A scene opens up with Atomsk and TME talking.
"Feels good to continue this." Atomsk said.
"Yeah… shame it will be a bit if we don't keep a pattern going… want to pick two stories and we work on them only for a while?, I call TDS FFVII so we can work on that a lot…" TME Said while he rubs his head.
"Well… I said my DDS side is on hold for the time being. Can either just do Spider Sennin with TDS or I pick one of the old AT fics or something random." Atomsk said.
"Eh can just say as long as its on your side, can be random, I'm sticking with TDS for awhile as long as we make sure to get further in the TDS arcs… the more we do the closer we get to DDS… going to be a bit though since… yeah… long timeframe and many franchises we need to cover…" TME said while he seemed to have metaphorical war flashbacks from the stuff to be that would have to be done.
"Right… so besides Spider Sennin… can be the titans next or Mummy Blaze." Atomsk said.
"Nice… though if you REALLY want to continue a story on our side, can do that but you have to be sure… your call as long as we make a TDS chapter after that, speaking of which, TDS FF VII is after this so you got time to pick… can even be another SS here for example, still we should get into the chapter and the Chunnin exams get started in full hehe." TME said while he grins at Atomsk.
"Right… time to start the chapter." Atomsk said.
"Yeah so lets get to when the groups of Team seven and Team Emerald head to the Chunnin exam." TME said while the scene shifts to…
Konoha/ Namikaze estate entrance/ ?
"Good luck you guys!" Rei called while she and many others were waving to Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura who stopped by, Emerald, Kurama, and Lillum, as the six waved and start walking to where the Chunnin exams were being held.
As the group walked, Emerald looks at Kurama and Lillum.
"So… you two ready?, heard from my dad as a tip that there are only a few phases but they are intense ones… in fact… Naruto… you may have the most trouble with this one… same with Kurama-chan…" Emerald said while he looks dramatically at the two in question.
"Huh? Why say that? Kurama-Chan and I can handle anything." Naruto said.
"Even a paper test with complex theories and equations!?" Emerald said with a dramatic look as many had shocked looks while Sasuke and Sakura look at one another.
Naruto pales greatly at this.
"Y-You're joking right?"
"No… as much as I wish he had a joking bone in his body… you think my father would joke about this?" Emerald said while he looks Naruto in the eyes.
Naruto was now paling more.
"Crap." He said.
"HOWEVER!..." Emerald said making many jolt.
"My dad also told me the key thing isn't to have the knowledge… no… sure having the info would help… but he told me that Cheating would be the name of the game here… using stealth tactics to get the info needed from others… now why would my dad tell me this given my and Sasuke's issues?... one reason and one reason only… as much as he knows we would want to kill him… guy is SO twisted in Konoha being number one… if we can grow as strong as we can… better for Konoha as a whole… so yeah… I'm as sickened as you as is Sasuke since it seems like my dad is enjoying us getting stronger." Emerald said while he pinched his nose.
Naruto frowns.
"No kidding. However… at least we know what to do and I'm a master of being sneaky." He said while grinning.
"Well if all else fails since those guys watching us would be hawk like… could just have you Bribe Ruby Naruto and she could help you with cheating." Lillum said with an amused look on her face… though.
"Oh?... well that must be interesting, hearing about that you know the phases and stuff." A voice said making the group blink as they look to see a couple people… one was a man with a Sand headband on his head with face paint and wore mainly black clothing and he had something wrapped in cloth on his back… the other was a woman with a headband around her neck while she had four pigtails and had a massive Fan on her back.
The group blinks at the duo as Sakura spoke.
"Wait… are you Sand nin here for the chunin exam?"
"No duh… now then, Canister arm you know the phases of this exam?" The man with the face paint said as Emerald narrows his eyes.
"Yeah… but for a rude guy like you who won't give names… you can just leave for the exam and wonder away more." Emerald said while he didn't like that Canister arm nickname.
"Yeah man. So take your make-up wearing face out of here." Naruto said.
"It's war paint!" The man said as he was pissed as Naruto snort.
"Is that what you call it when you borrow your sister's makeup? If I met her, would say sorry for having a guy like you for a brother."
The woman next to the man smirks.
"Funny, I'm his sister actually… if you want names, the rude guy is Kankuro… I'm Temari… so since we gave our names, mind if we ask yours while trying to at least stay civil?... I'm not my brother here." The woman named Temari said while she gave Kankuro a look to chill since he wasn't supposed to cause trouble.
Naruto was surprised at first before smirking.
"Nice name for an exotic Kunoichi. I'm Naruto Uzumaki." He said as he actually flirted with Temari.
Temari blinks at that while she looks amused.
"Funny, would think you would be flirting with me… gotta say not bad but pretty sure with the atmosphere not exactly the best place to be flirting." Temari said as Kankuro gags.
"Ugh… why not just take him to an Inn or something at this rate…" Kankuro said though before more could be said…
"Enough Kankuro." A new voice said and well… a chill went up many spines as many look to see a man walking near a woman with a large Gourd on his back… the woman next to him looked similar and more fememine than the male while she had long red hair and a large box on her back but both had odd looks in their eyes as they walked by Emerald, Naruto, and the others as Kankuro gulps.
"H-Hehe… Sorry Gaara, was just trying to get info on the exam phases from that guy with the Canister on his arm." Kankuro said while the woman next to the now identified Gaara speaks.
"Enough… we can just deal with the exams as they come, don't try and start trouble… otherwise I'll end you." The woman said with an icy stare as Temari gulps.
"R-Right… sorry about that Gaia." Temari said while Gaia looks at the others.
"Sorry about them, mainly Kankuro… he likes to rile people up so we decided to stop him before it could get to far." Gaia said while she sounds mannered… but the way she looks reminded many of Emerald when he was a kid… emotionless and pretty much stoic while Gaara looked the same making Emerald frown when his left arm seemed to act up around the duo who arrived.
"No… kidding… so… you four here for the Chunnin exams?" Emerald asked while Gaia and Gara were quiet.
"Hmmm… so… your Danzo's son huh?" Gaia said while she had an analytical look on her face.
This surprise the group.
"H-How did you know of Danzo and Emerald?" Sakura said.
Gaia however ignored Sakura when she moved with shocking speed to stand before Emerald and looks him in the eyes.
"Hmmm… that scent reminds me of myself and Gaara… tell me… why do you make it seem like your… friends… with these people when I can smell blood on you that is more intense than others?" Gaia inquired while Emerald had an off guard look at the question.
"I'm… not sure what you mean by that… I just do well in missions while getting stronger… we're ninja so killing enemies should be expected when on missions." Emerald said as Gaia hums.
"Maybe… but a kill or two… won't give you that kind of scent… seems you're a lot like my brother Gaara and I… I'll be keeping an eye on you… if this is some kind of facade to make you look like the trash here… well… better drop it soon… because if your not careful in the Chunnin exams… Gaara or I may just kill you all." Gaia said as she walked by Sakura and Lillum while she looks at Kurama.
"Oh… and as for you… Shukaku says hello… not sure how you're walking… but if you think you can hide your real self from us as well… think again." Gaia said as she walked to Gaara before she and Gaara walk to their siblings.
Kurama was shocked.
'How the fuck did does she know?' She thought as Naruto was thinking the same thing considering he was told of the tailed beasts by her.
To those who didn't know, they were confused but Gaia had one final thing to say as she looks back at the groups.
"Oh… and one final thing… we're not the only containers here… watch out for Iwa if you know whats good for you… watch out for a man named Zycros…" Gaia said before she, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro left the six alone after they walked away.
"Zycros?" Naruto said in confusion.
Many looked confused as well… but if Gaia mentioned him, was probably a guy to watch out for… still…
"Well… that… was interesting… still should try and change the subject a bit but… Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, good luck, considering we're on different teams, we need to focus on our own groups during the Chunnin exams… but if you guys are having trouble surviving, look for us… one of the phases is in the Forest of Death after all and since the Chunnin exams are 7 days so we should prepare for camping in the woods." Emerald said while he passed Naruto a piece of paper showing the names of the tests in order, an exam as the first, Forest of Death as the second, depending on how many get to the third, a fighting tournament of sorts to thin the numbers, and finally, one more one on one matches in Konoha to show the real people who decide who becomes Chunnin or not.
Naruto was surprised before smirking.
"Well piece of cake for that since I know my way around that crazy forest thanks to Serina and Anko-chan's… training."
"Doesn't say anything about details in the forest, just where its planned… also… Training… Riiiight… and her limping home sometimes doesn't draw questions while your in a good mood?" Emerald said as he, Kurama, and Lillum walk away from Team 7 as Lillum giggles a bit from that.
Naruto was fuming at this before looking at his teammates.
"Ignore them. I'm serious on the training. We have to avoid poisonous plants, along with man eating plants and big beasts. Luckily, we have Shelob who would be there."
"Considering we could summon them there, will be simple… but Naruto… that leaves food gathering for you since you know more about the Forest than Sakura or I." Sasuke said when he looks serious at Naruto since he knew what was poisonous and not.
Naruto smirks.
"Leave that to me since Ino-Chan and I love to learn about plants."
As Naruto starts to lead the group… up above a sand eye with sand flaking off it was seen and nearby…
Gaia, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro were a decent bit away while Gaia had one eye covered.
"Exams… Forest of Death… fighting in Forest… and tournament of sorts in Konoha… simple to deal with." Gaia said with a disinterested look as she dropped her Jutsu.
"Maybe… but that blonde idiot has the advantage if he's trained in the forest before." Kankuro said.
"Doesn't matter… that list didn't say anything about goals, just locations so they are in the dark on the tests as we are… but that won't matter much, just don't screw your team up Kankuro otherwise I may as well castrate you since you messed up your team's chances in the exam section… we four maybe siblings but don't think I or Gaara won't kill you if you mess up our plan." Gaia said while she and Gaara look at Kankuro with cold eyes.
Kankuro pales big as Temari stayed quiet as she didn't want to anger her stoic siblings.
Gaia than turned from the group.
"I'll be leaving now for my team… teams of three after all… oh and Gaara… try and not kill the one with the Canister on his arm if you run into him in the forest of Death… he doesn't have a weak scent so I may use him as a breeding tool later… pretty sure in a fight he could kill Temari and Kankuro easily so try and not fight him face to face you two… after all… he has the same scent of a monstrous killer like Gaara and I have." Gaia said before she starts walking from the three sand siblings.
Kankuro was surprised.
"She can't be serious… right?" He said as Temari sighs.
"Kankuro… has Gaia or Gaara ever joked about anything?"
Kankuro pales a bit.
"No… no they haven't…" Kankuro said while he mentally prepped himself so he wouldn't get castrated later.
Gaara on his end just crossed his arms.
"Lets go." Was all Gaara said as he starts walking away.
Temari sighs again as she and Kankuro follow Gaara.
After that happened…
Gaia on her end used her speed to meet up with a couple Sand Kunoichi who were waiting for her.
"Hey Gaia, wondered where you were." One said while Gaia looks at her.
"Gathered intel… know the phases of the Chunnin exam." Gaia said before she told the phases to the two and how she got it while the other Kunoichi looks amused.
"Oh?... a guy actually caught your eye Gaia?" The other Kunoichi said.
"He didn't smell weak unlike those suitors my Father tried to set up on me… any more questions on serious matters… or are you just trying to get my anger on purpose." Gaia said while she gave the Kunoichi a cold look as the large box on her back rattles a bit in reaction to Gaia's anger it seems.
The other kunoichi tries to do damage control.
"W-Was there any info on the two Konoha teams you met so we can be prepared?" She said.
"One blond haired male smells of spiders and foxes… another was an Uchiha… and another was a weak pink haired woman… unless we run into them, no need to worry about them… the other team you two will need to worry about and report to the others about." Gaia said while she crossed her arms.
Duo blinks a bit.
"Well no problem on the pink hair girl but an Uchiha… heard they are tough." The first one said.
"Yeah… but that blonde guy of spiders and foxes? Should we be on guard with that? I mean what does he look like Gaia, besides having blonde hair?" The second said.
"He wears camo green with a spider theme… he smells like Gaara and I so should be the Nine tails Jinchuriki… Gaara and I had the one tails split between ourselves to keep our sanity intact to an extent… goes to show that Konoha used to have a good seal master more than Suna… though given the other team… may not be good enough." Gaia said while she had a serious look on her face.
The duo were shocked by this info.
"Okay… good to know so… shall we get going?" The second Suna kunoichi said.
"Not quite… the other team if you want info… the one I'm interested in had a Canister of sorts on his left arm… he smells like he bathes in blood… the other… one smells of pure spiders… she looks more like a breeding tool with how shapely her body is making many women pale in comparison shapewise but has an air of danger about her… and finally… the Nine tails out of her Jailer's body somehow… granted in a crippled weakened state from what Shukaku told me… but still out of their Jailers body… so if you see those three… consider them a danger to avoid unless you have deathwishes… if they are separated though… let me know if that male separates." Gaia said while she had a serious look on her face.
The duo gulps a bit.
"N-No problem Gaia. That guy is yours." The first one said.
"Good… though keep following my orders well and I may share… more bitches to breed with, the stronger Suna becomes." Gaia said as she turned away.
"Lets go… we have an exam to get by." Gaia said before she walked from the Two Sand Kunoichi.
The duo were surprised for a bit.
"Whether or not I agree… better to not make her angry." The first kunoichi said.
"Agreed… she has killed for less after all." The second one said before she and the other Kunoichi follow Gaia…
In no time…
"Wow…" Naruto said when he saw many people entering the school for upcoming ninja… seems Emerald's info was spot on with the first phase of the exam being here.
"You can say that again." Sakura said.
"Wow…" Naruto said making Sakura sweatdrop as Emerald looks at Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura.
"OK… considering we're on two separate teams, lets split up and we will see you later… even got different room than you three do… hopefully we will see you for the next phase." Emerald said while he held a hand out in a fist to Naruto for a fist bump.
"Back you man." Naruto said before returning the bump before looking at Lillum and Kurama.
"Good luck to you both as well."
"Hehe, well you'll need it more than me… I got a good memory… you… when was the last time you looked at a book not on seals?" Kurama said while she looks amused.
Naruto has a half lidded look.
"Not cool Kurama-Chan."
Kurama chuckles at this.
"Eh relax… just make sure to use those cheating skills you have and think logically and you should do well… though… try and not get caught… you do and you may get Sakura and Sasuke kicked out as well if this is a team of three thing." Kurama said as Sasuke and Sakura look at Naruto making him jolt.
This made Naruto have this thought.
'Crap… I really need to pass this… maybe I should get Ruby to help, no one will suspect a spider helping me.'
The group blink when they saw Naruto bite his thumb and quickly summoned Ruby herself… seems she was napping as Emerald looks at Naruto.
"Really?" Emerald said as Naruto gave him a half lidded look as Ruby rubs her eyes when she saw up.
"Hmmm?... where am I?" Ruby said before she looks around as Naruto looks at her.
"Hey Ruby I can explain later but I need a huge favor that only you can do in your small spider form… I'll buy you a lot of candy if you help!" Naruto said while putting his hands together in a begging way.
This was a big sweatdrop moment as Ruby spoke.
"Put a couple of toys and you got a deal."
Another sweatdrop moment.
"Deal… but you can't get caught no matter what… if you do… no toys or Candy… because I'll probably be recovering from Sasuke and Sakura kicking my ass to a hospital." Naruto said when he could feel the gazes from Sasuke and Sakure now.
Ruby did see this before looking at Naruto.
"You can count on me."
"Good!... I'll be using a Jutsu that I learned from Serina-chan so I can see things from your eyes… just try and not get spotted on the ceiling or something OK?" Naruto said before he felt a hand on his head as Emerald made Naruto look at him and Emerald had a cold glare.
"Just a warning Naruto… if any of those proctors try and squish Ruby… know that no matter what Sasuke and Sakura can do… I know I can do worse if you get Ruby harmed… just remember that before you bring Ruby into this fully…" Emerald said before he looks at Ruby with a small smile.
"Try and not do anything too Dangerous OK Ruby?... if you feel like you're going to get attacked… turn to normal… I'm sure Sasuke and Sakura can agree that your life is more important than an exam… right you two?" Emerald said before he gave the duo a look that showed even if Sasuke was strong… well… Emerald would go all out if Ruby was harmed for them.
Sakura pales as Sasuke tries to stay calm.
"Of course." He said.
"Good… anyway Ruby… turn into a spider and follow Naruto from a distance from the ceiling… if you're in his pocket, can't do much since it would be noticed." Emerald said while he looks at Ruby with a smile.
"Of course papa." Ruby said with a cute smile.
"Good… anyway we will see you four later… and Naruto… it better be a healthy 4… Understand?" Emerald said while Naruto nods vigorously.
"Good…" Emerald said before he pets Ruby on her head and he, Kurama, and Lillum after she knelt and kissed Ruby's forehead for good luck, left leaving Sasuke and Sakura with a nervous looking Naruto.
"Do you ever learn Naruto?" Sakura said as Naruto frowns.
"Excuse me Sakura but I don't have big knowledge like you or have special eyes like Sasuke. So unless you were in my sandals… don't judge me."
"Couldn't you have summoned a small spider besides Ruby though?... pretty big risk you're taking… so Ruby… can you handle this?" Sakura said before she looks at Ruby while she salutes.
"Yeah!" Ruby said before she poofed and turned into her small spider form and looked adorable doing so.
"Sakura… it was either this or I try to summon another and end up with another of Serina-chan's eggs. I don't want that happening again." Naruto said.
"Well either way, better have something set up so Ruby won't be harmed just in case." Sasuke said while he and Sakura start walking to the school.
Naruto did gulp a bit.
"Don't worry Ruby… despite your… old man scaring me… I'll make sure you're safe."
"Great!... but he isn't that old, if he is, you would be an old man!" Ruby said before giggling a bit.
Naruto sweatdrops as he just entered the building.
Like the canon… many ninja were trying to get to one room but… the door way was blocked by two ninja's.
As this happened with Sasuke and the others running into Lee, Neji, and Tenten… Emerald, Kurama, and Lillum were heading to a different floor separate from them… this didn't have two people but one who was… holding their chest while seemingly in pain.
"U-Ugh…" The person said as Lillum rushed to them.
"What happened?" Lillum asked while she applied minor medical Ninjutsu.
"R-Red h-haired… woman from Sand… knocked me away when I tried blocking her and others…" The person said while feeling relief… but… they passed out having Emerald look at Lillum.
"Are they…" Emerald asked as Lillum looks at him.
"Not dead but knocked out… good thing I applied some medical Jutsu to help… lets put them in that nurse office and hopefully they can rest." Lillum said as Emerald picked up the Ninja and brought them to the office while Kurama narrows her eyes a bit… seems this Gaia woman was in this room.
'I can sense you Shukaku… or a part of you. Don't know what Suna was thinking.' Kurama thought.
Still Kurama on her end could think on things later, for now after Emerald returned…
"They are resting and I let the nurse there know what happened, so they will handle things for us… lets get inside… and get ready for hell." Emerald said while he dramatically walked to the door and entered with Kurama and Lillum following him in.
As the trio entered the room… they met with some interesting characters.
For starters… it was mainly many groups of ninjas that glared at them… however a few friendly Ninja were seen… if the classic nine rookies were with Naruto and his group, well while there were not as many… there were a few faces like a couple kunoichi Emerald talked with sometimes.
She had ebony skin, black hair with red highlights, and she looked more petite and she was called Azure Solara… for the other, she looked shapely, had pink hair, and had a massive war hammer on her back named Maite… an odd weapon for a ninja but to each their own.
For the final part of their group was actually a relative for Maite called Rachel… looked like a twin but with blue highlights in her hair while she had a massive shield on her back.
Maite noticed the trio and smiles.
"Emerald!… you made it."
"Hey Maite, nice to see you three here… before you two get confused, let me introduce team Breaker… their sense had a funny way of naming… this is Maite and her sister Rachel… this is Azure… Maite and Rachel have Bloodlines that give them augmented strength with Chakra in their arms making weapons like what they have as light as paper to them and Azure as the name implies has a serious mastery over fire Jutsu the Uchiha clan back in the day would be jealous off… hell she can even light her hands on fire without ill effect with Chakra." Emerald said while he looks at Lillum and Kurama.
"For real?" Kurama said as she was now curious.
Azure looks at Kurama before she lifts her hand and after gripping it, it lit up with fire.
"As you can see, its real, not a Genjutsu." Azure said before she had her hand move to extinguish the flame.
Kurama whistles.
"Damn… definitely not bullshiting." She said with a smirk.
"Thanks… so your Emerald's team mates?... heard rumors about you two… you have spider abilities Lillum and you have some odd strength and… fox like abilities?... well either way nice to meet you… heard rumors you two are Emerald's women though… any validity on that?" Azure said while she looks curious.
Lillum giggles.
"Well I'm dating Emerald." She said.
"I just fuck with him whenever he wants to tap that ass of mine." Kurama said with a smirk.
Azure blinks at the bluntness.
"I see… well Maite seems those rumors are true on him so good luck." Azure said while she looks at Maite with a stoic look.
"Rumors?" Lillum said as she looks at Maite.
Maite blushed as Azure speaks.
"I'll be blunt since I don't half ass words… some rumors say that Naruto and Emerald are more or less manwhores and fuck many women pretty much and have their own harems." Azure said whiles she shrugged her arms.
"Naruto I get since he has to remake his clan, but didn't expect this from Emerald." Azure said while she puts her hands in her pockets.
Kurama starts to laugh.
"Oh that's rich. Guess Emerald is a gigolo."
"A what?" Emerald said since in Konoha, probably a really rare term unless in a red light district or something.
Lillum sighs.
"Male Whore, Emerald. You get paid to have sex."
"Really?... well doesn't apply to me since I don't get paid for sex… well unless its a seduction mission but I don't do those…" Emerald said while he rubs his head.
"Eh you never know. May meet wealthy lady clients." Kurama joked.
"Don't Whore him out Kurama-Chan." Lillum said.
Kurama chuckles a bit while Emerald tilts his head.
"By the way… why say good luck to Maite on that rumor being true so to an extent?" Emerald asked when he looks at Azure and Maite mainly.
As Maite blushed, Azure shrugged.
"Oh thats because-!" Azure said though a voice got their attention.
"Seems you're here." A voice said making everyone look to see Gaia and two masked Sand Kunoichi near her.
Kurama frowns.
"So are you after what you did to that guy from earlier."
"He got in my way after threatening me… I could have killed him but didn't since I need to pass this exam… not my fault if he dies… I killed people for less for looking at me the wrong way." Gaia said with an emotionless look on her face.
Kurama frowns more as Maite and her team can see the tension before Rachel tries to speak.
"L-Let's not try to fight everyone." She said.
"Indeed, come on Gaia, no trouble for now remember?" One of the Sand Kunoichi said while Gaia hums… though she did look at Emerald.
"We will meet again in the next phase… before you ask, used a Jutsu to spy on you and your allies so we know what the next phase is." Gaia said before she left with her allies.
"Fuck… forgot how annoying Sand nin are." Kurama said.
"I… think it may be her and her brother… Gaara I think?... they look cheerful…" Emerald said while sweatdropping since Emerald had a serious mirror moment with the emotionless stuff so he was glad he learned emotions with Naruto.
"Maybe but they both have have half of Shukaku so we have to be careful. Guy was not always… right in the head." Kurama said.
"Shukaku?" Azure, Rachel, and Maite said while they look confused… they didn't know what a Jinchuriki was as Emerald looks at them while making a cover of sorts.
"I'll explain later but its a thing that shouldn't be talked about much for various village reasons." Emerald explained to the three women.
The trio didn't know why but took Emerald's word for it.
"Regardless… meeting some very interesting ninjas." Rachel said.
"No kidding… think there are 50 or so ninja in total… wonder what its like in other rooms." Maite said while she looks thoughtful
"Who knows." Kurama said.
Meanwhile… team 7 enters the room after Kakashi wishes them luck.
This results in them getting the down low with the others though for those like Hinata and Ino, were friendly with Naruto and at the same time, the heads of both rooms appeared to start the exam after a bit of Kabuto talking of Ninja info cards and some sound ninja trying to jump him…
This results in everyone sitting and getting ready for the test… things went well for Emerald's side, while Naruto on his end had Ruby sneak onto the ceiling from earlier… thanks to a camo Jutsu Ruby learned for safety reasons, and was scuttling around on the ceiling while Naruto had one eye closed while making it look like he was focusing on his paper while his other eye was looking through one of Ruby's eyes while she looks at various papers and founds some questions similar to his own that he could copy… hell Sakura had a couple questions he could write as well.
'Perfect.' Naruto thought as he writes down the answers.
Though oddly enough, there were only 9 questions to write in for all groups, the 10th one would be given verbally when the time was nearly up.
'Damn… wonder what the 10th question is?' Naruto thought.
Though as this happened, the exam went as usual with Naruto saying he would continue and stuff, same with the other room though… less loud… nuff said after the exam, many meet up and well… Ruby was smiling when Naruto passed her an IOU while he bows to her.
"I… I swear that once the exam is over, I'll repay you fully Ruby." Naruto said while Ruby took the piece of paper.
Ruby giggles.
"And I'll hold you to that. Still, glad your team pass, Uncle Naruto."
"Hehe, yeah well with you helping him, he did well Ruby, nice job hiding from the proctors." Sakura said while she pets Ruby on her head with a smile.
"Hehe, yeah those guys had no idea I was there." Ruby said.
"I wouldn't be so sure Ruby." Emerald said while he crossed his arms.
"Before you say something like what… I saw in our group guys who had decent stealth get spotted and kicked out… I'm not sure why but I think it was because of how Naruto USED you for help that they overlooked things… saw a few Hyuuga members as proctors in our area… so they could have had the same thing and would have seen your Chakra easily Ruby… and given that Lord Hiashi knows us… pretty sure others do." Emerald said while he wondered what the criteria for cheating or not is.
Naruto jolts a bit after hearing that.
"Dang… didn't realize that."
"Yeah well we still passed so for all we know no one may have noticed Ruby like she said… if they did, was just not saying anything on how original it is… still nice job not getting hurt Ruby, I'll treat you to some ice cream later once we get back from the Forest of Death." Emerald said while he smiles at Ruby.
"Yay!" Ruby cheered though Sasuke looked… troubled.
"Still… we should be careful with who we faced… especially anyone in our own home. There was this guy. Kabuto. Said he took this exam 7 times and… he had these information cards. He had info on some people I asked about."
"Really?... ask about me, Kurama-chan, or Lillum while we were not there?... granted you probably know more about us from training and stuff." Emerald said with an amused look before he got serious.
"Still that guy sounds… off… 7 times?... what does he look like?" Emerald asked while he looks curious.
"He has gray hair tied in a ponytail and was wearing glasses. He seemed… too nice in my book." Naruto said as he gave his description.
"Hmmm…" Emerald said while rubbing his chin as he got more details.
"Hmmm… sounds familiar… well if he passed with you guys, may run into him into him in the forest of Death… we should get going since I heard Anko-san crashed through a window on your end when she miss timed her entrance and stuff for the second phase." Emerald said while he sweatdrops at that bit.
Naruto snorts.
"Oh she did. Gave her a 8.5. Could've gone better if she did it right and maybe added lights and some smoke. If I know one thing from pranking… besides trying not to get caught… showmanship."
"Better not let Anko-chan hear you say that, she may actually try and one up that entrance." Lillum said before giggling a bit.
"She busted through a window and as she stood threw four Shuriken pinning a large cloth with a second phase type word on it… how can she get more over the top than that?" Sakura asked as Emerald looks at her.
"Sakura… have you seen Naruto's pranks?... well think of Anko-san like a female Naruto with prank like antics." Emerald said while he had a half lidded look on his face.
Sakura blinks a bit before shuddering at the thought while Naruto looks offended.
"Hey!"
"Sorry but considering you once considered actually painting all over the Hokage faces on the mountain nearby… well can you really call your pranks low level?, so if Anko wants to do better… will have to get to your level." Emerald said while he looks Naruto in the eyes.
"Hmmm… I'll give you that but… seasoned Anbu still couldn't get me. They would still fall for the old camouflage fence trick." Naruto said with a cheeky grin.
"Is that right Naruto?" A familiar voice said making Naruto jolt and he looks back to see a smiling, if eyebrow twitching Iruka behind him.
Naruto lightly pales.
"H-Hey Iruka Sensei… how's it going?" He said but lightly took a step back.
"Oh I was coming to congratulate you for passing the first part of the exam… but hearing that you had a plan to paint over the Hokage's faces… maybe I should hold off on this to go Ramen I have for you and keep it for myself and wait to see if you guys pass the next exam." Iruka said while he held up some piping hot Ichiraku ramen before the others… and moved to turn away and walked from the others.
Comically enough, Naruto goes after him.
"No come on Iruka sensei! I was joking!" He said.
Emerald though used a snake head Jutsu to grab Naruto on the back of his coat.
"Come on Naruto… we can get Ramen later… for now we need to get to the Forest of Death before Anko-san wonders what we are doing." Emerald said while Naruto comically cries as he was dragged by the others.
Hinata, who was there sweatdrops as she looks at Ino.
"Our Naruto-kun huh?"
"No kidding… well good luck on your end Hinata-chan… I need to get to Shikamaru and Choji." Ino said before she kissed Hinata on the cheek and moved to jump away so she could look for Shikamaru and Choji.
Hinata giggled beside starts heading out to meet her teammates.
After this happened, many got to the main entrance of the Forest of Death as Naruto looks up at the many trees.
"Ah… home away from home." Naruto said while he grins as Emerald looks at him.
"Better not let others hear you say that… could get people gunning for you." Emerald said while pointing his thumb at the massive group of Genin nearby.
This made Naruto grin more.
"They can try… but fail."
"Well that's ballsy of you Gaki but know that may actually happen given what I have planned." Anko said when she appeared nearby with a grin on her face.
"Knowing you Anko-Chan… it won't be pretty huh?" Naruto said.
"Ah you know me so well… nuff said Gaki, this phase will be the longest since all of you will be signing waivers in case of Death and work to get one of these… each team will have one person holding a Earth or Heaven scroll… you need both to pass… so guess who has to hunt and stuff in the forest and guess who the prey is?" Anko said while she grins evilly as Emerald looks at her.
"Pretty much every team potentially since we will have no idea who has a Heaven or Earth scroll… any rules we have to watch out for?" Emerald asked as Anko smirks more.
"Yeah, no opening the scrolls until you get to the tower, opening one without the other is instant disqualification." Anko said while she passed Naruto a Earth Scroll and Emerald a Heaven Scroll.
"So once you all sign the waivers… good luck… oh and Gaki… if you get by this phase and the next… remember that talk we had?" Anko said when she looks at Naruto with a Lustful look in her eyes.
Naruto blushes a bit at the look.
"I remember." He said as others noticed that.
"Good… Make sure you get by and I may let you knock this sexy bod up." Anko said while she turned to walk from the others as her coated ass sways in the groups view.
This made Naruto blush more as Kiba, who was able to hear that, groans in annoyance.
"That bastard."
"Now now… lets try and not cause trouble Kiba-kun." Hinata said while she tried to ease Kiba's ire.
"Easy for you to say Hinata-chan since you and Ino are sharing him with other women. Not to mention… my mom being involved." Kiba said as he almost throw up.
Guess he heard about what's been going on.
Hinata sweatdrops as Shino looks at Kiba.
"Your mother caused trouble and had to repay Naruto to help your clan's honor, not only that… if not for Naruto, Hinata would be a lord's plaything… would you rather want that instead with Hinata?" Shino said while he adjusts his sunglasses.
Kiba was quiet for a bit.
"Well no." He said though deep down.
'I would've been a better mate for her.' He thought.
Seems Kiba was Jealous of Naruto with Hinata or maybe more with a number of ladies… Boy would he be fuming if he hears of Rei and others like Setsuna.
Still this results in many waiting for their scrolls and papers to sign and when Anko was done getting things…
"Ok you Gakis!, you all ready?, got papers signed, got your scroll hidden on a keeper?" Anko said while she grins at the genin.
Everyone nodded their heads while for Naruto, he was given the scroll since he's quicker.
Emerald gained the Scroll for his Team for now since he could carry it in a large pocket and what not.
Once Anko saw this… she points to different directions.
"Ok, head to various entrances and get ready for them to open, once you see that, look for the opposite Scroll and head to the Tower in the center… that's where the next phase is… but remember, no opening your scroll unless you get to the tower and you need both scrolls as well, no second scroll, no second phase… now… get going!" Anko said while she ordered everyone to split up.
Every group was at a different entrance to the forest of Death. Naruto looks at his teammates.
"Okay guys. Knowing this path I can take us to a nice area that has a river so we got fresh water and a big tree that can give us shade and coverage." Naruto said.
"Nice… what about escape routes in case that coverage boxes us in?" Sakura asked since she never came to the Forest of Death.
Naruto smirks.
"Don't worry. While training here, I made sure to always have escape routes but made sure it was hidden."
"I see, well lets get going, hopefully we won't have to do much to get a Heaven scroll from others." Sasuke said before he starts running into the Forest.
"Let's go Sakura-Chan." Naruto said as he starts using Chan again before running to the forest.
Sakura blushed from that as she chased after Naruto… honestly it was hard to tell if Naruto would use Chan or not with her so hard to tell what that blush on Sakura meant… either way as Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura ran through the woods…
With Emerald, Lillum, and Kurama…
"OK… I may not live here like Naruto does but I do know some things about this forest from some training sessions here with Anko… if we split up, we can cover more ground while you two find a place to make camp… here Kurama-chan… if anyone has a good chance of guarding the scroll just in case its you and Lillum can set up traps and webs around the resting place." Emerald said as he passed Kurama the Heaven scroll he had on hand.
Kurama smirks.
"All the more reason to kick ass." She said.
"Yeah… try and not go nuts though since we have to save strength and you're inhabiting a Shadow clone body… granted you have a few tails worth of energy from Naruto but can't be too careful… so try and let Lillum weaken people if they come after you." Emerald said while he looks at Lillum.
"And you be careful Lillum, try and not try and do anything too crazy OK?" Emerald asked while he looks at his girlfriend.
Lillum giggles.
"No promises." She said before kissing Emerald.
Emerald returned the kiss before he moved to kiss Kurama on her cheek before he jumped away with fast speed.
Kurama lightly blushes but smirks at Lillum.
"Time to get started."
Lillum nods her head as she and and Kurama jumped away… though after a 30 minutes…
With Emerald…
He was launched into a Tree hard with him groaning as he heard laughter.
"HAHAHA!... man you think you can take me with you acting ill?, much less the three of us?" A Iwa Ninja said while he looked… off… he seemed to have… diamonds jetting from the left side of his forehead while he wore a vest, some heavy cargo pants, and had some odd looking weapon on his back… looked like a Greatsword sized… Katana?... Emerald ran into these guys and one of this guys allies, an ugly looking Iwa Ninja Genin who looked anarexic attacked him… Emerald would normally fight back but his left arm acted up big time, similar with Gaara and Gaia… was this guy as Jinchuriki?... still after the first guy attacked, another, a rather heavyset and tall Iwa Ninja attacked Emerald more or less making him hard to move when he had trouble blocking them and the final guy, the one who made his left arm act up, surprised him with an abnormally powerful kick to Emerald's gut and the man was amused when Emerald got up with a cold look in his eyes.
"Hehe, well well… looks like we got a fighter… tell me, what scroll do you have?" The man said while Emerald narrows his eyes.
"Heaven… you have the Earth?" Emerald said while the man looks amused.
"Unfortunately the same… the Heaven on our end… and since you're not lying thanks to my senses… Bujin… Bito… lets get going and leave this wounded Konoha ninja to lick his wounds… no need to waste energy on this weakling." The man said while his two cohorts chuckle darkly.
"Seriously boss? All Konoha scum should die." Bujin said.
The mystery man had a cold look as he looks at Bujin.
"You ignoring MY orders Bujin?... me the Great Zycros?... until I hit him he was holding himself well and I want to see how well he does in a fight later when he isn't looking like he is about to puke… not sure whats going on but don't test me." The Mystery man said while introducing himself shocking Emerald… he remembered Gaia's warning about Zycros… this was the man?
Bujin pales a bit.
"S-Sorry." He said.
Zycros scoffs before looking at Emerald.
"Don't follow us unless you really want to get hurt, consider it a first and final warning… though if your not under the weather… well… hehe… next time we meet, get ready to see why I'm known as the Earth Dragon of Iwa." Zycros said before he turned away.
"Bujin… Bito… lets go and find a fool with the Earth scroll… longer we wait here, the harder it will be for us to get to the next phase." Zycros said before he jumped to an upper branch of the tree and waits for his allies to follow.
Bito frowns at Emerald.
"Leaf scum." He said before spitting on the ground as the duo follows Zycros.
Emerald on his end grits his teeth and backhands the tree with an angered look before he looks at his left arm which calmed down… if not for this he would have not gotten beaten so easily.
"Fuck…. FUCK!" Emerald growls before roaring from how frustrated he was before he jumped away in a different direction for now.
Meanwhile…
As this happened, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, were dealing with a an Enemy Ninja who got the jump on Naruto while he was taking a piss and boy was he angry after Sasuke freed him from some ropes after he helped Sasuke get free from the ninja who tried to take his image.
Though he did bolt after sasuke wounds the enemy ninja's arm as Naruto looks angered.
"Bastard!... had to jump me while I was draining the snake." Naruto said while he had a tickmark on his head.
Sasuke rolls his eyes.
"One problem at a time, Naruto. Let's deal with that bastard."
Though when they looked away, the guy managed to get away while the others were distracted resulting in them having to use a long ass code phrase that Naruto, even with his new smarts… well… he had a hard time remembering that… this led to when the disguised Orichimaru appeared and after a moment with Orocimaru having to dodge a Kunai in Naruto's guise, this results in the duo, thanks to Naruto being blasted away, looking at the Snake Sannin in disguise.
Sakura was on guard.
"What can we do Sasuke? This one may be tough."
"Still one to two… try and not get-!" Sasuke said before he and Sakura saw the Ninja lower one eyelid and they were instantly sliced apart with Kunai in their heads… but that was just an illusion brought on by killing intent from this Ninja… honestly… he was bad news on the 1 to 10 scale.
Sakura shudders at the feeling.
'What is he?' She thought.
Though this thought was cut short when Sasuke had to use a Kunai on his leg to get the pain to override the fear and get Sakura away from this guy.
As this happened Naruto for real had to get up while he rubs his head.
"Ugh… what hit me?" Naruto said while he fixed the hood on his hat but… a large shadow over him did get his attention.
"What the?" Naruto said as he looks over and his eyes widened at what he saw.
It was a massive Snake that looked WAY beyond what Naruto normally saw in the Forest of Death… it looked like it could swallow him whole in one go… and as Naruto was getting his bearings, the Snake moved with abnormal speed and wrapped around Naruto, pinning him in the tail.
Though as the Snake got ready to attack Naruto, Emerald appeared with his greatsword at the ready and gave a roar when he pierced the snake's head with the sword making it get wide eyes and fall dead and Naruto was freed as he fell to the ground.
"Whew! Emerald, am I glad to see you." Naruto said.
Emerald on his end dismissed his sword for now as he looks at Naruto.
"Well didn't expect to see a massive snake nearly eating you, what is going on?... unfortunately I got my ass kicked hard by Zycros and his goons after my arm acted up so I'm hoping to kick the ass of someone soon to vent… guy had his goons leave me alive… I'm not sure whats more aggravating… my arm fucking with me or getting labeled weak…" Emerald said while he clenched his fist after he helped Naruto to his feet.
Naruto was surprised.
"Okay… big questions but later. Right now, Sasuke and Sakura are dealing with some grass nin. It's just him but… that guy is strong if he blasted me away. We gotta back them up."
"Right, lead the way… Kurama-chan and Lillum won't be able to help… unless you can still talk with her right?" Emerald said while he and Naruto start jumping through the treetops.
While jumping, Naruto tries to mentally talk with her.
'Kurama-Chan, can you hear me?'
For a moment, nothing happened, but…
"Whats up?... Lillum and I just got the opposite scroll we need to pass to the next phase, even got a spare Earth Scroll as well… seems Lillum's family is helping locate people, whats up?, you sound panicked." Kurama said mentally.
"Let's see… Emerald met that Zycros guy and he's pissed since Emerald got his ass kicked by him and his group. Also my team is dealing with a lone grass nin. I got blasted and almost got eaten by a big snake. Emerald and I are trying to catch up to my team to back them up." Naruto mentally said.
"What!?... Emerald lost?... lone Grass Nin?... giant snake?... I'll get Lillum and she and I will head to you, good thing I can sense where you are… try and stay alive so she and I can help you." Kurama said before the link cut so Naruto could focus on things on his end.
"Looks like they're on their way now." Naruto said as that happened, Kurama found Lillum and told her what's happening.
Lillum on her end was shocked.
"What!?... Emerald actually lost a battle!?" Lillum said while Kurama shrugged.
"Emerald is still alive so we can ask what happened, for now Naruto got helped by Emerald so Emerald is good physically as far as we know… follow me we can talk to Emerald later after we help Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura out from an odd Grass Nin." Kurama said while she turned to jump up to a high branch and looks to make sure Lillum was following her.
Lillum was indeed following her and was worried for Emerald greatly… of course Naruto too.
'I can't believe Emerald lost. Hope he's okay… and what type of Grass nin is Naruto and his team facing?' She thought.
Meanwhile…
As Sasuke and Sakura were greatly worried when they were face to face to the Grass ninja while Naruto had stopped him from going towards the duo when the guy tried to swirl up a tree with a snake like trail for a second… this made the three look up while Sakura was relieved to see Naruto with Emerald as Emerald summoned his Greatsword.
"Don't worry guys. Calvary is here!" Naruto said.
Sasuke on his end though…
"Naruto!... I know you think you're trying to be cool and save us… but forget it!... run away!... this guy is on a completely different level!" Sasuke said while the grass ninja looks amused.
"Oh ho… so you survived the Snake Naruto-kun?" The Grass nin said showing that giant snake to Emerald and Naruto was this guys fault.
"So it was you?!" Naruto said with an angered look.
"Easy Naruto… this guy is like Sasuke said… way too strong from what I can tell…" Emerald said while he had a hand on Naruto's shoulder while he kept his eyes on the Grass nin who looks at Emerald and smirks when they saw who it was.
"Ah… the nine tails container… with the child of Danzo." The nin said shocking the group.
"And I'm guessing you're more than you seem with you knowing that…" Emerald said as he raised his weapon and rushed the man who had to jump back as Emerald's greatsword nearly sliced through the massive branch that the Grass nin was while Sasuke looks alarmed and he looks at Emerald.
"Emerald hold on!... this guy is way too strong for us!" Sasuke said as Emerald just speaks.
"Even if you think that… think this guy would let us live if we give him that Earth Scroll your holding?... think again Sasuke… this guy has a look of a predator trying to hunt prey." Emerald said while he got in a fighting stance as the Grass nin looks amused by this.
"Indeed I am. But now… I have two preys." The Grass nin said cryptically.
This confused the group as they wondered on the two prey thing… however before they could wonder much… the Grass nin moved to pull up their sleeve after biting their thumb and in no time much to the groups shock, the Grass ninja summoned a monstrously sized Snake and stands on its head.
"Shit…" Was all Emerald said with his weapon at the ready as everyone else looks worried as the scene slowly fades to black dramatically.