Scarlet Justice - ep. 30
"Rule of Cool"
[Chuunin Exams: Prologue 2]

As we head to the second floor, I notice there's something off immediately. I taste the air around me to make sure. There are two men posted in front of room 301, bullying anyone who comes close to them.

"You should turn back while you can. This test is no place for weaklings."

"Tch." I would recognize that tone anywhere...unfortunately. "Why don't you step aside, and get rid of that genjutsu while you're at it." Sasuke.

"That's right. We saw through it as soon as we came here. This is the second floor, and that's room 201 behind you," Sakura follows.

"Yup!" Naruto chimes in. He has no clue what's actually happening.

I could feel their chakra from my own scan...the ones in front of the now revealed to be fake door don't feel like genin at all. They've cleverly transformed in order to weed out the weak-willed participants. That's why everyone is up here, for the most part...but with Team Seven uncovering the deception, everyone seems more confident.

Pretty boring. They didn't have to blurt everything out, but I wouldn't expect much else from a couple of arrogant brats. Naruto excluded, obviously. Kakashi sent them on their way here too, then...bold move. Let's see if it pays off.

"I thought I smelled fear. So you've arrived...Lady Hinata."

A voice dripping with self-importance calls to our group. I turn my head to look at the boy with pure white eyes...ones that look the same as Hina's, but only on the surface. I can feel it bleeding out from him.

Murderous intent.

Hina lowers her head at the sight of him. I understand immediately...perhaps not physically, but he's abused her psychologically for a long time. Him, along with everyone else in that wretched clan. I don't know if I can forgive them for that. Perhaps I really shouldn't. I'll decide in time.

"Brother Neji..." Even her tone is deferent. It's like...she's transformed back into the person she was when we first met. I can't take much more of this...watching this happen again.

"Is this your group, then?" Neji asks. "I never thought I would see so many rookies appear at once, but I suppose your instructors had something silly to prove. It's too bad...you don't stand a chance. There's a reason we waited a year before participating," he says. "Why would you do something so silly, Lady Hinata? Surely you know your importance to the clan? To Lord Hiashi?"

"I...simply wanted to...prove myself," she says shakily.

"How? By coming here and dying?"

Hina stiffens.

"Don't be so silly, Lady Hinata. You understand the situation," he says with a sardonic smile. "There's still time for you to-"

"No. I can't." She raises her head, and I can see the fire from before return. "I know you worry, Brother Neji. But...I can't this time. And I won't." She grabs my hand and meshes her fingers with mine. I can feel her calming down. "This battle isn't just my own. I have to fight with those I care for...my comrades. I don't want to run away any longer."

"Your foolishness will only get you hurt, Lady Hinata," Neji responds. Clearly unamused that his tactics are failing.

"It's better that I feel pain...than nothing at all. These bonds are worth that much and more."

I squeeze her hand and smile. "The Hinata you knew once before...is on the verge of disappearing," I say.

"And who might you be?"

"Shouldn't you introduce yourself first?" I reply. "I'm not sure that's any way to treat a lady."

"Is that what you think?"

"She might be a ruthless bitch, but she has a point about etiquette," Sasuke says as he interrupts. "Neji Hyuuga, right? The previous year's number one rookie."

"And you must be Sasuke Uchiha. Second in this year's class...no?" Neji replies with a smirk. Sasuke growls, his eyes narrowing.

"Wonder what number one looks like," a girl nearby says. Her brown hair is tied into twin buns, and she wears a unique looking blouse. Beside her is Rock Lee. So this is his team...a year older, and containing at least two strong people. Both taijutsu specialists.

"Ah...it's the villain!" Lee shouts, pointing at me.

"Villain?"

"Yes, Tenten! The villain who attacked the fair Sakura! The one who I was telling you about earlier!"

"This shorty?" Tenten says with a smug smirk. "I can't believe any of that, sorry."

"You'd better believe it, ya know?" Naruto shouts back. "She's the one who flattened Sasuke in sparring! And she's our class number one by a mile!"

"She is an elite without peer," Shino continues. "The strongest member of Team Eight, and the future of our village. Top rookie of this year's graduating class, and an extraordinary red-haired talent from a far away land, tearing her prey apart with bloodied fangs hardened in intense battle. She is the Hidden Leaf's Scarlet Viper...Lilith Kobayashi."

Well done, Shino. Absolutely beautiful.

"Scarlet...Viper?" Neji murmurs.

"W-what a terrifying name," Lee says, recoiling.

"Whoa...that's super cool!" Naruto shouts.

"So it seems you've aligned yourself with a pair of idiots, then...a shame, Lady Hinata. You deserve better."

"They are not idiots. And they're the best teammates I could ever ask for. I will stand by them," Hina says firmly. "Without exception, Brother Neji."

"..." Neji turns on his heel, walking away. Tenten follows him, and Lee seems to have disappeared.

"I'll be sure to crush you when I'm done with that scarlet bitch," Sasuke says to Neji.

"Prepare yourself. I'll show you why Hyuuga is the strongest clan in the Leaf, once and for all." Neji continues walking, and Sasuke chooses to turn his focus on me. His Sharingan seem to glow in the light, and I feel my blood stirring. 'That' side is becoming restless.

Hina squeezes my hand tightly...I get the message and force myself to calm down. For her, at least.

"There's no need to stir things up this early, Sasuke. She isn't worth it," Sakura says.

"I'm sorry, but you don't get to say things like that," I say to her. "Not after I already beat you like a rag doll."

"Tch...!"

"Know your place, Sakura. And as for you," I say as I turn back to Sasuke, "when you're 'done' with me, you said? That's funny...you don't have enough stamina to handle me no matter what you do."

"What?"

"You heard me, boy. I'll run you ragged and make you beg for me to stop. Why don't you quit being moody and focus on what matters, like passing this exam. Right now...you're not worth my time. None of you are."

I face my friend and stare him down.

"Not even you, Naruto."

He gives me a cocky smirk in return. "Heh. We'll see about that. Things have changed a lot since our last fight, ya know. I've got a whole new bag of tricks, Lili..."

"I'm sure. We can see just how much you've changed..."

"Yeah..."

I like this. The look in his eyes, determined and defiant. Healthy competition. He wants to beat me as badly...no, maybe more than Sasuke does. I'm excited for that...the possibility of going to head to head with him in battle. And I'm sure he is, too.

But now isn't the time, sadly.

"Hina. Shino. Let's move. We have somewhere to be," I order.

"Yes."

"Understood."

I give Naruto one last look before shoving my way past Sakura and towards the wide hallway. The stairs to the third floor are just ahead.

"Halt!"

"?" I look up to see Lee, already standing on the third floor. He jumps down in an instant and lands in front of our group.

"So...not only are you a villain, you are the number one rookie?" he asks.

"Yes. What about it?" I reply.

"I did want to test my skills against Uchiha first, but...your villainy and reputation have piqued my interest. While we have time, I would like to challenge you!"

Now? What the hell.

"We have company," Shino says. I look to see that Sasuke and the others are watching. Dammit.

"I am the Leaf's Handsome Devil, Rock Lee!"

"Yeah, we've met. Lilith Kobayashi." This guy is seriously annoying. And...did he just change his title from the last time? How many does he...actually, I don't really care.

"Please, allow me to test my skills against you."

My cynicism is on full blast.

He's either genuinely curious, trying to force my hand, or some mix of both. Entirely possible with his single-track mind.

"Yeah! Lili can blow thick-brows away with that technique!" Naruto yells suddenly.

"Hm?" Lee's eyes widen with curiosity.

Seriously. I love him, but that boy is a damned idiot at the worst times. Well, now what. Do I oblige the meathead in front of me, or just decline and stay out of trouble?

There's a correct answer. I'm agitated, and a fight would get me loose again. Maybe...hm.

"Lili...I think you should keep that hidden," Hinata says quietly.

"I agree," Shino says, backing her up.

My teammates have my back, as always. I'll follow their advice.

"You two are right," I say to them. "I'll save my power for the exam proper."

"Thank goodness," Hina says.

"A wise move. Showing your fangs too early might be to your detriment," Shino follows.

"Aside from that...I'm tired. I'm not interested in more challenges from nobodies and sore losers who end up beaten down anyways. Rock Lee...if you want to fight me, you'll have to get in line with everyone else."

"..." He seems disappointed. Good. Idiot.

"Almost twenty minutes remaining. We'll go." I walk past Lee and hear commotion a moment later. Seems like he's chosen to deal with Sasuke instead, like he wanted. We ascend the stairs, and I hear what is definitely a Naruto yelp before a loud crash. Hinata winces.

And then shortly after that, there's another loud impact...a kick, I assume. I shift one eye to the side so I can see what's happening.

"..."

Sasuke is floating in the air, with Lee at his back.

Lee's power has drastically increased, as I can feel it in the air. I wonder what kind of technique he's using...it's clearly some type of taijutsu, since he can't do much else.

"Hina. Can you see it?" I ask her.

"It's...the Inner Gates..."

No wonder. Being able to open those along with that taijutsu would make him a force to be reckoned with. But...I can figure him out, just like everyone else. He isn't the biggest problem, especially not right now.

I tune out the noise coming from downstairs and we reach the real room 301 at last. Fifteen minutes to spare, nice and early. As I like it.

"We made it without incident," Shino comments.

"Barely," I say. Naruto is getting strangled for a while once this is over. Someone then suddenly appears in a cloud of smoke. This scent...one in her rotation that I recognize quickly. "So, did our nee-san come to see us off?"

"You're annoying, you know that?" Kurenai responds as the smoke clears. But yes, your sensei did come to see you off. And to see if you passed the real test."

"Test?" Hina asks. "Aren't we...already on our way to it?"

"Yes and no. That whole thing about the exam being your choice wasn't the whole truth. If only one or two of you showed up, I would have to send you home. The Chuunin Exams have to be taken as a three-person unit no matter what, just as I nominated you. A good leader organizes their team and also makes sure they're prepared for their missions. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Lili going to each of you is proof of that preparation. She also didn't pressure you into joining. She simply demonstrated her resolve, and the two of you followed because of your trust in her."

"So...the option to back out wasn't really an option. We had to want to come together as a team in order for this to work."

"That's right, Shino."

"Hmph. What a stupid test," I declare, putting my arms around Shino and Hina's shoulders. "Even if it meant waiting another six months, I would follow these two anywhere. And you of course, Kurenai." I give her a wink.

"You're too cocky."

"Hmph."

"But seeing that confidence, in yourself and your teammates...it makes me happy, too." Kurenai steps forward and places a hand on Hina's shoulder. "You've come such a long way, Hinata. I'm proud. Please remember...no matter the outcome, we will always be here for you. Shino, Lili, and I...we'll never toss you away, or be ashamed of you."

"I understand, sensei. Thank you...you've given me so much hope. I won't let you down..."

Kurenai nods and turns to Shino. "Shino. All you have to do is be yourself. Sometimes being uncool is part of teamwork, and I know you can handle being out of the spotlight for a while. Look after your comrades, as you always do."

"Yes, sensei. I will be vigilant."

She nods and then turns to me. There's an intense look in her eyes.

"Lili...I have just one request. If anyone should bring harm to your comrades...please erase them without prejudice. No matter who they might be."

I know what it is she wants.

I will embrace my true self. Just as she has asked.

"Orders received, sensei."

"Thank you. I'm proud of you all for coming this far, and happy to know that I'm...well, I guess I'm like your big sister after all, as much as I try to be a serious adult."

"The Kurenai we've known...and the Kurenai we will know. They're the same, and they're both beloved. For you...we'll give our all," I say.

"Thank you."

"But there's something else. Isn't there?" I say accusingly.

"Ah..." The look on her face says it all.

"You made a bet involving us."

"Mm...w-well. Kakashi and Asuma each promised me a year's supply of liquor if I ended up with more chuunin students than them at the end of the exams..."

"And if you lose?" I ask.

"I...um..." She presses her fingers together. "Asuma wants me in a maid outfit every other day of the week for three months. And Kakashi...he wants me to read the entirely of Icha-Icha Tactics...out loud. In public."

"I don't understand the true nature of this punishment, but...it seems like we have to become chuunin now," Shino says.

"Unnecessary pressure? Sensei, how awful of you," I tease. "Mm...I would suggest asking Luna for outfits, but she's a bit bigger in some areas..."

"We h-have to succeed...Kurenai-sensei can't be subjected to such...l-l-lewd things!" Hina says with determination, even as she blushes deeply.

"Listen...don't worry about me too much, yeah? Haha. Like I said, just do your best. Okay?"

"We will, Kurenai. Luna and Midori-nee will be having tea today, and they would love some extra company. You should drop by."

"I'll do that. Team Eight...good luck." She smiles and disappears in a cloud of smoke.

"The stakes have been raised. Sensei loves her drink...let's get this done for her," Shino says.

"Fine by me. I was going to aim for the top anyways," I say. "Hina, ready?"

"Y-yeah!"

"Okay. Let's rock." I push open the doors and walk forward.

The room is filled with all kinds of people. People who don't look like the ideal shinobi, people who are flashy, people who are clearly out of their league, all sorts that would be labelled weirdos and freaks. There are young and even older people, from many different villages. Everyone's gathered near the back of this large room, and it's getting restless. There's frequent intimidation. And...

...and this discount killing intent is the most boring thing I've ever experienced. Are any of these people, these posturing punks, actual killers? Perhaps a few...but they're keeping to themselves as I assumed they would. Midori did say as much, that the real killers never talk about killing or present themselves as violent...they attack without warning, and leave without a sound.

Yes. True artisans.

Naruto has made it up, from the sounds of it, and yells something that I don't quite make out. The entire room seems to be focused on him now.

Well, that's just how he is. Ever confident, and ever optimistic. Hina's confidence is boosted a bit more, I notice. I understand why she's so smitten by him, now especially.

I can sense a few interesting characters scattered around. Some weird looking guys brooding on top of the desks, from some village called the Hidden Sound. I don't know much about that place, but I get a strange feeling. There's a boy with red hair, close in colour to mine, with a large gourd on his back. He's standing with a blonde girl - who has fantastic looking legs - and another boy with a black hood and something wrapped in bandage on the floor beside him. They're a team from what I recognize as the Hidden Sand. There's another person from the Leaf that I don't quite recognize, wearing glasses. He's fiddling with cards, or...something. Naruto's team is here, of course. Ino and her team - which explains what Neji was muttering about earlier regarding the amount of rookies. All nine of us, huh. Well, we can see what comes of that. Neji's team is assembled. And then other idiots I don't care for.

But there's something curious...that's Kiba Inuzuka, isn't it? I haven't seen him in a long while. He's with two people that I don't recognize either...that makes ten of us from the graduating class. Hm. This should be quite the experience...

"Team Nine is an unknown to us," Shino says. "Perhaps we should greet them."

"Not a bad idea. I'm curious as well. Follow me," I say as I walk into the hostile crowd. We cut through easily, thanks to some strategic use of my murderous aura, and end up in proximity of Kiba's team.

Kiba himself hasn't changed much, if at all. Akamaru is camped inside his jacket, looking like a dog usually does. Happy to be with his friend, and a good child from what I remember.

The next person of note is quite easy on the eyes. A girl with chocolate brown skin and featureless hazel eyes. Her hair is white, and neatly combed into two puffy clouds that sit on both sides of her head. She has a spiked collar around her neck, which matches neatly with the rest of her unique outfit: stockings made out of netting, a black dress with zippers all over it, and shredded, fingerless gloves that extend past her elbows. And it's all topped with a splash of pink lipstick.

The last member is sitting against the wall nearby. He has short black hair that looks like it's held in place by some invisible force, making it shoot straight backwards horizontally in the form of hard spikes. On top of his head is a large crow. He wears long cargo shorts with what seems to be a chain mail body suit underneath, and a white vest on top of it all. His gloves are jet black and look to be thick and heavy. As he stands, I can see that he is quite tall, and fairly muscular.

"Hey, you guys made it!" Kiba says as he notices us.

"We did," Shino says. These two got along decently at the Academy, so I can understand why Shino wanted to see how he was doing. "So this is your team?"

"Yeah! These two trend towards the quieter side, but they're good people," he says with a grin. "We've got enough in common. The lady over here is Erika Kotowari."

"..." She pauses a while, and I can only assume she's looking at me with the same interest I gave her a moment earlier. "It's nice to meet you all," she says in a cool tone. Very businesslike...almost mechanical. She seems to be a precise sort of person.

"Cool. And the big guy over here..."

"Phantom the Dark."

"..." I realize he's entirely serious. "It's good to meet you, then."

"Dark is fine as well..."

"His name is Koichi Nagano," Erika says smoothly. "Phantom the Dark is his alias. We have respected his desires and refer to him as such, except in cases where his legal name is needed for legal or administrative purposes."

Koichi...or Dark, sighs. "Rika, that's not very nice of you."

"You have continually failed to respect my agency."

"Rika is nice. It's aesthetically pleasing."

"I am not pleased by it. Aesthetically or otherwise."

Phantom the Dark...it's taking all I have not to cringe outwardly. What a loser.

Kiba, Erika, and...Dark, then. Fine.

"Who's the character on your head?" I ask, referring to the crow on...Dark's...head. He seems to be patiently observing the world around him.

"Oh, that's Eddie. We're connected by a dark ritual that gives us both overwhelming power once we-"

"Ninja crow," Kiba and Erika say at the same time.

"Right, understood. Good luck to you," I say, wanting to get away from this weirdo as soon as possible.

"Yeah, we'll see ya later! Try not to choke too much on our dust when we take off into the next round!" Kiba says as he and his group leave. "Yahoo!"

"Kiba hasn't changed at all," Shino notes. "Though that's good in its own way, I suppose."

That sounds agreeable.

Time winds down to about a minute before things are set to begin. The Sound shinobi are suddenly on the move, trying to stir up trouble. I sigh and make sure we're out of range of their foolishness.

And it's then that I hear it.

"Settle down, you trash! Take your seats!"

Well. Here we go.