Disclaimer: I don't own the Naruto or Naruto Shippuden Anime/ Manga. This is purely for fan based reasons.
Author's Note: I do apologize for making you guys wait so long for the next set. It is also a little lengthy so I do apologize. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as much as I enjoyed writing it. Blades and knives are welcome. –Kiba Blackfire ^_^
Chapter 08:
The Sixth Challenge:
The Forest Of Illusion
"Alright guys," Kiba gathered his team which thanks to their win on the firework challenge. They were all geared up to win the competition everyone had asked for an item that would benefit everyone and not just themselves. The only exception was Sasuke who had asked for something to benefit only himself. That item being immunity meaning he couldn't be voted for and he could use this whenever he wanted but only once. It was a clever move seeing as Kiba wanted to get rid of him for earlier events but now he was stuck with him. "We're finally in the lead. Now we just got to stay there."
"We let that Inuzuka brat win way too much," Ino yelled. "From here on we get serious no more holding back. Whatever our next to challenge is, I refuse to lose. Failure is not an option we need to turn this game around. I will not be beaten by dog breath again. Do I make myself clear?" She pointed at her teammates.
"Ino, you do realize that we have never held back on them." Temari pointed out. "Both sides are going all out and unfortunately for us. Kiba has upper hand and now that he has the number advantage to go with the fact he has both Naruto and Sasuke. We can't hope to win its pointless."
"Nothing is pointless," Lee shouted. "If we give it our all then nothing can defeat us. How can you expect to defeat them with that kind of attitude?"
"Lee's right," Sakura agreed. "We were winning before. We also won the first challenge if we do our best then there is always a chance we can beat them. I don't know about you guys but I'm ready to start winning." Hinata nodded in agreement glad to have survived another loss without being voted off. The numbers were thinning though making it even easier for Ino to keep a close eye on her. She had to start acting as a team player at least until the teams were split up.
The two teams gathered meeting up with Guy sensei. Both teams ready and eager for the next challenge, "Good morning everyone," Guy smirked. "You've encountered many challenges but now it's time to step it up a notch. Thus far, the challenges have been a joke but now it's time to get serious." They gulped. "For this challenge you will have to face the forest." He smiled.
"The forest," Ino laughed. "Is that all?"
"Didn't we face the forest when we chomped down those trees?" Naruto asked remembering the building challenged.
"That's not the forest I meant," Guy crossed his arms. "Perhaps it's time I introduced you to our special guest for this challenge." He stepped back giving the center stage to girl with dark blue hair that went to her mid back. She wore a knit cap on her head and wore a ninja tank top and shorts. Ino stared at this girl remembering her from one of her previous missions as a Genin. One of her accidental B ranked missions. She gasped remembering this kunoichi's unique jutsu. Her specialty was genjutsu and her unique jutsu was known for being inescapable. The only way to break it was to overcome it nothing else would work. This was not a genjutsu she was keen on witnessing. "For this challenge you'll be entering the forest of illusion."
"For those of you who don't know," The young girl spoke. "It's a unique forest that is generated by my genjutsu. It can make even the strongest jounin commit suicide." She held a kunai to her throat. "Once inside your mind becomes my playground. I assure you it won't be pretty." Naruto gulped Genjutsu why did it have to be Genjutsu? Kakashi looked at the girl intrigued by her jutsu finding funny that a girl of only thirteen could wield such a deadly jutsu. If he remembered correctly this girl was also being mentored by Ibeki Moreno. "Guy sensei has asked me to hold nothing back so I intend to push you to your breaking point."
"Mura, you don't have to do that," Ino replied playfully. "Come on, I helped protect your village remember?"
"I remember," She smiled. "I also remember when you called my Genjutsu weak. It may have been weak then but now. I intend to make you regret saying that to me."
"I told you it would come back to bite you later." Shikamaru reminded her.
"Big deal, it's just Genjutsu. It can be broken," Sakura pointed out. "Guy I thought you said this would be a challenge or have you forgotten that I'm a genjutsu specialist. This will be a cakewalk for me and Sasuke."
"No Sakura, you're wrong." Ino replied. "Her genjutsu is nothing like the other Genjutsu. When she uses that Genjutsu there is no releasing it, the only way to beat it is to overcome it. There is no other way. It's like your chakra becomes extra weight added to your body making it hard to move and if you try to break it or release the jutsu; it will make you collapse from exhaustion." She knew this because it was used on her before but Mura released it she didn't escape. It was merely a glimpse of what her opponent's were seeing and that was enough to drive her insane. Mura was cruel when it came to that jutsu. "Guy, you can't honestly expect any of us to survive that jutsu. That's insane."
"So basically if she hits us with that," Kiba stared at the girl. "We become her bitch."
"Interesting," Sasuke smirked. "I'd like to see this special Genjutsu for myself."
"Are you crazy," Naruto yelled. "No way am I letting her inside my brain. If what Ino says is true then you'd have to be an idiot to let her use that on you. I mean you could die."
"What's the matter are you scared?" Sasuke teased.
"No way, bring it on." Naruto challenged. "I'm not scared if Sasuke can do it so can I. Do your worst you little squirt."
"Squirt," Mura bit her lip angered that he was mocking her young age. "You dare call me a squirt. I going to make you wish you never said that." She yelled. Guy handed them permission slips.
"Before we begin, you must first sign these." Guy paused. "It's like Ino said this jutsu of hers can bend your mind is so many ways it could even drive you to kill yourself willingly. I have seen a glimpse of it and I even I can't stay in it for more than ten minutes without going mad. Ibeki raised a powerful student. I would not take this jutsu of hers lightly so if you don't want to do it. Simply don't sign this form. Remember the fewer team member's the lower your team's chances of winning this challenge." Naruto, Sasuke, Shikamaru and Kiba signed the paper. Shino stepped away not interested in being forced to endure an attack that not even Guy could break. Sai nodded stepping back deciding to play it safe. Ino signed refusing to lose to Kiba. Sakura signed curious to see what the big deal was about this jutsu. Lee signed thinking of it as a challenge. Temari signed knowing Ino would throw a fit otherwise. Hinata signed wanting to challenge herself to overcome this jutsu and maybe even impress Naruto. "Alright here's how it's going to work," Guy picked up the permission slips. "As I said this jutsu is formidable so far no one but Ibeki and Kakashi," He passed a glare to his rival still bitter that Kakashi had claimed yet another win on him. "Has been able escape it," He paused. "With that said; Tsunade agreed to allow this challenge but insisted that I make it safer seeing as even she couldn't break it. So," He tied a white piece of fabric on their right arm. "Whenever you pull that piece of fabric off your arm; Mura will release you from her jutsu. Your time will then be recorded. Likewise, if Kakashi feels you may endanger yourself. He will remove the fabric and you will be freed from the jutsu immediately for safety reasons but you will be eliminated and your time won't be recorded. The person with the longest time serves as the team's total time. However if a member from either team breaks the jutsu then their team wins automatically. As always the losing team will be sending another player home. If anyone breaks the jutsu they receive immunity and an item from home. The person with longest time gets an item from home." He explained to encourage them to attempt to break the jutsu. "Mura, I leave the rest to you."
"I'm sorry guys but orders are orders," Mura closed her eyes building up her chakra. "Ninja Art: Sleeping Forest Jutsu," She lured the competitors into a deep sleep. This was step one to performing her ultimate Genjutsu. She began performing hand signs gearing up for her jutsu. She patiently took her time letting them get comfortable with step one before going in for the kill. Guy watched as she did so thinking perhaps this challenge was a bit too much. Ibeki trained her well.
"Is this it?" Sasuke looked around aware that he was trapped in his subconscious. His body felt heavier being weighed down by his chakra. It didn't take him long to figure out the better chakra control he had the lighter the weight was on him. So for him it was bearable kind of like walking around with weights on his feet. He smirked knowing Naruto was going to hate this place. He searched the forest surrounding seeing nothing but colorful lights radiating from the forest. It was more relaxing than anything else. Nothing scary about it; he felt at peace with himself like he could stay here for days without a care in the world. There was no war; just an empty forest with a colorful sky with rainbows. "So what exactly am I supposed to overcome? My urge to fall asleep because this jutsu is so lame," He went to break it but the moment he did he collapsed becoming overwhelmed by exhaustion. A simple trick like breaking genjutsu was like using over one hundred chidoris. He didn't want to think about trying to use fire ball jutsu seeing as it consumed way more chakra and could probably kill him to use it here. "Okay," Sasuke rested against a tree trying to catch his breath. "Ino wasn't trying to scare us. For once she was telling the truth." His eyes widened. "This could be bad."
"Genjutsu, big deal," Naruto smirked suddenly he felt so heavy like he was carrying a hundred Choji's on his back. "Damn it." He fell onto the soft grass fighting to get up. "Oh that's right Ino said chakra was weight here which means," He groaned. "The more chakra you possess the heavier you are and since I have the nine tails. That's a lot more weight." He began fighting to get on his feet. After what seemed like hours he managed to get back on to his feet moving like turtle as he walked taking every step slowly. "Ha is that all you got? Some extra weight big deal," He yelled. "I've handled a lot worse." He looked around admiring the colorful forest. "I have to admit it is pretty peaceful here."
"This isn't all there is to it is it?" Shikamaru wondered as he surveyed the terrain. He wanted to get a layout of the forest before Mura did anything major it was a drag but it had to be done. He needed to know just how far the forest stretched out and if there were any flaws in her jutsu. He searched for anything that would make it easier to break the Genjutsu. However there was no end to forest's range and no blind spots. This wasn't going to be an easy jutsu to escape. Shikamaru fell asleep waiting for Mura's next move.
"The scent here isn't so bad," Kiba walked around casually feeling a little weighed down but since his chakra wasn't nearly as high as Naruto and Sasuke's. Even with limited control he appeared lighter than them which in realty sucked but here it gave him the advantage. It occurred to him in this place he might be able to beat them because he'd be faster. It was a theory he wanted to test out later. Though they'd only be able to use taijutsu any use of chakra would make them tired. Lee could beat everyone here in this place he'd be unstoppable. "I guess she's only building up chakra because if trapping us in a fairy tale forest is her idea of torture then she really sucks at her job." He noticed Akamaru lying in the forest resting. "At least she was nice enough to give me Akamaru," Kiba met up with his beloved teammate.
"That's it," Sakura looked at the forest unimpressed so far. Her body felt light as feather like there was no extra weight at all. She wondered if Ino gave this girl too much credit. This Genjutsu was a joke mere child's play. She went to release it thinking that what Ino said was a lie only to frighten their competition. Sakura instantly fell to ground completely exhausted figuring out Ino was being honest. "Ok so maybe there is a little more to this jutsu than I thought still if anyone can break it. I can," She smirked Genjutsu was her specialty and no matter how powerful the jutsu she could break it even if there was a catch. "I'd like to stick around in your jutsu longer but playtime is over." Sakura ran through the forest trying to find a weak point or even safe haven to protect her from the jutsu. She just needed one tiny glimmer of hope that she could break it even just a hint but there was nothing just miles and miles of a colorful forest. Not one trace of anything else. "I guess I have no choice but to wait for her next move."
"Gross," Temari looked at rainbow forest in disgust. It looked as if unicorn threw up. The only thing she found remotely interesting was the purple sky which something she could get used to. The rest was just annoying. She felt a little weighed down by her chakra but that was nothing to complain about. "What a bore," She let out sigh and sat down in grass. She didn't even bother to scope out the area. She could tell by the feel of the wind that this jutsu had no blind spots and at the moment was no threat.
"It's so peaceful," Hinata picked a flower taking in its smell. She loved everything about this jutsu. The bright colors, the violet sky, the rainbows, even the gentle breeze. This was what paradise looked and felt like if only Naruto were with her. Then it would be the ideal date. She placed a single finger into a pond feeling the warm water at the perfect temperature for drinking. "I don't understand why Ino is so scared of this jutsu. It's amazing." She played around in the forest wanting to enjoy her time while she was trapped in such a beautiful vibrant forest.
"I will break this jutsu," Lee kicked a tree shattering it only to see it reform. "So physical attacks won't work huh?" He leaped back preparing for the forest's counter attack but nothing happened. "I thought Ino said we had to overcome it but if the forest regenerates then how do we?" He smiled. "I think understand now, the forest is trying to fool me into thinking physical attacks are not the way but I know better. I will just have to try harder." He began tearing the entire forest down but it only regenerated from his attacks regardless Lee refused to give up. Mura's eye twitched as she watched him ruin her forest over and over wrecking her beautiful creation. Sure it was pointless to try but still it angered her he treated her forest with such crudeness. She made a mental note to make his experience more eventful to give her forest its sweet revenge.
"Okay so this only first stage of the jutsu," Ino acknowledged. She relied solely on the fact she was once a victim of this jutsu hoped that this would give her the upper hand. In some ways it did, thanks to her last visit here her chakra control was on point. She felt weightless another thing she remembered about this jutsu was to never let her guard down. Mura used the sleeping forest jutsu to lure enemies into a false sense of security then when they were nice and comfy she hit them hard. She fell for that trick once and it wouldn't happen a second time. She was stronger now not some Genin who could be fooled easily. This time she'd break the jutsu she wasn't going to be beaten by Mura's jutsu again. "I know what you're planning Mura and it won't work. At least not on me," She smiled knowing Team Kiba was probably falling for her trap like a bunch of rats. This time Team Ino would win for sure.
"Ok," Mura relaxed watching her lifeless victim's bodies waiting for her cue. She waited for them to enter a relaxed state before setting the stage. As expected, Ino was being stubborn while the others had given up on her making another move. "You've learned but unfortunately for you Ino." She smirked. "I was counting on it." She formed the final hand sign. "Ninja Art: Forest Of Illusion."
"That wind," Temari opened her eyes having fallen asleep waiting on Mura's next move. She watched as the forest began blurring. The colors were darkening into shades of black, blue, and grey. The air felt colder making her shiver. She looked at the sky that was covered in mist but in that mist she could see a bird flying around dodging…sand. "Gaara," She yelled knowing exactly what she was seeing an exchange of blows between Gaara, The Kazekage and the Akatsuki member Deidara. "I wasn't there to protect you last time but I will save you this time." She ran towards the fight only to see them getting further and further away. No matter how fast she ran or how far she couldn't catch them. She couldn't save her little brother. She refused to give up and kept running like her life depended on it until Gaara's lifeless body landed at her feet. His body covered in blood from being defeated yet again by Dedara. "Gaara," She sat by his side trying not to become overwhelmed by tears for Deidara was coming back to take Gaara away from her. "Stay back," She gripped her fan preparing to use her chakra only to become overwhelmed with exhaustion. In this jutsu there was nothing she could do not a single thing. Suddenly she felt Gaara's hand move and he was gripping her leg.
"Why didn't you protect me?" Gaara asked. "Why weren't you there when I needed you?" Temari froze in fear hearing those words from her brother it was being trapped in her own wind scythe. Every word felt like blades directed at her heart. "Do you still hate me?" He wondered remembering all the cruel things he said to her and Kankuro when he was younger.
"No, Gaara, it's just," Temari went to explain but before she could she was blasted back by an explosion. "Gaara," Deidara took off taking her brother with him. She chased after him but it was no use. Gaara was forever out of her reach and no one was here to save him. It was up to her and she couldn't do it. She failed him and now she'd never be able to tell her brother what she really felt and apologize for not being there. It was too late for that. "Gaara," Her eyes filled with tears. She grabbed a kunai gripping it tightly. "I refuse to let you die alone if I must then I will join you after all why should you have to suffer when I wasn't there for you." She went to stab herself in heart only to have the fabric taken off by Kakashi and being released from Mura's jutsu before she hurt herself. "That's right, it was only a Genjutsu." She reminded herself but it felt so real. Truly a jutsu she never wanted to see again. She took deep breaths putting away the kunai happy to be free from that nightmare.
"The forest is darkening," Sasuke noticed opening his weary eyes. "I guess there is more to this jutsu than I," He stepped back seeing Itachi shrouded in Susano approaching him. "No not this again," He gulped distancing himself from his brother as he reached for his eyes but unlike before it was impossible to move he was stuck in place. He couldn't use his jutsu without getting exhausted before doing it. He was a sitting duck in this jutsu. "Get away from me," He yelled but it did nothing. Finally he was face to face with Itachi who grabbed onto one of his eyes making him scream bloody murder. His vision blurred seeing one his eyes in Itachi's hand the blood dripping down his fingers.
"Just one more left," Itachi smiled reaching for the other introducing his brother to eternal darkness. Sasuke screamed as he ripped out another one of his eyes blinding him. "Now you'll know what's like to live in complete darkness just like I did." Itachi used Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu blasting Sasuke back sending him tumbling throughout forest.
"It's just Genjutsu, it's not real." He repeated over and over shaking in fear feeling blood dripping from his eyes. He ran as far away as he could an attempt to escape the jutsu and the Illusion of Itachi. "It's not real," Sasuke forced his eyes open regaining his sight. He took deep breaths noticing he was still in the jutsu. "Just relax," He went to take another deep breath but noticed Itachi's body lying at his feet.
"Sasuke," He spoke looking up at him blood staining his lips. "I was only trying to protect you. Don't you see? Everything I did back then was for you. Yet, you still bare so much hatred for me enough to even," Sasuke could feel Itachi's life fading, "kill me."
"Itachi, I didn't know," Sasuke kneeled before his brother. "I," Itachi's corpse faded away and Sasuke felt the cold air touch his spine. His mind was nearly breaking, he was losing it. He began trying to calm himself before he could. He noticed a shadow approaching him it was that of a young girl. He felt a connection with this girl a shadow began fade he realized what that connection it was his daughter.
"I've come for your eyes father," She said bluntly; he stepped back not sure how to react. "Don't tell me you didn't see this coming. We are both Uchiha after all." Sasuke gripped his blade prepared to defend himself. "You'd kill your own daughter." She smirked. "I think not." She created a blade of lightning stabbing Sasuke in the arm. "You should be proud; I want to be strong like you are." She went to cut Sasuke down but he acted first stabbing her in stomach her blood spilled from her mouth soaking his hands.
"What have I done?" Sasuke stepped back looking at his hands. He stared at her lifeless body shivering in fear. "What do I tell Sakura?" He fell to his knees. "What kind of father am I? I murdered my own daughter." He aimed his blade at his heart. "There's only one way to make up for this, I have to," Sasuke went to kill himself before he could he was saved by Kakashi who pulled the fabric off his arm. Sasuke's entire body was covered in sweat and he was actually shaking. He tried to calm the shaking so his fear wouldn't be known but every time he looked at Mura. He started to shake; he needed to get away from her. "I'll be back." He walked away to settle his nerves.
"Leaf whirlwind," Lee knocked a tree down trying to defeat the forest. He was running low on stamina watching as the forest regenerated. "I can't give up. My team is counting on me." He went for another assault on the forest only to notice the colors of the forest changing. "What is happening?" He noticed sand gathering up behind him. Lee immediately began shaking as the sand began to form into Gaara. "I am not afraid." He yelled. "At last, I will get to face you again and this time I won't lose." He began trying to fight with the Gaara illusion evading his sand as he tried attacking him.
"This is for harming my forest," Mura funneled her chakra into the jutsu strengthening the genjutsu's hold on Lee giving her more variety in her jutsu. The illusionary Gaara became stronger as a result. While Lee battled with Gaara; he evaded his attacks and attacked through the sand that protected him. Eventually Lee was captured by the sand that slowly began crushing his arm. Lee yelled out in pain and began shaking being reminded of what happened the last time he and Gaara fought. It was happening again, He struggled to get free but the sand gripped tighter around his arm and also his leg. Lee tried to crawl away but couldn't there was no escape.
"It hurts so much," Lee reached out for help but he was all alone. Guy wouldn't be able to save him this time. The pain was unbearable until finally he passed out. When he awoke he was lying in hospital bed. Guy was holding Lady Tsunade by her shirt shaking her pleading with her.
"I'm sorry Guy but the surgery was unsuccessful." She replied. "Lee will never be able to walk again because of it. He's lucky he's even alive. I think it's time for him to give up on being a shin obi." She toke his hands off her. "I did all I could." She went to leave but Guy dropped his knees begging her to save his student.
"Surely there must be something you can do," He looked up at her. "Use my body if you need to."
"That won't work and you know it." She argued. "I may be a high class medical ninja but even I have limitations." Tsunade reminded him. "I'll say it again," She toke a deep breath. "Lee can no longer be a shin obi in his current condition if you care about him. I suggest you help him find a new dream." She left the room. Lee's eyes began filling with tears for Tsunade's words crushed him harder than Gaara's sand ever could. All he wanted to do was prove that even if he didn't possess Genjutsu or Ninjutsu; he could be a splendid shin obi. Now he could never do that, that dream was forever out of his reach. The pain of losing that dream was more than he could hope to bear it was killing him to lose what he cherished most.
"I can't take it anymore," He cried out. Suddenly he awoke being freed from Mura's genjutsu. Guy embraced him taking fabric off for him knowing his student would never give up but he couldn't bear to see his beloved student in tears over this Genjutsu. "Guy sensei,"
"It's okay Lee," He assured him. "It's over now." Guy looked at Mura wanting to beat her up for what she did to Lee but he asked her to do her worst. He couldn't get mad at her for doing what she was told.
"He damaged my forest okay," She spoke, "I wouldn't have gone as far as I did if he didn't." Mura focused on the jutsu.
Shikamaru noticed the colors of the forest becoming darker. "She's finally making her move." He braced himself for the worst knowing he was already ensnared in her trap. He just had to keep his cool and not let this jutsu of hers bother him. Simple enough; he stood up watching the forest closely. That was until he saw Naruto, Kiba, Neji, and Choji lying on the ground as mere corpses. "What's going on?"
"You call yourself a Chunin," Tayuya landed in front of him. Sakon, Jirobo, and Kidomaru stood next to her. "You let your team die. This was just a sad attempt to save Sasuke. Newsflash he chose to come with us. Even if you wanted to retrieve him you couldn't." She smirked. "In order to do that you'd have to beat us."
"Your so called friends couldn't." Jirobo laughed.
"Hopefully you'll do better," Sakon teased.
"I doubt it," Kidomaru smirked.
The four of them attacked Shikamaru relentlessly he tried to remind himself it was only an illusion but they were playing on his previous failure. It was a failure that still bothered him even now. Once he was taken down by them he forced to relive this failure over and over watching as all his strategies failed and led to his team's demise. There was nothing he could do even if he risked himself they still met the same fate. It was hopeless to even try. How was he going to overcome this? Perhaps Mura was playing on the distrust he bared towards Tayuya and was trying to get him to trust her. "Tayuya," He looked at her. "This isn't you at least not anymore."
"What are you talking about?"
"You belong in the leaf village with us. You once said you wanted to find a place where you could play your flute in peace. That place exists you won't find it hanging with these guys trust me."
"Like I care," She glared at him. "I think I heard enough of this." She entered her second state summoning Doki. The other three joined her and Shikamaru was taken down yet again followed by his allies. So that wasn't it. After what seemed like fifty tries to figure out what he needed to do to escape the loop. Shikamaru removed the fabric frustrated.
"You were so close," Mura smiled; Shikamaru turned his back towards refusing to acknowledge her. She let out a sigh knowing she'd have to explain to all of them what they were supposed overcome. Guy recorded Shikamaru's time finally putting Team Kiba on the board and in the lead.
"It really is," Hinata stopped smelling a flower enjoying the Genjutsu noticing the forest darkening. She noticed a red beast ravaging through the forest. It was none other than Naruto fully submerged in the nine tail's chakra. She watched as fellow Leaf shin obi tried to subdue him but were being killed in the process. She was trying to bring herself to stop him but it was Naruto. She couldn't hurt him. She loved him, she admired him. "Naru," She went touch him hoping to calm him but was struck by one of the tails. The impact sent her flying through the forest. "Please stop." She begged as she watched him demolish her friends. "No more." Her eyes filled with tears. "Naruto," She yelled as he was about to blast her with tailed beast bomb. Before she was annihilated she removed the fabric.
The moment she was free from the Genjutsu she retreated to a corner shaking in fear. She wanted to be as far from Mura as she could get. Guy recorded her time though it was a tad lower than Shikamaru's time.
"This Genjutsu isn't so tough," Naruto smirked. "I'll be out of here in no time believe it." He noticed the forest changing colors. "Do your worst," He braced himself for her next move. Suddenly he noticed a small child cloaked in red chakra. It was that of the nine tails. Naruto stepped back realizing exactly who this kid was, it was his son being faced the curse of being a jinchuriki. However the child had no control over nine tails whatsoever. Leaf ninja were trying to take him down in order to stop the nine tails from taking over. It was like Naruto's worst fear coming to life this was the main reason he feared being a father. He gulped as he approached the kid hoping to help him get control. "It's okay," He assured him. "I'm here for you. Don't let the nine tails take you your better than this." He gulped. "After all you're my," He bit his lip trying his best to say the word but was too scared to. "I'm sorry, I can't do this." Naruto removed the fabric unable to handle what he was faced. "I just wasn't ready." Naruto looked down sadly feeling defeated. Hinata placed her hand on his shoulder letting him know she was there for him if he needed her. Guy recorded his time but Shikamaru had the record.
Sakura continued to search the forest awaiting Mura's next move. She noticed the forest darkening. "She's starting to make her move." Sakura let out a sigh to settle her nerves. "You can do this." She heard the sound of fighting in the forest. She went to check it out only to see Naruto and Sasuke battling each other to the death. Both were gravely wounded. Sakura's eyes drifted over at both of them trying to decide what to do who to help how to stop it. "I have to do something, anything." She ran towards them trying to stop them from hurting each other but no matter how much she ran she couldn't reach them. "Stop it!" She yelled as they Sasuke and Naruto collided Ninjutsu. The collision ended their fight and both of them were on the brink of death. Sakura knew right away their wounds were fatal and if not treated right away they would die. She only had enough time to save one of them but who would she save? Sasuke or Naruto, one was her lover and the other was there for her when Sasuke wasn't. Both of them meant a lot to her what was she going to do? If she didn't decide soon they'd both die. She stood there for what seemed like hours trying to decide shaking in fear. "I can't do it," Sakura removed the fabric upset that she couldn't break the Genjutsu. "Ino was right that jutsu is tough." Guy recorded her time giving Team Ino the lead.
Kiba eyes opened taking a brief nap. That was until he noticed a change the scent of the air. He walked through the dark forest noticing the entire forest was much darker. Akamaru ran off catching a familiar scent. "Wait up boy." He chased after him only to stop when he noticed Yumi lying on the ground. He began trembling remembering what he was seeing. It was something happened during their mission that led to Yumi becoming Queen. Something he felt responsible for. "Yumi," He ran to her side as Akamaru tried to wake her. "No, not again," Kiba listened for a heart beat but hearing nothing. "Please Yumi wake up." He began shaking her trying to wake her. "Please don't go." He pleaded. "Damn it why does this always happen?" He wondered. "No matter how many times I try to protect her. I always end up messing up." It was times like this he wondered why she settled for him when he was always letting her down. Why would she settle for a failure like him? She deserved better. "I swear if you wake up, I'll," He paused. "Who am I kidding? What am I thinking? I will never be able to protect her. How can she love a failure like me?"
As he gazed at her the forest began darkening giving him a glimpse of how Yumi felt as her slipped away that day. At least now, he could understand what it was like for her when she was nearly killed for her special power. The power unique only to her clan a power many villages sought after. Even the kingdom she served wanted to abuse this power even if they had to steal that power from her. They used a forbidden jutsu which allowed them to put her special power into another person anyone of their choosing at the cost of Yumi's life. They were successful at stealing her power and miraculously Yumi survived the extraction. No one knew how she did it seeing as they were certain she was dead. Kiba blamed himself for all of it. He watched as Yumi faced death seeing what it must have been like for her.
It was just as he thought. She was calling out to him but she had no voice. She felt continuous pain course through her body as she felt her chakra being ripped from her. She was reaching out for him begging him to come back. Yet he was walking further and further from her leaving her to face the darkness alone. He couldn't imagine how much that must have hurt yet though he wasn't able to save her then. Yumi didn't hesitate to tell him that she loved him that same night. Those were words he didn't deserve to hear especially when he was trying to apologize for failing to save her. He never expected to share a kiss with her that night but they did. He constantly beat himself up over letting her down even she didn't want him to and he could bear to witness his mistake again.
Kiba removed the fabric wanting nothing more than to forget about his mistake though it haunted him. Akamaru sat next to him knowing reliving that must have been hard for him. Even Akamaru was scared he never wanted to lose Yumi again after all it was his actions that made Kiba talk to her that night. He basically hooked them up. Guy recorded Kiba's time though it wasn't higher than Sakura's. Hinata placed her hand on Kiba's shoulder since she was there when Yumi nearly died. She knew right away what Mura aimed for nothing ate at him more than what happened on that mission. Even Ino ripping his heart to shreds couldn't compete with that.
Guy went to remove the fabric from Ino's arm to let her know her team won. After all, her time was starting to exceed Sakura's. Before he could Sakura stopped him curious to see if she would be able to break it or not. She wasn't the only one who wanted to find out. Guy left her alone wanting to see the results.
Ino continued walking through the colorful forest. As she walked she remained cautious and kept her emotions in check. She remained focused on the fact this was only a genjutsu. "Okay Ino, you got this." She took a deep breath. The forest changed and she noticed Shikamaru and Choji unconscious in front of her. They were both gravely wounded. She looked at the enemy who had hurt them. It was Kakuzu and Hidan of the Akatsuki. "You guys again," She complained.
"Looks like your all alone little girl," Hidan pointed out. "If you convert to the way of jashin I may take mercy on you."
"Stop playing around Hidan," Kakuzu glared at him. "Kill the brat and get it over with."
"Shikamaru, I really need you." Ino spoke hoping that would wake him. "Choji, this is no time for breaks." She yelled but no response. "Okay so, it's up to me then." She gulped; she stood no chance against these guys by herself. Hidan went to slash her but she evaded barely able to dodge it. She jumped backwards trying to keep her distance but no matter how many times she tried he caught up to her. She evaded again remembering if he cut her the fight was over for her but she couldn't keep this up forever. Eventually he was going to get her.
"You're taking too long," Kakuzu divided his five hearts and used a fire style jutsu on her. Both Ino and Hidan were blasted by it. Ino rolled across the ground fighting to get back on her feet reminding herself this was only genjutsu. While her mind continued to think of this as merely illusions. It would weaken the effects of their attacks significantly. Hidan slashed Ino's arm drawing blood.
"Got you," He began preparing his ritual. Ino began panicking as he did this she was going to die if she didn't think of some way to prevent his ritual.
"Come on Ino you can't lose like this," She quickly began looking around frantically for a solution. Hidan wounded himself which in return wounded her. She grasped her leg that was heavily bleeding. "Shikamaru, Choji, please I need you." Hidan stabbed himself again in the stomach. Ino gripped her stomach watching as her blood fled her body. "It's just genjutsu," She reminded herself easing the pain. "I simply need to overcome it." Ino began thinking while Hidan proceeded with the torture. After what seemed like hours Kakuzu went to finish her off. Seconds before the wind heart hit her; she evaded. It was then it became clear what she needed to overcome. She doubted herself it was that doubt she needed to overcome. She didn't feel strong without Choji and Shikamaru. She depended on them too much this time she needed rely on herself. "I'm done running; it's time I fought back." Suddenly her confidence began building and she felt a thousand times stronger at last the genjutsu was working for her. "First I need to get Hidan away from that diagram. Here it goes," She imagined a kunai in her hand and it formed. She tossed it at him but he evaded still in the diagram. Luckily she wasn't aiming for Hidan. The kunai exploded creating a smoke screen. "Mind transfer jutsu," She entered Hidan's body getting him away from that annoying diagram. She made him run towards one Kakuzu's hearts cutting it down while Kakuzu was blinded luckily she was able to pull this off before the wind heart could clear the smoke screen. Once the screen was gone she made Hidan run at Kakuzu. Kakuzu blasted him with lightning jutsu before Ino got hurt she released the jutsu using him to take out his partner.
"Only one left and he has four hearts." Ino created another Kunai. "Too bad for you I'm only as strong as I view myself to be. The less doubt the stronger I am. Also," She smirked. "I never fight alone. I'm a medical ninja and I will always look after Choji and Shikamaru. I have no doubts about that either." She snapped her fingers. Shikamaru and Choji were back on their feet. "It's time you paid for what you did to Asuma Sensei." She evaded the several Ninjutsu being fired at her and his sling shot arm. "Shikamaru," He constricted him with shadow possession jutsu followed by his other hearts. She kicked Kakuzu so hard he shattered several trees. The hearts broke free of the jutsu to retaliate. "Choji," He crushed all of them with an enormous human boulder leaving only Kakuzu. "You're finished," Ino punctured his heart killing him.
"Here I thought I made it difficult for you." Mura walked up to Ino.
"If these guys were the real deal then yeah I would have been dead." She pointed out. "I actually like this Genjutsu. Once you overcome it you become incredibly strong of course it's only while in the jutsu still pretty cool." Ino broke the genjutsu returning to the others.
"No way, you actually broke it." Sakura looked at her amazed.
"If I hadn't encountered it before, I probably wouldn't have." Ino pointed out. "To be honest I wasn't sure I could break it but I had to try." She took the fabric off her arm.
"That means Team Ino wins," Guy announced. "Ino as the winner you receive immunity and an item from home for breaking the jutsu. Sorry team Kiba but you'll be sending someone home." Ino smirked glad to have a win under her belt even happier that Kiba was going be losing yet another player. "Before I forget Mura go ahead and explain to them what they should have done in order to break your jutsu." Mura nodded this was a personal request from the lady hokage herself as well. Tsunade wanted everyone to be prepared for the worst case scenario it was Mura's job to simulate just that in case the enemy had a Genjutsu specialist in their ranks.
"Ok so I'll start with you Temari," She smiled. "You see I played on your emotions towards the Kazekage's abduction. You felt as if you failed him that day. It was quite easy for me to pick so I know the enemy could. To overcome this, you simply need to understand that he doesn't blame you and there is no reason for you to feel the way you do. You are Gaara's sister you more than make up for your failure by staying by his side." Temari nodded understanding what she should have done.
"Sasuke," Mura looked at him. "I know what happened between you and your brother wasn't pleasant and part of you felt bad for killing him. Enemies will pick up on that as well so you simply need accept your mistake and move on. I'm sure Itachi understands. As for the kid thing you're an Uchiha so that is something that you have to live with. You can't hide the fact that if your child takes your eyes they get stronger all you need to do is accept it and hope they love you more than they love power."
"Lee," She turned her attention towards him. "I admit I went too far but you broke my forest so yeah. You simply need to face the fear of losing your dream and overcome it knowing if you fight your hardest no one can take that dream from you."
"Shikamaru," Mura shook her head. "You were getting there. Tayuya had nothing to do with it. What I wanted you to overcome or understand was that no matter what you did on that mission. The result would have been the same."
"I thought that was it,"
"Hinata," She looked at her. "First I realize I was a bit harsh. What I wanted you to overcome was the fact that Naruto is the nine tails. It could take over during the war in which you're going to need help deter him that may require hurting him." Hinata nodded.
"Naruto," Mura crossed her arms. "You just needed t overcome your fear of parenthood and you almost had if you had said that word. I'm sure you'll overcome this eventually."
"Sakura," She turned her attention to her. "Yours was like Ino's you just needed to overcome your doubt. Instead of thinking of it as Naruto or Sasuke think Naruto and Sasuke as one." Sakura nodded.
"Kiba," Mura let out a sigh. "Considering what happened I understand why you doubt you can protect Yumi. You must remember Yumi never blamed you not once. She understands and still believes you can protect her. You need to be confident that you can protect her and certain you won't let it happen again."
"That covers everything so I'm out of here." Mura was escorted off the island with Gaara.
"Let's discuss that item," Ino smiled walking away with Guy sensei sticking her tongue out at Kiba. The immunity was the reward she cherished most and planned to save it for when she really needed it. Probably when teams were broke up by then people would start targeting her if they weren't already.
During this time Kiba gathered his team to discuss who would be sent home. Before the games even started the team agreed that would not kick someone if they decided not to participate in a challenge. Based on their times, Sasuke did the worst. This also presented Kiba the perfect opportunity to kick him for not being a team player. "I think we should,"
"Immunity," Sasuke spoke deciding to cash in his reward hoping to save it till later but with the team leader gunning for him. He really didn't have a choice. Kiba bit his lip in frustration and began trying to find another mutual candidate but based on time. It was between him and Naruto. Shikamaru held the longest time. Naruto had a longer time than him too by at least two seconds.
"In that case," Kiba went to volunteer himself. If anyone deserved to be kicked it was him not Naruto. Sasuke smirked knowing once Kiba was gone the position for team leader would be open. Goodbye Team Kiba hello Team Sasuke. Though Kiba already had a counter strategy deciding to give his position to either Shikamaru or Naruto just as long as Sasuke wasn't leader he did not care.
"I'll go," Shino offered. "I know we made an agreement not to vote for someone just because they decided not to participate. I still feel responsible for our loss and besides Tayuya was sent home. As much as I'd like to win. I have a feeling that this is as far as I can go. I'd rather go by my own choosing than to let someone else chose for me. The only thing I really wanted was to be noticed. I feel like I have been at least a little. So I'd rather cut my losses and be with Tayuya."
"Shino, are you sure about this?" Kiba asked; Shino was the last guy he wanted to vote off even if Shino messed up. He and Kiba had history they were in Team Kurenai. He couldn't pick him even if he wanted to. "You have a good chance at winning this thing. I mean you're Shino." Kiba smiled. "After all, I messed up not you. I can't let you take the fall for me." Sasuke began use his sharringan on his allies so they'd go for Kiba. No way was he going to let Kiba escape.
"I think Kiba should go," Sai spoke. "After all he's our leader so if anyone should be punished it's him."
"Sasuke," Shikamaru spoke having his eyes closed thinking. "I didn't know we had to have this conversation with our eyes closed." Sasuke freed Sai from his genjutsu. "Anyway, if Shino wants to go; I say let him. I'm only sticking around till Temari's voted off after that I plan to do the same. Sorry Kiba but that's the plan."
"I agree," Naruto smiled hoping to sway Kiba to accept his offer. After all, the whole point of this entire competition was to fix things between Ino and Kiba. He was supporting the Kiba and Yumi relationship. There was nothing saying Kiba and Ino couldn't be friends.
"You know if voting Shino makes you uncomfortable Kiba." Sai smiled. "I would gladly take his place. If what Shikamaru says is true then he wouldn't serve as a great team caption. Which makes Naruto runner up no offense but if he leads we will only end up losing. In a sense without you Kiba we'd only end in failure."
"What if I lead?" Sasuke offered.
"We'll declare mutiny," Shikamaru replied. "Sorry after your last act I refuse to work under someone like you. There's several ways to go about winning this competition and cheating isn't one of them."
"No it's fine," Kiba placed his hand on Shino's shoulder. "Thanks Shino, I promise to make it up to you."
"Don't worry; I'm sure Tayuya will more than make up for it." Shino hinted knowing the first she was going to do to him when he returned.
"Shino's getting laid," Naruto teased pinching his cheek. "You dog you." Shino blushed. "I have to ask what happens to bugs when you well," He insinuated busting a nut being a little too personal with his question.
"I've wondered that myself actually," Kiba crossed his arms. "Do they come out?" He imagined it thinking Tayuya was covered in insects after sex. Perhaps it was the heat talking at this point because normally he'd rather not know.
"Do you have a penis?" Sai asked joining in hoping to get a few of his own questions in. "Does it work regularly? When you have babies are they insects or people?" Shino's cheeks turned redder. He felt as if he was being interviewed.
"Is this what being noticed feels like," Shikamaru nodded. "I think I preferred things the way they were." Shino left trying to get away from the evasive questions. "Get me out of here." Shino looked at Guy was just about to ask who they were sending home. He shrugged his shoulders and led him to Gaara. Before Naruto and Kiba could say anything else to him he was taken off the island. Kiba and Naruto stopped at the shore slightly upset that there questions went unanswered.
"He's never coming back." Shikamaru scolded Kiba, Sai and Naruto. "You just had to ask."
"Maybe he'll be more comfortable answering my questions if I wrote them down." Sai wondered. "Kiba, what do you think?"
"How the hell should I know," Kiba growled. "You went too far Sai." He stormed off a little upset that he didn't get to say goodbye. He grabbed Naruto's ear taking with him to his room. All this sex talk got him fired up and had the same effect on Naruto. Within seconds the men were half naked fighting for dominance. Kiba forced the door open pushing Naruto on the bed. Shikamaru walked up noticing them in the doorway watching as Kiba was about to remove his boxers. He quickly shut the door for them letting have their privacy.