Chapter 9

Beta: Old man of the mountain/Darklord331

Forest of Death was named this way due to its unnatural habitat. It has larger-than-average animals, dangerous insects and plants, and enough trees to leave you guessing where you are and how you got there.

But for some this is a common training ground that was used by the more experienced ninja. It was meant to keep your senses sharp and your head on a swivel. It was quite the feat to get into the forest and out of it with all your limbs intact.

Which is why it was shocking to some that this is the site of the second exam.

Naruto knew that about 50 teams had passed the first part of the exam. But arriving at the site he saw that there were only 40 teams now.

Surprising him considering the forest was hard to miss but hey less competition the better.

Anko was eating some dangos with glee before turning to the teams in front of her.

"Alright you maggots this is the Forest of Death, also known as Training Ground 44. This is an expert level training field that most of the village doesn't use for obvious reasons. However, in this exam, however," she gave them a bloodthirsty grin, "This is serving as the site for the second exam. You will be in this forest for a total of five days. The goal is simple: " She reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a scroll. one contains kanji for Heaven, and another contains Earth. "Your job is to find both scrolls while in the forest."

"So does that mean we have to fight each other to get the scroll we need?" Sasuke had a dark smile on his face when asking this question.

"Yep, in this part, all of you are now enemies, meaning anything goes. It doesn't matter how you get the second scroll only that you get it."

"But five days in the forest," Chouji whined, "What are supposed to do about food?"

Anko shrugged, "It is a forest so just forge for your own food. Kill the animals and cook them, gather berries, or just find something edible looking."

"What about shower and care while we are in the forest?"

Anko groaned at the question as it came from Ino and some of the other girls in the same group nodded.

"Listen up you shit stains! This is a SURVIVAL test! Mean you won't get any luxuries while in the forest. We are going to see who it must do what it takes for survival! To master their environment and do what it takes to win!" The crowd shuddered at this, but Naruto remained unfazed.

"So," Karula raised her hand, "Does this mean we can kill our opponents to get the scroll?"

"Finally, a smart question: yes, you can kill your opponents to get your scroll. However, that doesn't mean you will get the scroll you need. If the group you took out doesn't have it keep looking. But under no circumstances should you open the scrolls before reaching the interior of the tower."

"Why?"

Anko smiled at the random brat, "Now why would I ruin the surprise?"

Naruto rolled his neck, "Can we get started already I'm falling asleep."

Anko frowned, she was aware of who he was and honestly didn't like the brat. He had everything one could want; a house, lots of money to where you never worry about anything, parents and siblings, and many other luxuries. Stuff that people like her weren't allowed when they were born. As an orphan, she was angry that he was so uncaring. To hear him throw away everything made her even angrier.

Taking out a kunai she flung it.

Naruto saw the weapon coming and stopped it before it can reach his face. All he did was time the movement before slipping his finger up and catching the weapon in the ring with his finger.

Spinning the blade, he returned fire. Sending it sailing through the air faster than she did and cutting her cheek before it penetrated the fence.

"It's not nice to throw things at people." Naruto started at her, "No matter who you are."

Anko growled before pulling out some papers ordering the brats to sign them. To stay they are not responsible for them when they are crippled or dead.

They signed the papers quickly before walking up to the people with the scrolls. they got a heaven scroll.

Naruto and his team walked to entrance D and stood ready for the exam to begin.

While this is going on, Toph is standing with her team, bored out of her mind.

"Hey, Jacob?"

The Wu turned to her, "What?"

"Don't touch that Naruto guy."

"Huh?"

"You heard me, don't lay a finger on him."

"What are you talking about bitch? Why should I listen to you?"

Toph slowly turned her head, facing his direction, "Because if you do then I will kill you later. I don't like sharing."

"Huh?" Tayuya watched her teammates argue about that blond idiot from before. Yeah, he was kind of interesting, but he wasn't that impressive.

"He is my prey so get in my way and like the animal kingdom, I'll swat you down in an instance."

Jacob sneered.

Tayuya sighed; this is going to be a long few days.

With the other teams from the Leaf, Team 7 was gearing up and ready to go. They were already aware of the teams that had different scrolls than them. Thanks to the help of one of the examiners. Making it an easy sweep for them to find the team closest, take their scroll, and head to the tower in the most direct route.

Team 8 didn't have the same luxury, but they were determined to hunt down all the nearby teams, trying to see which one might have what they were looking for. With Shino on the team, they could get the drop on the enemy easily.

Team 9 already agreed to split up during the exam not wanting to be together until the near end.

Team 10 decided to go after some of the weaker teams hoping to pick them off. Especially since among their peers, they weren't the most combat-oriented, they had to be smart about this.

Team 11 just prepared with Sasuke groaning at his annoying fangirls. They weren't going to slow him down, but he was sure that they won't contribute much. His primary goal was to pass but if he found Naruto he was going to kill him. Ever since he humiliated him, he couldn't stand the self-righteous prick. Especially considering his team had abandoned him. He thought he had finally gotten one over him but now he had a team, and it was consisting of a supposedly elite family. Preposterous! He refused to believe the claims of these Kure. In his mind they are nothing more than dirt.

It didn't matter, not to him.

'Get ready, loser, you're going to die like the mangy dog that you are!'

Team 12 though,

"I'm telling you Kyoka we should focus on finding and retrieving the scroll. There is no point in wasting time and energy to hunt down that loser."

"My honor is online here Yakumo; he must pay for humiliating my family."

Like her brother, Kyoka was set on punishing Naruto for the offence he made. Since that day her parents were laughing stocks among the clan. People in the clan were saying her family didn't have the right lead. That someone else should take over the role.

"Kyoka," her teammate patted her shoulder. "I know how you feel. But there is a chance that he isn't going to make it through this round. I mean, he is being carried by the Kure members and soon even that won't be enough. They are going to see him as nothing and when that happens he might not make it out of this forest. So, if that happens then you have proven your point of being superior." He gave a charming smile, "So, let's just focus on getting the tower as quickly as possible."

Kyoka huffed but conceded on their point. It was better to focus on passing the test rather than focusing on revenge. Either way, she would get it; if he didn't pass and she did, that meant her family was superior, and he had no right to talk back to them. But if he did pass this part of the exam, she would make sure he paid for it when they fought.

'I'm coming for you asshole!'

Everyone stood at their respective gates and waited patiently.

Then Anko shouted,

"Alright everyone begin!"

The gates opened and soon the teams all rushed into the forest. In less than a few seconds a scream was heard.

Anko smiled, "Ah music to my ears."

Naruto and his team were leaping through the trees. Trying their best to ignore the murderous aura that was behind them.

"So, what are we going to do with our tailers?" Raian looked behind them and grinned. Naruto sighed,

"Just a little bit more, the tower is pretty far away so we have to get as close as possible." He wanted to get through this exam without any real issue. So, the quicker he ended it the better.

"Still, we should just take them out if they are going to be this persistent." Karula frowned. This team really wanted to kill them.

"It is pointless for either of you to be concerned since their target is me." Naruto rolled his eyes at this, "You two take off in different directions. I'm going to keep moving forward. That way I can reach the nearby clearing."

Raian growled, "Don't give me fucking orders."

"Just do it."

The man was about to shout but Karula broke off and he knew that if he didn't the old man was going to chew him out.

For some reason the old man was invested in the brat, so he had to play nice.

Breaking off Naruto sensed the people tracking him were still on his trail.

'So, they really are after me, great.'

He figured this would happen, but he hoped it wouldn't.

Arriving in the clearing he put his hands in his pocket and waited.

In a second a group of three appeared, revealing themselves as people he doesn't remember.

'They have Konoha headbands. Maybe they were from the group before us?'

"So, we meet the disgraced Namikaze. I would say it is an honor but that wouldn't be right."

"Yeah and you are?"

The three men sneered, "It won't matter, we are going to be the ones that remove you from this world."

"Oh really?" Naruto sighed, "How are you going to pull that off? Because you're too weak for me to take seriously."

The three bristled, "This is the reason no one wants you around! You are always sarcastic and rude when you should be grateful!"

"Grateful for what?" Naruto tilted his head from side to side. "I mean, you guys aren't important to me, probably not even important to the village. That's probably why you guys flew under the radar, right?" He gave a small smile. "I truly pity you."

The three men were angry and without hesitation began their attack.

The leader started running through some hand signs before inhaling deeply,

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

A torrent of flames exploded out of his mouth. The other two went through similar hand signs and fired out the same attack.

Naruto watched as the attacks closed in on him and he just dashed out of range of the attack. All it took was him going backwards and he avoided the explosion.

'So instead of aiming for me they were aiming for where I was. Man,' he shook his head, 'That was dumb.'

From the smoke came the three charging at him. One was holding a kunai, another two kunai, and the leader was bare handed.

Naruto dodged the swing of the single kunai user and jumped over the leader's sweeping kick. However, when the third one pulled his hands back, he threw them, making Naruto sigh again.

'How predictable.'

The kunai pierced his flesh and the three smiled,

"We got him!"

"Serves that piece of shit right! He had no right to underestimate us!"

"Yep not only did we do a public service, but I have no doubt that the Hokage will reward us for this!"

A poof sound echoed on the spot and revealed a log in his place.

"What how did he-,"

The leader found something rammed through his stomach and saw it was a hand. A cough echoed in the area, and he looked behind him to see Naruto standing there. The same blank expression on his face.

"You really shouldn't let your guard down. No matter who the opponent is." He forcibly removed his arm from his stomach and watched as he fell to his knees. He choked out some blood and reached his hand out.

"N-no w-way."

Naruto silenced him with a kunai through the top of his skull.

Turning to the last two men standing they were shivering. At first, they acted all cocky in the face of an opponent they thought was weak. But now, they weren't so cocky seeing their leader cut down.

"So, how about we continue this?"

"Monster!"

Naruto shook his head.

"Pot meet kettle."

"FUCK YOU!" One of the men took out another kunai and swung. The weapon flew, Naruto simply slapped it down to the ground. But he did notice something attached to it.

An explosion followed.

"Got you now fucker!"

"But we can't pass this exam without our leader." The third man pointed out but the second one didn't seem to be listening.

"Doesn't matter how good you are now huh!? Remember this when you get to hell!"

A tearing sound was heard, and he choked. Scared, he slowly looked down and coughed more when seeing something coming out of his neck.

"You really should check for a body before you celebrate." The weapon tore through the side of his neck, decapitating him.

Naruto appeared behind the last guy and slashed his throat. The man choked as his blood continued to leak out of his neck. He slowly walked past Naruto and collapsed to the ground, choking on his blood.

Naruto threw the kunai into the back of his head and rolled his shoulders.

"Well, that was a waste of time." Naruto turned, "You guys can come out now. The fighting is over."

Raian and Karula appeared out of the forest and looked at the carnage with different expressions.

Raian was looking at how efficient he was with killing his opponents. More so to the fact, he managed to slaughter all of them without any resistance. Plus, he was efficient instead of wasteful. He had to give respect to him, he was better than most of the shit lickers in this village.

Karula was looking at him with hearts in his eyes and a big smile. She had seen killing this efficiently from other members of the clan, but she never expected this from someone outside the clan. While it was true there are efficient warriors throughout the village and other nations, none of them matched her expectations. They wanted to be flashy and do things on the spur of the moment, rather than getting the job done as quickly as possible. While some missions she could understand take a while to complete, there are cases where that isn't needed. So, there was no reason for them to waste time on stupid shit.

Overall, her opinion of Naruto has reached a higher level than she thought possible. He was not only quick and ruthless, but he was quite handsome. On top of all that, she was sure he was learning a lot from her grandmother, meaning that he was training in the most advanced arts in the Kure clan. Meaning his place was all but guaranteed.

Either way she had her eyes on him, and she wasn't about to let him go.

Naruto not knowing what those two were thinking went over to the bodies and found the scroll. It turned out it was the one that they needed.

"Well, at least this wasn't a waste of time. Come on, lets head to the tower."

Raian shrugged his shoulders and Karula nodded.

Within a few minutes they arrived at the entrance of the tower and walked in. There they saw the poem on the wall, or was it a riddle? Naruto didn't know but he didn't care either. Opening the scrolls they saw a puff of smoke and out came Holio Kure.

"Good you guys made it and pretty quickly too."

"It's easy when people think you're an easy mark."

"Hm," the elder Kure nodded. "Well, you guys made it early, so you can relax." Naruto figured that was the case and decided to find one of the rooms and catch up on his sleep and meditation training.

Karula made to follow him, but Holio held her back, "Sorry we need to talk."

Karula frowned but followed the older Kure with Raian looking at Naruto's back and smirking,

'Hope we get to fight. Because I know what you're hiding your cheeky shit.'

It didn't take a genius, but Raian knew for sure, Naruto wasn't using his full strength.

Team 11

Sasuke cursed his luck.

Today he was hoping to hunt down Naruto and end him for the humiliation that he suffered.

But instead, he had to deal with his fangirls whining about the forest and how hot it was. Plus, they had to stop every few minutes to catch their breath. It was annoying to him; he would have found that bastard by now if they weren't slowing him down.

However, the worse part was that someone had come out to see him. He didn't know who this person was, but they had sinister intentions. From what he could tell, they were from Kusa, a nation they had an alliance with, but for some reason, they were targeting him.

The fight was fair at first and he was holding his own for a few minutes. But then, the attacks became more intense, and he found himself cornered.

"My Sasuke, you seem flustered." The woman smiled sinisterly before some of the skin started to peel. "Are you sure that you want to continue on this path? I mean you're so weak it is laughable."

Sasuke growled before going through some hand signs and firing off a fireball.

the air left his lungs as he found a foot in his stomach.

"How slow. I could have written a scroll in the amount of time that passed."

He found a hand on his face and his head hitting the ground with a thud. He could taste blood inside of his mouth.

"At the rate you're going you won't be able to surpass your brother let alone Naruto." He smirked darkly, "Are you comfortable with that?"

Sasuke growled and spat blood at the woman after she removed her hand. The person just smirked at the blood on their face and kicked him in the side. He went bouncing across the ground and hit a tree with a thud.

He hated the fact that he seemed powerless against this woman and worse, his teammates were useless considering they were passed out from the woman's pressure. It was terrifying for him, but he managed to avoid fainting.

Why were they allowed to pass?

"Tell me Sasuke," The woman walked slowly to him, "Do you wish for the power to surpass everyone around you?" More skin fell, "I can help you achieve this."

Sasuke frowned. He wasn't sure to listen to her or try to run, while his teammates were dead weight he was sure they be fine. he just wanted to get the woman out of the area and find someone else. That way maybe she would become their target.

"If you're interested then," the woman's neck extended and bit down on Sasuke. He never had a chance to react and collapsed to the ground with a thud.

"Come to me if you seek more power. Look for Orochimaru." Their yellow eyes now glowing and a cruel smile appearing, they then vanished.

After their disappearance Sasuke could feel his body getting hot and he wasn't sure what to do. More, he didn't know how to stop the feeling going through his body. It was growing and all he could hear was his teammates' movement who shouted his name.

'Orochimaru.'

That is all he could think before he passed out.

Mountain Myoboku

Jiraiya was a bit annoyed that was summoned by the toads. Today, his godchildren and the future children of the prophecy were competing in the Chunin exam. He was sure they would do fine, but he wanted to be there when they showed off. So, he could tell people it was thanks to his amazing teaching skills they reached that level while rubbing it in the Kure's face when they didn't produce results.

Meeting Pa and Ma he was told to go and greet the Great Sage Toad. Stating that he wanted to speak to him about something important. He wasn't sure what it could be, but he knew it must be important. He rarely ever asked for an audience with those around him. Let alone someone like him, who has never really an accomplished sage. While he could enter Sage mode he was reliant on the toads for assistance. He knew that in time he had to refine that but for now it was working so there was no point in working on what isn't broken.

Entering the mountain, he was surprised when he saw the Great Sage Toad and apparently another visitor. It was shocking because this person was another summon. It was a small brown figure with an eyepatch over its right eye and carrying a sword on its back. The creature resembled something akin to a racoon or a small fox. But he could tell there were distinct differences in them. More, he seemed to have all his fingers and carrying a weight on him greater than one would expect. At the same time, he had a scarf around their neck marked with the symbol of the Kure.

Meaning they were a summon from the Kure clan.

"Jiraiya do you know why you are here?"

The sage turned to the great toad and shook his head.

The small animal growled,

"You committed taboo."

Jiraiya frowned at the smaller summon.

"Please all me to explain this to him Kirsha."

"Forget that your old fossil." the creature turned to the toad, "It was your fault in the first place. If you just followed the rules this wouldn't be happening."

"I know and I take responsibility for this."

"You don't have a choice in this!" The smaller creature growled. turning his head he shouted, "Your stupid human do you know what you have done?"

"I wasn't told yet but I'm guessing it has something to do with the prophecy."

"Yes." The toad elder sighed, before puffing out smoke, "Jiraiya have you told anyone else about the prophecy that was foretold?"

He tilted his head, why was he asking?

"Yes I told my student and his family but why does that matter?"

"I see it truly is sad this happened."

The summon shouted, "You fucking idiot you shouldn't have told him in the first place! You remember the rules right? The one given to us by the highest ranking summon?"

"To be honest, I sometimes lose myself when time passes by. It is hard to recall what I have said and what I thought I said."

"Geez this is why we didn't want you taking on other summoners after the incident years ago."

"I can only apologize."

"Wait, what is going on?"

The brown creature turned to Jiraiya,

"As you heard my name is Kirsha, I'm the head of the Kobold clan and one of the highest-ranking summonses in the realm. We are also contracted to the Kure clan, so we know all about the mess you have caused in the mortal world." But he waved his hand, "But that is neither here nor there. You spoke the prophecy to other people in the mortal world and started acting accordingly correct?"

"Um, yes we have to ensure the future comes true and make sure peace is established."

The Kobald rubs its one good eye, "You idiots are all the same. You say it is for the greater good of everyone but really? This is more your egos and vanity in play." He turned to the Toad, "What this big saggy toad didn't tell you is that you're not supposed to know about the prophecy."

"Huh?" Turning to the elder he sighed,

"He is right I apologize Jiraiya, but I never should have told you. The rules were broken, and now we are all paying the consequences of this."

"What are you talking about with your guidance we are preparing for the future."

"There is no prophecy now."

This shocked Jiraiya, "What?"

"Yes there is no prophecy anymore Jiraiya." The toad took an inhale of his pipe before exhaling. "Due to the meddling of humans, the prophecy that foretold the safety of the world and peace reigning over it no longer exists."

"No that can't be! We are living according to your-,"

"That's just it. You guys were taking the prophecy to mean something that you believe to be true. You know about the prophecy wasn't the issue but you actively trying to influence certain events. That is unforgivable and now the world you were striving for doesn't exist in this timeline."

"What! Now that can't be true! You're just saying this to deter us from our path! You're doing this to purely spite use due to your alliance with the Kure!"

The creature swung his sword and Jiraiya found himself facing the tip of the blade.

"Make that statement again and I'll have your head."

"Please lower your weapon." The Great Sage sighed, "I know the young man's brashness is offensive to you, but he has his reasons for doubt. Please allow me to explain it in private."

Kirsha frowned, he didn't know whether to trust the toad or not. Everyone knew what he did and there was an inquiry if he should even remain as a summon, the clan itself as well. Considering what they did was against the rules.

The Eldest Summon wasn't pleased when it saw the future change thanks to this and learning it was thanks to the Toads. It was furious.

"Make sure he knows that if he offends me again his clan won't survive this." Kirsha snorted at the toad sage and left.

"Jiraiya," the Great Sage Toad looked at him with a sad smile, "You don't understand the gravity of this situation so allow me to explain this in greater detail. Then you will understand how much trouble we are all in.

By the end of the conversation, Jiraiya would make decisions going forward no one would see coming."

Orochimaru

The snake couldn't believe his luck. He finally managed to reach a Uchiha that he could use. More, he would exploit the child for his own gain and with the Sharingan in his hand, he would be even more powerful. With it, he could learn everything he ever wanted and even find the secret of eternal life. Thus, allowing him to outlast everyone and become the true Sage of the world.

However, upon leaving the forest he had an encounter with his former student Anko. She apparently thought was strong enough to fight him. But he reminded her while he taught her everything she knew; he didn't teach her everyone he knew.

After completing his objective, he exited the forest and covertly disappeared from the village.

At least, that is what he thought.

"My snake man, it has been a while."

The snake sneered at the nickname. He always hated that nickname growing up. It was one that Jiraiya bestowed on him in their youth. But he didn't think it was far off now considering all the modifications he did to his body.

However, the man in front of him was Somone he didn't know. But he could tell they were waiting for him to show up. How they knew his exact location is something he didn't know but he knew it was bad.

The blond/white hair man smiled at him with sleeves covering his hands.

"Well, it has been quite some time since you left how you been?"

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes,

"You're with the Akatuski right?"

"Yep, I'm a recent debuted named Ji. Nice to meet you my predecessor."

"Oh? So, your friends with that man in a cloak."

"Oh him?" Ji waved his hand, "Not really, honestly I hate the man personally. Which is a sympathy you can share right?"

Orochimaru couldn't deny it. He did hate the man since he humiliated him like no one had. The issue he had with the man was he beat him with just Taijutsu! How can someone that strong exist? He was a sage damn it! He was the most powerful of his team! There was no way he could match him!

"Well, I think our goals align don't they?" He smirked darkly, "You want greater strength achieve greater heights right? meaning that you need something to help boost your overall power base. And I need that ring that you took with you when you left the organization." He walked slowly to him, "So how about it, I can help you if you just give me the ring back."

Orochimaru knew a good offer when he saw it. He was aware the Akatuski was going to come after him no matter what. They wanted his ring back and they wouldn't stop. Plus, while he was sure in his strength he wasn't confident enough to say he could beat everyone. Especially in the situations if the leader showed up or that Niko asshole came after him.

"Before I even think about giving the ring back," he already had plans to return it, "Tell me how would you help me in disposing of Niko?"

"Oh, that is simple." He made a single hand sign and out of the shadow came a small box that was put on the ground by some men in suits. "Take a look at this."

The lid opened.

Orochimaru's eyes widened, "Where did you find this?"

"Oh? Curious?" He shrugged his shoulders, "That would be telling you and ruining our deal no?"

He had a point.

"So, you want it?"

Orochimaru smirked, "Oh I definitely want it but if I give you the ring you're just going to give it to me?"

"Yes because in the end, you're going to help me in the long run. First we are going to take out that upstart Niko, then we can show the world why we were meant to be on top."

Orochimaru smirked before pulling something out of his pocket. Holding it up it show the word, Void, in it.

Ji looked at the ring for few seconds and then nodded his head.

"This is the real deal. So, a deal is a deal," he snapped his finger. The casket was sealed up and handed to Orochimaru in a scroll.

"Thank you for your business." Orochimaru now had an ace in the hole. If all else fails this will be the difference maker in dealing with the village.

Plus, now he had someone helping him in eliminating Niko.

He would help this man Ji along, see what he has to offer and take what he gives him.

But he should always be wary, because a snake will attack when your guard is down.

'All about timing kukuku.'

Time Skip

Naruto and the others were gathered in an arena with a ram statue against the wall. He looked around and noted everyone that was here. He had to admit it was to be expected.

His team, team 7,8,9,10,11, and 12 all made it through. Some looked worse for wear while others were fresh. He was sure that some teams had almost no rest, so this wasn't a big deal to him. It just meant weeding them out will be easier in the long run.

The two Sound teams made it but one looked worse for wear while the other looked fresh. Toph had her view focused on him and she could only smirk showing she knew he was there. He wanted to know how, but it could wait for another day.

Next was the Sand team and Kabuto's team. Apparently the Sand was the second place setting all-time records for finishing this part of the exam.

Ultimately, most of the lesser teams and alike were eliminated in the forest and he was sure it was inevitable.

In total he counted with himself; 33 competitors left.

'There is too many for the finals, so we are probably going to lose more people in this.' He sighed before seeing people gathered up top; The Hokage, the two Sages, some of the clan heads, and an old man he guessed was the head of the Kure clan and the old hag.

Their teachers were waiting for on the platforms above the arena fighting floor with only a sickly man standing there with them.

'Time for the next exam.' Naruto was eager to start but he had a nagging feeling this is going to be a hassle.

Chapter End