Hiruzen's POV (Resting Point of Trial of Nio - Land of Iron)

  Hiruzen had lived a long and varied life, and as such, time had a way of fading for him. Days previously lived were forgotten as time marched forth. Perhaps the human mind could only hold so much; even a genius like him couldn't hold it all. Yet the day of Naruto Uzumaki's birth would likely haunt him till his final days. So much life had been lost, the military had been ransacked, various notables falling to hold back the beast. And though the Fourth Hokage had managed to drop the beast, he only did so after much pain and suffering. His own life is lost in the chaos. The Kyuubi had tallied a heavy toll.

  Perhaps ironically, as the beast rampaged and ended life, another was gained—one that, if the scenario had been any different, would've surely been celebrated. Instead, as he was born, many were killed. As his father made the questionable choice of sealing the beast into the boy and his own life, the man surely did not realize what he was doing. Everyone had lost something… or someone after all.

  October 10th marked the passing of a legend, the day a beast bared its awful fangs, the day a legend of the Leaf and an unstoppable beast fell, and, to a select few, the day Naruto Uzumaki was given the curse of the Kyuubi.

  The funeral that was held was massive. Villagers, shinobi, and merchants all had come to share their respects for the man who had led them. The pain from such an event rivaled even the Third Great Shinobi War. The peace it had earned had been shattered in a single night. As such, nearly everyone in the village was there. To say goodbye to loved ones and their leader, and for two Uzumaki to say goodbye to an unknown father and a loving husband. The villagers radiated pain. But it was clear that everyone was searching for a target. A way to say goodbye to such pain

  Kushina Uzumaki had been shattered, of course. It was a disservice to say she lost her lover. She had lost her soul mate, her partner, a member of her newly created family. Worse yet, she still held the killer of the man in her body, as well as the body of her child. For her own sake and for the sake of those who may earn her ire, the decision was made to hide what happened on that fateful night. The story of Minato managing the impossible was told. When the Golden Flash, The Fourth Hokage, some even dared to call him the Third God of Shinobi, met the Kyuubi in battle, it had been a draw. Neither powerful being could feel the other before the man found Kyuub's weakness. Using this, he slays the beast, but unfortunately, he is killed in the process.

  This had worked well, as angry and hurt as people were. Knowing the Kyuubi had been slain alleviated this. For years, this had worked; some in the know kept the knowledge to themselves. It was further enforced by both Hiruzen and Danzo, but now, this dam of lies faces its first crack. The people had spent years away from the pain, but with the knowledge that there was a target, their ire could finally be given out. Ikam had caused a chain of events that would haunt the days of one Naruto Uzumaki.

  Luckily for the ignorant blonde, a multitude of people surrounded him. Some may believe this protected him. Seeing others treating him as a human would show them the truth. But hate had a way of blinding those who wielded it. They held back for now, whispering ploys and plans as they secretly bathed the monster in hate. For now, they would wait. Little could be done about the beast in the present moment. However, one thing was inherently clear: the teams were separated for the Trial of Nio.

  Naruto Uzumaki, a young man who had unknowingly been spared the pain of a jinchuriki, would learn the path of one. All jinchuriki were indeed cursed, alone, and hopeless… how all were destined for this… despite who they may be.

  It was the fate of those cursed with the Tailed Beast.

  Tayuya's POV (Ikam's Hidden Base - Land of Iron)

  Tayuya had lived what most would call a complex life. Her parents had been slain by an unknown shinobi. She only survived because the two were hiding her. When she came out, she had discovered her village razed to the ground. In just one night, her life had been destroyed. She had wandered the surrounding woods of her home until she ran into a bandit group. She had suffered greatly for this. She had been nothing more than a slave to them. Things had slowly grown worse as she matured. On the night they decided to use her in yet another soul-breaking way, her master had arrived. Orochimaru and several of his Sound shinobi had been hired to slay the group for their crimes. Orochimaru, seeing her once the criminals had changed, had made her an offer. Join him or be left to suffer in the cruel world. Indeed, it had not been much of a choice. She had been prepared to suffer with the man. After all, a man taking a young woman with him often meant cruel things.

  But he had treated her well. She had been fed, clothed, and treated like a human. From that point on, the direction of her life had become apparent. As long as she served her master faithfully, she knew she would be sheltered from the cruel world. So she had begged the man to make use of her. He had merely smiled and accepted her pleas. Soon, she had received training. She had not intended to become a kunoichi, but with the word of her savior, she threw herself into the training. Soon, she became more than an orphan clutching at the legs of her savior. She became powerful, wanted, and even respected. It grew her confidence to levels she never dreamt of. She became brash and obnoxious, but to her shock, Orochimaru never chided her for it. She was accepted…

  So, as she and three comrades secretly traversed the hilly, snowy terrain of the Land of Iron. Sneaking into a land infamous for its protection and dislike of shinobi. Truthfully, she and her comrades did so with casual ease. After all, shinobi were simply too stealthy and tricky for the samurai patrol. Soon, they arrived deep in the land of Iron. At least a couple hours away by foot. They walked towards what appeared to be a large hill of snow. Tayuya and Kidomaru both weaved through hand signs before calling out.

  "Temperature Seal: Rising Heat!"

  "Temperature Seal: Rising Heat!"

  The large hill of snow steamed suddenly. Kanji glowed from beneath the snow, light rays piercing through the snow. As the kanji grew brighter, the snow started to be unearthed, revealing a natural cave entrance initially hidden by it.

  "Not half bad," Kidomaru said with a smirk. "I can see why Orochimaru-sama wants these players."

  "Stop with the flowery stuff. Our hideouts are hidden just as well as these Uzumaki shits." Tayuya countered hotly.

  "Watch your mouth, Tayuya. A lady needs to act dignified-" Jirobo started before being slugged by the woman in question. The large man barely budged from the blow.

  "Shut it, shit for brains! Your fatass has no room to discuss class!" Tayuya yelled at the large man.

  Kidomaru cackled while Jirobo merely frowned, not saying anything to engage further.

  "Be on your best behavior," Sakon said with a smile. "We are meeting with trash, but Lord Orochimaru wants us to behave like genin."

  "Furthermore, they may be trash, but lord Orochimaru seems to think they may be dangerous," Ukon added as the group descended the natural cave. The walls were covered in the same kanji that had melted the snow, meaning they used Fuinjutsu to keep the cave warm. There was no need for light as well. The glow from the kanji lit the way to the cave's center. After a minute or two of winding paths, they entered a large chamber. The floor of the chamber was covered in a large, warm rug. Several rooms were closed off. The chamber contained a large fire pit that was cooking some kind of prepared meat. Ikam was resting near this firepit in a large luxury chair. Facing the Sound Four as if he knew they were coming. To his left stood his second and comrade, and from what Orochimaru had told them, his lover, Mishio Uzumaki, as well as Leifazu, who was cooking the meat in question. All three watched as they approached, seemingly at ease with them coming to them.

  Tayuya felt her blood boil at this but held back her rage. For now, her master needed these men and their assistance. In time, they would pay to consider themselves equal to Lord Orochimaru. Interrupting her thoughts was once again the voice of Sakon.

  "Ikam, I believe? We were sent by our Lord, Orochimaru. You will assist us in the mission we were given." Sakon said, his smile eerily similar to the old Japanese folklore of the yokai - -Oni. Before he could continue or Ikam could respond, there was the sound of air rushing by him as suddenly Mishio appeared in front of Sakon with her blade at his throat.

  "You should be careful about the way you talk to Ikam-kun." She whispered darkly. "Or I'll kill the lot of you regardless of what your master wishes." A hand suddenly emerged from Sakon's chest, grabbing the blade.

  "Or what? You think trash like you can threaten us?" Ukon said cockily as his head emerged next to Sakon's. Mishiro seemed shocked for a second before suddenly appearing in the middle of the Sound Four, their faces contorting in disbelief as she thrust her blade toward the back of Sakon and Ukon. But before she could pierce the two arrogant men, something unexpected happened.

  A white blob suddenly appeared from their body, stopping the blade and throwing Mishio back. White Zetsu had emerged from the body of Sakon and Ukon. Both screamed in terror. This was not normal. He didn't have any presence. He gave away nothing, almost as if his traces were something one of his origins could not understand. He was virtually otherworldly….

  From another nation?

  From another dimension?

  Another consequence of inhumane experiences?

  From another WORLD?

  Leifazu raced forward, drawing two battle axes and leaping up to cleave him in two. Black Zetsu chose that moment to emerge from the ground with a raised arm. Both battle axes slammed into the arm and shattered.

  Both blobs converged into one another, raising their hand in the air, stopping further advances. They merged into one, taking a humanoid shape with the body split into a black and white side, respectively, with a venus fly trap covering most of their head, revealing a single eye and teeth smiling through it.

  "Oh dear, it appears the Master was right to send us as insurance!" White Zetsu chuckled as he stood before the Sound Four with his twin. "Good thing I marked them with my spore!"

  "Such it would seem. Though he will be disappointed, the group was so antagonistic." Black Zetsu added. "We figured there may be tension with this group, so I was sent to ensure nothing regrettable happened."

  Ikam stood and snapped fingers; Mishio and Leifazu stepped back in this silent order. "Well, it seems things started off on the wrong foot. Usually, for such disrespect, I would have you killed. But dead bodies have a way of stopping successful partnerships." He laughed at his joke as he stopped in front of the six. "Luckily for you all, none of my men were injured. If they were, your death would be painful."

  The Sound Four looked on furiously as Black Zetsu considered his response. "Lucky indeed, we cannot afford or allow them to die. Do you intend to carry out his request?"

  "So it's a request now?" Leifazu chuckled. "Are we sure I can't just cut them?" He asked as he drew more axes from his person.

  "They did disrespect you, my beloved," Mishiro added as her body tensed, preparing for battle.

  Ikam merely chuckled. "It matters little. They know I could slay them if I please. Besides, Orochimaru has been rather helpful, but ending a relationship as beneficial as this would be a shame. I will indulge you for now. What is the request?"

  "Our lord merely wishes for a distraction when the Sound Four make their move!" White Zetsu gleefully informed. "Tell them, Sakon!"

  Sakon looked just as angry as the rest of the Sound Four, finally taking his eyes from Zetsu, though he did keep an eye on him in the form of Ukon. Surely upset, they were considered nonfactors of this meeting. "Our Lord intends for us to kidnap two subjects of interest to you as well as us." He explained.

  "The targets in question?" Ikam asked.

  "The targets of this level are Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha," Kidomaru explained with glee.

  "I can see why my beloved would be interested in killing more Uzumaki filth. But it is hardly worth the risk for one measly shinobi. Even a jinchuriki. We have no interest in such." Mishio countered as she sat on the arm of Ikam's chair.

  "Now, love." Ikam countered merrily. "Your thinking is too simple." Mishio sent him a questioning glance, but Black Zetsu answered.

  "For one reason or another, the Akatsuki are after the jinchuriki."

  "And we're aware that you, like our Lord, attempted and failed to defeat their leader. Hell, those shitheads want both of our groups dead." Tayuya inserted her usual flavor of politeness.

  Ikam hummed loudly at this, raising a hand to his mouth as he thought. His odd eyes with kanji in them eyed each Orochimaru group member. "I can see why he offered this. You will have your distraction, " he said as he rose and stomped from the room. Mishio followed him quickly. "I'll retire for now, but take Leifazu with you. He will be more than enough for this. Any qualms?"

  "None." Black Zetsu answered. He and White Zetsu led the Sound Four out of the cave. Turning them to address them once they had made some distance.

  "Your orders hasn't changed too much now! You are to kidnap both Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha alive! As long as their heart is beating, it should be fine!" White Zetsu said happily.

  "It is important that this mission goes well. As such, Leifazu, one of our spies, and I will create a suitable distraction. You are to go out with White Zetsu and capture the two during this. Be careful, but it could be problematic for any of you to be captured. White Zetsu will either save you or eat your corpse." He informed them gruffly. "We will wait until the break between the Second and Third Tests. Understood?"

  "As our master wishes." The four said as they bowed. All of them were determined to succeed and prove they were not as useless as Ikam had treated the

  Team Three's POV (Trial of Nio - Land of Iron)

  Kabuto watched patiently as his team limbered up. As far as he could tell, there were no notables in them. Their chakra levels suggest they were more average Genin than most. He supposed most would be concerned about such a thing, but he felt it would work out nicely in this case. One was a confident martial artist from the Sand shinobi named Shira. He was an older Genin who wasn't exceptionally skilled in ninjutsu or genjutsu. But he used an odd style of Taijutsu, which he seemed rather proud of. Next was a slightly more interesting man named Benottio, who spoke like a thug and even wielded a straight razor. He was quick and intelligent but hailed from the Village Hidden in Waterfalls. So likely was lacking in the power category. Lastly was a Mist shinobi under the name of Chojuro. He was shy and nervous. He seemed unreliable. Enough so before they even seemed to plan much, Benottio and Shira had decided he would be the Lord. Being the "weakest". The leader had been elected to be Shira as the oldest.

  The samurai that had led them to the starting place of the exam. He had explained that the Lord must be on a horse whenever traveling. Explained the wristbands they all had been outfitted with that would glow in stripes as points were scored. As well as, if they got injured, they had tags that would allow them to be withdrawn from the game and treated. A kindness not often given during the Chunin Exams but inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. Kabuto would not allow such things to happen after all.

  Kabuto and his group had been led to their path. The group decided that Benottio and Chojuro would ride on the horse while Kabuto and Shira patrolled the forest on both sides. Kabuto had been wracking his brain on how to pass the exam before he felt a burning sensation on his shoulder. A signal was given to him from his master. He had been a Genin for a while now and was told he would be given a chance to act outside his identity. He smiled at this as he stopped suddenly. Before moving at speeds that no Chunin hopeful could match. It was nice to finally move at his own speed. Benottio and Chojuro did not notice him as he flew back across the path. Shira, perhaps sensing Kabuto's killing intent, suddenly spun as Kabuto arrived behind him.

  "HA! You scared me to death there." Shira said merrily, not even noticing Kabuto suddenly flying in and touching his chest. By the time he finished his sentence, he was collapsing. Kabuto had used his chakra scalpel to slice his heart in two. Shira was dead before he even hit the ground. His mouth spitting out his lifeblood.

  "You have no idea," Kabuto replied cheerily to the now dead corpse. His eyes trailed up to the two remaining teammates, suddenly body flickering behind them as they made eye contact. Chojuro stopped his horse with a skid as the two looked at the man in front of them. "We should stop for now, " he said cryptically with a smile.

  "W-why?" Chojuro asked nervously.

  "There is no need for dumb questions. This bastard isn't on our side." Benottio answered.

  "What do you mean?" Chojuro asked as Benottio hopped off the horse. The man pulled his straight razor and took a stance against the smiling Kabuto.

  "He has a stain on his outfit; I'm almost certain it's blood. We would've heard combat, so he must've sneaked and attacked someone. Notice anything else?"

  "W-wait, where is S-Shira?" Chojuro asked as he seemed to be considering running. 'Shira would have surely shown up by now! Where was he?!'

  "Dead," Kabuto replied simply. "You two will be joining him, of course. Once, I've had fun, though. Do you know how hard it is to pretend to be a weakling? I mean, it's purposely walking on one leg. Oh wait, you're both weak. I'll make sure to hold back against you. I want to stretch my legs!" He said with a smile as he activated his chakra scalpels.

  "Funny bastard should've snuck us too," Benotti said.

  "I'm not weak," Chojuro said with a frown as he drew a katana.

  There were no more words. The three men charged each other as Benottio and Kabuto closed the distance first. Benottio flashed forward with several slices. Kabuto weaved around them with ease, preparing to use his scalpel to kill the man. Before he could, though, he ducked a katana Chojuro, swung to behead him, and rolled away while Benottio attempted to stab him in the chest. As Kabuto stood, he deflected various kunai thrown by Chojuro before he heard a call from Benottio, who came from above now.

  "Wind Style: Flying Wind Spear!" He called as visible wind flew from his razor at high speed. Kabuto dived out of the way, just dodging the attack by a hair's breadth but leading him into the path of the falling Benottio, who slashed at him with his razor, attempting to slit his throat. Kabuto merely smiled as he met this slash with his scalpel, cutting through it and slicing through the tendons throughout Benottio's hand. As the two fell, Benottio screamed out in pain. The man grasped his hand in pain. Kabuto prepared to finish him before a water dragon flew towards him. He managed to substitute himself with a log appearing behind Chojuro, surging forward to slash across the muscles in his back. Chojuro spun as he slashed at Kabuto's head. Kabuto's eyes widened, noticing how fast he reacted to it. 'This mere Genin is this fast?' He managed to duck just in time and attempted to slice through the blade of Chojuro. But his chakra scalpel is stopped in place.

  "Your technique is impressive. But a true swordsman can strengthen their sword with chakra." Chojuro lectured. "Also, arrogance is unbecoming of a shinobi." As he finished, Benottio appeared and stabbed Kabuto in the throat with a kunai. Kabuto stumbled back, gurgling blood, before collapsing on the ground, seemingly dead.

  "Good work, nervous wreck! He destroyed my damn razor! That bastard was a monster…" He suddenly stopped speaking.

  Chojuro turned to see what stunned him and discovered Kabuto standing and smiling. Seemingly unperturbed by the blood covering him. His throat, which had been nearly split open, now looked pristine.

  "H-how?" Chojuro asked, confused.

  "Oh, an attack like that could never kill me. I had truly intended to kill both of you. But I guess you're lucky." Kabuto responds pleasantly. "Though you did surprise me. You're lucky my mission today isn't to kill you weaklings." Kabuto responded pleasantly.

  "Like we're gonna let you leave, bastard!" Benottio screamed as he charged forward. But Kabuto started to sink into the ground while smiling.

  "Oh, you will very much have your hands full already," Kabuto informs. I wish you luck, teammates." He finishes with a smile as he fully slides underground.

  The two men were silent, waiting to see if he would reappear. Before they heard the sound of hooves hitting the pavement, filling the air.

  "You're fucking kidding me," Benottio complained as they realized what was happening. "We gotta run!"

  "It won't work. We have to ride the horse, and they are surely faster than it. We'll have to attempt to fend them off!" Chojuro stated that he seemed to be preparing himself for the battle ahead.

  "That would be correct." A voice called out as another group approached the path a short distance from the two men. "Sorry, but Shinobi play for keeps." Temari lectured as she rode in the scene. Ino, Shino, and Omoi landed around her facing the group.

  "It would be wise to surrender and allow us our points," Shino informed.

  "Like hell we will!" Benottio cried as he charged forward angrily. Chojuro sighed at this before joining him.

  "Oh no, we're gonna kill them and be disqualified." Omoi worried out loud as Ino, and he met their charge. He and Chojuro locked blades as Ino and Benottio engaged in a one-sided series of blows. Benottio slashed with a kunai, but Ino quickly disarmed this and threw the man with a shoulder throw. The waterfall shinobi promptly rolled to his feet and attempted to throw an overhand at the woman. But Ino, using a roundhouse kick to the head of Benttio, sent him flying back.

  "No, we're not! Just gonna do what you gotta!" Benittio screamed as scores of insects covered his body, draining him of his remaining chakra. Chojuro jumped back, seeing Benottio had fallen. He sighed once again.

  "Enough, we surrender, " he called. The group stopped as Shino walked forward carefully. He approached Chojuro, both surrounded by his insect allies. Chojuro did not react to this, nor did he react to Shino tapping him three times. As he did so, all of Team One saw a band that had been wrapped around their forearms glow, signifying their completion point-wise. At this, Shino nodded.

  "Thank you for not making us harm you further," Shino said simply.

  "I-it doesn't matter," Chojuro stated, seemingly uncaring about failing. He picked up the unconscious Benottio and loaded him onto the horse. He then drew the tag given to them earlier. Activating it sent off a flash of light. After a short time, several samurai arrived to provide first aid, and they, along with Chojuro and Benottio, were led into the woods. Not once did the defeated Mist Shinobi complain so much.

  "That didn't seem… I don't know… is it bizarre to anyone else?" Ino asked quizzically.

  "It really was…" Omoi started. "Perhaps he's some kind of supervillain?"

  "SHUT UP!" Ino and Temari sound off at once. Omoi flinched at this, dropping to the ground. Both women nodded at each other.

  "It's better we continue. We may have what's needed to pass, but the other teams won't." Shino added. "That would mean we are prime targets."

  "Right, let's go, team!" Temari called. Both the leader and Lord of team one. Team One continued on the move. Unknowing of what had tragically happened to Team Three.

  Team Two's POV (Trial of Nio - Land of Iron)

  Naruto hadn't truly felt too nervous for the exam. He had always been a more simplistic guy. The villagers had never been cruel to him or his mother. They weren't well known and, as such, lived in relative peace. Naruto had often felt lonely with just him and his mother. But such was life. As such, he had been himself and his mother. It had been enough for him, but Kushina seemed to want more for him than that. So Naruto decided to find something to become strong and beloved. So his mother would be happy, and he could find others to be satisfied with. It hadn't taken long to decide on his goal. It was a meeting with Hiruzen that was the deciding factor. He may have been old, but he had a powerful presence, seemed to know everything, and even acknowledged him! It had been clear to him that he needed to become Hokage. He remembered his mother had initially been against it. But even as a child, he had been stubborn and eventually won her over. With that goal in mind, he had trained hard. It hadn't been easy; often, he had struggled pitifully. He supposed he simply wasn't a genius. In time, he had grown and now had a chance to be closer to his dream.

  As if that hadn't been motivation enough, his mother informed him that the exams held a level of importance that very few things in his life had. She would finally tell him about his da if he became a Chunind. As much as he longed to know, he loved his mother too much to push her on it. Instead, he waited, trusting she would let him know one day. Now, if he did things right, he would finally know. The first part had been something he simply couldn't offer too much help with. While he wasn't stupid, he simply wasn't as smart as all these damn "geniuses." But is a survival exercise about protecting? Yeah, that was much more his style.

  The selection of the lord of their group had been a relatively easy choice. Gaara had shown remarkable defensive skills in his brief conflict with Naruto, and no one in the group felt exceptionally safe with him watching their backs. Gaara declared that he wouldn't have to worry about Fuu or Naruto dying. And simply didn't care if Samui did. Selecting a leader was also a simple process. Fuu and Gaara had no interest in leading. While Naruto would one day be Hokage, he wasn't the best leader yet. Leaving only the aloof Samui as the choice. It worked out well. The woman was personable enough, intelligent, and calm to a fault. Quickly deciding to have the group summarize their abilities. So she could devise the best approach. She decided heading up the mountain as soon as the horse could manage would be best. The paths throughout it often intersected, meaning the group would likely not have to be concerned about finding a team. They were more likely to be attacked after all. With that in mind, the group summarized themselves and their abilities.

  Naruto had proudly decided to go first. Despite his recent growth, he just couldn't help but brag when an opportunity was presented. He described his ability to make a small army of clones. His unique Kenjutsu-Ninjutsu style. It wasn't entirely honest about his full capabilities, but Naruto felt he should keep that to himself since Gaara had often remarked an intent to fight him at some point.

  Fuu had gone next. Naruto had met various people, and despite his best efforts, he often annoyed them. Perhaps it was his obnoxious nature, blunt honesty, or endless energy, but he frequently rubbed others incorrectly. He had been overjoyed to get along with Team Seven. Even further to have made quick friends with Samui. Honestly, it had made his day! Now, it got even better. Fuu was the most positive person he had ever met. She matched his energy, was full of smiles, and was generally excellent! It was like he had met a female version of himself! She even held the same pain in her eyes. The eyes of someone who had been lonely. She described how she could fly, had incredible strength, and was as hard as steel. Naruto questioned this, and Fuu cheerfully told him to hit her. Being the man he was, Naruto quickly slugged her before realizing what he had done. But to the group's shock, she ate the punch without budging an inch or flinching. Naruto felt like he had found the sister he never knew he wanted.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Samui and Naruto had hit it slightly during their tenure into the first test. He knew she was calm, aloof, intelligent, and using the same kind of blade as him. She fought similarly to him. She used her kenjutsu and intelligence to outmaneuver her opponents. Naruto felt she was likely holding something back. He supposed he wasn't the only one hiding his full abilities.

  Gaara went last. And his summarization left much to be desired. He stated that his sand was an absolute defense to protect him from threats. Then, he boldly declared he, unlike others, was openly the jinchuriki of the One Tails. It felt like a jab to Naruto, but he witnessed Fuu flinch momentarily. Gaara merely smiled and looked at Fuu, causing the group to realize the oddness of this team. They held three jinchuriki. The group had gone silent, and to Naruto, they would likely not work well together in this test. He had no clue what to say but knew he had to say something to the group.

  "Guys, I get what you're thinking." Naruto started as he walked in front of the group, facing all three of them down. "We're hiding things from one another. As much as we may get along, we aren't necessarily allies. And it's dangerous to be open. I get that!" He started smashing his fist into the mountain, causing a crack where he struck. "But dammit, we all wanna become Chunin! We are all here and on the same team! So screw all this not ally sneaking shinobi crap! We gotta be a team for now. Let's show we got what it takes. When the time comes for us to separate, we do it with no hard feelings. We all have our reason for being here! So for now, let's work towards it together!" He finished with a heave.

  The group stared back at him silently before Fuu flew forward and hugged the blonde happily. "Of course, we can be buddies, silly! Friends are a great thing to have!" Fuu said as she bodily spun the blonde around.

  "Hell ya, we're friends! Let's kick ass, ya know?" Naruto replied happily, the two cheering loudly.

  "You know, maybe it's not cool to be super friendly." Samui said as she looked towards Gaara." But I like it a lot more than being cold." She then walked over to the group, happily greeted and hugged by Fuu, who immediately decided Samui was also her friend.

  Gaara stared at this in silent shock. He had expected the rookie jinchuriki to bond with him. For the filthy human to do so as well was odd. As far as he knew, the two were simply natural enemies. Humans used them as a tool to destroy. Jinchuriki eventually crushed humans like the pests they were. He had intended to show them that they could only trust their kind, but it seemed they were steadfast in loving pests. For now, he would wait. The chance to break the two was something he would relish. Then, he would guide them to the light.

  With that all done, Samui launched into her leadership role. Gaara was to travel the path on the horse, with Samui following nearby to provide backup and communication. Naruto, with an army of clones, would traverse the woods of the mountain on both sides of the trail, providing them with a defensive perimeter. Fuu, with her unique flight ability, would fly above the group, altering them to any approaching opposition or promising prey. Naruto would readily admit he thought it was a winning strategy.

  And so they set off, making impressive progress. When Samui's stamina was an inevitable question, it was solved by various Narutos carrying her to save her stamina and keep her fresh. The group had a fantastic time. But Naruto and Fuu, hyperactive and impulsive, had settled on playing 20 questions. Fuu carried the blonde since his clones could act without his input.

  "Ever been kicked out of a store?" Fuu posed with a smile.

  "Umm… kind of. My mom was there, and she ended up wrecking the place. She spent months doing missions to pay for it! My ma can be very scary," Naruto answered happily.

  "Man, your mom sounds so awesome!" Fuu replied excitedly.

  "She really is! My turn… Ever done pranks?" Naruto asked with a smirk.

  "Um, no, the villagers don't like me. I doubt it'll end well." Fuu replied awkwardly.

  "Haha! That's why I did it back in the day. If people want to ignore me, I might get their attention another way. But eventually, my ma caught me and…" Naruto visibly shivered at this. "So scary…"

  "From what I've heard, parents can be that way." Fuu supplied.

  "You don't know yours?" Naruto asked bluntly.

  "Nope. They died after I was born." Fuu replied just as bluntly.

  Naruto sighed somberly, "I'm sorry. I never knew my dad either; he died as well." Naruto replied, looking up at the sun as if it knew the answers.

  Fuu didn't know how to deal with that! She hadn't even talked to someone human in a while, much less comfort someone who had been talking about his dead father. So, she went with the most logical and sympathetic gesture she could think of.

  "It's okay. Life can be tough, but one day, it gets better. So you can't give up. You never know when things will turn around. One day, everyone gets lucky," Fuu replied with a strained smile.

  "Good point, believe it!" Naruto replied.

  Both suddenly flinched, stopping the conversation. "You felt that too?" Fuu asked with a slight frown.

  "One of my clones was just destroyed," Naruto said with a matching frown. "Let's report it to Samui and Gaara. A team is coming our way. My clones are slowing them down for now. We can take them. I know two of them." At this, Fuu slowly lowered them, her seven wings slowing to allow them to descend. "Hey, we have company approaching! They know where we are and are looking for trouble. One of them can track our scent!" Naruto informed the group.

  "Good, I was getting bored. Let's wait for them." Gaara replied, making his horse stop and climbing down from it. Samui slid to a stop beside him with a frown as she pondered this.

  "We may as well. We need points, and it would be uncool to withdraw." Samui noted. "How long?"

  "Should be about two minutes. My clones can be threatening but are too fragile to hold 'em much longer." Naruto replied.

  "Alright! Time to rock!" Fuu cheered happily, spinning after throwing a fist and giggling at her gestures.

  "Cool, more than enough time to prepare. Naruto, Fuu, I have an idea. I need the two of you to do something. Gaara, could you hold your own long momentarily?" Samui asked with a look back at the redhead oddity.

  "I will likely kill them before you can get involved." He replied simply.

  "Hey, two of them are my friends. I'll kick your ass if you try!" Naruto informed Gaara angrily.

  "Ya, don't be a jerk to Naruto!" Fuu replied behind the blonde. Staring at Gaara from behind his shoulder. The redhead freaked her out.

  Gaara sighed heavily. "I do not know what's wrong with you two. But I'll spare the two friends. I assume Leaf?" he asked with a smile. Naruto merely nodded, which Gaara also nodded at.

  Team Two was an interesting group.

  Team Six's POV (Trial of Nio - Land of Iron)

  Kiba knew he was an odd guy. The Inuzuka clan respected their dog partners to the highest degree. They were treated as equals, as any good companion should be. As such, they had, over the years, adapted their qualities. Not just in the physical or ninjutsu way but even in their personalities. Back in the day, they were more savage, but it was more tempered these days. Before, they often tried to be alphas, but now they use it more healthily and competitively. As such, Kiba just had to see if Naruto had truly grown as strong as Ino and Neji had claimed. There was simply no way he had surpassed him! He had always been ahead of the blonde in the academy, and despite their friendship, he enjoyed it. It seemed his rival had grown some! Time to establish who was who. Choji and Sen had been against it. Choji due to his friendship with Naruto. Sen thought it would be wiser to set a trap. Luckily, Ayuma felt such methods were dishonorable, and Kiba convinced them to launch the attack.

  His group flew into the part of the trial. Team Two resided. Gaara stood proudly in front of them.

  "I wouldn't suggest trying to score points off of me. Pests like you get crushed by predators like me, " Gaara says, annoyed. "Leave now, and I may let you live."

  "It seems they left their lord. Cowardly of them, I shall combat this one." Ayuma stated simply. The waterfall shinobi pulled out a metal bo staff.

  "Unnecessary," Sen stated as she fanned before her, a powdery substance filling the air around Gaara. "He's already caught in my genjutsu. He's lucky to even still be standing."

  "Shameful, but I may as well finish him off," Ayuma stated, flying forward with his bo staff and twirling to unleash a devastating swing to the head of the dazed Gaara. As the staff came close, a tendril of sand blocked the blow. Unphased, Ayuma unleashed a quick series of blows at various levels, but each was blocked by the sand. The last blow, the staff became caught in the sand. "Impressive. You can still defend yourself this well." Ayuma reported grimly as he yanked, attempting to get his staff back.

  "The sand truly does most of the work. I can barely tell where you are. An impressive genjutsu for pests. But from what I can see…. the two of you aren't Leaf!" Gaara screams as the tendrils of sand send Ayuma flying into Sen., Freeing Gaara from her technique. He smiled as his wristband suddenly gleamed, showing it was the girl who was the lord. "I scored a point already; this game may be too easy."

  "I wouldn't be so sure about that, ginger!" Kiba screamed as he prepared to barrel into Gaara with a flying kick. But suddenly was snatched from the air. Akamaru barked at his master being taken. Jumping up to climb a tree to get him. Being carried high into the air by Fuu. At first, he threw several punches at the girl, but she ate them all without any reaction. "What the hell are you made of?!" He complained.

  "Those punches won't work on me! I'm lucky!" Fuu replied with a smile.

  "THAT DOESN'T EVEN MAKE SENSE!" Kiba yelled angrily.

  "Besides, look where we are," Fuu replied sweetly.

  Kiba looked around in bewilderment. He was high in the air, way over even the mountain. "WHAT THE FUCK!"

  "Goodbye now," Fuu said with an airy giggle as she dropped him.

  "Fuck!" Kiba screamed like a girl in fear as he flew quickly towards the ground. No question, a fall from this height would kill him! As he came close, he felt a hand grasp his ankle, stopping his descent. Fuu smiled down at the exasperated Kiba. "Fine…. I'll… give it to you… for now… just….. don't do that again!" He complained, hung upside down and disorientated.

  Choji wanted to help Kiba, but it was best he stopped them from getting Sen. Ayuma, who ran back as he held his now dented staff. He swore angrily as he attacked Gaara's seemingly unstoppable defense.

  Choji grew about ten feet tall as he punched the ground, breaking it. He picked up a man-sized piece and hurled it at Gaara. To his shock, the rock suddenly crumbled. Naruto flew through the remains with his tanto glowing. Stating with a smile. "Uzumaki Style: Instant Erosion! Hey there, buddy, sorry, but I'm your opponent for now."

  Sen dodged several slashes from the blonde woman pursuing her. She had already been hit once. And while she couldn't be eliminated by getting scored on, it was a mark of dishonor. She sincerely doubted Shira would get hit, nor did she believe that Yome would want her to fail! But the woman was absurdly quick. Kept much too close to her to use her genjutsu. Her fans allowed her to hold her own for now. She growled as she flowed chakra into them. "Cactus Spine Shower! She called as several thin beams of chakra flew toward Samui. The number and close range of the attack almost assured it would hit!

  Samui merely smiled at this. "Sorry, but Cool Counter!" She said calmly as her blade suddenly flashed through the air, splitting each chakra strand with ease and even knocking her fans out of her hands. Samui then threw a backkick, driving it into the torso of Sen for extra measure and sending her sliding back. All of Team Two smiled further as another point totaled for them.

  "Well done, " Sen gasped. Fortunately, you played it too loose, " she smiled as Akamaru suddenly grabbed her and flew back.

  At this, the struggling Choji and Kiba flew back, the group retreating. Samui, Naruto, and Fuu prepared to pursue them to get the final point before a scream broke their concentration.

  They looked back to see Ayuma screaming in pain, one of his arms wholly gone. Blood pumping from where it once lay. He tried to run, but sand wrapped around his ankles, lifting him into the air. Gaara smiled cruelly as he clenched his fist. The sand holding the ankles of Ayuma crushed in the sound of bones shattering, filling the area. Samui and Fuu were stunned by the violence. Naruto raced forward and angrily attempted to grab Gaara. His sand stopped this action, however.

  "What the hell are you doing?" Naruto asked furiously at the heartless torture of another human.

  "He loses, and that means his life is forfeited," Gaara stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "For beings like us, life holds more. But for a pest like him? Well, they deserve to die." Gaara said darkly.

  "Put him down. Or I'll kill you myself!" Naruto declared angrily.

  "Oh, you'll kill me?" Gaara said his killing intent filled the area. Samui collapsed on her knees. Fuu flinched at the power. Naruto flinched as well, and Gaara smirked at this. "Be careful with your words, friend." While they had argued, none realized the sand had raised the struggling Ayuma high in the air. Wrapping around his mouth to keep him silent.

  "No-" Naruto started but flinched as Ayuma hit the ground head-first with a disgusting splat. The body was pulverized by the fall. The group, all except Gaara, marched forward to look away.

  Gaara walked past them and calmly climbed onto his horse. "I didn't kill your friends; you could never kill me, and don't assume because we are kin, I won't kill you." He said as he started to trot on with his horse.

  Gaara felt that while the others seemed to hate how this event went down, it went down the best way it could've so far. Now they knew what line not to cross. Shortly after, they elected to set up camp. The day turned to night, and things got ice cold. Gaara agreed to take a shift, wanting this time to himself. He explained he could not sleep and would watch for the night. The group didn't feel entirely comfortable with this but realized it was best to agree for now. Gaara had formed a shelter out of stone for them and the horse. Naruto managed to catch various fish. His mother taught him survival skills at a young age. Fuu had gone and found safe drinking water. Samui had started a fire to warm the odd structure. She seemed incredibly on guard being left with Gaara. He also knew at least twenty clones were watching them. Ten more following Fuu. It appeared the blonde intended to protect the team, even against itself. But he had behaved, and things went well. Now, deeper into the night, he was able to relax. He suddenly felt the presence of others coming and, with a smile, stood. He created a sand clone to watch over his teammates as he climbed onto his steed and rode out to meet them.

  This exam would serve his vice as well as his goal!

  Team Eight's POV (Trial of Nio - Land of Iron)

  Neji knew the first exam had gone as well as it did, primarily due to a lucky team. They were well suited to the task at hand. Not much had truly changed in that regard. His team had a solid repertoire of skills, solid thinking, and agreeable nature. It made it clear to Neji that they would likely pass with ease. But he needed to pass. He had no doubt Naruto would pass. As such, he needed to as well. Naruto had shaken his core belief system, so the two were friends. But deep down, Neji had felt slightly dissatisfied. Naruto had defeated him and merely continued to grow.

  During the training sessions just before the exams, Naruto defeated him and Ino most of the time. He had quickly cemented himself as the most powerful on their team. Neji truly was happy for his friend. He grew due to his own training and unfaltering spirit. Neji would never look down on him collecting his spoils, but he had to admit it was frustrating.

  Naruto had been significantly below him in rankings. He had come a long way mentally, but he was no genius. He came from relative nothing, and yet he stood above him. Neji didn't resent him for it but craved to be his equal. His goal of changing the Hyuga would require strength to gain influence. If he couldn't at least match Naruto, could he truly pursue his goal of breaking fate? The question haunted him. He needed to prove to himself he was able to change things. He would start with himself.

  His team had elected Tenten to be the lord. Her repertoire of tools would not be hampered too much on horseback. Oddly enough, I am also very well-trained to ride a horse. Kurotsuchi had insisted on being a leader. And to her credit, she seemed to be skilled at it. Even if her communication skills certainly needed help. They had decided to immediately seek out another team, attempt to get their points early, and focus on arriving.

  As such, when Neji spotted another team with his long-range Byakugan, he called in his team to decide how to attack. While they believed they may be able to crush them outright, they decided to separate the lord, with two of them attempting to score while the other two held off the defenders. Sai and he would attempt to score, while Tenten and Kurotsuchi held off the others.

  Kurotsuchi had been quite clever in the plan she created. The Horses were an interesting addition, an exploitable one. Horses were well-trained creatures and were hard to panic. Unless, of course, they were convinced they were in danger. She had a simple plan: they couldn't harm the horse but didn't need to. Or even startle it. Just move it.

  Neji watched as Sakura and Hinata worked with two other shinobi he didn't recognize. Moving on to other Leaf shinobi was unfortunate, but they couldn't risk leaving them alone. They observed the four Kankuro on the horse, and the other three formed a loose diamond formation. Once they had thoroughly scouted them, they moved to enact Kurotsuchi's plan. With a cry of her jutsu, it began.

  "Earth Style: Stone Uprising!" As she finished this call, the ground beneath Team Seven suddenly rose. A large pillar of stone shot up thirty feet in the air. Leaving a swearing, Kankuro separated from his teammates. Sakura, Hinata, and Mangetsu jumped up, attempting to interfere. But Kurotsuchi shot out of the pillar, hand signs already flowing. "Earth Style: Earth Flow Spears!" She called. Suddenly, several jagged spears shot off the ground. Causing Hinata and Sakura to scramble back from them. Mangetsu merely charged forward with the spears stabbing him through, but he simply seemed to bleed water.

  "That stuff doesn't work on me!" He called as he drew a tanto and flew forward to attack Neji and Sai, who were climbing the pillar to attack Kankuro. But as he attempted to, Tenten jumped in front of him with a pair of metal tonfas. "Listen here, girly," Mangetsu said with a sneer. "You're out of your league! You can't even hurt me!" He called confidently, charging towards the woman. Tenten merely smirked as she twirled the two with a smile. As Magetsu swung his tanto with wild abandonment at her head. She shot out with a thrust to his middle section. The man gasped as it hit his stomach and drove the air out of him.

  "H-how." He asked breathlessly.

  "Lighting Chakra Flow, of course. You are a Hozuki, after all." Tenten replied sweetly before smacking the man in the head with both, driving him to the ground. "In the Root, we study all notable methods of battle." She said as she jumped down and faced the man, climbing to his feet.

  Kankuro knew he was a good shinobi. Many claimed he was the most skilled puppeteer coming out of the Sand. It was undeniably true, even more so once he had found Sasori's notes. Now, he had achieved a level of puppetry that few ever would achieve again. As such, even once he was picked away from his allies and approached by two powerful shinobi, he didn't flinch. He merely chuckled as he activated his signature technique. "Puppet Storm!" As he said this, the bundle on his back shot out a litany of blades.

  "Rematch time, Hyuga!" He called with glee.

  The blades flew towards the two, switching angles and positions freely throughout the air. He had soaked them in a paralyzing agent that would keep them stunned with even one good cut. There was simply no way the two could survive the storm of death. He watched with glee as the metal killers approached the two men, both racing from opposite sides of the pillar. He didn't even need to leave the horse!

  But to his shock, the two men quickly countered the seemingly endless barrage of blades. The Hyuga deflected them with his bare hands as he ran, dodging as necessary. Occasionally, his hand would dart and sever one of the chakra strings. The other achieved the same with a tanto. Neither of them even seemed to slow as they charged. "Dammit, hard way then! Time for a real Puppet show. With a poof, two of Crow, both identical, suddenly appeared. Both flew in the air and flew around, each focusing on one.

  "Sai now!" Neji called for Sai to engage in their strategy. Sai quickly jumped high, scribbling into a scroll as he fell. Using a large burst of chakra to his legs, Neji flew straight towards Kankuro. He saw the panic in his eyes at this. Both Crows flew back to their master mouths, opening and firing off a wall of senbon. "Hmm, before, I'd be helpless, but I learned to think out of the box from the best! Flying Kaiten: Heavenly Arrow!" He called as he spun in a spiral in the air. A more elongated form of chakra covered him, looking like a rudimentary arrow. It deflected the senbon with ease. Kankuro gasped as both Crows crossed their arms and formed their chakra shields. Neji easily smashed through this, and Kankuro barely managed to lean away to dodge the attack. Falling off the horse and the pillar in the process.

  "Shit, shit, shit! Release: Black Ant!" He summoned the puppet who swallowed him to protect him from the fall. But this left the man blind to Sai, now riding a large black and white bird.

  "Super Beast Scroll!" he called as he drew his tanto, and the bird dive-bombed. I suppose I'll have to cut through," Sai said as he dived from the bird, falling incredibly fast. He slashed with momentum as he fell towards Kankuro, managing to cut through Black Ant and cut Kankuro shallowly. Sai hit the floor hard and rolled to try to bleed off the force. But Kankuro slung himself using a chakra string, and he attempted to flee before Neji suddenly called from below.

  "Gentle Fist: Air Palm!" He called a blast of air smashed through the string and hit Kankuro, sending him flying back. Neji smirked as his wristband filled its second slot, showing they were close to succeeding. Neji ducked as he barely managed to dodge an air palm from Hinata. But was left wide open for her newest technique.

  "Gentle Fist: Heavenly Needle!" she called, firing a small sliver of chakra into his leg, immediately making it numb. It forced him down to a knee, allowing Hinata to hit a head kick. He slid back and quickly rose to his feet, reopening the chakra points Hinata had closed with a smile. Kurotsuchi appeared behind Neji.

  "Your teammate burned Sakura-sama," Hinata said, her face looking fierce. "It was dishonorable; she had her beat."

  "She was a bit weakling; I didn't mean to," Kurotsuchi said with a semi-apologetic smile.

  "It's fine. It was part of our plan anyway." Hinata said with a nervous smile as she formed a defensive stance. But she suddenly was poofed, smoking, covering her form, and leaving a wooden mannequin. Neji and Kurotsuchi frowned at this. Before Tenten called out

  "Help!"

  They both raced back, Sai joining them and informing them that Kankuro escaped. Once they arrived, they saw the four attacking Tenten. Who was doing well despite the odds? She smacked Mangetsu away and Sakura in one motion. Sakura landed on her ankle with a shout of pain. But it left Tenten open for Hinata to smack her with a Palm Bottom! It sent Tenten flying. Neji barely managed to catch her. Kurotsuchi and Sai stood before them, preparing to buy them time to recover.

  "Sakura! Dammit, pull out for now!" Kankuro called in a panic. He raised a hand sign. "Possession Switch: Corpse Escape!" He called all four, suddenly disappearing and being replaced with wooden mannequins.

  Neji sighed as his team regrouped. It had gone well, but that gambit they pulled had been surprising. They had also underestimated their combat level. And it had nearly cost them. Luckily, Tenten was quite formidable to hold out even momentarily.

  They collected their things, tended to their wounds as best they could, and continued. They would need one point to pass this exam, and the second day was not far away.

  Team Seven arrived in a much different state. Most beat up to various levels. Kankuro was particularly hurt due to an airpalm and a cut. Sakura had broken the ankle and was unable to walk. They could do nothing for the woman; she said she wanted to drop out. They had been neutered, down a person, he was injured, and their morale would surely be shot.

  Mangetsu roared angrily. "Dammit, we got treated like scrubs. We're gonna need revenge. I'll kill them all myself."

  "We will need points. But first, we need to regroup." Kankuro said with a frown.

  "Go ahead, cowards. I'll show you how it's done." Magetsu said as he raced off.

  "This is not good Kankuro-sama." Hinata said quietly. "We can't move with only the two of us."

  "We'll hide for now. If we're lucky, he'll return, not dead." Kankuro said with a frown. "Besides, we need to be more careful. I don't have any more mannequins for my puppet show."

  "Hai."

  Gaara's POV (Trial of Nio - Land of Iron)

  Gaara sat calmly on his horse. He was only a short distance away from camp. He was on the horse to make it clear he was the lord. As well as to keep them away from the camp. There was no need for him to share his prey this time. His past had been one of violence. First against him, then him against others. These days, he doesn't kill as much as he did in the past. No need to kill every pest he came across. But he undeniably missed it; the feeling of killing gave him a rush. Made him feel alive. And while he had found a new goal to live for than merely killing. Tonight, he would enjoy things the way he once did. After all, he was only hurting humans.

  The team arrived with stealth and barely contained intent. They scouted him from the forest to his left. Hidden twenty feet into the woods about seventeen degrees to the left shoulder. They were determining if they could take him. More than likely, one or two were gung-ho about him, while the intelligent ones would sense the trap. But both parties would elect to launch an attack. After all, how could they resist a lord left in the open in the dead of night?

  The four rode in confidentiality. He saw the redhead cloud girl he believed was named Karui, the female Uchiha Yuno, a more petite woman from the river named Mubi, and a man from the Mist named Raiga. The man stalked forward, drawing his blades, which sparked periodically. The redhead and small girl jumped behind him to ensure he had no safe escape. Yuno climbed off her horse with a smile.

  "Hey there, cutie. Surely you realize you might've cost your team the game? You're interesting for sure, but not that smart." Yuno said with a flirty smile.

  "Enough. I think it's time for his funeral!" Raiga roared as his sword crackled even louder before a bolt of electricity flew toward Gaara. He did not move, but the sand in his gourd intercepted the bolt. There was silence for a moment before Raiga roared angrily. He charged in screaming, Karui and Mubi charging in behind him. Raiga led the assault by loading his blades full of electrical turrets, unleashing the energy with a double slash. A massive wall of sand met this assault, and Karui appeared behind Gaara with a smile as it did.

  "You're wide open!" Karui screamed excitedly. Cloud Style: Front Beheading!" Her blade flew out, shining with chakra. But similarly to Raiga, another wall of sand rose to meet the attack, stopping it in place. As both jumped back, suddenly, four Mubi moved in from different sides. Gaara merely smirked as he raised a hand sign.

  "Sand Pellets!" he called gruffly as the walls shot off small amounts of themselves towards the copies. But Mubi ate the shot without effect, merely having holes blown through their bodies, leaking water.

  "Prepare yourself for a River Village special!" Mubi called sweetly. "Water Style: Meeting of the Seas!" The four clones suddenly lost their human form, becoming mere waves flying towards Gaara. He merely flew up into the air upon a pad of sand.

  "Right into my hands!" Raiga shouted with glee. "Fangs of Lightning!" He called as his blades were struck with lightning, the energy gathering around the man before a bolt flew in from above. Gaara looked up as it was being smacked by it directly. It smacked him into the ground before the form of Gaara became sand.

  "I see your weaklings," Gaara said simply. Rising from the ground behind the three. All three turned to meet the powerful man. Karui and Mubi with fear and Raiga with excitement. He smiled darkly before flinching and looking up. He saw Yuno above Gaara, already flowing through hand signs.

  "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" She called as she shot the blast of flames towards the immobile Gaara. Her three teammates flew back as the fire hit. The area was filled with smoke before revealing a dome of sand with glass specs due to the flames.

  "You have a bit of power." Gaara comments. His head is visible through a patch of glass. "Merely an insect still." Two large hands flew from the dome as he finished, chasing the shinobi around. "You're out of your league messing with me." He informed as the four dodged the lightning-quick sand. Suddenly, the entire ground shuddered as it was lifted and surrounded by sand. "Die," Gaara said simply as the sand attempted to crush them all.

  Yuno managed to body flicker out, seeing it coming somewhat. Her two tomoe Sharingan barely made out the sand trap closing at the start of it. She managed to grab Karui on her way out. Raiga blasted his way out with lighting, but the group flinched when they heard screaming inside the crumbling mass of sand.

  "It seems one of you died there. But I don't intend for any of you to survive." Gaara said as he stalked from the pile of sand. They could all see blood leak from the sand, hinting at the fate of Mubi.

  "Fine by me. In the Mist, we fight to the death!" Raiga cackled madly.

  "We need to retreat, you bastard!" Yuno called, realizing they couldn't beat Gaara. Karui nodded, as being so close to death made it clear to her.

  "Then go ahead! This is a duel, anyway! A woman like you could never understand." Raiga said with a smile. "My name is Raiga Kurosuki! What is yours? I need it for the funeral!"

  Gaara ignored him, raising a finger. Yuno yelled as she was suddenly flung toward him. Gaara slapped her away cruelly. Yuno slammed into the ground hard. Gaara then turned to face him. "I got my points, so I may as well kill you first."

  Yuno was caught by Karui, who threw onto the horse and got out of there.

  As the two men sized each other up.

  "I can sense your killing intent. But even insects kill. Your death will be meaningless," Gaara informed him. He had assumed that after Naruto, the gap between him and the others might be small, but now he saw that Naruto may be the exception, not the rule.

  "Death is anything but meaningless! I'll show you how glorious death can be! Lightning Ball Volley!" Raiga screamed manically as several balls of lighting formed and rotated around the man as he waved his blades. Gaara raised an eyebrow as his sand writhed around him, preparing itself. With a roar of glee, Raiga let loose the balls that flew towards Gaara. Each met with the sand, causing a boom in impact. Sand, snow, lightning, and stone flew from each collision. But at the end of the valley, Gaara stood unharmed. Though some of his sand was burnt to glass.

  "Was that your best? I'm growing bored with you already, human." Gaara said as he glared at the stunned Raiga. Suddenly, the man faded and appeared behind Gaara, his blades covered in lightning. Before he could slash, sand grabbed him and slammed him into the ground. It then lifted him and slammed him into a nearby bank of snow. "I should've pursued your teammates," Gaara said as he stalked away.

  "You almost killed me. But sadly, it'll be your funeral today." Raiga said he was covered in cuts and blood. He struggled to stand, his voice breaking as he spoke. "Worry not though. In death, you'll witness true beauty. I will miss you dearly! Lightning Dragon Tornado!" Raiga screamed as he spun in place. The sky boomed in response, and Gaara noticed it suddenly was a lightning storm instead of a snow one. "I prepared this storm, fool! I was merely stalling!" Raiga explained as lightning started to surround him. "DIE!"

  Gaara's eyes widened as the lighting formed a dragon, which roared as it flew towards him. The beast was made of lightning and waves. It was massive! He weaved hand signs quickly and heaved his hands upwards. "Sand Tsunami!" A large wave of sand met the dragon, which caused a massive explosion, sending electricity everywhere. As the smoke cleared, Raiga stalked forward, seeing the downed Gaara. His skin was tinged black, and his flesh was burnt throughout. His body smoked as he lay still, either dead or shortly to be. Raiga chuckled as he stalked forward to check. He lifted his blades as he came close, ready to pierce his heart. But as soon as he thrust, the body exploded into the sand. Raiga attempted to jump back, but it wrapped him up.

  "But when, HOW?" Raiga screamed as he thrashed against the sand. Gaara slowly rose out of the sand around the man. As he did, he lifted the two blades Raiga had used. They were Taiji swords, he believed; from what he heard, the blades flowed with lightning chakra, supposedly making them the sharpest in the world. One of Mystical Swords of the Mist. Kiba. He slid them into his waistband. He wasn't sure what to use them, but legendary swords would prove valuable.

  "That was my sand clone. I'm surprised you made him use a jutsu." Gaara informed, staring at the man. "Yes, make no mistake, you were never close. Even if you had defeated the clone, I had already prepared your grave." As he said this, the ground around them collapsed. The man, already wrapped in sand, was helpless and fell into it. The area around the ground had somehow become sand. "I often ground the minerals and earth in the surrounding area to make my sand. I usually do so slowly, but I can do so quickly, as you can see. At any point, I could've buried you alive. Enjoy, Sand Sinkhole Funeral!" Gaara, called Raiga, was buried in the sand. Quickly being dragged meters underground. "Worry not, I'm not a monster!" Gaara screamed with a smile as he slammed his hand against the grave of Raiga. The sand compressed with a mighty heave. If one listened closely, one could hear the sound of bones shattering. Gaara cracked his neck as he stalked back into the woods, retrieving his horse. As he mounted it, his teammates arrived. All wide awake and ready for battle. "I took care of some humans," Gaara said darkly as the group noticed their wristbands fully glowed up.

  Team Five's POV (Trial of Nio - Land of Iron)

  Team Five was more unique. It was random, but fate seemed to put men into a group for a unique effect. Sasuke Uchiha, a genius of the forshamed clan, is the Ghost of the Uchiha. Shikamaru Nara is a lazy genius known for his shrew thinking and blunt attitude. Rock Lee was a young man who was addicted to work. And would outwork any through pure determination. Suigetsu Hozuki is a talented swordsman with a trick bloodline. Incredibly keen on combat. Realizing this group itched for fighting, Shikamaru decided to do things differently. He chose to be lord and Sasuke's leader. He had a feeling the Uchiha wouldn't listen otherwise. He and Lee would search for a team to ambush. While Sasuke and Suigetsu searched for the team as well. It was with this that Shikamaru watched as Team One traveled.

  "It seems clear to me. Temari is their lord, which is a decent choice since she seems like a ranged fighter. But it means little if the attacker is simply too fast." Shikamaru said while toking on a cigarette. While he did so, Rock Lee removed his weights and was stretched.

  "I will move with utmost youth!" He quietly declared as he prepared to enact Shikamaru's plan.

  X-X

  Suigetsu's POV

  Suigetsu smiled as he saw Yuno and Karui travel through the forest on a horse. "I always preferred my prey to be weaker. He chuckled as he prepared to get points and have some fun.

  X-X

  Sasuke's POV

  He stood staring down at his prey as he activated his Sharingan. He figured the others may set traps or pick a weak team. But he had always preferred to test his limits. If he was to revive the Uchiha Clan to its former heights, he needed to be powerful. Powerful enough to defeat whole scores of enemies. He jumped down as his prey walked up to meet him. The remains of Team Six surrounded the Uchiha. He supposed this would be a small test.

  AN

  Remastered: Hope you enjoyed! Peace~!