Chapter 15: Chunin Exams: Forest of Death, Part I
Forty-fourth Training Ground
All genins stood before a deep, dark forest. The trees were extremely tall and radiated a creepy and disturbing aura. It was almost sunset, but the forest looked as dark as if it was midnight already. The forest was so dense that little sunlight went through the treetops. Hinata shivered at the sight. Naruto and Sasuke placed their hands on her shoulders to reassure her. She smiled at her teammates, and they returned the smile. Naruto turned to see Gaara and his siblings, who stood far from them. Gaara had ignored him all the way from the Academy to training ground 44.
The genins were fussing when Anko spoke loudly – Listen up, everyone! This is Training Ground Forty-fourth, also known as the Forest of Death! – several genins gulped. Anko could see the nervousness in their eyes. She smirked as she pulled out several papers from her coat – These are the registration forms you signed. As you remember, you signed a disclaimer accepting the risk of death by taking this exam – there were more gulps among the genins – This is your chance to quit the exam. However, know this: Stage 2 of the exam is still a team effort; hence, if you quit, your team will be disqualified, too – Naruto rolled his eyes as he interrupted Anko, yelling – Ohh, C'mon! We've had enough of the psychological games! Quit that crap and tell us what this stage is about! – said Naruto as he crossed his arms. Sasuke grinned, but it quickly turned into a frown when he sensed a kunai coming their way. Hinata was about to move, but Sasuke grabbed her arm to stop her. Naruto dodged the kunai and caught it. He spun on his left leg and threw the kunai back at its owner's feet. Anko stared at the kunai, stuck on the ground between her feet. She smiled – He's good. I expected no less from Yondaime-sama's son – the Jounin thought.
Anko vanished in a cloud of smoke and appeared behind Naruto. She held a kunai in Naruto's throat – Don't be so cocky, child. You're mine now – said Anko, but Naruto remained unperturbed – I've seen worse – said the blond with a chuckle. Although he was impressed by her speed. He would be death by now if she was an enemy – is that so? – questioned Anko as two snakes emerged from her sleeve, curling around Naruto's neck and opening their snouts, revealing large fangs. A drop of poison hung at the tip of their fangs. Naruto gulped – My little pets love the taste of arrogant children. A single bite can kill an adult in a matter of seconds – Naruto got tense. The snakes around his neck made it hard to breathe. He didn't like feeling those fangs so close to him – Daddy is not going to save you here – Naruto gritted his teeth. But before he could say anything, Anko pushed him forward as she turned around and aimed her kunai and snakes at a kunoichi of Kusagakure who wore a straw hat. The girl raised her hands, showing she had no intention to harm her – Control that bloodlust of yours when you approach a shinobi, or you can get killed on the spot – said Anko as her snakes curled back into her sleeve. The kusa-nin grinned – My apologies, proctor. I'm just fascinated by snakes and wanted to take a look at your pets – said the girl. Anko noticed the girl was wearing a necklace with a pink crystal. Inside the crystal, there was a small white snake. Anko frowned – This snake. It looks like … I must be imagining things – Anko thought. She stared at the kunoichi. Her chakra had nothing peculiar or extraordinary. The kunoichi grinned and stepped back to rejoin her teammates.
Team Seven stared at the kunoichi with the straw hat. She was also from Kusagakure, like the red-haired girl they met earlier on the second floor of the Academy. They looked around to find the girl. She was with her teammates. Naruto and Sasuke frowned at the sight. It looked as if she was afraid of her own teammates, and they looked at her as bullies with their victims. They were arguing, but they were too far to hear what they were saying. Anko had returned to the front – As I was saying before that rude interruption – started the Jounin – Inside the Forest of Death, there are all sorts of creatures. These are not normal wild animals. They're as strong as a summoning. They'll kill you if you give them a chance – Anko pulled two scrolls from her pocket. One was white, and the other was blue – These are the Heaven and Earth scrolls – Team Ten smirked – Heaven and Earth, huh? That's oddly familiar – Shikamaru whispered. Ino and Choji nodded with a smile.
Anko continued – Each team will be given one of these scrolls. Your mission is to get the opposite scroll and reach the tower at the forest's center. You have five days to achieve it – Tenten raised her voice – five days? How are we supposed to survive there for five days without supplies? We didn't come prepared for that! – said the girl, annoyed. Many others agreed with her. Anko laughed – That's the whole point. This is a survival exam. You must get your own food, water or anything you need. Be careful, though. There are plenty of poisonous plants in there – many people groaned in complaint – Wait a minute! If each team is given one type of scroll and we need both to pass, that means half of us will make it at most! – said the girl from Kumogakure – That's correct, girl. I told you earlier I would reduce the number by half, at least – the Jounin grinned. The girl from Iwagakure raised her hand – What are the rules inside the forest? – the girl had a mischievous smile as she stared at Naruto – Rules? Hah! There is only one rule: DO NOT OPEN THE SCROLLS! If you do, you'll be disqualified. Other than that, do as you please – the pink-eyed girl smirked – so, Killing is allowed, right? – Team Seven frowned. Anko sighed – Girl, are you deaf? EVERYTHING is permitted inside the forest – The genins from Kumogakure, Otogakure, and the pink-eyed girl from Iwagakure seemed pleased by the news. Shikamaru spoke this time – Oi, Anko-sensei, will we be watched inside the forest? – Anko stared at the Nara boy. He was smirking, too – There is no surveillance inside the forest. You're totally on your own. The proctors behind me – said Anko as she pointed at the Konoha shinobis behind her – are sensor-type shinobis. We'll keep track of you with them, but that's all. We do it mainly to know where to collect the corpses of those whose chakra signal is extinguished. We won't intervene to stop a fight if that's what you're asking – the Jounin said. Shikamaru smirked. Team Seven and the other rookies noticed it. Sasuke, Naruto and Shino smirked. Anko continued – Now, we'll start calling each team individually. A scroll and a gate will be assigned to you – said Anko as she joined the other proctors. Naruto was about to walk toward Shikamaru, but the Nara boy shook his head. Naruto understood and stayed away.
Team Seven was waiting to be called when they heard a voice in their heads. It was Ino's – I've reached everyone, Shikamaru – said Ino's voice. Team Seven was shocked. They could see Team Ten sitting far from them – Do not speak aloud! I have connected our minds with my jutsu. Do not react! We don't want anyone to notice! – said Ino's voice – So this is Yamanaka's Clan's Shindenshin no Jutsu – said Shino's voice in their head. Ino used her jutsu to connect the nine rookies' minds. Shikamaru's voice spoke next – There is no time to explain. You heard Anko-sensei. This is our chance to get some answers. Once inside the forest, we must find the Oto-nins and interrogate them. We must find out everything about Orochimaru's village – the Nara boy said. He had something in mind, just as they'd thought. Before Shikamaru could continue, Kiba spoke – Oi, Shikamaru! What about the exam? We may run out of time trying to get those Oto-nin. WE MAY FAIL THE EXAM! – said Kiba, irritated. Sasuke interrupted – We can always take the exam next time, you mangy dog. I don't know about you, but I would rather find out what the hell is going on. What happened in our missions is disturbing, and you know that! But if you are more interested in passing the exam, go ahead. We don't need you – said Sasuke in a serious but mocking tone. Sasuke saw how Kiba turned his head to stare at him from where he was standing. Sasuke smirked at him – You conceited brat! – said Kiba's voice in their head – Enough! We don't have the time for this! – said Shikamaru – I will not force anyone to do anything. I'll explain my plan and let you decide to do as you please. Each of our teams has at least one tracker specialist: Hinata, Kiba and Ino – Shikamaru was interrupted by Shino – You forget about me, Shikamaru. I'm way ahead of you. I have already planted some of my bugs in the Oto-nins clothes. I'm a tracker, too – the Aburame boy seemed insulted. Shikamaru chuckled – My apologies, Shino. I had no idea the Aburame clan could use their bugs that way. Anyway, we don't know how strong or what kind of abilities they have. If any of you find them, do not engage. Wait for at least one more team before facing them. We must have the upper hand and secure our success – Naruto groaned, in his mind and loudly – We can take them on our own! We don't need help! Right, Sasuke, Hinata? – before any of them could reply, Sakura spoke – This is not the time to play cool and show off, Naruto. There is much at stake. Shikamaru is right. We must secure our success, and the best way is to have the numbers. It is better to be safe when you don't know your enemy. Remember, the Snake Sannin sent these genins to Konoha. They must be strong – Ino giggled. It was Sakura's perfect opportunity to praise Sasuke's talent, yet she didn't. The rookies heard Anko calling Team Eight. They needed to break the connection – Kiba, Naruto! Do not be impulsive! Do not fight them alone! – said Shikamaru before Ino broke the connection.
Naruto opened his mouth to speak but Sasuke stared at Naruto and gave him a reproaching look – don't you even dare, Naruto. They're right and you know it. If we find them, we'll wait – Naruto crossed his arms. He was surprised to see Sasuke agreed to easily to that plan. He was usually more self-confident in his superiority. Team Seven got their scroll, an Earth Scroll. Each team was guided to a different access gate as they received their scroll. They had to make sure all the genin teams entered the forest at the same time.
With Team Seven
Team Seven stood before Gate 12, at the south of the forest, waiting for the proctor to open the gate and access the forest. Sasuke and Naruto were excited to start. Even Hinata seemed enthusiastic. The shinobi gave them a smirk before opening the gate – Konoha has high expectations of you three. Show us what you're capable of! – said the man as he opened the gate to let them in. Team Seven stared at him and grinned as they rushed into the forest.
They ran for nearly one hour until they were deep into the forest and stopped atop a branch of an enormous tree – I think we're deep enough to start tracking them down – said Hinata as she activated her Byakugan. She searched for the Oto-nins all over the forest. Her range was enough to cover the entire area – There are a few teams getting closer. We might need to fight some. The Oto-nins aren't close to us – Sasuke and Naruto gritted their teeth – Is Team Eight or Ten close to them? – asked Sasuke. Hinata shook her head – The forest is immense. We're all spread over. I think Team Eight is the closest to them, though – said Hinata before deactivating her Byakugan – Where to, Hinata? – asked Naruto – We need to head northeast – said Hinata. Sasuke looked around. It was getting darker – We should advance avoiding any fighting, at least for now. Hinata, you'll need to lead the way to avoid the other teams. We'll use the pitch darkness of night to travel undetected – said Sasuke – Shouldn't we rest for tonight and hunt them down in the morning? – Hinata said. They had gone to the Forest right after finishing the First Stage of the exam. She believed most teams would take the first night to rest before engaging in any fight. Naruto shook his head – Sasuke's right, Hinata. We'll cover more distance during the night while most teams rest and supply – Sasuke grinned. Hinata nodded as she reactivated her Byakugan to guide them through the night.
With Team Eight
Team Eight entered the forest through Gate 36, north of the forest. Shino extended his hands as soon as they stepped into the forest, making a cloud of insects emerge from within his cloak. Kiba performed a seal to concentrate his chakra on his nose, increasing his sense of smell – Shino, you use your bugs to guide us toward the Oto-nins. I'll use my smell to avoid running into any other team. We must save our energy to face Orochimaru's minions – Sakura and Shino were surprised. They didn't expect Kiba to come up with a good strategy like this. Sakura smiled – I won't lose to Sasuke and Naruto! We'll find the Oto-nins first! – said Kiba. Akamaru, who was resting on Kiba's head, barked in agreement. Sakura smiled even more. She also wanted to prove her worth – Sounds like a plan – said Sakura. Shino's insects started moving southeast. Team Eight followed.
Team Eight had been running for around 40 minutes when Kiba stopped suddenly – Stop! – said Kiba. Shino, who was leading the way, stopped and looked back to see Kiba. Sakura did the same. She looked intrigued, not at Kiba, but at Akamaru. The dog trembled and growled with fear – What is it, Kiba? – asked Shino – We're still far away from our target. Why did you make us stop? – continued the Aburame boy. Kiba gave him a severe look – Shut up and try to lower your chakra! We must not be detected! – said Kiba, as Akamaru rushed to hide in Kiba's jacket. Shino and Sakura stared at each other and did what Kiba said – What's going on? – asked Sakura, a little scared – Two teams are coming this way from opposite directions. I have a bad feeling about one of them. Besides, I've never seen Akamaru so scared before. He senses danger. We must stay hidden until they pass over – said Kiba. The Inuzuka boy was patting his dog, trying to calm him down – Do you recognize their scent? – asked Shino. Kiba nodded – I recognized one of them. I tried to memorize all the scents of the teams that seemed strong. It is the team from Sunagakure. I don't recognize the scents from the other group – Sakura gulped – I saw Naruto talking to them before the first stage began. They seemed to know each other. I don't think they're a threat – said Sakura. Shino interrupted – Everyone is a threat, Sakura. We may be after the Oto-nins, but everyone else is after the scrolls. We shall trust no one other than Teams Seven and Ten – Shino said as his bugs returned to his cloak. Akamaru growled, scared as he sensed the Suna trio getting closer. The three genins stared at the puppy. Sakura patted him gently – They're here! Hopefully, they'll fight each other and not sense us! – whispered Kiba.
It was as if Kami had heard Kiba's prayers. The Suna trio and a team from Amegakure ran into each other. Kiba focused his chakra on his ears to listen to the fight.
Gaara and his siblings stood before an Amegakure team. The other shinobis seemed older than them – It looks like our lucky day, guys – said the tallest of the Amegakure team – We just ran into a group of rookies. Hand over your scroll if you don't want to die – his two teammates cheered. Kankuro and Temari chuckled. They were about to take their weapons to attack, but Gaara raised his hand to tell them to stop. The siblings gritted their teeth – Gaara, there is no need to go hard on them. Let us handle it – said Kankuro. The tall genin burst into laughter. Gaara remained unperturbed – Little shrimps like you should've stayed at home. Mommy is not here to protect you. This is not a children's game. We're shinobis! – Gaara frowned. The Amegakure genin continued – We'll spare your lives if you hand over your scroll – Kankuro and Temari stared at Gaara. The red-haired boy pulled a scroll from his pouch. It was an Earth Scroll. The Amegakure genins smiled – That's just what we needed! You're a smart boy. Now, hand it over! – said the tall genin – If you want it so bad, come and take it! – said Gaara, with an expressionless face. The three Ame-nins frowned – I tried to spare your lives; you fool! So be it, then! Prepare to meet your maker! – said the man as he pulled what the Suna trio thought were swords, but they were umbrellas – Ninpou: Jouro Senbon (Rain of Senbon)! – a rain of senbons covered the entire area. Kankuro and Temari jumped back to get away. Gaara, on the other hand, stayed still. The Ame-nin smirked. Sand rose and formed a shield around Gaara.
The Ame-nins were surprised. There was not a single scratch on the Suna trio. The other two had easily gotten out of his range, while the red-haired had created a shield of sand – That's impossible! – said one of the genins – No one has ever blocked entirely Shigure's jutsu! – said the other. The umbrellas started to descend. Gaara caught one of them as he removed the sand shield that covered him – Hand over your Heaven Scroll before things get messy – said Kankuro. But the tall Ame-nin gritted his teeth as he started waving hand seals. He was too slow for Gaara, though. Sand rose around the three genins, trapping them. The sand covered the two short shinobis' up to their necks. For the tallest guy, Gaara's sand trapped his legs and right arm – You seem to be the leader. Give us your scroll – said Gaara. His sand tightened around the other two, making them scream. The tall guy gulped. He used his free hand to take the scroll from his pouch. He was shaking out of fear. He threw the scroll at Gaara's feet. Kankuro stepped forward and took it – You've got what you wanted! Release us! – yelled the three genins. Temari got closer to her little brother – Gaara, let's go! We have the scroll we needed – Temari and Kankuro felt a shiver when Gaara stared at them – Have you forgotten what Kazekage said? There is no place in this world for the weak. We shinobis are weapons of our villages. If a weapon is weak to fulfill its purpose, there is no reason to live – said Gaara in a cold tone – Subaku Soso (Imploding sand funeral)! – the sand covered the genins entirely and then crushed them. The sand turned wet and reddish with the blood of the genins. Gaara returned his sand to his gourd – You didn't have to kill them – said Temari – I'm merciful. I gave them a quick death. As weak as they were, they would've died miserably on the battlefield. Better to save them the shame and pain – said Gaara. Kankuro and Temari sighed in resignation. Gaara was merciless when it came to fighting. Something their father was proud of – There is no point in arguing, Temari. Let's go to the tower at the center of the forest – Kankuro said. Gaara turned around – Not yet – said Gaara.
Team Eight had witnessed most of the battle. Kiba had heard everything from the beginning. Akamaru was shaking out of fear. Team Eight was sweating cold. Sakura looked at Shino, surprised. Even he was trembling. He had always kept his cool during all their missions, no matter what. They were waiting for the Suna trio to leave when a whirl of sand formed before them. Akamaru peed on Kiba as Gaara emerged from the sand whirl – Damn it! We're doomed! – Team Eight thought. Kiba was so nervous that he didn't bother to get mad at Akamaru for peeing on him. If he were going to die, he would die fighting. He was about to reach his pouch for a kunai – Think better about what you're about to do. Once you decide to fight me, I will not hold back – said Gaara. Kiba stopped and closed his pouch again. Sakura and Kiba gulped – You three, you're Naruto's friends, aren't you? – asked Gaara. The three nodded – Tell me, do you know what's the source of Naruto's impressive chakra? – Team Eight looked at each other, puzzled – The source? What do you mean? – Sakura asked with a trembling voice. Gaara stared at her but said nothing – He's the son of Yondaime-sama, and he has Uzumaki blood from his mother – said Shino. Gaara stayed mute – I see – said Gaara – he hasn't told them the truth either. They have no idea he's a Jinchuriki, like me. I wonder if Sasuke and Hinata know – Gaara thought. Without saying a word, Gaara vanished in a whirl of sand. He returned to his siblings and left. Team Eight took a few minutes to snap out of their lethargy. They exhaled in relief. Kiba started laughing nervously – That was a close one! – Shino and Sakura nodded. Akamaru was still trembling below his jacket. Sakura turned to see Akamaru and saw Kiba's pants wet. She blushed – Kiba! Did you pee yourself? How gross! – said Sakura. Shino looked at Kiba and suppressed a chuckle. Kiba blushed, and his eyes were wide open – It wasn't me! It was Akamaru! – said the Inuzuka boy – Don't try to blame it on poor Akamaru, Kiba! – said Sakura, giggling. Kiba stood up – Akamaru! Tell them! – Akamaru just barked slowly. Sakura burst into laughter.
With Team Ten
Team Ten entered the forest through Gate 25, west of the forest. Ino and her teammates climbed up one of the tallest trees nearby – Do you sense them, Ino? – asked Shikamaru. Ino formed a seal with her hands to concentrate on pinpointing the Oto-nins. She was taking longer than usual. Choji opened a bag of chips and started devouring its contents when Shikamaru took the bag from him, wrapped it up, and saved it in his pouch – Hey! That's mine! – said the Akimichi boy. Shikamaru gave him a stern look. They heard noises coming from the treetops above them. They both looked up while Ino stayed focused on her jutsu – The smell of food will attract the beasts of the forest, Choji! We must be careful – Choji felt ashamed – I'm sorry, Shikamaru, Ino – Shikamaru sighed. Ino spoke without opening her eyes, she was still trying to locate the Oto-nins – We should move. I sense more beasts coming. Once they regroup, they'll attack us – said Ino as she broke her jutsu. Shikamaru and Choji took their hands to their weapons, ready to unsheathe them, and took a defensive position, covering Ino – Did you find them? – said Choji. The Akimichi's expression had hardened. He was ready to fight. Shikamaru and Ino smiled – The Forest is too big for me to pinpoint a single chakra signal with precision, but I can reduce the area. We head east – Shikamaru and Choji nodded – I'll try to get their exact location when we get closer – Team Ten jumped as spider web threads were shot at them. The web covered the tree branch where they were standing. Several giant spiders descended from the treetops and started pursuing Team Ten. Choji took his bo staff and was about to break the formation to stay behind and deal with them – Choji! We'll outspeed them. Save your energy for the Oto-nins! – Ino yelled. Choji gritted his teeth and put his bo staff back to his back, continuing to escape from the spiders.
With Team Five: Team Kessho Yamanaka
Neji, Sai and Hoki stood right next to the gate they had just entered – How do you want to proceed, Neji? – asked Sai. Hoki stared at the Hyuga – Hmph, we don't know what's coming after this stage or if we'll have time to rest before one stage and the other. I say we do it quickly and avoid any unnecessary fights. That way, we can save our chakra for the next stage – Sai rubbed his chin, thinking – It sounds like logical reasoning. Hoki? – I agree. The sooner we get to the tower, the more time we'll have to rest and analyze any team that finishes the second stage and gather information about them to prepare for the next stage – said the boy – I guess it is settled, then – said Sai as he pulled a scroll, ink bottle, and brush. He extended the scroll. The proctor who had opened the gate for them looked at them curiously. Sai opened the ink bottle and, with his brush, started drawing three hawks. After he had finished drawing, he saved the ink bottle and brush. He then formed a hand seal – Ninpou: Choujuu Giga (great beast paintings)! – the three hawks came to life, leaping out of the scroll. The proctor stared at the jutsu in awe – Well, then, hop on – said Sai as he jumped and landed on top of one of the hawks. Neji and Hoki did the same and jumped on the other two hawks. The hawks raised and flew above the forest treetops – What kind of technique is that? – muttered the proctor. Team Five advanced through the sky, avoiding any conflict. Once they had advanced enough, Neji activated his Byakugan – Time to search for our target – said the Hyuga. Hoki cracked his knuckles. He was eager to fight the other villages' genins. He wondered which village they would end up fighting against.
With Team Three: Team Might Guy
Lee and Iwabee took the initiative. They were excited. They wanted to fight badly. Tenten called from behind – C'mon guys! What's the hurry! We have five bloody days! There is no need to rush into battle yet! – Lee turned his head but didn't stop running – That's not the spirit of youth, Tenten! We must make Guy-sensei proud and finish in record time! – said Lee. Iwabee looked at his female teammate from the edge of his eyes – Stop pouting, Tenten. You knew what you were signing off when you agreed to register for this exam. That's not the attitude of a Chunin! – said Iwabee. Tenten hated how Lee and Iwabee complemented each other. Lee and Iwabee were obsessed with proving themselves, becoming stronger and surpassing their limits. However, Lee was an eccentric weirdo who tried to imitate, please and impress Guy-sensei, while Iwabee was cool headed and remained calm. He had a great sense of duty and discipline. They, along with Guy-sensei, always pushed her to go beyond what she was willing to. She hated being dragged into situations like this one out of pure stubbornness.
With Team Seven: a few hours later
It was nearly midnight, and Team Seven had been advancing non-stop. They had to take detours to avoid facing enemies on their way to their target. Naruto and Sasuke flanked Hinata while they advanced. They stared at Hinata, worried. She had been using her Byakugan for hours. She was breathing heavily and sweating. Sasuke knew, now that he had his Sharingan, that using a Dojutsu for this long was exhausting. He and Naruto exchanged looks and nodded. They stopped, landing at the base of a tree. Hinata stopped suddenly and landed next to them – What are you doing?! We must continue! – said Hinata. Naruto and Sasuke looked at her with proud smiles on their faces – You need to rest, Hinata. You've been using your Byakugan for too long – Said the Uchiha. Hinata gasped. She was still the weak link of the team. Her expression saddened, and her teammates noticed it – Oi, Hinata. We would have encountered several enemies by now if not for you. Sasuke and I have our chakra reserves intact, thanks to you. We've made considerable progress on our way. We'll rest for a couple of hours here and resume our pursuit after that – said the blond boy as he thumbed Hinata up. Hinata blushed. She deactivated her Byakugan. Team Ten gathered supplies from around the place to prepare something to eat. Thanks to Hinata, they found an enormous hollow tree they used as a hideout to light a fire and cook food.
Team Seven stared at the bonfire they had lit. Sasuke had made an opening on the hollow treetop for the smoke to escape and prevent them from suffocating – What do you think Orochimaru is planning? – asked Hinata to no one in particular – Whatever it is, it's nothing good – said Naruto – We'll find out soon enough once we get his minions – said Sasuke. Naruto and Hinata nodded. Sasuke and Naruto stared at Hinata – Hinata, take some sleep, rest your eyes. Naruto and I will take guard – Hinata was about to argue, but Naruto stood up and extinguished the fire – Rest, Hinata. We'll go nowhere until you have done so – said the blond, walking out of the tree, followed by Sasuke. Hinata smiled as her teammates left. She removed her jacket and used it as a pillow to sleep. She knew she was safe with her friends looking after her.
Naruto and Sasuke had been guarding for over an hour when they stood up abruptly – Futon: Toppa! – Naruto exhaled a gust of wind, repelling two explosive kunais which exploded midair. The roar of the explosion woke Hinata up. She stood up and rushed outside. She was surprised to see dozens of shinobis; they all looked identical. They wore black jumpsuits and rebreathers. They were ninjas from Amegakure – Hinata, stay behind! – said her teammates. Naruto and Sasuke threw shurikens at the clones, but they just got disfigured. The clones reformed and multiplied every time they were hit. Naruto looked at Sasuke. The Uchiha nodded. He activated his Sharingan while Naruto rushed forward – so? – said Naruto as he punched more of the clones and dodged some kunais. He barely dodged one of the kunais and got a scratch on its cheek, making him bleed – This is a genjutsu! – said Sasuke after analyzing the chakra of the clones – Genjutsu? Then how do you explain this cut? – said Naruto as he cleansed the blood from his cheek – Deliver your scroll – said all the clones in unison – That's creepy – said Naruto as he retreated to join Sasuke and Hinata – That's genjutsu. There is no doubt about it – said Sasuke, as Team Seven took a defensive position and the dozens of clones got closer to them – The caster must be hiding somewhere and using the clones as diversions, hiding his attacks with the genjutsu and making it look the mirages are attacking – said Sasuke looking intently at the clones, waiting for an attack. Hinata activated her Byakugan – If the caster is nearby, I'll find him – Hinata inspected the area with her Byakugan – Found them – she thought. She looked at her teammates. The three nodded in agreement. She knew that if she said out loud that she had found them and indicated their location, they would only flee or cast another jutsu. They needed to catch their enemy with a low guard.
Sasuke threw a smoke bomb. The Ame-nins, who were hiding in some shrubs several yards away, lost sight of Team Seven. The Ame-nins were about to perform another jutsu when they saw the three members of Team Seven coming out of the smoke screen, charging at the illusions – Fools! – said one of them. The genjutsu caster felt a shiver through his spine and dodged, pushing one of his teammates aside just in time – Hakke Kusho! – yelled Hinata, standing atop a tree branch behind the Ame-nins. The vacuum palm was wide enough to hit the three genins, but one of them had a sharp sense of his surroundings and dodged, taking one of his teammates out of the way, too. On the other hand, the third one was hit on his back by Hinata's attack, smashing him to the ground. The man yelled in pain and removed his rebreather, spitting blood – You bastard! – said the man, as he barely managed to stand up, his legs shaking and breathing heavily. The other two stood atop a tree branch. Back with the others, the illusions disappeared. The caster had lost concentration, and the jutsu broke – It looks like Hinata made it – said Naruto as he formed a seal, making the fake Hinata turn into Naruto – I see. You used the smoke screen as a diversion to create a clone and used the henge no jutsu while the real girl, who I suppose is a sensor, sneaked out of the smoke and got closer to us without being detected. Then you charged head-on to my illusions to distract us. Smart move – said the genin who had cast the genjutsu, and who seemed to be the leader of the team, shifting his sight from Hinata to Sasuke and Naruto.
Sasuke wasted no time. He waved some hand seals – Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu! – Sasuke threw a fireball at the two men standing on the branch – A Katon user. How convenient. Mubi – said the leader. The other shinobi nodded and waved some hand seals, too – Suiton: Suijinheki! – the man spat a large amount of water, forming a water barrier wall. Sasuke's fireball clashed with the water wall, causing a cloud of steam to form. Naruto thrust forward, climbing up the tree where the two Ame-nin stood earlier. He waved some hand seals – Futon: Toppa! – Naruto's gust was so intense that it shattered the treetop and branches to pieces, forcing the Ame-nins to jump away. Hinata had used Sasuke's and Naruto's distraction to land behind the injured Ame-nin. She activated her Byakugan and hit the man with her gentle fist, closing his tanketsus. The genin fell on his front. He was unable to move or mold chakra – What did you do to me? – said the man, stuttering – Oboro! – yelled his teammates. The other two Ame-nins rushed toward their teammate. Hinata jumped back and took the distinctive fighting stand of the Hyugas. Mobi waved some hand seals – Haze Clone Technique! – several copies of Mobi appeared, surrounding all members of Team Seven. Sasuke chuckled – More illusions? You should know that won't work – said Sasuke in a cocky tone. Sasuke waved some hand seals. Kagari, the leader of the Ame-nins, recognized the seals and waved some hand seals, too. He finished his jutsu right before Sasuke – Suiton: Kokuu no Jutsu (black rain)! – heavy rain poured all over the area, but it was black and greasy. Mobi hid in the ground using a doton technique. Kagari did the same, taking Oboro with him. Hinata noticed that the rain was oil – Sasuke, stop! – she yelled, but it was too late. Sasuke spat a fireball, and the rain ignited instantly, spreading the fire all over the place. Hinata had used her vacuum palm to hit Sasuke and get him away from the inferno that had been unleashed. However, he was too close to the source of the fire. He tried to cover with his arms and got his forearms burned. Naruto, still standing on what was left of the tree he shattered to pieces earlier, had enough time to react to the spreading fire and got away. Hinata's vacuum palm had sent Sasuke out of the range of the black rain, but Hinata's attack was intense. He now knew how dangerous the vacuum palm was. He rolled over due to the impact force until he hit some shrubs. He felt the pain of the burns on his forearms and stumbled as he stood up. Naruto and Hinata were enraged but relieved Sasuke was alive. They jumped and landed next to Sasuke. Hinata was about to start healing him, but Sasuke rejected her – I'm sorry for that, Sasuke. I needed to get you out of the oil rain - said Hinata. Her voice broke out of anger and fear for Sasuke's injuries – You'll heal me when we finish them! Lead the way, Hinata – Hinata nodded. She hadn't lost sight of them. She had been following them with her Byakugan. Team Seven started a new pursuit.
Team Seven took less than 20 minutes to catch up with the Ame-nins. They had to carry one man unable to move, which had slowed them down considerably. The Ame-nins were jumping from branch to branch when a shuriken flew next to Mubi, piercing his right ear. They stopped and turned around – damn it! They survived! – said Mubi – how could've they survived that inferno? – said Kagari, looking at Team Seven standing atop a branch in front of them. The Ame-genins could see the wildfire smoke rising far away behind Team Seven. He wondered if Konoha proctors would go there to extinguish the fire or let it spread all over the place. They got their answer fast; they saw a massive geyser of water form in the area where the smoke was coming from, extinguishing the fire. The proctors had waited until the area was free of shinobis. It looked like the crazy proctor didn't lie when she said they were going to let anyone die and not intervene. Kagari noticed the burns on Sasuke's forearms. How could it be? His Katon was the spark that started the fire. He should've died or at least had more severe burns. They had underestimated these genins. Kagari and Mubi placed Oboro on the branch – Let's end this quick, guys – said Sasuke, who stood in the middle of his friends. Hinata and Sasuke nodded. Kagari and Mubi waved the same hand seals – Suiton: Mizurappa! – both shinobis spat a stream of water towards Team Seven – Futon: Daitoppa! – Naruto blew a potent gale, pushing the water jutsu back at the Ame-nins. The Ame-nins were covered in water. Sasuke smiled – Well done, Naruto – said Sasuke as he and Hinata waved the same hand seals. The Ame-nins were terrified – Raiton: Raimei (thunder)! – Sasuke's and Hinata's hands were covered in lighting, they extended their hands. Kagari and Mubi tried to take Oboro to flee and dodge, but they were too slow. Sasuke and Hinata launched thunder at them, electrocuting them. Since they were covered in water, the effect was amplified. The three genins roared in pain. When the jutsu was broken, they fell from the tree, unconscious. They hit the ground with a loud thump. Team Seven landed next to them. Sasuke kneeled next to the leader and searched for his scroll – Damn it! An Earth scroll. It's useless for us – said Sasuke, handing over the scroll to Hinata – All of this for nothing – said Naruto – Not necessarily – said Hinata. Naruto and Sasuke looked at her – We'll meet with Teams Eight and Ten and the Oto-nins at some point. We can exchange scrolls with either, after defeating the Oto-nins – said Hinata. Naruto and Sasuke grinned – Well thought, Hinata – said Naruto. Hinata blushed and saved the Earth Scroll on her pouch – We need to head back! I left my jacket behind – said Hinata, suddenly realizing she had taken off her jacket to use it as a pillow – I don't think your jacket survived that fire, Hinata – said Naruto, rubbing his nape. Hinata seemed depressed. The jacket had been a gift from her mother. Sasuke groaned in pain, and Hinata remembered she needed to heal him.
Hinata healed Sasuke's wounds the best she could. She then applied an ointment on his wounds and covered his arms with bandages – You need some rest, Sasuke – said Hinata as she finished bandaging his left arm – No way, we need to find the Oto-nins. We got farther away by pursuing these scumbags. We need to make up for that time – Hinata shook her head – I'm the medical shinobi, and I say you need rest. We all do. We used a lot of chakra in this fight. You said it yourself earlier, we must be at our best when we face Orochimaru's minions. We'll rest for a couple of hours and then continue our pursuit – Sasuke was about to argue but was cut off by Naruto – Besides, even if we get there, we still need to wait for Team Eight or Ten, Sasuke. I do need a rest – said the blond as he sat on the floor before Sasuke – Whatever – said Sasuke.
Deep into the Forest: Next morning
Team Seven had resumed their pursuit a couple of hours before. Hinata was leading the way – We're almost there – said Hinata. A few minutes later, Hinata guided them to a cave at the base of a small hill. They heard a loud bark when they entered, and soon enough, they saw Akamaru running toward them, waving his tail – It was about time! – said Kiba, coming from the bottom of the cave, followed by Shino and Sakura. Sakura noticed the bandages in Sasuke's arms. She gasped and was about to run to him to see how he was but reframed herself from doing it. Shino and Kiba stared at her, surprised that she didn't fuss around Sasuke. Team Seven also noticed subtle signs of battle in Team Eight's clothes – did you guys have to fight on their way here? – Naruto asked Kiba and his team. Sakura nodded – We fought another team from Konoha. They were older than us but extremely weak – said Sakura while Kiba pulled both Earth and Heaven scrolls from his pouch – Damn it! – thought Naruto. He hoped they had two Heaven scrolls to exchange with them – So, shall we go after them? – said Naruto, hitting his right fist on his left hand, excited – Shouldn't we wait for Team Ten? – said Shino. Hinata was about to speak when Kiba crossed his arms and shouted – Shikamaru said two teams at least shall fight the Oto-nins, and here we are. He and his team shouldn't be so slow – My, my, Kiba. You seem eager to fight. Yesterday, you were more worried about the exam than this self-imposed mission to interrogate the Oto-nins – said Shikamaru's voice. Naruto turned to see Team Tean at the entrance of the cave. He smiled at the sight. Kiba, on the other hand, pouted. Shikamaru entered, followed by Ino and Choji. They looked like they'd been in a fight, too – so, what village did you fight against? – asked Sasuke, examining Shikamaru from top to bottom. The Lazy boy sighed, but Choji spoke – it was a team from Takigakure. They were good, but not as good as us – said Choji proudly. Team Eight was intrigued, especially Shino. He wondered how Fu was doing and if she had been able to learn to control the bugs he gave her. Kiba wondered if the rebellion in Takigakure led by Suien was still ongoing. He assumed that if they'd sent a team to the exams, it was because things were under control. He knew his priority was Otogakure, and Teams Seven and Ten didn't seem interested in Takigakure. He cast away his thought, but Shikamaru was far too good at reading people – So you also have both scrolls already – questioned Sakura to her friend and rival, Ino. Ino sighed – unfortunately, no. They had the same scroll as us – said Ino as she looked for the scrolls from her pouch. Team Seven got excited for a second, but it didn't last. They saw Ino pulling two Earth scrolls, just like them. They were disappointed. Shikamaru got closer to Kiba – Ino examined their minds after knocking them out – said Shikamaru. Team Eight turned to look at the blonde girl – It looks like that Suien has made a few more attempts to kill Hisen-dono and failed. I don't think there is anything to worry about, guys. That Hisen-dono and his son you talked about seem to be really strong – said Ino. Kiba and Sakura sighed in relief. Shino still wondered about Fu, but he dared not to ask.
Shikamaru stared at Sasuke's bandages – What's wrong with your arms? – asked the Nara boy. Team Seven told them about their fight – You're telling me you guys caused that crazy fire! We could see it from the other side of the forest! – yelled Kiba, shocked – How did you survive that fire with only a few burns? – asked Ino, terrified. Sasuke stared at his bandaged arms and smiled as he raised his eyes to see Hinata – Hinata saved me. She got me away from the fire and the oil rain with her vacuum palm – Hinata blushed. Naruto smirked and patted Sasuke's back effusively – Yeah, and he got beat up by that, too! After seeing that, I never want to be hit by that crazy Hyuga jutsu! – said Naruto. Sasuke's forehead vein was pulsing, and his left eyebrow was twitching– Knock it off, knucklehead! You're hurting my back! – Naruto rubbed his nape nervously. After a few laughs, Shikamaru spoke – How far are they? – Hinata activated her Byakugan before Ino could activate her sensing jutsu – They're less than half a klick away at five o'clock – Ino and Sakura grinned. They were glad to see such an assertive Hinata. She has improved considerably since their graduation – so what are we waiting for? Let's go! – said Naruto – We need a plan first, Naruto –the Uchiha said – it is nine against three! We just need to knock them out! – said the blond – I'm with Naruto. Let's just go and crush them! – Choji said, pairing next to Naruto – No – Shino said to everyone's surprise.
Everyone turned to look at the Aburame boy – It is not only about defeating them and getting information. We need to figure out their fighting styles and jutsus. That could give us a general idea of Otogakure's specialty – Shikamaru and Sasuke grinned at Shino's statement – what do you suggest? – asked Sasuke. He was intrigued by Shino. The two ANBU corps in Konoha were led by Aburame's clan members, Shibi, Shino's father, and Tasuna Aburame – Team Eight will fight them while Teams Seven and Ten gather information – Naruto frowned – No way! Why do you guys get to fight them first? – Sasuke agreed with Naruto; he wanted to fight those shinobis who served the man who tortured Tenzo-sensei. However, he said nothing – Of course we'll go first! We were the first to arrive! You guys made us wait for ages! – said Kiba mockingly. Naruto gritted his teeth – That's not the point, Kiba – continued Shino – After the fight, your teams still need to go and gather your missing scrolls. We, on the other hand, already have both scrolls. We may head straight to the tower after we're done with them. You have more fights ahead – Kiba grinned. Naruto was upset – You just got lucky! – said Naruto – You still need to get safe to the tower, Shino. You need to save chakra as much as we do. You can be ambushed or followed – said Sasuke. Shino turned to see Sasuke – Not quite, Sasuke. With Kiba's sense of smell, being ambushed is unlikely to happen, and we can avoid any unnecessary fight. Besides, if we're followed, Sakura can cast a genjutsu to the surroundings. That's how we got away from any team who detected us on our way here – Sasuke was surprised by Shino's statement. He turned to see Sakura – Can you cast surrounding-altering genjutsus? – asked Sasuke, dumbfounded – Surprised? – said Sakura with pride. Shino continued speaking – Even if we must lay low and keep a slow pace, we can take our time to get to the tower. We have no rush; you have time against you – Sasuke smirked at Shino's declaration. Team Ten exchanged looks – We agree – said Shikamaru. Team Seven stared at each other; Naruto didn't seem to like the idea but nodded, nevertheless.
With Team Dosu
The Oto-nins were advancing in the forest through the branches – it's useless, Dosu! None of us is a sensor type, and this forest is enormous – said the young girl – Kin is right. We should head to the tower and wait for them. We'll ambush them there – Zaku said as he followed his teammates. Dosu stopped abruptly and turned to face his teammates – We've got orders from Orochimaru-sama. We'll not rest until we find them and kill them – said Dosu in a severe tone – We must not fail. He'll praise and reward us after our success – Zaku and Kin grinned, and just then, Sakura landed atop a tree branch next to them. Dosu and his team turned and took fighting positions – It's interesting that you mentioned that name. You'll tell me everything about him and his intentions – said the pink-haired as she pulled a kunai. Kin burst into laughter – you must be very brave or very stupid – said Kin as she stepped forward – leave her to me. I need to stretch my muscles – said the girl as she pulled several senbons from her pouch. Kin launched the senbons at Sakura, who dodged by pirouetting upward and landing on a squat on the tree log. She funneled chakra to her feet to stay attached to the tree. Her pink hair bangs hung as she looked down at the Oto-nins – is that all you've got? – Sakura pulled some shuriken from her holster and threw them at the Oto-nins. Dosu and Zaku jumped away while Kin went straight to Sakura, kunai in hand, climbing the tree she stood on. Sakura pulled a kunai of her own. She prepared to block Kin's attack, however, the kunoichi vanished, and appeared behind Sakura. Zaku smirked as he was in the air, but Dosu frowned as he saw Sakura grin. Kin pierced Sakura's back with her kunai, but as she did so, Sakura's body exploded in a whirl of cherry blossom petals – Petals? Was that a kawarami no jutsu? – wondered the kunoichi. Zaku and Dosu landed on the ground. The petals danced around Kin until, suddenly, branches grew from the tree she was standing on. The branches coiled around her body, trapping and impeding her any move – Mokuton? That's impossible! – yelled Kin, awestruck. Dosu and Zaku frowned. Kin had stopped moving and claimed she was trapped in a Mokuton-style technique, yet they saw nothing. Kin was standing there, immobile – Genjutsu, huh? – said Dosu. He looked up and saw that the shurikens Sakura had thrown at them had also turned into petals.
Zaku stared, puzzled. Dosu, on the other hand, looked around him. The girl must be close to being able to cast that genjutsu. He closed his eyes and focused on hearing his surroundings. Kiba and Shino decided to act before they were detected. Kiba went for Zaku. Kiba's nails had grown into claws, and his canines had become sharp fangs. Akamaru was still on Kiba's head – Zaku! – yelled Dosu as he jumped to dodge a swarm of beetles. Zaku pointed his palms to the ground. Pressurized air blasted from his palms, elevating him with great impulse, allowing him to dodge Kiba's attack in time – What was that? Futon? – muttered Kiba. Zaku landed on the tree and looked at the Inuzuka with contempt.
Meanwhile, Kin was trying to free herself from the tree branches that kept her trapped when Sakura's upper body emerged from the tree, facing her. Sakura pulled a kunai and pressed it to Kin's throat – I was expecting more from one of the Snake Sannin's minions. What a disappointment – Sakura said in a condescending tone. Kin groaned – You bitch! I'll make you pay for this! – Sakura chuckled – Empty words coming from someone in your position. Don't you think? – said the pink-haired. Kin knew that Sakura's body was just an illusion, but the metallic coldness of her kunai pressing her throat felt very real – Now, tell me what your master's plan is. What orders do you have? – Kin grinned – Is this your idea of an interrogation? How cute! – Kin said as she bit her inferior lip until she made it bleed. The paralysis of her body was gone. She could move again. Sakura gritted her teeth from the shrubs she was hiding in – Damn it! She used pain to free herself – she cursed.
Shino walked out from behind the tree, seeing how Dosu dodged his insects effortlessly – I've had enough of this nonsense! – said the Oto-nin as he pulled his sleeve, revealing the big vambrace they'd seen the day before. He extended his arm as if shielding from an attack and waved a hand seal with his other hand. The vambrace vibrated, generating pitch sonic waves through its orifices. The sound wave killed several of Shino's insects and made Akamaru growl in pain as he tried to cover his ears – Akamaru! – yelled Kiba. He got distracted, and that was the opportunity Zaku needed. He aimed his palms toward Kiba – Zankuha! – the airwave impacted Kiba and Akamaru head-on. The impact crushed them against the ground. Kiba gasped – Damn it! Akamaru, are you okay? – the dog let out a weak bark – You bastard! How dare you! – said Kiba as he stood up and cleansed the blood from his mouth.
Shino was pissed, too. He hated it when his insects were killed. He extended his hands, and more insects emerged from within his sleeves. Kin wouldn't let them attack again. She knew she needed to make the pink-haired girl come out of her hideout. She waved some hand seals – Satsujin Toboe (killing howl) – Kin started screaming at a high pitch. Kiba and Shino covered their ears, but it was useless. They felt their bodies tremble. Akamaru twisted on the ground, growling. Shino's insects started moving erratically. Blood started coming out from Shino's and Kiba's ears. They stared at the Oto-nins and noticed they were unaffected by Kin's jutsu. However, they were not attacking them, even when it was their perfect opportunity.
Shino realized Dosu and Zaku were forming the same hand seal – I see. If they break the seal, they'll also be affected by the jutsu. They're relying on us being paralyzed and unable to move after they blow up our inner ear, making us lose our balance – Shino thought as he fell to his knees, covering his ears. Kiba, on the other hand, kneeled to cover Akamaru's ears. His ninken's ear was more sensitive than theirs. Kiba knew Akamaru was suffering the most. His hands started glowing in a green-bluish chakra. He was healing Akamaru's ears as his own ears were blown up. He wondered for how long this girl could keep the jutsu. Before he could get his answer, he saw a volley of explosive kunais fly toward the Oto-nins. Dosu and Zaku broke their seals as Kin stopped her jutsu. Dosu used the sonic waves of his vambrace to deflect the explosive kunais toward Kiba and Akamaru. Zaku used his palms to deflect the others toward Shino. Kin, on the other hand, had to jump and dodge.
Shino managed to stand up and jump away while Kiba took his ninken, protecting Akamaru from the incoming explosions with his body. However, the kunai didn't explode. He and Shino then turned to see the dumfounded Oto-nins and smiled. Kin had jumped to get away from the fake explosive kunais. She was in midair when she saw Sakura jumping out from a treetop. Sakura waved some hand seals – Doton: Doro no Kangoku! (mud prison) – Sakura spat a wave of dense-sticky mud that hit Kin midair. The kunoichi fell to the ground, unable to move. Sakura landed before her – Stop fighting it, the more you move the more the mud will tighten around you – said Sakura. She had a few drops of blood coming from her ears. However, she was further, so her aftermath was less severe than her teammates.
Kiba placed Akamaru inside his jacket and zipped it up. He then turned to see Zaku. Kiba was enraged. He would make the Oto-nin pay for what he did to Akamaru. Kiba dropped on all fours. His chakra was feral and fierce. He didn't care about the pain he was suffering. His head was pounding, and he could barely hear anything. He felt the warm blood from his ears slip on his jaw and neck. He turned to see Shino. His teammate nodded. They were both unable to hear anything at the moment, but they didn't need to talk to communicate. They'd been working together for months and had learned to cooperate without talking to each other. Izumi-sensei had told them that's how elite shinobis fight since yelling indications to their teammates would allow the enemy to prepare for their attack. Non-verbal communication was crucial for any shinobi. The swarm of insects hovering around erratically gathered around Shino – Their jutsus are based on sound. It should've been obvious, given their village's name. However, I'd never heard of jutsus like these before – Shino thought. Kiba stared at Zaku's palms. He had some orifices and some kind of air gun embedded in his arms – These two need their tools to cast their jutsus. If we manage to break them, they'll be defenseless – Kiba thought. Kiba and Shino thrust forward to engage in battle.
Kiba jumped toward Zaku. He was faster than he was before. Zaku had barely managed to dodge Kiba's claws from ripping his stomach – Where did he get this speed? – he wondered. He had no time to think. Kiba landed on the tree log and quickly impulsed himself forward with his legs. Zaku was trying to aim his palms at Kiba, but the Inuzuka moved too fast for him to attack. Zaku turned from one side to another while Kiba jumped around him. Zaku started to get desperate and nervous. He was sweating. He started launching his attacks in all directions, one after another, hoping one would hit Kiba by sheer luck. Kiba saw an opening and would not let it pass. He thrust forward as Zaku turned. Kiba approached Zaku's blindspot at his right and bit his forearm, piercing his fang through his prey's flesh. Zaku yelled in pain as blood started dripping from his arm – You beast! Let me go! – said Zaku as he tried to aim his left palm at Kiba's head. At this distance, he would be able to blow his head off. However, Kiba grabbed Zaku's wrist with his right hand, piercing his claws and slashing his cephalic and median antebrachial veins. Blood poured from his wrist. Kiba took momentum and forced Zaku to the ground with the force of his jaw. Once his enemy was on the floor, Kiba kneeled on top of Zaku, twisting his fingers. Zaku gulped. He tried to raise his hands but couldn't – I dislocated your left shoulder when I threw you to the ground and ripped your right wrist's tendons. You won't be able to aim your hands at me or anyone any time soon – said Kiba as he pressed his claws into Zaku's neck. The Oto-nin gulped. Sakura, who was keeping watch over Kin, saw in shock Kiba's performance. She had never seen him like this before, like a complete beast. Kiba had said before he hated how civilians in the village referred to the Inuzuka Clan as a group of savages and beasts. She had never thought of Kiba that way until now. She saw Kiba's jacket covered in blood and gasped. Then she saw how Akamaru curled and trembled below Kiba's jacket and looked at her teammate with sorrow. Kiba did what he did with such rage and bloodlust because someone had hurt Akamaru. He was not a beast; he was just a good friend defending his nakama. A kind smile drew on Sakura's face.
Shino wouldn't risk more of his insects being killed by that sonic wave. He thrust forward, leaving his insects behind. Dosu smirked – a head-on attack? That's not a clever move – Dosu thought. Shino rushed forward, pulling several shurikens from his holster. Dosu held his arm up front, waiting to repel any attack Shino might throw at him. Shino started throwing the shurikens at Dosu. The shurikens were repelled, one after another. However, Shino didn't stop attacking. He ran around Dosu, surrounding him and overwhelming him with a non-stop volley of shurikens and kunais. Dosu gritted his teeth as Shino jumped back. The Aburame boy smirked as he pulled and threw a smoke bomb toward Dosu. The Oto-nin laughed, and the smoke curtain was dispersed with a swing of his vambrace.
However, Shino was nowhere to be seen. He looked around and saw the swarm of insects that Shino had left behind charging at him. He prepared his vambrace and waved a hand seal as the insects were getting closer. At that moment, the swarm of insects spread, avoiding the sound wave entirely. They regrouped and charged again, getting closer to Dosu. He frowned and launched a new sound wave. To his surprise, the insects dispersed again just enough to avoid his attack and continued getting closer. He attacked once more, and they dodged again. He gritted his teeth – How's that possible – he cursed. He was forced to dodge and retreat as the insects got closer before he could launch another attack. The insects followed. He jumped upwards and launched a new attack, and as he did, Shino appeared, jumping next to him and punching him in the face. Shino grabbed ahold of the bandages that covered Dosu's face and ripped them, revealing Dosu's face. Dosu's face was covered in scars, and his right eye socket was empty and sunken, his eyelids sewn together. For a second, Shino felt sorry for him; it looked like signs of prolonged torture. Shino cast his thoughts away, then punched him in the face again with his free hand. Dosu was about to activate his vambrace, so Shino jumped away.
They landed in front of each other. Dosu covered his face with his left hand as he lifted his vambrace – You bastard! I will kill you for this! – said the man as he removed his hand from his face. He was about to wave the hand seal when he felt his body going numb and fell to his knees. He started breathing heavily – What did you do to me? – he muttered weakly. Shino had to read his lips because he was still deaf by Kin's jutsu. He got closer and extended his right hand. A black insect emerged from Shino's skin and Dosu's. Dosu was shocked to feel the insect emerging beneath his cheek skin – These are Kochu, a special type of insect. Their venom is paralyzing; in higher doses, it can be lethal and kill someone silently within an hour – Dosu's eye went broad open – No worries. I only injected a few of them, just enough to paralyze you. You won't die – said the Aburame boy – How? – said Dosu as he fell front, unable to move – I figured the range of your sound wave with the volley of shurikens and kunais. Once I figured it out, my insects could avoid it easily and get closer to you. I waited for the right moment to get you off guard to rip your bandages. I needed to have direct contact with your skin for my Kochu insects to migrate from my body to yours – explained Shino as the swarm of insects got inside his cloak.
Team Eight brought the three Oto-nins together. Kin was still trapped in Sakura's doton technique, and Zaku had lost much blood. He was unable to move and about to pass out. Teams Seven and Ten had seen the whole fight from far away. Sasuke used his Sharingan to analyze the battle. He was intrigued by their weapons and jutsus. Naruto was disappointed they hadn't gotten a chance to fight. He was also impressed by Team Eight. He had no idea Kiba could be so scary. He had a new respect for the Inuzuka and made a mental note to never mess up with Akamaru. Sasuke, on the other hand, was more impressed by Sakura, not only she was good at Genjutsu, but she had learned to use elemental jutsus already, too. He was also shocked by Shino's fighting abilities and his skill to assess the enemy's techniques and weaknesses. No wonder his father said the Aburame Clan was one of the strongest in the village. They all joined Team Eight.
Naruto squatted before the Oto-nins – You three ended up being a deception – said Naruto as he pulled a kunai – However, you may still have some value. Start talking – said the blond as he pointed his kunai at them. Kiba was seating on the ground a few feet away. He had taken Akamaru out of his jacket and was healing him. Hinata stood behind Kiba, healing his ears. Shikamaru stood next to Shino, and Sasuke, staring at the defeated genins. Ino and Choji were praising Sakura for her genjutsus and doton techniques – You will not get anything from us – said Kin. Ino turned and smiled. She got closer and kneeled next to Naruto. Naruto looked at her, puzzled – It matters not if you want to talk or not. I'm getting all the information you have – said the blonde with an evil look – Naruto, give some space to Ino – said Shikamaru. Naruto turned to see his friend, but before he could say anything the Nara boy spoke – Interrogation is one of Ino's specialties, Naruto. She can get the information we need and save us the need of torture – Naruto stared at Ino. She winked at him and Naruto blushed. He stood up and joined Sasuke and the others. Shikamaru looked at him and smiled – Ino can read their minds with her jutsu – even Kiba, who was too focused on Akamaru turned before that declaration – The Yamanaka Clan are specialists in interrogation – said Choji as he opened a bag of chips.
Unknown to the rookies, they were also being watched. Three Kusa-nins stood behind some shrubs – It looks like Konoha has produced a good batch of genins – said the woman as she curled her abnormally long tongue. The pink crystal that contained the white snake had a light glow now – What shall we do, Orochimaru-sama? Those three turned out to be completely useless – said one of the other disguised shinobis wearing a wooden mask – Kukuku. You two can take care of them when I have finished. But do not kill them; I may still have some use for them. Bring them back to me – said Orochimaru – what about your former sensei's students? We two were supposed to fight them – said the other one, who wore a black cloak – There won't be a need for that. I didn't expect them to coordinate to interrogate my subordinates. I have the six I want right here. I'll have my share of fun with all of them – the man with the mask gritted his teeth – can we have fun with the other three? – asked again the one with the cloak – Do as you please with them – said Orochimaru as he dashed forward, followed by his two lackeys.
Orochimaru and the other two, still in disguise, landed behind the rookies right as Ino was getting ready to start her jutsu on Kin. They turned around, shocked – How did I miss them? I didn't sense them coming – Ino was flabbergasted. Hinata had been so focused on the fight and healing Kiba that she forgot to inspect the surroundings. She blamed herself – My, My! Nine against three? That doesn't seem fair to me – said the kunoichi – It looks like Konoha has been raising a bunch of bullies – said the kunoichi as she pulled a kunai – This is none of your business. Back off if you know what's best for you! – said Sasuke, stepping forward. The kunoichi laughed. She then got serious and emanated a strong killing intent. The rookies, Dosu and Kin, gulped. Zaku had already lost consciousness. Team Seven had felt something similar before with Zabuza. This time was different; it felt worse. How could this woman be more threatening than Zabuza? Sasuke and Naruto stared at each other. This was bad. Team Eight had used a lot of chakra in their fight. They couldn't let them stay – Shino, Sakura, Kiba! Take those three and leave! We'll catch up with you later – said Naruto as he joined Sasuke. Kiba frowned; he wanted to stay, but Akamaru jumped back to his jacket when the woman gave them that killing intent. He gritted his teeth. He stared at Shino and Sakura, and they nodded. Kiba took Zaku. Shino and Sakura knocked out Dosu and Kin before taking them on their shoulders – We'll see you in a bit – said Shikamaru, grinning as Ino and Choji flanked him. Hinata joined her team. Teams Seven and Ten stood there, ready to fight. Kiba and the others gave them a last look before leaving.
The kunoichi laughed again – This is just perfect – said the woman before turning her head – You know what to do – the other two nodded and vanished – Nooo! – yelled Teams Seven and Eight simultaneously. Ino and Hinata turned to chase them, but the woman blocked their way – Let my friends have some fun, won't you? – said the woman as she licked her kunai with her long tongue. Hinata and the others stepped back. They were all sweating. Naruto and Sasuke stared at each other. They had seen someone with a creepy long tongue before. Could it be? – Show me how strong you all are! The children of Yondaime Hokage and his counselors – said the kunoichi pointing at Team Seven – and the students of all mighty Shinobi no Kami! – said as she pointed at Team Ten. The six rookies jumped back – This is not good – said Choji – no Kidding – said Naruto.