Yo,
Hope you all are doing well! I'm back with the next chapter of Change in Winds. I know it's been long since I updated the story, but I got my muse back and recently finalised the plot of the story and will be updating at least once a month as I joined Uni and will be busy.
Without further ado, let's jump right in.
Enjoy.
Change in Winds
Chapter 17
Twists in Trees
Forest of Death
'I'm coming for you…' Orochimaru thought in glee as he imagined his plan in action.
Team 7, with Naruto at the helm, darted into the Forest of Death with a sense of purpose and precision. They moved through the forest canopy, skillfully hopping from tree to tree, their movements a blend of agility and speed. The dense foliage below was a maze of shadows and hidden dangers, but high above, they traversed with an almost rhythmic grace.
Twenty minutes into their journey, they were well away from other teams and found a relatively safe clearing on a sturdy branch. It was time to pause and reassess their strategy. The forest is deceptive, it's quite a harbinger of the unseen threats that lay in wait. They estimate they are at least 2 kilometres in and from their estimation of the map, they realised the forest is 10 kilometres in all directions with very thick foliage.
As Sasuke and Sakura caught their breath, Naruto surveyed their surroundings. He is acutely aware of the importance of his next move. The Ame team, with the moon scroll, is his target, but approaching them required careful planning.
"We should make camp here for now," Naruto suggested, not wanting to give more time to his targets to escape.
"Agreed and we should set up traps," Sasuke suggested, his eyes scanning the dense undergrowth below with his Sharingan. "Force any opponents into a position where we have the advantage."
Sakura nodded, adding, "And we need to be mindful of other things. This forest is full of them, all vying for the same thing."
Naruto listened to his teammates, his mind already formulating a plan. "Right. We'll set up traps and use them to our advantage. I'll scout ahead and locate if there are any teams around. We'll regroup here in an hour."
Without waiting for a response, Naruto left them. With a nick of a finger, he made a blood clone and knowing its orders, the blood clone gave the original a nod and started to scout the area. The switch went unnoticed by Sasuke or Sakura. To them, Naruto is still there, scouting the area. They didn't even question why he needed to go instead of sending a shadow clone which only favoured the blonde.
The real Naruto moved with even greater stealth. He knew where the Ame team was thanks to his clone. As he moved to them, his Sharingan scanned the area, picking up on the slightest movements and chakra signatures scanning for ambushes or animals.
Naruto's journey took him deeper into the forest, away from the path they had travelled to the northwest. He moved with a single-minded focus, his every sense tuned to the task at hand. The Ame team is there, and he is going to find them.
Meanwhile, back at the clearing, Sasuke and Sakura, unaware of the switch, began setting up traps and formulating their part of the plan, trusting that Naruto would successfully scout their surroundings. The team worked seamlessly, each member playing their part in a strategy that would help them succeed.
As Naruto approached the Ame team's last known location, he could hear voices. Hiding behind a thick brush and suppressing his chakra, Naruto peered through the leaves. The Ame team is a few metres away, their arrogance still evident in their casual demeanour as they moved through the forest. They are discussing their strategy loudly, confident in their abilities, unaware of the danger lurking just out of sight.
"We just need to find a team with a Sun scroll," the leader was saying, a smirk on his lanky face. "With our skills, it'll be a piece of cake."
One of his teammates, a kunoichi with a sharp look in her eyes, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and if we run into any trouble, we'll just crush them. We're the strongest team here, after all." She laughed boisterously.
Naruto pulled out Mayuri, intending to give her more battle experience. Their overconfidence would be their downfall. He will make sure of that. However much stronger he had become, he is not arrogant. And so he waited for the right moment to strike, to catch them off guard and secure the moon scroll they possessed.
Slowly, he withdrew from his hiding spot, circling to approach them from a different angle. He needs to isolate them, separate them if possible, to reduce their strength in numbers. Though he can easily bridge that. His mind raced through different scenarios, planning each step.
As he moved, he kept a close watch on the Ame team, waiting for the perfect opportunity. His experience had taught him the value of patience in situations like these. A hasty move could jeopardise his plan and send them on high alert.
Finally, the moment came. The Ame team paused in a small clearing, seemingly to check their map. This is his chance. Silently, Naruto readied himself, his chakra focused and his senses alert. In a swift, fluid motion, he burst from his cover, charging towards the unsuspecting team with Mayuri drawn and a well-planned strategy in mind.
His surprise worked as he caught the 3rd member off guard and with a backhand with Mayuri, he sent the large man hurling out of the clearing, his size breaking some trees due to the force.
The others, caught by surprise, barely had time to react as Naruto closed the distance, ready to engage them in battle and claim the scroll they carried. The quiet of the forest is shattered by the sudden clash of battle with Kunai's sparking against Naruto's Mayuri.
Naruto, wielding Mayuri with practised ease, closed the gap between himself and the Ame ninjas with a burst of wind chakra at his feet. The element of surprise was on his side, but he knew it wouldn't last long against experienced shinobi. And he quickly understood Ame ninja are not experienced, at all.
The Ame team quickly recovered from their initial shock. An experienced Chunin would see the futility of Ninjutsu as it needs time to perform and immediately jump into a Taijutsu with their chosen weapon in hand if they have any. But the idiot in front of him, Naruto didn't care for his name the 'leader' of the Team, launched a series of rapid Water jutsu. "
"Suiton: Gekirō no Jutsu (Water Style: Raging Waves)!" he shouted, sending a torrent of water towards Naruto.
He could have easily sliced it in half with Mayuri, but he decided to amuse the fool and leapt high into the air, flipping backwards to avoid the onslaught. Mid-air, he gathered chakra to his feet, landing on a nearby tree branch with perfect balance. "Pathetic," he muttered under his breath, a smirk on his face.
The kunoichi of the team is quick to join the fray, hurling shuriken with pinpoint accuracy. "Don't get cocky, Konoha trash!" she hissed.
Naruto deflected the shuriken with swift strikes of Mayuri, each motion fluid and precise breaking the shuriken on contact. He then countered, launching a barrage of shuriken of his own, each one infused with wind chakra for added lethality. Though she attempted to block and dodge them, some managed to graze her, giving her shallow cuts.
The third member of the Ame team, a burly man with a scowl as he walked back into the clearing, charged forward, attempting to engage Naruto in close combat. "Doton: Deinawa (Earth Style: Mud Swamp)!" he bellowed, turning the clearing into a swamp in an attempt to trap Naruto.
Naruto was ready. He channelled chakra into Mayuri, the blade glowing with fierce chakra, he taunted, "Do you think it's cool? Nope," Lazily, with a swing, he unleashed a wave of chakra from Mayuri, slicing through the swamp with ease.
The Ame ninjas were momentarily stunned by the display of power, but they quickly regained their composure. The battle resumed a chaotic dance of jutsu and movement. Naruto's agility and speed were on full display as he weaved through their attacks, looking for an opening.
As if noticing their flaw just then, the Ame team shifted their tactics, attempting to overwhelm Naruto with a variety of jutsu. The leader, quickly recovering from his initial setback, initiated a coordinated attack with his teammates.
"Fūton: Reppūshō (Wind Style: Gale Palm)!" the kunoichi shouted, sending a slicing wind towards Naruto. At the same time, the burly ninja launched an Earth-style jutsu, causing spikes of rock to erupt from the ground, aiming to trap Naruto between the two attacks.
Naruto didn't bother using any Jutsu. As soon as the gust of wind reached him, it dissipated as if sliced by invisible blades and his floating in the air made the earth spikes useless on the ground. Unable to maintain, the 3rd wheel dispersed the jutsu, slouched in exhaustion.
For anyone that's not Naruto, throwing around C and B rank jutsu is not a sport and is quite chakra-taxing. The leader, thinking himself to be strong, attacked Naruto from his back with clawed gauntlets.
Reacting with lightning-fast reflexes, Naruto deftly dodged the swipe, feeling the rush of air as the claws missed him by a large margin. One of the perks of having Wind Armour always running around you is the instant burst of speed it grants you.
The Ame leader pressed the attack, each strike aimed with intent to kill. He moved with a brute strength that was formidable, but Naruto's agility and taijutsu skills allowed him to dance around the attacks with ease.
The battle quickly escalated into a display of high-level taijutsu. Naruto countered the idiot's raw power with swift and precise movements, his body weaving through the barrage of strikes like water flowing around rocks. He is a blur of motion, his movements a testament to the countless hours of training and combat experience he had accumulated.
The other members of the Ame team soon joined the fray, attempting to flank Naruto and catch him off guard. One launched a series of kunai, each one laced with chakra for added lethality. The kunoichi moved in with a series of quick jabs, her fists wrapped in chakra-enhanced bandages.
Naruto, however, is not outmanoeuvred. He parried the kunai with shuriken, sending them clattering away. Against the kunoichi, he let his wind armour do the talking, it managed to keep her at bay while the blonde still dodged the leader's relentless assault.
The forest around them became a stage for their battle, the sound of their combat echoing through the trees. But despite the Ame team's efforts, Naruto is clearly in control. He moved with a fluid grace and precision that made the battle almost seem like a choreographed dance.
There are no words. They aren't needed really. The Ame team, thought themselves as high and mighty are getting a good taste of what high and mighty feels like. They can feel their exhaustion creeping up and the biggest of them all fell in exhaustion. They are not used to continued battles and using all their skills in such short periods damn it!
Feeling a sense of boredom creeping in and recognizing that this fight is becoming taxing on his opponents, Naruto decided it is time to end it. With a burst of speed, he intensified his attacks, his strikes becoming a whirlwind of motion. He delivered a series of rapid, precise blows to the Ame leader, targeting his gauntlet and tearing it apart with a little chakra to Mayuri and blocking his key pressure points to incapacitate him without causing serious injury. The leader crumbled to the ground, unable to continue.
Turning his attention to the remaining two team members, though 1 was already out, Naruto unleashed a swift combination of punches and kicks, each one landing with pinpoint accuracy on the kunoichi. In moments, the girl too was incapacitated, lying on the forest floor, groaning in defeat but alive.
Naruto stood over the subdued Ame team, barely breaking any sweat, Mayuri resting on his shoulder. "I want your moon scroll," he said, his tone firm but not unkind.
The Ame leader, struggling to get up, scowled. This is not what they wanted. WHAT HE WANTED! He knew he was supposed to do great things. Pain-sama said so. But being defeated by their worst enemy is not something he dreamed of!
He wanted to fight even now, but the Konoha trash closed some of his pressure points and the less he talked about his gauntlet, the better. It's a gift too. "Damn it... Here," he said, begrudgingly handing over the scroll. The leader grimaced, a mix of loathing, respect and frustration evident in his expression. "We didn't have time to make a fake. You earned it, Konoha tr-ninja."
Naruto accepted the scroll, his eyes scanning the Ame ninjas. They are bruised but not gravely injured, a testament to Naruto's control during the fight. He could sense their weariness and the dawning realisation of their failed strategy. However, his admission about fakes gave him an idea.
For a brief moment, Naruto considered what to do with them. The Forest of Death is an unforgiving place, filled with dangers both known and unknown. Leaving the Ame team here could put them at risk, yet as shinobi, they are aware of the risks when they entered the exam.
With a light shrug, Naruto decided to leave them as they are. "You're shinobi, same as me," he said. "You knew what you were getting into when you signed up for this. Take this as a learning experience."
The Ame team members exchanged glances, a silent communication passing between them. They understood the unspoken shinobi code – the battlefield is no place for leniency, and each ninja is responsible for their own fate.
"Next time, we won't be so easy on you even if you ambush us," the Ame leader vowed a hint of grudging respect in his tone.
Naruto nodded, acknowledging their spirit. "I'll look forward to it," he replied with a smirk, turning to leave.
Having both the Sun and Moon scrolls, Naruto knew that the next step is to reach the central tower. As per his plan, he made his way to the treetops, a vantage point that would offer both speed and stealth. Before setting off, he created two shadow clones, transforming them to look like Sasuke and Sakura. This would ensure that any observers would believe Team 7 is moving together, maintaining the element of surprise.
Naruto leaped onto a high branch, surveying the dense expanse of the Forest of Death from the top. The tower is visible in the distance, a lone structure amidst a sea of green. With a deep breath, he launched himself forward, moving from tree to tree with a speed that is almost a blur. His movement is like the wind – swift, silent, and almost invisible.
As he travelled, Naruto's keen eyes observed the myriad dangers that the forest housed. Below him, he saw a giant snake slither through the underbrush, its scales glistening in the dappled sunlight that broke through the canopy.
In another area, a group of large spiders spun their thick webs, waiting patiently for unsuspecting prey. He also saw a large rock on a sealing formula. That interested him. The forest is alive with peril, each creature a reminder of why this place was called the Forest of Death.
Naruto also noticed other Genin teams. Some are engaged in combat, their jutsu lighting up the forest with flashes of colour and power. Others are stealthily navigating, trying to avoid confrontations. Naruto kept a careful distance, avoiding any unnecessary encounters. His focus is clear – reach the tower as quickly as possible.
Despite the dangers, Naruto's progress is uninterrupted. His mastery of Wind allowed him to bypass obstacles with ease. He would appear and disappear in the blink of an eye, his movements so fast they are barely perceptible. He ducked under a swooping hawk, sidestepped a falling branch, and vaulted over a chasm, all with fluid grace and precision.
As he neared the tower, Naruto increased his pace, aware that time is of the essence. The faster he completes, the earlier he can set on exploring the forest. The central tower, once a distant silhouette, now loomed large and imposing. He could see the balcony, the endpoint of this phase of the exam.
With one final burst of speed, Naruto reached the tower in a mere 20 minutes since he obtained the second scroll – a testament to his incredible abilities. He landed softly on the balcony, his clones following him mirroring his teammates. The balcony is deserted, the large doors to the inside of the tower inviting in.
Stepping into the central tower, Naruto entered a spacious room dimly lit by the muted sunlight filtering through the windows. The room is stark, and functional, with its stone walls exuding a sense of solemnity. Scattered around are a few pieces of furniture that seemed to have been left in haste. Papers are strewn across tables, and several screens displaying maps and charts, all appearing to have been abandoned in a hurry.
As Naruto cautiously advanced into the room, his eyes quickly found the figure of the Sandaime Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sitting calmly amidst the apparent chaos. The Hokage's face is adorned with an amused smile, his eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and admiration seeing Naruto.
Hiruzen's voice broke the silence, "Impressive, Naruto-kun. I didn't expect anyone to reach the tower so swiftly." His tone is light, yet held an undercurrent of seriousness.
Naruto, realising the gravity of the situation, responded with a mix of respect and his characteristic brashness, "I had to make sure we didn't waste any time, Jiji." Naruto said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.
However much he tried to call the man 'Hokage-sama', his childhood affectionate name he gave the old man remained persistent, not leaving him despite his constant effort.
Hiruzen chuckled, his gaze shifting to the shadow clones. "And I see you've found an inventive way to bring your team with you. Very clever." He paused, surveying the room. "You've arrived so fast, the room was vacated hastily," he answered his unasked question. "But your priority was reaching here, and you've done that remarkably well." He said with a hint of pride.
Naruto looked around, taking in the disarray, understanding that this is the main observation room of the exam. He looked around for a clue on using the scrolls he had or giving it to someone.
Hiruzen, observing Naruto's readiness to move on, added a piece of information that brought a new light to Naruto's eyes. "You know, Naruto-kun, you've just set a new record. You completed this second stage faster than anyone in 90 minutes, even surpassing the time set by Yondaime who took 4 hours 34 minutes." He said with mirth at the irony looking straight at Naruto, as if his teammates didn't matter.
At the mention of the Yondaime, a spark of joy and pride flickered in Naruto's eyes. The Yondaime Hokage, his father, had always been an icon for Naruto, a symbol of what had wanted. But…
Hiruzen continued, his tone warm with genuine admiration. "I make it a point to meet the team that first arrives at the tower to greet and congratulate them. However, since you've managed to 'meet' me here in the observatory, I'd say this counts. Congratulations, Naruto-kun. You and your team have officially completed the second stage of the Chunin Exams."
His smile is sincere, reflecting not just his duty as the Hokage but also his personal fondness for the spirited young blonde before him. Naruto's heart swelled with a mix of pride and a renewed sense of purpose.
Hiruzen added, "You have three days to rest and prepare for the final stage. Use this time wisely." He then turned to Naruto with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "And Naruto-kun, make sure to pass on my congratulations to Sasuke-kun and Sakura-chan as well," he said, a slight smirk playing on his lips. It is clear that the old man had seen through Naruto's use of shadow clones.
Naruto grinned, not at all surprised that the Hokage had noticed. "Will do, Jiji," he replied with a cheeky smile. He is always impressed by the Hokage's perceptiveness.
As he began to walk away, a thought struck him, and he turned back. "Jiji, is it mandatory to stay in the tower, or can I head back to the forest?"
Hiruzen regarded him for a moment, then answered, "It's up to you, Naruto-kun. This time is for you to use as you see fit. You've earned it. And let me say, it makes me proud to see young shinobi like you achieving such feats."
Naruto's smile broadened at the words. "Thank you, Jiji. That means a lot." With a respectful bow, Naruto jumped back in the way he came with his clones poofing out in front of the Hokage seeing their purpose was fulfilled. Hiruzen's eyes brightened at the blatant disregard for chakra, an amusing subject he played with in his prime years. With a chuckle about young shinobi and their antiques, he walked into the Tower feeling proud of Naruto's success.
As he jumped on the tall tree before the tower, Naruto paused for a moment to take in the view. The Forest of Death stretched out before him, a vast expanse of untamed nature. From his vantage point, the forest seemed almost serene, but he knew well the dangers that lurked beneath its canopy.
Closing his eyes, Naruto focused his chakra, sending it out in gentle wind waves, a sensory technique he's trying to master. This pulse of chakra acted like a radar, giving him a feel for the forest's layout, the position of various teams, and the presence of any large creatures or threats. His current range is 110 meters. 'No teams are closer to the tower.' Naruto observed.
Feeling confident and eager for a bit of exploration, Naruto decided to embark on an adventurous trip around the forest. This is his agenda for coming to this stage in person. He wanted to see and experience how the forest Senju Hashirama made for all the animals felt. He crouched slightly, then leaped, his body shooting up on treetops with the ease and grace of a leaf on the wind.
Landing on a high branch, he surveyed his surroundings. The forest is alive with activity – teams strategizing, creatures prowling, and the distant sounds of battles and challenges. It is a symphony of survival, each part playing its role in the grand scheme of the Chunin Exams.
With a playful smirk, Naruto set off, jumping from branch to branch. He moved with a purposeful yet carefree agility, embracing the thrill of the moment. This is not a test anymore; it is an opportunity to push his limits and enjoy the freedom his skills afforded him.
Naruto knew his blood clone with his team knew of him completing the test, so he left it to his doppelganger to break the news to his teammates. He can imagine the surprised faces they will make on listening to it and can hear the protest coming in case of Sasuke.
As he travelled, Naruto encountered various aspects of the forest's diverse ecosystem. He marvelled at the giant, twisted trees that had stood for centuries, their branches like the arms of ancient guardians. He glimpsed rare and exotic birds, their feathers a riot of colours, and he navigated around dangerous plants, some with leaves sharp as blades, others with flowers that emitted a soporific scent.
Occasionally, Naruto would pause to observe the other genin teams from a safe distance. He saw the determination and fear in their eyes, the camaraderie and rivalry. Each team is a story unto itself, a group of young shinobi carving their path in the world. He didn't come across other rookie teams yet.
He did see another Ame team and the Suna team fight and the redhead destroying the Ame team, crushing them in his sand. Naruto raised an eyebrow at the brutality. Not that he didn't expect it, but his policy is live and let live. Unless they poke his wrong side.
The Ame team he fought are rightful pricks. That's the whole reason he went after them and taught them a valuable lesson. There is always a bigger fish than you out there. And as he doesn't have a personal grudge against any of them, that's why Naruto left them be.
But the brutality the redhead kid showed didn't feel right for the blonde. He felt its forced on him with things out of his hand. The wind around that kid is unsettling with a dark uncurrent as if he's an uncontrollable dam ready to collapse.
Naruto didn't like that. Though he left them as exploring the forest interested him more than solving the problems of a random person who seemed to have an interest in him. Yeah, it's not mutual. But in his observation of the other 2, Naruto realised they are serious shinobi, unlike his class when graduated.
His respect for them grew, especially for the sandy-blonde girl. Nope, it doesn't have anything to do with her being hot or absolutely nothing to do with Naruto peeking when she was bathing. No sir. He is just a hot-blooded young man. (nods)
Meanwhile
As the blonde is on his (miss) adventures, far from him in the dense and perilous forest, a scene of chilling malevolence unfolded, one that would mark a sinister twist in the Chunin Exams.
Orochimaru reached the unsuspecting Kusa team. The team, composed of two boys and a girl, was navigating through the forest, unaware of the lurking danger. Orochimaru, with his inhuman speed and stealth, approached them like a predator stalking its prey.
The team was caught completely off-guard. Before they could even fully grasp what was happening, Orochimaru struck with lethal precision. The two boys barely had time to react. One moment they were on guard, the next they were on the ground, lifeless. Orochimaru's snakes were swift and deadly, leaving no room for counterattacks or even cries of alarm. The forest, a silent witness to countless battles, observed another dark deed.
The girl from Kusa, now the sole survivor, was frozen in terror. Orochimaru's presence was overwhelming, his aura exuding a malevolent chill that seemed to suck the very warmth out of the air. But his intentions for her were different. He had chosen her to be his disguise, a perfect camouflage to infiltrate and manipulate the ongoing exams.
With a sinister smile, Orochimaru began the transformation. Utilising his unique jutsu, he altered his appearance, morphing into a replica of the girl using her flesh as a catalyst. The process was eerie, as his body twisted and reshaped, his features melting away to adopt those of his victim. Within moments, Orochimaru stood in the place of the girl, a perfect imitation in every visible aspect.
The real girl was dead, hidden away from prying eyes. With his disguise flawlessly in place, Orochimaru, now masquerading as the Kusagakure girl, began his surreptitious approach towards Team 7. The infamous Sannin, known for his cunning and lethal prowess, had a specific agenda in mind — one that involved 2 promising Genins of Konoha.
Team 7, unaware of the impending danger, continued on their exam. Unaware of Naruto securing both scrolls, all members decided to scout around in all directions for other teams after their meeting and right now, Sasuke and Sakura are taking a break while Naruto is on a higher branch, acting as their lookout.
As Orochimaru, in his deceptive guise, neared Team 7's location, he moved with a calculated grace, ensuring his presence remained undetected. The forest, with its towering trees and dense underbrush, provided the perfect cover for his stealthy advance. He observed the team from a distance, gauging their condition and defences.
Team 7, settled in a small clearing, had taken necessary precautions. Sasuke positioned himself with a clear view of the surrounding area. Sakura tended to minor injuries and managed their supplies. Naruto was on his feet, scouting the nearby area and ensuring their safety.
As Orochimaru closed in, he carefully crafted his approach. He intended to exploit the team's momentary vulnerability, using the guise of the Kusa girl to gain their trust and catch them off-guard. He planned to isolate and confront Sasuke with Naruto if possible having heard of the Uchiha's potential and his desire for power along with the astronomical growth of the Jinchuriki— an attribute Orochimaru found particularly intriguing.
He can also sense a full squad of Anbu lurking around Team 7 as if waiting for something. 'Danzo you sly bastard,' Orochimaru mused, understanding the mummy's plan.
'Unfortunately for you, I would love to take Naruto-kun's body,' he idly mused, waiting for a moment to strike. As the moment presented itself, Orochimaru, with his sinister intentions masked behind the innocent appearance of the Kusa girl, stepped into the clearing. His entrance was calculated to appear as non-threatening as possible, playing the part of a fellow Genin lost and seeking assistance.
Team 7's reaction was immediate. Naruto was the first to notice the newcomer, his eyes narrowing as he sensed an unusually large amount of chakra in the girl. Sasuke's eyes narrowed as well, analysing the situation, while Sakura stood ready to provide support.
The tension in the air was palpable as Orochimaru, under the guise of innocence, initiated his encounter with Team 7. The stage was set for a confrontation that would unveil the true danger lurking within the Forest of Death, a threat that would test Team 7's strength, teamwork, and resolve in ways they had never anticipated.
He felt the Anbu in the shadows tense as if ready to attack and walked slowly, putting his hands up in surrender. It's time to play…
And Cut.
A normal length. Northing special aside from Naruto getting the scroll and passing the exam and Orochimaru doing Orochimaru things.
Hmm, how's it going to turn, I wonder. Let me know how next chapter will be as the snake is going to poke the peaceful(somewhat) Dragon.
That's it for this Chapter folks.
See y'all in the next chapter.
Suggestions are welcome.
Black Infinity1289,
Ja Ne.