Just in case she said. Zoro tried to lean up against a tree but his wounds wouldn't let him so he sat indian style and fell asleep.
*Next Day.*
Team eight rushed towards the tower. Both Hinata and Kiba noticed Zoro's slower pace as he trailed behind them instead of being in front. They could have been there already if they kept the pace they did yesterday. While they bounded thru the forest Kiba and Akamaru caught a strange scent.
"Hey! Stop!" Kiba ordered.
Zoro and Hinata obeyed.
"What's going on?" Hinata asked as Zoro remained silent.
"Hinata, can you check about 1km ahead of us?" Kiba asked.
"Ok." The girl agreed and silently activated her bloodline ability. She peered forward.
"There are people fighting over there…. Looks like six of them." She said.
"Let's go check it out. " Kiba said.
"Huh?" Hinata said surprised.
"We should just get out of here. The fewer teams we encounter the better." Zoro said breathing heavily.
"The examiner said bring both heaven and earth scrolls. She didn't say we could bring only one of each. So the more scrolls we get the less teams we have to worry about later." Kiba said.
"But…but…" Hinata said trying to protest.
"Come on, let's just check it out! If it looks bad we won't fight. Let's go!" Kiba said as he headed towards the fight.
Hinata and Zoro looked at each other, then reluctantly followed their teammate. They rushed thru the forest then Kiba all of a sudden came to a stop.
Zoro looked down at Kiba's puppy. "What's wrong with Akamaru?" Zoro asked as the puppy shook uncontrollably.
"He just started shaking." Kiba said.
"Why?" Hinata asked.
"He can smell out enemy chakra and sense their strength… but for him to shake like this they must be better than your average guys." Kiba said.
They crept up to the bushed and Zoro recognized them on site. It was Gaara and his two teammates!
"We have to leave now." Zoro said as he got up and once again left for the tower.
Hinata looked at Kiba then followed Zoro.
Kiba let out a sigh and then followed after his two teammates. "What's your problem? You've been acting strangely all day."
"Listen dog boy. Your puppy is smarter than you. He knew that Gaara was gonna kill those three guys." He said.
"Gaara?" Hinata asked.
"The kid with the gourd." Zoro answered. He coughed into his hand and felt the blood. He looked at it and it was all discolored. He had to get to the tower and fast. He wasn't gonna last too much longer.
*Tower in the center of the forest*
Hokage stood on the stage looking at all the genin who had passed the Second test. Before he had come out to oversee the third exam, he was briefed everything that happened in the forest of death: the run in with Orochimaru, His interest in Sasuke and Zoro, Zoro fighting him to a near standstill (even if he was holding back to remain hidden), and Zoro getting poisoned by him. The elder Sarutobi looked at the green haired youth who currently stood with his teammates. He stood tall wobbling to the side every now and then.
'Zoro, how are you even standing right now?' He thought knowing how skilled Orochimaru was with poisons. 'A genin should be out cold.' He pushed that to the side.
"First of all concerning the second test, congratulations on passing!" The Hokage said.
Zoro scanned the room. The other 2 rookie teams had survived to his surprise. Naruto looked at him and flashed him a victory sign which Zoro flashed a weak smile in response. He looked at Ino who stared at him with concern.
'She shouldn't know what happened to me.' He thought.
"Are you ok?" She mouthed over to him. He nodded feeling a little bad for lying to her. She looked at him for a couple more seconds before she turned her eyes forward to pay attention to what the Hokage was saying. He did the same thing. He noticed Kurenai's eyes staring a hole threw him. Anko had probably told her what had happened.
"The Hokage will now explain the third test." Anko said. "Listen carefully."
"For the coming third test…. but before I explain that there is something I would like you to know… the true reason for this exam." The elder Sarutobi said. He adjusted his headdress. "Why do we have all the allied countries take the exam together? 'To promote friendship amongst the countries.' 'To raise the level of ninja.' I don't want you to be confused about the true meaning. This exam is a replacement for war amongst the allied countries."
Zoro stood amazed this was a genius idea. As the Hokage continued on with his explanation, Zoro fought to keep on his feet. That snake man was right; he could feel the poison coursing thru his body. He tried to stay focused on the old man but it was difficult. His body was beginning to shut down. A cough snapped him back to reality. He could feel all of the jounin's eyes on him. They all looked like they were expecting him to back down because of his affliction.
"Hello everyone I'm Hayate." The new chunin standing in front of them said.
'When did he show up?' Zoro thought.
"Umm… before the third test there's something I'd like you to do." Hayate said as he finished with a cough. "Umm… It's a preliminary for the third test to decide who will fight in the main event."
Genin started to question and complain the new info that was placed in front of them.
"Umm the first and second test may have been too easy this year. We have too many people remaining." Hayate explained to cease the complaints. "According to the chunin exam rules we must have a preliminary to reduce the number of participants for the third exam. Umm anyway those who are not feeling well… those who feel like quitting after the explanation come forward. We will be starting the preliminary immediately."
"What! Right now!" Kiba complained.
Then silence gripped the room. Zoro looked straight ahead and he could feel Anko's eyes upon him waiting for him to drop out so she could rush him to get help.
"Umm... I'm gonna quit." Kabuto said from out of nowhere.
"Huh. Kabuto!" Naruto and Sakura said surprised.
"Umm…you're Yakushi Kabuto from Konoha right. You may leave." Hayate said while taking Kabuto out of his dossier.
"Anyone else? From now on it individual battles so you can do it based on your own judgment." Naruto grilled Kabuto about why he wanted to quit while the others looked on.
'Too bad, one less strong guy to fight.' Zoro thought. As Kabuto walked off he looked at Anko who was basically signaling him to raise his hand and drop out.
"Umm now there are no more retiring, right?" Hayate asked. Zoro closed his eyes to shut out Anko's pestering. He was going to finish this thing. He had made it this far. He opened his eyes to see Ando talking to the Hokage. Her fingers moving from him to Sasuke.
'Why him…?' Zoro thought. He figured it was to get him eliminated from this phase. Kurenai looked at the swordsman. He could feel her eyes asking him if he could go on. He stared Kurenai straight back giving her his answer. He could and he would. Kurenai nodded and she joined Anko, Kakashi, and the Hokage in there discussion.
"Umm… now let's begin the preliminaries." Hayate said. "Now this preliminary will consist of one on one fighting. Fight as if this was a real life confrontation. Since we now have exactly twenty participants we will conduct 10 matches and… umm… the winners will go on to the third test."
Zoro scowled. He hoped he would get the first match. The longer he stayed untreated the worse off he would be.
"The thing that will decide you destiny is this." Hayate said as a display appeared behind him. "This electric scoreboard will show the matchup for each battle. Now this is sudden but let's announce the two names for our first fight. Zoro looked up as the name cycled thru stopping on Uchiha Sasuke vs. Akado Yoroi.
"Now we will be starting the first match. Will everyone except the two participants move to the upper level." Hayate said.
Zoro made his way up behind Hinata and Kiba. Ino spotted him. She was really worried. He looked real pale. She went to talk to him when Kurenai walked up to Zoro and grabbed him to the surprise of Hinata and Kiba. She waited till her team was the only one around.
"Zoro take off your shirt." Kurenai demanded. Kiba, Ino, and Hinata, looked on surprised. She looked at her other two students and Ino looking on "Come here if you're gonna gawk like that." Kurenai said as Ino walked closer to team eight. "You guys block the view for a second" Kurenai said.
The genin obediently formed a circle around them as Zoro took off his shirt. When he took it all the way off everyone looked on horrified at what they saw. Zoro's back was black and blue and full of puncture wounds.
"Zoro when did this happen…" Kiba demanded as he got in his face.
Zoro didn't answer.
"Who did this…?" Ino asked.
Once again he didn't answer. Kurenai threw Zoro his shirt.
"You should have dropped out idiot." Ino said angrily. Zoro put on his shirt and walked over to the guard rail as Sasuke and Yoroi got ready to fight.
"It's too late for that now." Zoro said.
Kurenai clenched her fist. "You stubborn bastard… you still intend on fighting in your condition?" She said pulling his head close to her mouth so only he could hear her.
He didn't answer.
"Fine if you die it's your own fault." Kurenai let him go and leaned against the wall as Zoro's eyes never left the ring. Her anger quickly disappeared and was replaced by worry and doubt. 'Is this the right thing to do…?' She thought.
Zoro intently watched Sasuke's match in silence. He judged every one of his moves.
'Hmm he's not using any jutsus this fight.' Zoro thought. He watched as Sasuke used a move he recognized to kick Yoroi into the air.
'Lee's skill….' He thought. Then he noticed black marks start appearing on his face and neck that quickly faded and he finished his move and the match.
The medics came out and took the fallen Yoroi away and insisted to take Sasuke but Kakashi waved them off.
"Now for the next match." Hayate said as he pointed to the scoreboard.
Zaku Abumi vs. Roronoa Zoro.
"Heh that guy from the first test…." Zaku said.
"Kakashi. I want to stay for Zoro's fight….." Sasuke said.
"No. If we don't get it now then it is too late." Kakashi said.
"Then let it be too late. I want to judge him like he judged me." Sasuke said watching Zoro walk down to the ring.
"….. OK… but one bad twitch and we leave." Kakashi said not truly wanting to deprive his star student a chance to observe is rival in action.
All of the jounin looked on. They all knew what had transpired. Orochimaru looked on trying to hold back his joy. Sasuke impressed him with his fight now for the newest piece of his puzzle. Anko couldn't hide her concern. She wanted to go to him while he was in the stands but Ibiki had stopped her.
"Ha. I still remember what you did. You're gonna pay for that." Zaku said as he positioned his good arm to attack.
"I'll give you a chance to give up." Zoro said causing everyone on the sideline to start murmuring.
"What?" Zaku said. Then he charged in. Zoro easily blocked him without drawing out a sword and tossed him to the side.
"You have one arm. There is no way you could beat me. You're walking the road to an early death." Zoro said.
Zaku face went from condescending pride to anger. "Shut the hell up!" Zaku yelled as he quickly reappeared next to Zoro hands pointed towards him.
"Zakuha!" He yelled sending the air pressure attack at Zoro from point blank range causing Zoro to roll backwards.
"Zoro!" Naruto yelled. Zoro got to his knees and puked up a bunch of discolored blood.
"Heh this is your power Zoro?" Sasuke taunted.
'Heh even with that messed up arm he's ready to fight. I should be enjoying this.' Zoro thought as he wobbly got to his feet.
Kiba looked on concerned. He would never admit it but Zoro was one of the reason he pushed himself so hard. To see him in such a weakened state…
"Oi Zoro! If you lose like this I'll never forgive you!" Kiba yelled "What happened to the stupid swordsman who never let anything like this get to him? You're making me sick to my stomach!"
Zoro spit the remaining blood out of his mouth. "Shut it dog boy." Zoro said.
Zaku drew out a kunai and rushed Zoro. Zoro quickly drew the Wado and sloppily parried the strikes letting more and more strikes thru as it went on. Zoro grimaced then slashed forward. Zaku easily dodged the erratic blow.
"Heh your open!" Zaku said putting his hand to his chest "Zakuha!"
The blow drove Zoro back and once again forced him to the ground. He looked forward. His vision started to blur.
"This match is over! Stop it!" Anko yelled as she made her way to Hayate.
"No…!" Zoro declared. He got up and put the Wado in his mouth and drew the Sandai and Shusui. 'To be pushed this far….!' Zoro thought.
"Stay down!" Zaku yelled getting even more frustrated.
"I told you… one arm… wouldn't t defeat me!" Zoro said breathing heavily.
"Heh, well then." Zaku said forcing his arm that was in the sling forward. Zoro looked on surprised. "Zankukyokuha!"
"Zoro!" Ino yelled tears filled her eyes from watching Zoro suffer thru the match.
"Ha you lose!" Zaku yelled as he continued to pour more chakra into the attack.
Neji activated his Byukagan to look at what was going on to Zoro inside the attack. 'No way..!' He thought surprised at what he saw.
The look didn't go unnoticed by Kakashi who pulled up his protector exposing his Sharingan. Within the chakra reinforced attack he saw Zoro's silhouette blocking the attack. His look changed to one of surprise and amazement.
Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura looked at their jounin instructor with puzzled expressions.
'What is he seeing?' Sasuke said as he looked back to the fight and prepared to activate his Sharingan to see what the deal was.
"SANTORYU!" Zoro yelled as his voice filled the arena.
"No way!" Zaku yelled as he poured more into the attack.
"Hyakuhachi….. Pound Ho!" Zoro yelled then from the center of the attack Zoro was revealed as the energy he released obliterated the attack and rushed forward. Zaku tried to react but it was too late. The attack hit Zaku and sent him flying back embedding him in a nearby wall. Zoro fell to a knee breathing heavily using the Shusui to hold him up.
Hayate went over to examine Zaku. He had blood oozing from his mouth and his eyes where glazed over. "Winner, Roronoa Zoro!" Hayate declared.
All eyes were placed on the kneeling swordsman. 'So that is the extent of his power.' Neji thought as a smile formed on his face.
Lee's eyes sparked with new found motivation to fight Zoro.
Kankuro looked on a little scared that he actually tried to fight the kid.
"Roronoa Zoro, huh…" Gaara said causing his siblings to look at him confused.
Naruto cheered uncontrollably for his friend as Sakura looked on not able to hide the fact that she was impressed.
Orochimaru smiled from ear to ear. First Sasuke's impressive display despite the handicap of the curse seal and now Zoro's drive, endurance, and power. 'I'll take Zoro's body and place Sasuke's Sharingan in them!' He thought as he licked his lips at the thought. He mentally regretted not being able to put the seal on the swordsman when he had the chance, but that didn't matter he'd get another chance. 'I will be unstoppable!'
Sasuke looked at the swordsman with hate and jealousy in his eyes. His mind mentally went over every second of the fight. Kakashi put his hand on the Uchiha boy's shoulder and lead him away. "Zoro, He seemed to have lost a couple of steps." Sasuke said as he walked beside Kakashi.
"Well there's a reason behind that…" Kakashi said as he told Sasuke about Zoro's condition.
Zoro got to his feet and began to walk back up the stairs as the medics peeled Zaku from the wall and carried him away. The remaining members of the rookie nine and Team Gai ran over to greet him. When he got to the top of the stairs Anko appeared in between Zoro and the rest of the genin.
"What do you think you're doing!" Anko yelled.
"Getting ready to watch the rest of the matches…" Zoro said as he tried to walk around her.
Anko grabbed him "Stupid! You should have just quit at the beginning!" Anko raged. "You were poisoned! P-o-i-s-o-n-e-d! And because of that little display of guts you just shown no telling how close to death you are!"
'What!' Is the only thing that went thru the head of everyone that didn't know what had transpired inside of the forest of death. He could do all of that with a powerful poison in his body?
Ino put her hands on her mouth. 'Death…?' She thought as her mind raced. 'I knew that those injuries where bad but poison….'
"Idiot swordsman…" Shikamaru whispered beneath his breath as he could see the pain that wrenched Ino thru her facial expression.
"You! You let him fight!" Anko yelled as she rushed Kurenai and slammed her into the wall.
Asuma and Gai quickly grabbed Anko pulling her off of Kurenai.
"What were you thinking! Zoro is dying and you let him fight in this? I bet you intended to let him stay here too!"
Kurenai looked at Anko. The usually brash and vulgar jounin's face was filled with tears and rage. "Anko I…."
"No! On second thought don't answer. I might have to kill you based on your answer!" Anko raged while grabbing Zoro's arm.
"You're coming with me." And the two disappeared.
Hayate coughed to bring everyone attention to the board that read the next contenders.
*Konoha Hospital Next Morning.*
Zoro sat up in the bed, torso heavy bandaged, and poison out of his body. He looked up at Anko as she stood in front of the door. Her eyes never left the boy during any of the procedures that this transpired. They currently where alone in the room, the prelims had been over for a while now.
"Anko I..."
"Shut up. Don't say a word to me." Anko interrupted. Silence gripped the room accompanied by unease.
Minute seemed like hours to Zoro as the older woman angry gaze bore into his very soul.
"How could you put yourself in that kind of danger?" Anko finally asked.
"I had the commitment to my team…" Zoro tried to say.
"Stop lying to me!" She screamed. "Your team made through the forest! That was well enough! I let you go against my better judgment, but to not drop out! You are truly a moron!"
"Moron! This is nothing compared to anything I've been thru before!" Zoro yelled getting up from the bed and walking towards Anko. "This is nothing!"
"Heh. Maybe to you, but what about those who care about you?" Anko said. "You think that we would just sit by and accept the fact that you walk down the path of self-destruction?"
Zoro looked at her, eyes void of emotion. "To become the greatest swordsman, I'd do anything." He said. Anko eyes filled with rage. She slapped the green haired swordsman as hard as she could.
"What was that…." Zoro tried to say but to his surprise Anko pulled him in and hugged him. He could feel her tears falling on his neck and her sobs sent shockwaves thru his body.
"Anko…" was all he could say.
"You moron! You're the worst younger brother ever!" She said. "How do you think I felt as I watch you fight Orochimaru on my behalf…? I'm supposed to be protecting you not the other way around…"
"Are you really Anko?" Zoro asked jokingly.
She took her thumb and drove it into one of his wounds showing him she was. Zoro placed his arms around Anko much to her surprise. "Heh. Brothers are supposed to watch out for sisters no matter who's older." He said.
Anko sat there for a second and enjoyed the moment before she pushed away. "I-if you tell anyone about this I swear I'll kill you!" She said her face totally red.
Zoro smiled "Ok." He answered as he put on his shirt.
He grabbed his swords and made his way for the door. When he opened it and outside was Hinata, Kiba, Naruto, Ino, and Kurenai. All of them had looks of anger on their face.
'This is gonna be a long day…' Zoro thought as the group closed in on him.
Sorry for the super delay. Skyrim happend... then Zelda happend...
R/R
B.O.X