Chapter 7 The demon within. Zoro's Trump Card.

*Tanzaku- Streets*

Birds sang along the sunlit dirt path. Shizune took in the serene surroundings as her teacher's pet followed closely behind her. She rarely had time to herself as the attendant of the legendary medic ninja Tsunade. She looked around to take in the serene moment when she caught a glimpse of a green haired boy. The boy had sloppy tied bandages across most of his body. And even with all of his supposed injuries he was still doing handstand pushups. Shizune couldn't believe what she was seeing. She walked over to the boy.

"Excuse me." Shizune said as she walked up on the boy.

No answer. The boy was so into his workout that he didn't see the older woman.

"Hello!" She said more forceful this time.

The green haired boy looked up at her. "I'm a little busy right now." He said as he went back to his exercise.

"You're injured you shouldn't even be doing that." Shizune said as she got closer to try and examine his wounds.

"I've been in worse conditions that this. I can't slow down now." He said.

'Worse than this!' Shizune thought. He was all worn out. From what she could see through the worse bandage job she's even seen, had all kinds or weird shaped scratches all over his body. She could tell that the wounds had been treated but by someone with limited knowledge of medical jutsus. If he continued at this place it risked infection.

"I can fix you up brand new." Shizune said masking her worry for the boy.

"I don't have a lot of money. I don't know if I could repay you." He said.

"Ah, I'll do it free of charge. You'll just owe me a favor." Shizune said. The boy pushed off and landed on his feet. Shizune was amazed at his durability. A normal person wouldn't be able to move with those injuries. She looked at his arm and noticed the leaf protector. I had been a while since she had been to Konoha but she didn't recognize him at all. She watched him gather his swords.

"I could fix you lunch." He said as he looked at the pig that was behind her and placed one hand on a white hilt.

"No! She's not food! She's a pet." Shizune yelled.

"Oh…" The boy said with disappointment in his voice.

"Just come on. I'll fix you up in my room." She said.

"By the way my name is Shizune."

"Zoro." The boy answered. That name…. she's heard of it before. But she shook her head and lead Zoro back to her room.

*Tanzaku- Hotel*

Shizune's hands shined a light green as they went over Zoro's body. Sweat formed on her forehead. She had never had a hard time healing injuries of this type on anyone and should have just been really easy. She was getting the job done but it was a slow process.

"So Zoro, what's your specialty?" Shizune asked trying to find out more about the boy and maybe why she was having a hard time healing him.

"Just a swordsman." He said as he stared at the ceiling. Shizune frowned a little. Was he purposely avoiding answering questions? Had Konoha came looking for her and Tsunade?

"Shizune! Where are you!" A voice belonging to Tsunade echoed through the hotel room. Zoro sat up as Shizune continued to heal him.

"What's going on? Who is this?" She asked as she walked in on the two.

"This is Zoro. I found him wounded and thought I'd heal him." Shizune answered her teacher. Tsunade looked straight to the leaf headband.

"You've been gone for hours. What's taking so long!" She asked.

"I-I don't know. His body is reacting weird to my skill." Shizune said in her defense.

Tsunade bent down and put her hand on the boy. As her hands started to glow the same color green that Shizune's did she noticed the same thing. "Boy what's your name." Tsunade asked.

"Zoro." He answered.

A look of shock formed on her face. 'Zoro? This is the boy who fought Orochimaru at the last chunin exams!' Tsunade thought.

"How did you get these wounds?" She asked.

"Fighting." Zoro answered.

Tsunade applied a little pressure to Zoro's wound. Zoro winced

"Hey old lady!" Zoro yelled as the pressure became more intense.

"Then don't play around with me." She said venom dripping from every word.

"Fighting that fish guy… Kisame." Zoro said as the pressure suddenly released.

'Why would this leaf genin have a run in with the Akatsuki?' She thought as she hurried her healing. 'Shizune's right. This boy is different, something is going on... We have to get out of here. Something is going down.' With that the glow stopped. Zoro stood up and checked himself out. Every wound was gone and he could swear that the wound Mihawk caused had partially faded. He made some simple moves to test out his body. He hasn't felt this good in years. Before he could say anything a pair of hands clamped onto his shoulders.

"Now out with you." Tsunade said as she ushered him to the door as the two followed him outside. He looked at the older lady with the pigtails and her raven haired assistant.

"Thanks." Zoro said as he gave them a small smile and began to walk in a random direction. Tsunade watched the swordsman walk away. If she would have had more time she'd love to give him a full examination to research what she had found.

*Tanzaku-lost…*

It's been about an hour since Zoro had left the company of the two kunoichi. Zoro looked around trying to find either the perverted old man or his loud orange-clad friend. Naruto had been a little apprehensive having him around while he trained for his new move. Still Jiraiya had promised him to teach him something useful and he'd rather do it now than later.

*Crash!* Zoro looked up and saw a snake crash through a nearby castle. Zoro instantly knew who it was.

*Flashback*

"I can see how you gave Orochimaru so much trouble." Kisame said as he discarded his ruined jacket and Zoro donned his headband. "But he'd be no match for me either!"

*End Flashback*

A sinister smile crept onto Zoro's face. Revenge combined with a way to test himself for a greater opponent. Zoro closed his eyes to feel out his opponent. And within seconds he could feel Orochimaru's killer intent. Zoro eagerly ran towards his next opponent.

*Tanzaku – Castle Ruins*

A destroyed castle served as the backdrop for two of the three legendary ninjas of Konoha. Orochimaru and Kabuto stood on one side of the empty dust road and Tsunade and Shizune stood on the other. Shizune was on edge. Orochimaru had just asked her teacher to heal his arms, given her a "price" he'd pay, and told what he would do. Destroy the leaf. Tsunade stood there in quiet contemplation.

"You can't! Don't even listen to these liars!" Shizune yelled.

A few seconds passed no answer.

"Uncle and your brother wouldn't want to do this either!"

Still no answer.

Tears of rage and disappointment began to form in Shizune's eyes. "Are the wishes of two people….." Shizune stops herself. "Tsunade! Your dreams, your wishes…. Have you forgotten them? Yet I understand! Reality is…"

"SHUT UP SHIZUNE!" Tsunade yelled as she held her head down.

"You don't have to answer now." Kabuto said in his usual calm and cool manner. "However, we hope we can come to a peaceful resolution. The jutsu of life requires a supply of life. We've prepared two good bodies…"

"Tsunade! Kill these bastards!" Shizune yelled interrupting Kabuto. "Orochimaru is weak! This is a good opportunity! If we fight together we can definitely defeat these guys!" Tsunade just lowered her head even further to the shock of Shizune.

Orochimaru lifted one of his useless hands to his mouth and bit down till it drew blood. Tsunade started to visibly shake at the sight.

'Damn! He is one of the three. He still knows about that incident.' Shizune thought as she glanced at her teacher.

"I'm pretty weak now…, but I still know…."

"SANTORYU!" A new voiced called out. The four looked up to see a certain green haired swordsman all three swords drawn aimed directly at them. "Hyakuhachi Pound Ho!"

Orochimaru and Kabuto jumped to one side as Shizune quickly grabbed a shaken Tsunade and jumped the opposite way. As they all travelled through the air the looked back at the damage the attack caused. The spot they were all standing was annihilated. Tsunade was shocked back to normal.

"Ah Zoro… wasn't expecting you." Orochimaru said letting his snake-ish tongue waver around.

Tsunade looked at the green haired swordsman she had just healed. He stood defiantly towards the two ninjas she was just conversing with. No fear in his eyes and the sheer amount of killer intent that irradiated from him right now was overwhelming. Orochimaru eyes flickered. He could feel a very annoying person coming their way.

"Sorry Zoro I don't have time to play with you today." He said as he started his retreat.

"You're not getting away that easily!" Zoro yelled. He jumped up and began to chase the snake only to be cut off by his white haired assistant. Kabuto let loose a barrage of kunai that Zoro easily blocked as he dashed forward. Kabuto was barely able to dodge the upward slash that Zoro unleashed when he got in striking distance. Kabuto jumped back. He had done some research on Zoro. After their fight and Zoro's chunin exam performance, Orochimaru was ecstatic. He was hell-bent on unlocking Sasuke's eyes, placing them in Zoro's body, and then taking control of it. Kabuto took a defensive stance. Zoro rushed past him and once again chasing Orochimaru's disappearing aura. Kabuto spit poison laced senbons at Zoro. With a quick turn, Zoro was barely able to deflect the senbons. He let lose his attack.

'Sanjuroku Pound Ho.' Kabuto thought with a smirk as she contorted his body around the attack. As he looked forward kunai drawn he didn't see Zoro. He noticed a shadow appear above him.

"Tora Gari!" Zoro yelled as his swords dug into Kabuto's body. Kabuto let out a quick yell then disappeared puff of smoke. "Damn bushin." Zoro said as he could no longer feel Orochimaru or Kabuto. Zoro prepared to leave.

"Wait." Tsunade called out. Zoro looked down. "Orochimaru is long gone chasing him would be futile." She said. Zoro tried one more time to feel him out with the same result.

"Why should I trust you? From what I saw, you too might be his allies." Zoro said turning to the two swords still drawn.

"Allies of Orochimaru? Get real." Shizune said slightly insulted by the fact. "We healed you. Why would we do that if we worked for Orochimaru?" Shizune looked on nervously as Zoro stood above them swords drawn, killer intent still flowing outwards. Zoro's foot shifted forward a little causing Shizune to act. Quickly drawing a pair of kunai she jumped at the swordsman. Zoro easily held her at bay with the Shusui. Shizune shifted more and more chakra into her muscles to try and overpower the boy to no avail. She took a deep breath and blew out poison mist. Zoro quickly pushed her off and created distance internally thanking his training sessions with Kurenai.

"Stop you two!" Tsunade yelled. Shizune ignored her orders being too engulfed in the fight. Zoro wasn't gonna listen to her anyway, his earlier question seemed answered by Shizune's actions.

'I'll finish her off then fight the old lady.' Zoro thought glancing at Tsunade. He sheathes the Shusui and took the Wado in his now open hand. He didn't need the Santoryu to beat this lady. Shizune picked herself up. She was beginning to regret fighting this boy. She stared into his eyes. His look sent shivers down her spine. His eyes didn't reflect the usual genin but a demon, a demon ready to strike!

"Nitoryu…." Zoro appeared in front of Shizune. She tried to react but she knew her movements were a little slow. Then a familiar green jacket appeared in front of her grabbing the boy's arms. "

I said stop." Tsunade said.

Zoro struggled to get free but this lady's strength was uncanny. He pushed but he was getting nowhere.

"If you stop we can talk this over." Tsunade said as she looked down at Zoro. Zoro looked her straight in the eyes. She felt as the resistance from Zoro slowly stopped. She let go of his arms. Zoro looked as Shizune, who still had a semi rattled look on her face, and when he was sure she was done fighting he sheathe the Sandai and the Wado. Tsunade let out a relived sigh.

"Let's get out of here. I need a drink." Tsunade said as she pushed her two younger companions ahead of her so she could keep an eye on them.

*Tanzaku – Bar*

Shizune was in shock. Tried to protest when Tsunade offered the young Zoro a drink, but as she looked at the two now…. Zoro continued to drink seemingly extremely tolerant to alcohol while Tsunade was sloppily drunk. They had partially explained the situation to the leaf swordsman and he seemed to buy it. When asked about his mission he was quiet. Not revealing a word, Shizune has been asking him every few minutes after they started drinking the details but had no success. Shizune looked at Zoro. A few hours ago he was intent on killing her now they sat beside each other, his arms tone, rugged good looks and she remembered his well-defined chest area from when she heal him… She shook her head

'He's way too young for me.' She thought cheeks gained a nice rosy tint. Zoro looked at her making her go into a full blush.

"Awww Shhhizzzuuunneee." Tsunade slurred. "I didn't know you were a cradle robber."

"T-t-tsunade!" Shizune yelled as her teacher blurted out what's on her mind. Tsunade let out a huge laugh.

"Don't worry I'll help you out. Zoro my little Shizune seems a little smitten by you." She said pulling Zoro into her ample bust.

"Not interested." Zoro said a slight blush on his cheeks from his position.

He managed to pull himself away and Tsunade pouted a little before grabbing Shizune and pulling her close for a whisper.

"Don't worry. I'll have him eating out of your hand by the end of the evening." Tsunade said as Shizune's turned her head to escape the smell of alcohol.

"Zoro you want more beer?" He nodded. "MORE BEER!" She yelled.

"Tsunade!" a voice they all recognized called from the door.

"Jiraiya… Why are you in a place like this?" Tsunade said instantly sobered.

"We've finally found you…. Zoro what are you doing over there." Jiraiya said as Naruto waved at his friend.

"They we're treating me." Zoro answered as he returned Naruto's wave. The two joined them at the table. The fun seemed to die the instant Naruto and Jiraiya sat down.

"Today… I met with someone who brought back allot of bad memories." Tsunade said breaking the silence.

"Orochimaru? Did anything happen?" Jiraiya asked. Shizune sharply turned to Tsunade who just returned a death stare and then turned it to Zoro signaling them both to be quiet.

"Nothing much just a greeting…" She said. "You too… Why'd you come to see me?"

"To tell the truth, Konoha has requested that you become the 5th Hokage." Everyone reacted with surprise at the announcement. Zoro looked over the woman. True she had stopped his attack cold but was she truly as strong as old man Sarutobi. "The third is…."

"It was Orochimaru's work, I've heard. He told me." Tsunade said as she interrupted Jiraiya. Naruto and Jiraiya glared at Tsunade. Zoro just finished his beer already knowing that much.

"That big snake guy?" Naruto yelled. "He's the one who killed our Hokage? Who the hell is this bastard!"

"He was with us, one of the legendary three." Jiraiya said. "What the hell! Wasn't the legendary three a part of the leaf!" Naruto yelled.

"Who is this boy?" Tsunade asked.

"He's Uzumaki Naruto." Jiraiya said. Zoro noted the look on Shizune and Tsunade's face. They must have just realized he was the holder of the Kyuubi.

"Hey! How come she can become the Hokage? Why?" Naruto asked.

"Quiet." Jiraiya said sternly. "Are you willing to accept?" The table grows quiet except for Naruto's random noise of frustration.

"It's impossible. I decline…." Tsunade said breaking the growing stupor. Everyone was in shock.

Zoro sat back against the chair as Jiraiya began to bargain with Tsunade. In his opinion she said no and that was that. End of story. But his two travel companions don't share his outlook. Naruto slammed his hand on the table bringing Zoro back to reality.

"Hey you just wanted to bring her back to check on Sasuke and Kakashi!" Naruto yelled. "And yet you ask her to be Hokage and she declines?"

"Don't worry so much. Tsunade is the only person who can become the 5th Hokage." Jiraiya said with a smile on his face. "She was the one who brought us to victory in the great battle, no one has been able to acquire her techniques, and also she is the granddaughter of the 1st Hokage. No one is more qualified for the job than her. If she becomes Hokage, she would have to go back to the village and she could check up on those two. This decision was made by the elders of the leaf village, and you have no say in this." Jiraiya looked at his student. Zoro on the other had looked at Tsunade. She wasn't just some random strong person he just happened to run into. She had a history. She could definitely take the old man's spot.

"Jiraiya, this kid is nothing like your last student, in terms of looks, intelligence, and speech." Tsunade said as a fake smile formed on her face.

"What's that supposed to mean!" Naruto yelled.

"Well it's hard to compare to the 4th." Jiraiya said trying to calm Naruto down. "He had the talent to become a top-rank ninja. He was smart, reliable, and handsome like me."

"…but even the 4th died quickly." Tsunade added to the end as her smile became more devilish. "He gave is life for the village. Life is different from money, it can't be gambled that easily. Whoever risks it that casually is a fool." Zoro looked at his blond friend. His anger was beginning to overflow. "My grandfather and the second wasted there whole life trying to bring peace to the village. In the end they died in the middle of their dream, like losers."

"Who knew old people could have such a depressing outlook on life." Zoro said as the group turned to him. "One's dream usually drive them to work harder."

With a fake chuckle to go with her fake smile Tsunade ruffled Zoro's short hair. "Boy, I'm in my 50s. Age changes people. And the same goes for Sarutobi. No wonder he died, he was too old to achieve his dream." Tsunade said. Zoro, Naruto, and Jiraiya glared at Tsunade as soon as the final word left her mouth. "Being Hokage is shit. Only a fool would want to do it."

To the surprise of everyone Naruto jumped on the table fist drawn ready to hit the older lady. Jiraiya quickly grabbed his student before he could do anything.

"Let me go!" Naruto protested as he tried to reach Tsunade.

"Do you realize that we are at a bar!" Jiraiya yelled. Zoro looked around and people all started to look towards there corner. He turned his gaze back to Tsunade. What was her game…. He notice Naruto stop struggling.

"I can't forgive anyone who badmouths our Hokage and the 4th!" Naruto declares shaking in anger. "I don't care if she's a woman, I'm gonna kick her ass!" Tsunade stared sternly at Naruto then placed on foot on the table.

"You got some guts saying such things to me boy. Let's take this outside." Tsunade left the bar followed by Shizune.

"Oi Naruto." Zoro said. He looked up at Zoro. "She might not look it but she's strong." Naruto didn't even acknowledge Zoro he just rushed out the door. Zoro and Jiraiya looked at each other then let out a deep sigh before they walked out onto the street.

*Tanzaku – Streets*

As Jiraiya and Zoro left the bar, Tsunade and Naruto where already paired off ready to go. Jiraiya let out on last sigh. "I'm one of the legendary three. I don't even need to try to fight a little boy like you." Tsunade taunted.

"Shut up!" Naruto yelled.

"One finger should be enough…." She said.

"Stop fooling around!" Naruto yelled.

Zoro watched on as Naruto was taken apart by this old lady with one finger. Deep down he wanted a shot at this lady too. Just to see where he stood.

"Hey kid, one thing I want to ask you before you pass out." Tsunade said "Why do you get so excited when you hear the word Hokage?"

"Unlike you I really want to succeed the Hokage and I will because my dream is to become Hokage!" Zoro gives a quizzical look a Tsunade as she is visibly shaken by the words.

Zoro eyes move to Naruto and he prepares for something. A small compact orb forms in his hand running towards Tsunade. Zoro's raises an eyebrow

'This is the technique that Jiraiya taught him?' Zoro thought. He looked at Tsunade's expression. Panic. She knew this attack. Zoro watched with increased interest. Tsunade brought her one finger down to the ground causing a fissure to in the ground. Zoro's jaw dropped in amazement.

'No wonder I couldn't break free….' He thought as he watches Naruto drop the technique and a small spherical crater in the ground form where it hit. Shizune ran to check on Naruto as Tsunade stood triumphant.

"Jiraiya! Was it you that showed him the Rasengan?" Tsunade asked.

"I'm his master….in principal…." Jiraiya answered.

"The 4th and you are the only one who could use that technique."

Zoro milled over the attack. He remembered the Rasengan Jiraiya used when they first arrived. Naruto's was nowhere near that. And how people go on about the 4th, his might had been superior to the toad pervert.

"You Idiot!" Naruto yelled making Zoro pay attention to his and Tsunade's antics again. "It's not a joke…. Alight! All I need is three days and I can master that technique! Just you watch!" Naruto yelled.

"Heh some heavy words brat! A man should never take back his word." Tsunade said.

"Heh. I won't take back my word… it's my ninja way!" Naruto said.

Zoro and Jiraiya smirked at the declaration while Shizune grimaced. Tsunade looked on with something between a smile and a frown.

"Well is that so?" Tsunade said. "I'll give you one week. If you can master that jutsu I will acknowledge that you can become Hokage and give you this necklace." She said as she held it out. Shizune began to protest and Zoro began to leave.

"Where are you going?" Jiraiya asked.

"Sleep. Nothing else for me to see here." Zoro said as he began to leave.

"Well, tomorrow we'll begin your training. It shouldn't take long" Jiraiya said. Zoro nodded and began to walk towards the hotel.

*Outskirts of Tanzaku*

Today wasn't Jiraiya's day, he woke up to a killer hangover, then he had to go search for Zoro who and wandered into someone's home and mistaken it for a hotel. He looked down at the swordsman. He had no idea what he was getting himself into. He silently wished he hasn't given Zoro false hope.

"Ok." Jiraiya said trying to gain a little confidence. "I want you to perform you Hiryu: Kaen and hold it so I can examine it." Zoro nodded as he drew the Wado and concentrated. And within a few seconds a familiar pale blue flame flickered in and out of existence along the blade. Jiraiya bent over and looked at the flame. It was nothing like any fire techniques he's ever seen. The flame gave off no heat whatsoever. He ran his finger along the blade enough to cut himself. He pulled his hand away and along the wound the same blue flame that didn't give off any heat a second ago was viciously eating away at his finger. He put his uninjured hand next to it. The heat radiated to his hand. He quickly put it out and looked a Zoro. He breathing was getting heavy. He didn't even noticed what had transpired.

"Hard to hold the technique?" He asked. Zoro didn't answer he just focused on his sword and the technique. Jiraiya took a couple of steps back. He drew out some kunai. "Don't drop that technique Zoro!" Jiraiya yelled as he began to throw them at Zoro.

Zoro looked up. Blue flames trailed across the sky as he deflected every kunai that was threw at him. Zoro's breathing grew a little more labored at the mild exertion. The blue flame flickered away from Zoro's sword.

'Why is this making me so tired?' Zoro thought.

Jiraiya walked past Zoro. "Interesting…" He said. Zoro turned to see what the Sanin saw. Some of the kunai that he had deflected where engulfed in a blue flame while others just laid there. He looked at the hermit, who turned to him flashing a great big smile.

"Zoro! Wait here. Hold the flame as long as you can!" With those words Jiraiya disappeared from his sight.

*30 min later.*

Sweat drenched the green haired swordsman. He could hold the flame on his word only for a short amount of time before his stamina gave out. What was wrong with him? He's never had a problem with stamina before. He silently cursed as he focused once again on the blade.

"Stop Zoro." Jiraiya ordered as he appeared before Zoro with Shizune in tow.

"How are you fairing?" He asked.

"It… drains me…" Zoro reluctantly answers.

"I have an idea why." Jiraiya said. "That's why I brought a medical expert." He said pushing Shizune forward.

"I'm still a student myself..." She said with a light blush. "You're good enough. I want you to close the tenketsu points around Zoro's heart." Jiraiya said.

'Tenketsu?' Zoro thought.

"WHAT! That could kill him!" Shizune protested and made Zoro look on in concern.

"I know." Jiraiya said calmly Shizune started to leave refusing to do this. "You said that you owe him for the unwarranted attack yesterday." Jiraiya said putting a hand on her shoulder. "This could help with his training. If I'm wrong you can just open them up again."

"I'd rather have a Tsunade or a Hyuga do this…" She said as she stood in front of Zoro and began to punch the spots she knew around the heart. She looked up at Zoro no signs of discomfort. "What. I know I hit the right spots! She said as she began to hit them again a little harder this time.

"What's the point of….!" Zoro's left leg gave away and he hit the ground.

"Oh sorry!" Shizune said as she punched a spot on his leg. "I closed a point on your leg." Zoro once again had control of his body.

"Just as I thought…" Tsunade said. Jiraiya, Shizune and Zoro looked up at the older medic.

"Zoro, you will never learn proper jutsu." Tsunade said. Zoro was neither surprised nor cared.

"Lay down." She ordered. Zoro obeyed. Tsunade lifted up his shirt and quickly started to hit points all across his chest.

"Zoro." She said.

"Yeah?" He replied.

"You should be dead." Tsunade said. Shizune and Jiraiya looked on amazed. "Where are you from?" She asked.

"Ea…." He stopped himself remembering the reaction he had gotten what seemed like an eternity ago. "I don't remember." Tsunade's brow furrowed at the obvious lie.

"Well either you have a weird negative impacting blood limit or you lack a proper chakra pathway system." Zoro banked on the second one.

"Zoro can you focus chakra on your arms?" Tsunade asked.

Zoro thought for a second. 'Ichi Gorilla, Ni Gorilla.' He thought. His arms bulked up. Tsunade quickly pulled out a kunai and cut Zoro's arm. As blood started to trickle from it she placed a hand on it and it began to glow green and within seconds the wound was closed and gone.

"Ok you can drop it now." Tsunade said. Zoro's arms returned to normal size. She once again looked over his arms. Zoro looked on quietly.

"Zoro, you said the flames drained you right?" Tsunade said. Zoro nodded. She pulled Zoro close.

"I'm going to do something to you… you have to promise me… that you'll accomplish your dream." Zoro was taken back. Not even 24 hours ago she basically said dreams where for losers. It was obviously all an act now. Zoro looked sternly at her and nodded. She gave a brief smile a genuine smile. She stepped back her hands glow a brighter green. Her hands hit numerous spots along his arms and legs. Zoro begins to fall but unlike when Shizune did it he was able to catch himself. His arms and legs felt weird.

"Zoro you owe me." Tsunade said as he stood up. "I've widened your tenketsu points. You were being drained by the fact that your massive power was being forced threw such narrow points. You're overall strength should be better too and you should be able to do basic stuff like walk on water or this flame technique you do." Zoro's brow furrowed as she called his Kaen basic.

"Come Shizune. I'm sure these two have a lot to go over."

Jiraiya flinched. 'His basic strength has been increased?' He thought as he sees the biggest smile he's ever seen Zoro give.

"Zoro want to try…" Before Jiraiya could even finish his sentence a blue flame danced across the Wado. He watched for a while and Zoro's breathing never changed. But when he pulled out his Sandai and had both going he once again had labored breathing. Zoro fell to one knee after a few minutes with two going at the same time. Both swords flicker till the flames die out.

"Not ready for two yet." Jiraiya said. Zoro nodded as he got back to his feet.

"Zoro listen. Those flames…. They react to chakra like I thought." Jiraiya explained. "Earlier today the kunai that I had you deflect. The ones that were still on fire after you hit them had a small amount of chakra infused into them. That's a dangerous attack to have just waving about. One bad deflected kunai and either you or an ally are up in flames." Zoro thought back to what happened to Kisame. "So over the next couple of days I'm going to temper you flames into something less wild and more useful." Jiraiya said. Zoro eyes glistened at all of the possibilities this was giving him. "Probably teach you to walk on water too. It's a skill that everyone wearing a protector should know." Jiraiya finished. Zoro just let out a small shrug as he and Jiraiya started their training.

*Outside of Tanzaku 7 days later*

Zoro was unusually restless. No Jiraiya to test his progression on, no Naruto around to bother him, and no Shizune around to tend to his minor wounds. What was going on? He leaned against a nearby rock. He sat back and let his mind wander. Then he could feel him. He was nearby. Finally, Zoro had found an outlet to truly test his newfound power. A smile formed across his face.

*Plains*

The three Sanin's all stood on their respective summons.

"Manda and Orochimaru, Katsuyu and Tsunade… Long time no see." The toad boss Gamabunta said. "What. Planning some special reunion eh Jiraiya?"

"Fool! Don't joke around when I call you for a tough job." Jiraiya said. "It's about time to settle with an old enemy. We're gonna defeat Orochimaru, Now!"

"No he's my opponent." Jiraiya looked to his side and Zoro stood right beside him.

"I'm sorry kid. This fight is outside of your skill level." Gamabunta said.

"No one asked you frog." Zoro said as he placed his headband on.

"I'm no frog!" Gamabunta protested. He looked over to Orochimaru. He and Kabuto seemed to be arguing with the snake they stood on. Zoro waked to the edge of the toad boss's face.

"Boy, Manda is not someone to make light of." Gamabunta said.

"Hmph. Snakes don't bother me. I'm hunting sharks." Zoro said as he jumped off of Gamabunta and boarded Manda. He put the Wado in his mouth and drew the Shusui and Sandai. He brought the three swords together to make a birds food.

"Santoryu! Karasuma Gari!" Manda made a loud shrill each time Zoro connected with his back. He launched himself in the air at the end of the attack.

'Zoro!' Kabuto thought as he saw the green haired swordsman soar through the air. Manda now angry turns towards the airborne swordsman. He lunges at the open swordsman. But the toad boss jumps up and uses his sword to block the blow. Zoro lands on top of the Toad, and dashes towards Orochimaru and Kabuto. Kabuto doesn't move still reeling from the Rasengan. Orochimaru's body slithers towards the Zoro. He spits up the Kusanagi sword and Zoro deftly parries the blow with the Wado in his mouth. Orochimaru notes the new strength of Zoro and extends his neck to try and wrap it around Zoro's body. Zoro jumps straight up to dodge the capture attempt.

"TORA GARI!" Zoro yells. Orochimaru dodges the blow and Zoro connects with the top of Manda's head. The snake boss lets out a shrilling howl unbecoming of a snake.

"Boy, I'm going to kill you then Orochimaru!" Manda yells as he begins to dive underground. Zoro jumps off and rolls along the ground. He is quickly met by Orochimaru who starts to slash at him. Zoro easily deflects the blows then goes back on the offensive. Orochimaru curses the fact that his arms are useless. Zoro gets a clean slash in causing him to burst into a bushin. Orochimaru shoots out of the ground.

'Now to mark you Zoro!' He thinks as he closes in on Zoro's neck. He is greeted by a crossed Sandai and Shusui.

"TATSU MAKI!" Zoro yells as he sends Orochimaru flying blood flying all over the place. Zoro jumps to finish the job. Then like his master Manda shoots out of the ground and Orochimaru land on the top of his head.

"Only this time Orochimaru." Manda says. "This annoying brat will make a sufficient sacrifice." With a flick of his tail Manda sends Zoro flying across the plains and Manda gives chase. Zoro skids to a stop. As Manda appears over him tongue flickering.

"It's still not too late to join me Zoro." Orochimaru said much to Manda's dismay.

A small slug crawls up to Zoro's shoulder. "Zoro don't worry the others will be here soon to back you up." Katsuyu says.

"No need. This overgrown grass snake is about to go down."

Manda's eyes zero in on Zoro. "Overgrown grass snake?" He says and with lightning speed Manda strikes giving Zoro little time to stabilize himself for a proper guard. Zoro is once again sent skidding across the ground. He propels himself into the air only to have Orochimaru's tongue wrap around his ankle slinging Zoro towards the ground. Manda prepares for another strike and Zoro rolls out of the way. Zoro looks over his shoulder and sees a bigger version of the slug on his shoulder and the toad boss coming towards him. He looks a Manda and Orochimaru.

'I want to use my new technique on him…' Zoro thinks. 'But that snake is problematic. I'll just use that.' A smirk forms on Zoro's face. He takes the slug off of his shoulders. Zoro takes a deep breath. The sanin and there summoned beasts looks on in amazement with what happens next.

"KIKI KINTORYU: ASHURA!" Orochimaru can barely hold in his excitement. Jiraiya and Tsunade's jaws drop at the sight of the six armed three headed Zoro. The amount of dark energy rolling off of him even catches the attention of a certain imprisoned beast.

Zoro jumps towards Manda. "Ashura: Ichibugin!" Zoro yelled.

"No way…." Gamabunta said as he saw Manda start to fall backwards nine huge sword wounds on his body.

"Curse you… Orochimaru. Curse you.. ZORO!" Manda yelled before he disappeared into a puff of white smoke. Zoro returned to normal. He searched for his true opponent. He looked out the corner of his eye and saw him slinking towards the overgrown slug.

"Tsunade look out!" Zoro yelled. Tsunade quickly dodged and grabbed Orochimaru's tongue. Orochimaru struggled to break from Tsunade's vice grip before he notices a familiar noise. He looks at Zoro who was twirling two of his three swords.

"Santoryu Ogi: Sanzen Sekai!" Blood spattered everywhere. Tsunade lets go of the now limp tongue. Zoro walks over to the body. He's prepares to downward strike the body to make sure he's dead. And once again before he does the Snake Sanin lives up to his name and slithers away over to Kabuto.

"Even if Tsunade doesn't cooperate with me…. There is still one option. One more way to revive my arms… I will destroy the leaf!" Orochimaru declares as he starts to sink into the ground. "Until we meet again my friends…. Hehehe Jiraiya, Tsunade. Zoro… this fight just made me want your body even more!"

*Plains – Walking towards Naruto and Shizune.*

"I think I broke a couple of ribs…." Jiraiya complained. Zoro walked behind the two older ninja. Both of them look back at him. Jiraiya slowed down to match Zoro's pace.

"Man that technique of yours Ashura right?" Jiraiya asked.

Zoro nodded. "Guess you could call that my trump card." Zoro said. "I really can't use it in rapid repetition."

Tsunade looked back as Zoro and Jiraiya continued their small talk about the technique. 'Naruto and this boy.' She thought. 'The new generation is full of surprises. Now that I'm the 5th I guess it's up to me to keep them inline.' She once again looks back at Zoro, the boy who defeated Orochimaru twice, Manda the snake boss, and held his own against one of the Akatsuki. He was no way a genin. She would have to change that but first.

"Jiraiya. Zoro." They both look at her. "When we get back to the leaf, I would like to keep this fight a secret but Naruto will probably bring it up. So if anyone inquires about it. Jiraiya, you defeated Orochimaru. Zoro you didn't see the fight."

"I fought that bastard! I defeated him and his snake pet!" Zoro yelled angry that they would try and hide his win.

Tsunade stopped and turned towards Zoro. "Listen. Remember the chunin exam when everyone was quiet about your first fight with Orochimaru?"

Zoro looked at her and nodded. "Yeah…. How do you even know? Did you tell her Jiraiya?"

"No. Word spread, someone either leaked it or dug and found out about your little fight in the forest of death. The whole ninja world is beginning to spread stories about Inventor and Master of the Santoryu, genius when it comes to bladed weapons, Konoha's great swordsman, Roronoa Zoro." Tsunade finished. A smirk formed across Zoro's face.

"This world is on the verge of war, Zoro." Jiraiya said. "If they think we have another weapon, I will make us a quicker target. If they think that I won, nothing changes, the balance is still the same."

Zoro is reluctant to agree but finally nods.

"We need to keep this as quiet as possible." Tsunade said as they approach the remaining two members of their group.

*Gates of Konoha.*

The trip back was relatively quiet. The odd bandit not knowing what he was getting himself into livened up the trip. As they approached the gate Naruto caught the sight of a familiar blue eyed blonde.

"Hi Ino!" Naruto yelled as he waved and looked to see if Sakura was with her.

"Naruto….Zoro!" Ino yelled. She ran to the group. She bowed to the two Sanin.

"H-hi. I'm Yamanaka Ino. I'm honored to meet both of you." She said. Jiraiya and Tsunade return the greeting. Then she turns to Zoro and goes into overprotective mode. "Are you ok! Are you hurt!"

"What would be wrong with me?" Zoro asked bringing a pout to Ino's face.

"I-I overheard Gai." Ino said anger written on her face. "After he brought Sasuke back, he told Kurenai and Asuma about how you fought someone dangerous..." Jiraiya put his hand over his face.

"You fought some strong ninja from Akatsuki… Kisame I think he said. You were hurt! I was worried about you... and you Naruto."

"I see I need to talk to Gai..." Jiraiya says.

"You girl, don't tell anyone else about that fight." Tsunade said. Not fully understanding the situation she just nodded her head.

Tsunade gets close to Zoro. "Just don't tell anyone about Orochimaru." She says.

Naruto starts to drag Tsunade towards the hospital with Shizune following close. Jiraiya looks at the two young people remaining in his company and decides he should leave. He puts his hand on Zoro's shoulder and gives him a thumbs up then walks after his student and teammate.

Silence reigns as the two just stare at each other.

"Why." Ino finally works up the courage to say. "Why do you go off and put yourself in these crazy fights?"

"What are you talking about." Zoro says as he beings to walk through the gates. Then he felt Ino's hand grab his forearm.

"Anko told me how you got your wounds in the 1st part of the chunin exam." Ino said. "You were traveling with a Sanin yet you fought Kisame alone. You're pushing yourself to an early grave!"

Silence reined once again.

"Ino, I have to push myself. If I don't I'll just fall behind." Zoro says not turning towards Ino, Kisame's voice ringing in his head. "I have to defeat Kisame, then I'll find these swordsmen of the mist and defeat them, then…."

"WHY!" Ino screams. "Why can't you just fight someone on a more reasonable level!"

"I've already told you, I'll be the world's greatest swordsman. I can't do that just standing here finding cats and stuff. I won't become a dull blade." Zoro said with conviction then started to walk away.

"So you're saying that me and Nar…. you're saying that I'll dull you edge." Zoro hesitated but kept on walking.

Ino started to walk to catch up. "Then fight me Zoro!" Ino said as they made their way down the street.

Zoro ignored her.

"Face me moss head! Dead Last! Stupid swordsman! Sasuke wannabe!" Ino hurled every insult she could think of.

"Does that girl have a death sentence?" A random shop owner said.

"That's Roronoa Zoro she's yelling at." A passing chunin girl says to her friend as they begin to giggle at the situation.

"Someone should stop her." And elderly man says.

Zoro took in all of that yet Ino continued to hurl insults at him.

"Ino I…!" She was charging at him kunai drawn. Zoro grabbed his Wado and easily blocked the blow. Zoro looked at his opponent. Tears streamed down her face, her cheeks bright red. Zoro pushed her off only to be attacked again. Sparks flew every she struck the Wado. Zoro backed up until he was against a wall. Ino came charging again. He quickly put the Wado to his side grabbed the arm that Ino was attacking with bent it behind her back and squeezed her wrist till she let out a small yelp and dropped the kunai.

"Ino calm down. You don't want to do this." Zoro said. The comment just made her madder. She sent the back of her head into his nose causing him to loosen the hold. She started to punch at him. The first few connected but soon Zoro was dodging them all again. Zoro went to grab her again but his hand went through her.

"Bushin…" Zoro said as it faded. Then he saw Ino in a familiar stance.

"Shintenshin no Jutsu!" Zoro quickly jumped onto a nearby roof. Ino hit a body, realized it wasn't her intended target, and then released it. She looked up at Zoro on the roof and jumped after him. This time she threw a punch Zoro caught it. She tried to throw another with her free hand only to have the same thing happen.

"Let me go!" She protested.

"What's gotten into you?" Zoro asked.

"I don't want to dull your blade." Ino said as she began to quit resisting. "If this is the only way I can be with you then I'll…. then I'll….." She dropped down.

Zoro let her go.

She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. She once again jumps at him. Before he could escape Ino's arms wrapped around him and she began sobbing into his chest. Zoro was at a loss. He's never been in this position before. Seconds passed like hours as he just held his hands up in the same pose as when Ino latched on. He tried to gather his thought when...

"Zoro just promise me that you won't die." Ino said as Zoro's shirt muffled her voice. Zoro relaxed a little. He placed his hand on her shoulders. She looked up at Zoro.

"I promise." Zoro said. She continues to latch onto Zoro for a while then let's go. He cheeks red from embarrassment now more than the anger or the crying she had just done.

Zoro decided to walk Ino home. On the way back he told Ino almost everything that happened on his trip, only leaving out the part he was ordered to. Her eyes never left him as she tried to absorb everything that he said. Then they reached the door to her place.

Ino looked back at Zoro. "Since Tsunade and Shizune are here, I'm going to see if they can give me some pointers on being a medic ninja." She said a huge smile on her face. "So I can support you when you go after your dream." With that she shut to door.

Zoro was still trying to grasp what had happened. Maybe he would have to ask Anko… his hand went straight to his face. He was probably had to go through the same thing with her and her reaction will definitely be more dangerous…."

*A couple of days later- Hokage's office*

Zoro stood alongside Shikamaru in the Hokage's office. Papers were stacked high on either side of her desk. Kurenai and Asuma stood beside their respective student. Shizune stood beside Tsunade who was furiously working. Whether or not she realized that they were there was up in the air. After a few minutes, Shizune let out a small cough. Tsunade looked up from her paperwork at the two genin and there jounin and smiled.

"Ah great Shikamaru and Zoro!" Tsunade said as she came from behind her desk. "I've been reviewing everything that happened during the Chunin exam. Both of you showed valor in the face of the enemy invasion and preformed greatly in the actual exam even though one of you decide to quit in the face of victory." Tsunade's eyes shifted to Shikamaru as Asuma seemed more embarrassed than he did. "So I talked it over with the elders of the village and they agree, congratulations you two are chunin!" She handed both of them the jackets. The two new chunin both reluctantly put them on. "Both of you deserve a couple of days off to celebrate your accomplishment. They all bow and begin to leave. "Ah, Zoro wait." Tsunade said. Kurenai looked back at Zoro as if she knew this was going to happen already and kept on moving. "Zoro I know you deserve a couple of days off but I got a mission that requires someone with your talents. I'm going to send you on a two man mission with a Jounin." Tsunade said.

"Yo Zoro! I'm so proud of my lil brother." Anko yelled as she ruffles his hair. " And on your first chunin mission we finally get to team up!" Zoro's head dropped.

"I like my missions because I can get away from you." Zoro said.

"Don't worry" She said as she grabs the dossier out of the Hokage's hand and leaves the office. This is going to be one hell of a trip...

Man all that writing and he still didn't used the attack he just trained. Really OOC chapter I know. I wanted to get Ashura out there. I'm probally going to have Ino train beside Sakura not replace her. Thanks for reading my story! I preciate all the reviews and people who add my story to there story alert(you're not forgotten XD). See ya'll soon.

B.O.X