Chapter 6: Forest of Death Part 2
Chapter Text
I looked at Arumajiro. Things had not gone according to plan at all. We were successful; we had three scrolls on us, and we defeated two teams – a Taki team and a Kusa team. They were tough fights, but we emerged victorious. We were tired but in good condition. I took the lead as Arumajiro followed, heading back in the direction of the tower. Our speed had given us an advantage as we moved, allowing us to get ahead of most of the traps that were set.
We had also lost a teammate in the forest, and both of us were greatly worried about her. I believed in Amara, and luckily for me, her diplomatic skills would end up saving her – or rather, a certain long-haired Konoha ninja would. But we didn't know that fact yet.
I put my hand out and stopped Arumajiro, pointing in the direction of the enemy. I could just make out a fight happening nearby. I began to give hand signals to move around the fight, but then I stopped, nodding my head. We moved in to watch the fight, hoping to see if there was a chance to take down the winner.
I moved in and noticed something alarming: a group of Konohagakure ninja attacking a lone Oto ninja. Without hesitation, I launched into action, swiftly attacking one of the Konoha ninja. My elbow slammed into the jaw of the attacker, knocking him back, and I followed up with a powerful spin kick that sent him crashing to the ground, unconscious.
"I knew she wasn't from my village, and she wasn't my teammate, but I'd be damned if I let someone harm her," I thought to myself as I took up a defensive position. Arumajiro followed suit, giving me a look as if he wasn't somehow surprised by this turn of events at all.
"Kin-chan, here for the promised help as I said earlier," I commented to her, giving her a charming smile.
"Miraju, huh?" Kin responded, her voice cool and measured. "I suppose I owe you one for the assist. But don't get too comfortable. This doesn't change anything between us."
She glanced briefly at Arumajiro before turning her attention back to me. "Let's focus on getting out of here alive first. We can settle any debts later."
"We have two more enemies nearby, let us focus on them and work together, Kin what are your abilities," Arumajiro asked as he created a small wall to protect them from incoming kunai and shuriken.
Kin eyed Arumajiro warily before responding, "I specialize in sound-based genjutsu and taijutsu. I can also use my bells to disorient opponents and manipulate sound waves to my advantage."
She glanced around, assessing the situation. "We need a plan. I can create distractions with my genjutsu while you two go on the offensive. We need to take them out quickly before more reinforcements arrive."
As Kin lays out the plan, I nod in agreement. I signal to Arumajiro to move out, taking the lead as I charge towards the remaining enemies. One of them attempts to throw a kunai at me, but I quickly dodge to the side and counterattack with a swift punch to the chest, knocking the wind out of them. As Arumajiro and I engage the remaining enemies, Kin begins to put her plan into action. She creates a series of illusions using her sound-based genjutsu, causing the enemies to become disoriented and confused. One of them starts swinging wildly at the air, trying to hit an illusion of an enemy that Kin had created. The other desperately fires off a large fireball at me; it's a dangerous move, but I move towards it. I pull my sword, cutting the fireball into two and causing it to fly harmlessly by me before I pivot and send my foot into the genin's gut.
As I deliver the powerful kick, I hear a satisfying grunt from the genin as they're sent flying backwards, incapacitated. I turn my attention back to the remaining enemy, who is still struggling to fight off Kin's illusions.
I notice Arumajiro take this opportunity to quickly approach the genin from behind, silently neutralizing them with a swift and deadly move. I nod in approval, impressed by Arumajiro's combat skills and quick thinking.
With all the enemies taken care of, I take a moment to catch my breath and regroup with my impromptu team.
As I catch my breath, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Our team worked together seamlessly, each member using their unique strengths to overcome the challenges we faced. I glance over at Kin, who is still panting heavily, her face flushed with exertion.
"Great job, you two," I say, giving them a nod of approval. "We make a pretty good team."
Kin smiles weakly, still trying to catch her breath. "Thanks, Miraju. I couldn't have done it without you and Arumajiro."
As I look at Kin, I realize that I'm in trouble. There's something about her, something that affects me deeply, even though we've only just met. Her smile has an inexplicable effect on me, leaving me feeling weak at the knees. It's irrational, but I can't deny the pull I feel towards her.
"Kin, you're with us for the rest of the exam," I say firmly, locking eyes with her. "Your abilities complement our team perfectly, especially when we find Amara too," I declare boldly. "Once this exam is over, you can return to being an Oto ninja, understood?"
Kin's eyes widen slightly in surprise at my declaration, but then a small smile plays on her lips. "Understood," she says, her voice carrying a hint of gratitude. "I'll do my best to support the team until the end of the exam."
As we reunite with Amara, she shares her harrowing tale of survival and rescue by the Konoha ninja. We exchange glances, silently acknowledging the twists and turns of fate that brought us back together. With Amara's return and her scrolls in hand, our team is once again complete, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead in the final stages of the Chunin Exams. Together, we make our way towards the tower, our determination unwavering as we prepare for the ultimate test of skill and teamwork.
"Miraju, um who is the oto girl, is she your girlfriend," Amara teases as she notices Kin traveling with us.
I chuckle at Amara's teasing and shake my head. "No, she's not my girlfriend," I reply with a smile. "Kin is just a fellow ninja we met during the exam. She's been a great help to us, so we invited her to join our team for the rest of the exam."
"Okay, Kin, I am Amara, let's work together," she said with a smile, she can as normal see through my words and see the truth of the matter.
Kin returns Amara's smile with a nod. "Nice to meet you, Amara. Let's do our best together," she replies warmly. Despite the teasing, there's a sense of camaraderie forming among the group, united by the challenges they've faced together.
The journey to the tower proceeds without any further encounters with adversaries. Having surpassed all those who had not yet reached the tower, we traverse quietly together. As a group of four, we attract attention, dissuading smaller groups from challenging us. Moreover, Amara's vigilance in spotting enemies allows us to evade potential conflicts effortlessly. Upon sighting the tower, we realize that we have successfully completed the second exam. We've made it to the next round. While I acknowledge that Kin will soon return to her role as an Otogakure ninja, I can't deny the impact she has had on me during our time together.
As we enter, we confirm that we possess more than enough scrolls to advance, including Kin's. However, our relief is overshadowed by the grim news regarding her teammates. They had vanished after an encounter with Sasuke Uchiha during the exam. Though not confirmed dead, their disappearance raises concerns. Kin's expression betrays her worry, hinting at a foreboding sense that something terrible has occurred. Additionally, there are reports of other missing ninjas, with most found dead but a few still unaccounted for.
"You okay, Kin," I ask softly as I put my hand on her shoulder.
Kin's expression softens as she looks at me, her eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and resignation. "I'll be fine," she says quietly, her voice tinged with melancholy. "But I can't help but worry about what happened to them. They may not have been the best teammates, but they were still my comrades."
"Well we passed that exam, since they aren't here, I guess I will just have to take you on as part of my team, and support you like I were your teammate," I declare openly as I blush a great deal.
Kin's eyes widen slightly at my declaration, clearly surprised by my offer. She hesitates for a moment before offering me a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Miraju," she says softly, her voice carrying a hint of warmth.
I notice something out of the corner of my eyes, Amara talking to the long haired konoha ninja. I can tell he is super strong. I look at Kin, "you know who that is?"
"Yes, that's Neji Hyuga," Kin replies, her gaze shifting towards Amara and Neji. "He's a skilled shinobi from the Hyuga clan, known for their powerful Byakugan. It seems like Amara is getting along well with him."
Standing among the non-Konoha teams, we find ourselves in the company of the three children of the Kazekage: Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara, along with Kin. It's an interesting mix of individuals, each with their own strengths and abilities. As we prepare for the next phase of the exam, I can't help but feel a sense of determination, knowing that we've come this far together.
"Hello, Temari-san," I greet respectfully, acknowledging our shared achievement in advancing through the first two parts of the exam. Glancing at the other two Suna ninja, I can't help but notice their intimidating presence, particularly Gaara, whose aura exudes a deadly and frankly unsettling vibe.
"Hello, Miraju," Temari responds with a nod, acknowledging our previous encounter. "Yes, it seems so. We've made it this far. Let's see what challenges await us next," she adds, her tone filled with determination.
I gaze at the three of them, unaware of how much I don't know, oblivious to the larger events unfolding beyond the exam. The world around me is far bigger and more complex than I realize. Despite being in the dark about the bigger picture, my team and I have become an unexpected surprise in the exam. We're the unknown variable, unknowingly influencing the course of events, particularly on Kin and the fate of the Otogakure team. Everything is changing, and I remain blissfully unaware of it all.
As Hayate Gekko appears on the arena stage below, the atmosphere in the room shifts. All eyes turn towards him, eager to hear the details of the next stage of the Chunin Exams. He begins to explain the preliminary round, outlining the one-on-one fights that will determine which fighters advance to the final stage.
I listen intently as Hayate lays out the rules, feeling a surge of anticipation coursing through me. This is where the real test begins, where I'll have to face off against other skilled ninja in head-to-head combat. It's a daunting prospect, but I'm determined to give it my all and prove myself worthy of advancing to the final stage.