Mifune's POV (Chunin Exam Compound - Land of Iron)
Mifune had lived a long life. He had been born as nothing more than yet another orphan in this harsh world. He had to survive on his own and in the process honed his skills to ensure his survival. At least until he had been scouted for the Land of Irons elite force. The only force seemingly capable of mounting any significant resistance to shinobi. The Iron Samurai Council of the Land of Iron had held tryouts. Mifune the young starving man had signed up merely for the free lodging and food provided. He had not expected much of it in truth. Perhaps it was fate that he had attended the showing.
It had been a great discovery for both the Iron and himself that he had been a natural swordsman. He rose up fairly quickly through the ranks. It had been cruel and harsh. His days were long and eventful, his nights short and sleepless. He had nearly quit, but even at his young age, he knew this was his way out of poverty. His talent only grew with his determination. But, it was far better than those poverty stricken days. He only had to adapt; that was his only obstacle. But, he couldn't just hammer chivalry into his mind. Growing up in those slums knowing that the other side of his country seemingly were unaware or just didn't care about the commoners was a hard pill to swallow. He was just unable to look up to the higher ups with the needed respect and status.
He quickly made a name for himself in his country. His legend had been cemented during the third and second Great Ninja War. He had managed to lead men both times against the warring shinobi. Who seemed to make a habit of attempting to enter their land during the war for various reasons. Often the intention, nefarious. They had a policy of not allowing shinobi to enter their land at will, especially at times of war. Mifune had met this duty willingly. He and his men had managed in both wars to keep them out. Many shinobi met their grim demise from Mifune's blade. To him, it had been his duty. A mere responsibility for him to follow. He had expected no award nor praise. A true samurai was a humble servant of the people after all. But he had been held by both the shinobi and samurai as a legend after the wars. He supposed that part of the job always stood out to him. He had been accepted without any background or because of any past deeds. The only thing mattered was that he was swift with his blade. But, he knew that was not true for most of his comrades. Perhaps the problem was with the leader. Of course, samurai always had a legend leading them in books. Someone who he could follow with his heart and respect willingly.
Mifune had enjoyed fame to some degree. He would not give into vain aspirations as many do, but it was nice to be acknowledged for his work. Little had he known he was due for a promotion. They had attempted to tempt him to become a politician but it was not his way. Instead they had made him a general of the samurai army. More a decorative role than a working one. But a considerable rise of the station nonetheless. The work of their wise emperor and his loyal samurai led to peace within the Land of Iron. But the shinobi world drifted on his mind constantly. As proud and skilled as his samurai forces were, any of the Five Great Hidden Villages would be a great threat. Even more worrisome was the dishonorable nature of shinobi. Leading to them being considerably unpredictable. But to his shock, one of the Kage had reached out to him personally. A plan in mind to ensure peace for the Elemental Nation at least for a time. Mifune had never been one to ignore an opportunity. Peace between the Hidden Villages was mutually beneficial, and it had been shockingly easy to persuade the others with the support of the samurai. Mifune had an idea that Hiruzen of the Leaf had done more behind the scenes as shinobi often did, but it meant little in exchange for the ninja world becoming less turbulent. It worked well. Now his home would sponsor the Exams to ensure no trickery would be done for the first exams containing all five Hidden Villages. It was worth the trouble for peace. On paper he would be strengthening the bond between two powerful forces in the world while maintaining his no shinobi stance by observing children duke it out. But, behind it all the samurais will see, seemingly how weak their leader was in the face of the shinobi leaders. He was taking a gamble. The might of the 5 kage could very well reduce his country to smithereens but it was hard imagining them agreeing after all the bloodshed they unleashed upon each other.
As the Raikage, the Hokage, and the bodyguards finished their meal Mifune left the room. Having already informed the Kage of the first Exam it was time to inform the Chunin hopefuls. He exited the room and stood in front of the large group of shinobi. Most of them had just finished their meals and were mingling with one another. He drew his blade silently and slowly before slamming it into the wooden floor below cracking it from the force. The wood being smashed violently breaks through the chatter of the room. The shinobi focused on him immediately, silence filling the room as they all realized that business had begun.
"Chunin hopefuls and Jounin sensei. My name is Mifune, and I am the Commander General of the Iron Samurai Council. As such I have been given the honor to host the Chunin Exams. This was decided due to the unique circumstances of nearly all Hidden Villages participating. A concern was raised due to the break this group of Genin received. Meaning to almost every village that this exam is vital. A chance for your homes to display their future. A chance for connection and peace for various villages. A chance for you Genin to achieve glory and recognition. But this chance must be earned. In these exams, you all will be tested on various aspects that both shinobi and samurai require. There will be three parts to this exam. You will only be informed of the parts as you do them. Remember it may be held by samurai and myself, but these are still shinobi exams. Now that you have rested after your journeys it is time to begin! Any shinobi not participating in the exam please follow the samurai located on my left of the room. He will lead you to the observation room while your Genins are being tested." As he said this he witnessed the Jounin gather around the samurai he had mentioned before being led out of the room. The Genin before him were all now standing and focused. They all seemed focused and confident, good such was a mark of their composure. Unfortunately, it was time to shake such a thing.
"But first, tis' time to go over the rules. For example…" Mifune passed for dramatic effect. "You will not partake in the test as you are. See the exam is with random teams… of course, you're not allowed to harm your teammates under penalty of failing." He waited as their eyes rose to comical levels before they narrowed upon him.
"What the hell! Every exam I've heard of, you do it with your squad!" Kiba roared out angrily.
"Ya, this is ridiculous! I'm not working with our enemies!" An Iwa shinobi called out angrily.
"Certainly not working with any tree huggers."
"Sand shinobi killed my family."
"Everyone knows the Mist is a bunch of savages."
"I don't like those arrogant Cloud bastards."
Mifune felt the smile slip at the uproar. It seemed the shinobi world was rather divided. He would not allow such anarchy! "SILENCE!" As he said this he drew his blade with great speed. The booming voice and shrill sound of steel silenced the turbulent room.
"Stop acting like kids! You will be working with each other despite any misgivings you hold! If you intend to climb the ranks then you need to be mature. There may well be a time you will work with those you disdain in this world. Such is the way of the world. If you wish to become more than a mere Genin you must display honor and loyalty. If such a thing is above you, leave now before the shame grows any greater. The room went silent. The Genin had not traveled all this way for nothing and would not seek to be dropped before things began.
"Excellent, I will read off Teams now. Team One will be Naruto Uzumaki of the Leaf, Ino Yamanaka of the Leaf, Gaara of the Sand, Samui of the Cloud, and Kurotsuchi of the Stone."
The mentioned Genin walked to the front of the room before being led off by a Samurai. Mifune watched as the room tense as they realized how random this was.
"Team Two will be: Temari of the Sand, Sakura Haruno of the Leaf, Kiba Inuzuka of the Leaf, Shikamaru Nara of the Leaf, and Neji Hyuga of the Leaf."
"How is that fair!"
"Ya almost all of them are from the same village!"
"Life in general is not fair…" Mifune says seriously managing to cut through the group yet again. "There will be times in your life when you must defy adversity. Yet, there will also be times in which you benefit randomly. I may not be a shinobi myself, but I have battled and met countless amounts. No shinobi worthy of much will complain of fairness." He said, looking throughout the room. It seemed everyone had dropped it for now. The newly formed team marched out of the room.
"Team Three will be: Omoi of the Cloud, Karui of the Cloud, Sasuke Uchiha of the Leaf, Hinata Hyuga of the Leaf, and Kankuro of the Sand." The group left silently as he eyed the remaining group. No outcries this time, it seemed the whiners realized the futility of their moping. He listed off the remaining teams without interruption.
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Naruto / Ino's POV (Trial of Janus - Land of Iron)
A samurai came for each group and led them out of the building. As they exited the group all flinched at the cold winds blowing before them. The stone ground blanketed in snow. The group was led to a large building surrounded by various copies of itself. Each was cubed shaped and massive. Each simply gray and non descript. Nine of these massive structures lay beyond the gate house they had eaten inside. The samurai wordlessly led them to one of the buildings. Allowing them to enter and observe the room. It was mostly empty with white walls and two doors, one on the right wall and one on the front one. The sparse room had a painting between the doors of a battlefield of some kind. A strange pattern on the roof. And a small table in the center with a note.
Naruto could readily admit he was unsure how things would go. He had been prepared to crush the exams with his team in tow. Now they have been separated into groups. Luckily Ino had landed with him. And the blonde doubted Neji would have any real trouble. Absolute lucky bastard. He knew logically he should be friendly and attempt to improve their relationship with the newly formed team. Especially now that they were required to work together. But something about Gaara made his skin crawl. He didn't mind him being a jinchuriki but he seemed to be oddly focused on him. Plus in that scrap, he had taken a good punch with seemingly no damage, then somehow had tanked one of his favorite Kenjutsu techniques. It hadn't been a full power of course but it still should have been enough to cut him badly. But he had merely tanked it with mere sand somehow. To make matters even worse Gaara was staring him down. Which turned out to bring out Ino's more protective nature. Her standing slightly in front of the blonde and staring Gaara down.
In the three months they had spent training they had grown greatly. Ino now had at least one win each against both boys. A testament to how far she came and what kind of fighter she was. Naruto had never been much for subtlety, smashing or slicing opponents up close until they were defeated. Neji did so with more finesse, but it was effectively the same strategy. Ino fought differently. She had gained some techniques that made her dangerous. Her mind jutsu was disruptive and quick. Especially what had become her trademark jutsu. During this, the young woman seemed to have become somehow even more outgoing and confident. To the point where she was intending to warn off psychos… Naruto loved his team.
Kurotsuchi and Samui both looked on at the awkward standoff in their team. Samui merely sighed, annoyed with the team chemistry being thrown off already.
While Kurotsuchi takes a more aggressive approach "What is this the most hostile three-some ever?" She said with a shit-eating smirk.
Both Naruto and Ino jumped at this. Both stared back owlishly. Gaara merely sighed heavily before looking up at the roof seemingly done talking for now.
"Oh come on don't tell me your prudes?" Kurotsuchi continued her smile growing.
"I would never be with that creepy bastard!"
"I would never be with that creepy bastard!" Both called out at the same time. Kurotsuchi chuckled gleefully realizing her joke may hold an element of truth. Samui attempted to pretend to be unaffected but a small laugh escaped her mouth. The group all looked over at her except Gaara.
"So uncool." Samui complained.
"I will cooperate as long as we're on this team, Uzumaki. But make no mistake, at some point in this exam I will either kill you or capture you." Gaara said calmly, continuing to look at the roof.
The group met the odd declaration with the awkward silence it was warranted. "Umm… is there a story with short, red, and murderous, here wanting you? By the way, what the hell does that even mean? Don't tell me this is some kinda bo-" Kurotsuchi started with a shit-eating grin.
"No way in hell! If he says something odd like that again I'll kick his ass!" Naruto yelled angrily.
"I'm not interested in your body Uzumaki, merely what is inside it." Gaara informed.
"Well, you better back off! I will fry your brain!" Ino yelled angrily.
"Can you not threaten him? I'm pretty sure a requirement for Chunin is maturity." Samui cut through the odd argument seriously. The three speaking looked at her confused. But Kurotsuchi merely sighs.
"Fine was merely trying to have some fun. You're right though, we do need to pass this." Kurotsuchi said with an agonized expression. Not wanting to give up on the funny situation. The group went silent for a couple of minutes to let the tension pass. Naruto and Ino stood on one side with Kurotsuchi and Samui on the other. Gaara stood near the entrance still staring at the roof with utmost focus. Naruto and Ino both glared at Kurotsuchi neither particularly enjoying her so far. There was no love lost to the Stone shinobi as well. Samui sighed but if they were to operate as a team a certain level of cooperation was needed. She calmly walked over to the two defensive blondes. Kurotsuchi watched semi intently interested in seeing how Samui went about befriending them. Naruto and Ino both seemed to tense as she approached.
"Are you both natural blondes?" Samui asked plainly.
"Yeah?" Ino asked while Naruto merely nodded.
"Cool." Samui said simply with a small smile.
"Hell yeah, it is!" Naruto yelled excitedly, immediately throwing an arm around Cloud shinobi. Seemingly forgetting their poor introduction. Samui merely smiled not necessarily at the blonde but more at him being so personable and forgetful.
"You're a friendly one aren't you blondie." Samui said with a smirk.
"Of course! It's kinda cool meeting shinobi from another village." Naruto started with a big smile. Samui's smile grew a bit.
"Naruto…" Ino complained. Leave it to the one and only Naruto Uzumaki to befriend anyone as long as they seemed game. "Fine, we are a team. Naruto and I will play nice." Ino finished with a forced smile. She wouldn't bring it up but Naruto having been in close contact with the woman bugged her for some reason. Plus why didn't he mind when she called him blondie? She felt her teeth grind for a second before she reigned in her temper. Her thoughts were interrupted by an arm thrown over her shoulders.
"Is blondie over there your boyfriend?" Kurotsuchi asked with a grin.
Ino sighed dramatically before responding. "No, it's just annoying how trusting he is." It wasn't the full truth but it wasn't a lie either.
"I wouldn't suggest taking your time for too long. Friendly dependable guys like him tend to be snatched up before too long. I mean not my type personally. Needs some edge for that. But surely it will be popular soon." Kurotsuchi said with a frown as she watched the two shinobi talk.
"It's not like that. Not fully anyway and this isn't the time to discuss it." Ino replied feeling defensive.
"Listen I know I was stirring the shit earlier. But I only bring this up because your infatuation is all over your face. And if he was my prey I would be worried about a woman like her around him." Kurotsuchi finished.
Ino resisted the urge to yell at the woman instead looking to see if what she said held any truth. Naruto and Samui were both holding out their tanto and seemingly discussing Kenjutsu. Ino was no slouch with the standard kunai or shuriken but she had never shown an aptitude for melee weapon combat. It seemed they had some things in common with the two laughing at some joke Naruto said. "One is still not interested in him. Two, what does she have that I don't?" She asked, fire in her tone.
"I can name two things she has over both of us." Kurotsuchi replied with a smirk as she held her arms underneath her chest. Ino gasped indignantly at this. Before looking over at the two again. Naruto was leaning against the wall as he held up his sword for her to observe. The busty woman leans forward to observe it. Surely giving the blonde Uzumaki quite the show. Ino felt her teeth grind again. She was perfectly comfortable with her size but those things weren't fair! Kurotsuchi seemed not to mind being outmatched with her chuckling at Ino's reaction.
"Well fine, but Naruto and I are practically best friends." Ino replied smugly.
"The best friend angle?"
"It's not an angle, Naruto is great but I'm some damsel who chases after men. If he wants a shot he'll have to try himself." Ino replied, annoyed.
"I thought you didn't like him.~" Kurotsuchi sang smugly.
Ino growled annoyed. Kurotsuchi interrupted her growl with an apologetic smile. "Besides they both use the same weapon. She seems to find him entertaining. He's not hard on the eyes, neither is she with her healthy growths. Surely you see the threat."
"Maybe she is. But I have no claim." Ino answered sourly. "Not even sure what I want…"
"Probably won't know for a while…" Kurotsuchi replied, trailing off. "But I've always felt a woman has to go out and get what she wants. Ain't that right Mister Ginger Emo?"
"Do not test me. But yes, I do concur in this world we must take what we want." Gaara answered darkly. Looking them both in the eye. "Now refrain from speaking to me humans." Before raising his head once again to the roof.
Ino walked close to Kurotsuchi. "Isn't the opinion of a psycho a little dubious?" She whispered.
"Perhaps," The Stone shinobi answered honestly. "But in the world of shinobi, it's par for the course. My old man has always said that all the good shinobi are a bit crazy."
Ino sighed at the truth. Kurotsuchi seemed like a more confident and crueler version of herself. But Ino had decided long ago after the loss of friendship between her and Sakura that she would go out for what she wanted regardless of circumstances. And how to coexist when she didn't agree with others. She wasn't sure if she wanted Naruto romantically. She was sure she wouldn't just let him wander off with the first woman he met though. Besides, she felt Samui wasn't perfect for the blonde.
Before the group could discuss things any further a samurai entered the room. He posed in front of the group of Genin and seemed to wait for them to gather and go silent. Once these conditions were met he withdrew a
scroll. Reading from a prepared script.
"The first test of the Chunin Exams is dubbed Trail of Janus!" "As you can observe there are two doors in this room. Your goal is to reach the final room otherwise known as the Goal Room. What path you take is up to you. But be cautious. As you traverse the course there is a chance you tread into a Shame Room. Any member of your team that enters such a room will automatically fail this exam. Any questions?"
Naruto's hand flew up absurdly quickly. "What's stopping me from punching a hole in the wall to determine the correct door?"
"You may attempt to do so if you please. But I would warn y-"
His words fell on deaf ears as Naruto flew forward at some point having summoned a clone. Both held their Riptides that glowed blue with chakra. One went for a wild vertical strike while the other did so horizontally. The blade wafted through the air leaving a blue hue as they did so. Both blades smashed into the wall with a loud boom. "Smashing Waves!" They called as smoke filled the room.
"A commendable effort." The samurai's voice rang out, cutting through the silence the sudden moves of Naruto had caused. As the smoke cleared an orange glowing barrier shone throughout the room. "We are aware of how destructive even Genin can be and prepared this room for thinking like your own."
"Fuinjutsu…" Naruto trailed off seemingly interested in something that could shrug off one of his moves casually.
"Cool…" Samui was impressed by the technique the Uzumaki had thrown out casually as well as the barrier that tanked it.
"Damnit Naruto…" Ino complained lamenting over the situation he created.
Gaara didn't even seem to notice the commotion happening in the room. Now seemingly doubly focused on the pattern in the roof.
"Any more questions?" The samurai asked. He waited for a few moments before exiting the room from the entrance. Said entrance immediately being covered by the barrier locking them in.
The trial of Janus had begun.
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???'s POV (Outside Hidden Leaf Village - Land of Fire)
Two cloaked figures stood in the treeline just before the wall guarding the village. One was hesitant in his mission, the other was more conflicted. He was partially gleeful for the grim mission given to him. The remaining bit of him reveled in self-hatred. Both men lowered their hoods as they gazed upon the walls. Subtlety was needed for this mission, after all, quite the opposite.
"A grim day for the Leaf, a bit ironic they have no idea what awaits them." Ashira said in an exhausted voice.
"A shame they sent all the fun ones out! It's not as fun slaughtering the weak!" The other voice called out maniacally. It was Jugo of the Scales. A man ruled by violent impulses randomly. Turning from a kind meek man into a murderous psycho. He had been bad before Orochimaru had shifted in his treatment. Shortly after Ikam and Orochimaru had formed their elixir they had found their patient zero. Jugo hadn't lived a long or enjoyable life so far and now mind completely broken by the testing was marked for death.
"It seems they sent us purely as pawns then." Ashira pondered. "I'm much past my prime and one of the few threats to Ikam's plans. You are broken and likely a liability even to the intelligent Orochimaru. A suicide mission of sorts."
"Silence old fool! If not for this damned seal you placed on me, I'd tear the flesh from your bones!" Jugo roared angrily. In contrast to his murderous aura, he shed tears as if grieving something. "Instead I'll slaughter these men like my master ordered."
"Luckily for me," Ashira said with some level of distaste. "It would benefit us more to move separately. It's clear Ikam has no intention of us surviving this. Besides, your presence is upsetting to me. I feel only pity when I gaze upon you."
Jugo merely laughed as if amused by his distaste. "I need no pity, old man. I only feel alive these days during the slaughter. I will make them feel the pain I feel! That is why I still breathe in this accursed world!" He ranted as his legs seemed to grow masses resembling large pipes. Pure chakra flew from them as Jugo propelled himself over the wall. Ashira shook his head sadly. If he was younger he may have revolted against a cruel and unfair tactic but he had lived long enough. And though he hated Ikam, the man's goals aligned with his own. He must ensure the death of the Uzumaki. Even if he must align himself with an arguably worse man. He created his clan, and now that they had strayed from his teachings. He would slay the sinful remnants. But there was no doubt his instincts screamed that Ikam could not be trusted. As tired as he may be. He would continue on, to ensure he rectified his mistakes.
Ashira leaped into the village. His presence and Jugo was not immediately detected due to his deactivation of the security seal around the village. Not a meager task when considering he had to do so without alerting the village as a whole. They must've assumed Ikam and Orochimaru would hold off for a bit after the failed assassination. But with a lot of heavy hitters leaving the village, it was clear an opportunity was there. Ikam wanted to send a message. Orochimaru and he had sent their most expendable and powerful men. Jugo and himself had been easy picks from there. He did not mind that Ikam would carry out his will regardless of his demise. And he had lived long enough. Besides, shinobi of his caliber were supposed to die in battle. With this grim thought, he threw kunai that were tagged with Fuinjutsu. Each tag was marked with a kanji reading "Explode". He walked forward nonchalantly; some civilians and shinobi alike saw him do so. He held back his laugh as the civilians ran in terror and shinobi moved upon him. It seemed the next generation had gone soft. With a heavy sigh, he held up a hand seal. The tags surrounding him gleamed a brilliant orange. Blinding those nearby him while Ashira pulled a scroll that grew instantly wrapping around him. As soon as it enveloped him completely, the road exploded. The powerful explosions leveled four nearby buildings. Everyone on the street was enveloped in a powerful blast. Most died before they even realized what was happening. The block was filled with smoke. Most nearby surviving shinobi focused their efforts on getting civilians out.
"Odd, I assumed they would attack me and leave the helpless astray." Ashira pondered out loud before ducking several kunai flew through the space his head had been. As he ducked, two snakes flew from the ground attempting to bite Ashira's neck. The man drew a long katana with expert speed bisecting the reptiles before they could touch him.
"Of course, the grunts do the boring stuff. They save trash duty for Jounin like us." A voice called out cockily.
"Well one of us isn't a full Jounin." A motherly voice countered.
"I suppose butcher would be a more accurate descriptor.~" The cocky voice countered.
"If you say so Anko." Mikoto said as the two women appeared in front of Ashira. The two standing boldly contrast with the destroyed buildings and bodies around them.
"Ah, there we are. Excellent attack, By the way, a less experienced man would've died there. Names and rank, please. I'm a bit old-fashioned." Ashira said pleasantly.
"Like hell, you bitch!" Anko countered.
"Anko Mitirashi, Special Jounin. Mikoto Uchiha, Jounin." Mikoto replied easily.
"You bitch! I had a whole dramatic intro planned! And after I just treated you to drinks?" Anko complained.
"My bad I didn't mean to steal your thunder. I have an idea of how I can pay you back though." Mikoto said sweetly.
"Ladies it's rather rude to ignore a man during comb-" Ashira started before rolling away. Barely managing to dodge a Mikoto suddenly behind him. She stood where he had been with a kunai and a small smile.
"It seems he detected my genjutsu. I may have grown rusty as a housewife." She said jokingly.
Anko chuckled as she landed beside her comrade.
"You seem to be rather entertaining." Ashira said sadly. "Shame they sent mere female Jounin. In my hay day," He pointed the katana to both of them. "I was a match for any Kage."
"I don't like sexist bastards. How about you Mikoto?" Anko asked with a cruel smirk.
"Not one bit." She replied as her Sharingan activated with a spun around angrily, stark contrast to her sweet smile.
"Let's show him how ladies do it!" Anko called as the three charged towards each other. Anko met Ashira first, throwing a roundhouse at his head. He allowed her to hit him. Her body froze for a moment upon contact. Ashira grimly thrusted his katana towards the stunned woman. Mikoto intercepts the thrust with a kunai. She deflected it and kicked at him. Ashira smirked as he prepared to watch her pay the price. But gasped when he felt his counter genjutsu seals activate. Suddenly what was a woman attempting a strike became a massive fireball inches away from him. He merely grit his teeth and stanced himself as he sheathed his katana.
"Rising Tide." Ashira replied simply as he drew his blade in an upward slash. The slash somehow sliced through the fireball. But Anko appeared behind it a mass of snakes wrapping around and biting into Ashira. Anko grinned even as the snakes all stiffened. The defensive seal apparently worked even on the smaller creatures.
"Thing about your trick is! My snakes don't need to move to get you wrapped up!" Anko shouted happily as she pulled on the line of snakes leading to Ashira. She whipped the bundle of snake and man up high into the air. Before she violently whipped them down. The bundle crashed into a small store and completely leveled the building. The two women briefly considered relaxing before the rumble exploded out. An unaffected Ashira standing there. "Damnit, how'd he not take any damage from that?" Anko asked, annoyed.
"He seems to be quite durable." Mikoto noted as she prepared for round two.
"You should respect your elders," Ashira said darkly. "Children."
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Jugo's POV (Westside of Leaf Village - Hidden Leaf Village)
Jugo knew deep down that he was becoming the very thing he had spent years combating. The violent side of him before had been almost like a disease, a clear malfunction. Something that didn't truly speak of his true character. For years Orochimaru had cultivated this and attempted to find a way for him to master it. For his unique body and seal gave him great power but at the cost of his mind. Jugo supposed Orochimaru must've figured there was no saving him at this point. Because the experiments shifted. Almost seeming to encourage his wild side. He had been introduced to a new medication, an odd injection that made him even stronger. He had been told it should over time heal his sanity as well as make him the perfect weapon. It had been a half-truth, and by the time he had discovered that the medication made his mind worse had grown addicted to it. Each does irreparable damage to his mental health. Now Jugo didn't truly feel alive at this point. His life had become moments of searing pain and moments of pleasurable wanton slaughter. Deep down some part of him screamed in anguish at the pain and his actions but at this point, it was a small part of him.
The only time he felt at peace was when he inflicted the pain on others. Somehow seeing the despair in their eyes seemed to fulfill him. So when he landed on top of a father of a family walking down the street killing him instantly in front of the family, he ignored the disgust for himself in his heart. Instead focusing on the joy of ruining their lives in a mere moment. The mother must've been a former shinobi for she threw her child back and threw a tight chain of jabs and straights. Jugo merely laughed as he tanked the blows. Preparing to snap the woman in two with a single punch before another opponent appeared kicking him into a building with a crash. An adult Genin, having seen everything, rushed over to assist. He was backed by Iruka and a masked Chunin. As the group prepared themselves Jugo flew from the building managing to blitz the Genin at the front of the group.
"Here, take it back!" He called happily as he did a simple front kick to the Genin. As soon as the kick connected the group could hear shattering bones as the Genin flew back into a light pole. Collapsing at the bottom bonelessly. Jugo laughed maniacally as the woman rushed in savagely. Enraged with the sudden death of her husband she summoned large gauntlets of stone on her fist as she unleashed a violent barrage of punches against the still laughing Jugo. A hook sent him stumbling back, a jab snapped his head back. Leaving him open for a viscous body uppercut. This knocked him upwards in the air. They went for a double handed swing. But Jugo managed to dodge. He went to the counter with a blow but was stopped when the masked Chunin managed to wrap the fist in question with ninja wire. Before Jugo could attempt to overpower this Iruka peppered Jugo with shuriken. They stabbed into his skin but were unable to truly pierce it. The masked Chunin flew back suddenly before Jugo exploded. The shuriken all having been tagged. The three regrouped with the enraged wife and Chunin in front. The three waited for a sign of movement from the smoke. None of them could react in time as Jugo suddenly appeared from the ground grabbing the ankles of the masked, front, unsuspecting shinobi. As he rose from the ground in a feat of strength ripped the man from his feet holding the man upside down. Iruka charged forward with a kunai desperate to help the man. But as Jugo countered this with a front kick, Iruka raised his guard trying to tank the blow and knock him off guard. But with an audible crack, the kick met his guard sending him flying back. He rolled with the impact and winced as he discovered his left arm was completely broken and unable to move. As he focused back on Jugo he winced as the man savagely slammed both shinobi against the ground. The man did so repeatedly to the already dead Leaf shinobi. Upon realizing Iruka was still standing Jugo let go of what remained of the mangled corpses.
"Good, I'm barely warmed up." Jugo complained as he approached Iruka. Iruka merely gulped as he prepared to stall as long as possible. He threw down four kunai as Jugo charged. Barely managing to get a barrier ninjutsu up as Jugo slammed into it. The man slid back as the barrier held firm. He laughed heartlessly as he continued to pound into the barrier.
"How long do you think it'll hold with you puny reserves!" Jugo taunted as he slammed his fist randomly into the barrier. Seeming to intend to wear it down through pure persistence. Iruka grit his teeth as he continued to pump chakra into the barrier.
Jugo merely laughed at the barrier's strength. Suddenly his skin seemed to grow even darker as his punches' strength grew. His blows landed faster and with loud booms. Iruka groaned as his chakra started to wane. With a growl he released the technique right as Jugo swung. Making the murderer over extend. Iruka, as he had practiced hundreds of times thrusted his kunai at Jugo's heart. The last of his chakra stored into the blade to ensure it could pierce him through.
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Neji's POV (Trial of Janus - Land of Iron)
Neji's group scanned the room looking for any clues they could glean. He had worried a little bit hearing they would be split up from their usual squads. He had grown used to his teammates and found they gelled well with him. But perhaps his worry had been over nothing.
Shikamaru , Naruto's "best friend" was now part of Neji's team. (Personally, the Hyuga thought he fit this quite a bit better but digressed.) He may have been a lazy and pitiful man. But his mind or more of his deduction was absurd. He had quickly informed the others that the split goal was merely a way to add pressure. And assured them the room would have clues based on the short explanation provided by the samurai. Neji had wished to disprove this but it had made perfect sense. And the group had elected him their de facto leader.
Temari was another member of the group and somehow seemed to have a mind near the level of the Nara. Thankfully she didn't suffer from his laziness and while Nara was "thinking" she was examining the room with a critical eye much like Neji. Neji is quite irritable due to the room making his Byakugan useless. Effectively acting as a chakra smokescreen. He was used to his powerful vision and adjusting to using the normal one for searching was surprisingly difficult. Making Neji grateful for Temari's assistance. Even if she did spend time complaining as well.
Sakura was someone he had known would be useful. She had been in his class, and while physically she was unremarkable she was quite intelligent. Knowledgeable on most tactics and rumored to be quite skilled at medical ninjutsu. She was currently brainstorming over the note containing one line of "1,1 and some sort of scribble". She had various equations and ideas scribbled on the note and seemed to be stumped. Neji stopped his searching feeling more than a bit frustrated and stared at the note.
"I've tried everything I can think of." Sakura complained.
"Perhaps it's a red herring?" Neji asked.
"Doubtful, there is more than likely more than one way to pass. Gotta test us on an array of skills." Shikamaru counters.
"Have you considered longitude and latitude?" Temari proposed.
"Couldn't be, the value is way off what it would be for that." Neji shot down.
Both flinched at the crash of Kiba hitting the final wall. The Inuzuka seemingly confident the barrier would have a weak point. He panted harshly as the others except for Sakura, stared at him incredulously. "What had to be sure." Kiba said with an awkward smile. He was greeted with silence. Before that, it was shattered by a cry from Sakura.
"It's coordinates!" She called happily.
"I thought we just shut that down." Kiba commented while scratching his head. Akamaru barked in disagreement from his master, making him frown.
"She means for a grid." Shikamaru explained. "One-One, it's our position in some sort of grid or something. Assuming the rooms are all a similar size we can predict our position and have some idea of where we're going. I can make a mental map with this knowledge in mind."
"Even if we did know our position, how are we sure which door we should use from that?" Temari countered. Sakura hummed at this seemingly unsure.
"Is the scribble anything important? I figured it was just a mistake from the writer but with how cryptic it seems now I would assume it's a clue." Kiba chimed in Akamaru barking loudly in agreement.
"Hmm, Sakura, you mind holding it up to my lighter real quick? Not to burn it, just wanna check something." Shikamaru asked politely.
Sakura, having no better idea, brought the paper to Shikamaru. The Nara pulled out his zippo and lit it at a distance from the paper. "Hold it over the flame so I can see through." Shikamaru explained. Sakura did so patiently. Shikamaru stared into the ink trying to decipher the hidden message. "1,2" He read aloud.
"One and two. Scribbled out and in the same form as the other set…" Neji started.
"Perhaps this is what they meant by Shame Room?" Temari offered.
Shikamaru snapped happily at this. "Of course, it's offering us the knowledge that the door on the right leads to a failed room!"
"I see, One-Two would be the room to our right. And since the other door is at the front and is the only other option it must be safe." Termai finished.
They all gathered at the front door and walked through seeing another room. They all tensed waiting to see if they selected wrong. But when nothing happened they felt emboldened. They had the skill necessary to do this.
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Naruto / Ino's POV (Trial of Janus - Land of Iron)
Samui watched full of despair as three of the teammates argued. With the rules explained Kurtosuchi had immediately chose a door. Claiming that right was the heavenly direction. Suggesting they can do the split option if they don't agree. Naruto had immediately refused stating he couldn't risk failing on a hunch. Nor would he risk another chance on one. Ino had pointed out that the option was likely to put pressure on them and affect their teamwork. Kurotsuchi though seemed assured of the logic stating it was practically a saying from home. And cared little if the others failed. Samui personally had been attempting to find clues during the spout but she was unsure of what to even look for. Gaara stood where had since the start, still staring at the roof.
"I won't risk anyone's future just because you're too stubborn to reconsider." Naruto argued angrily.
"I can't take the opinion of short men seriously." Kurotsuchi countered.
"Well, I can't take pigheaded fools seriously." Ino chimed in.
"You gotta have problems blondies? I can handle you both." Kurotsuchi said arrogantly.
"Stop being so uncool." Samui attempted. Ino and Kurotsuchi sent the woman death glares. While it seemed the reminder reigned in Naruto's temper a bit the two kunoichi were too irritated with the other's attitude. He walked up to Kurotsuchi who got up in his face fearlessly. The tension in the room grew once again. But Naruto merely slowly and gently rested a hand on her shoulder.
"I understand what you're saying and respect your opinion. But please just allow us to be a team and consider our options. Ya know?" Naruto said with that real smile he rarely showed.
Kurotsuchi seemed stunned for a second before she nodded yes and shoved the blonde back. The group was silent as she stomped over to Ino. "I think I can see what you see in him.~" Kurotsuchi teased quietly. Ino merely growled at her.
Gaara interrupted the conversation as he stomped on the group silently. He walked to the same door Kurotsuchi had selected. "The annoying woman is correct. This door is the right one." He explained in his gravelly voice.
"How the hell can you be so certain?!" Ino, Naruto, and Samui asked infuriated as Kurotsuchi smiled widely. Glad to have someone on her side.
"I just am." Gaara answered before reaching for the handle. Kurotsuchi happily stood behind him. The three blondes looked at each other before they raced behind the red head. Something of his odd behavior and speech convinced the group he somehow knew. None of them noticed the small bits of sand flowing from the roof to his gourd. If they had, they would've noticed the sand had traveled within the lines of the pattern on the roof. The pattern was actually a maze.
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Ashira's POV (Eastside of Leaf Village - Hidden Leaf Village)
Ashira never thought much of the newer generations of shinobi. He had witnessed the likes of Madara Uchiha and Hashirama after all. But now he would admit to some degree he had underestimated them. He dodged several slashes from Anko. Kicking out her legs when she overextended. Snakes flew from her sleeves and wrapped around his throat, strangling him for a moment. Even as he was strangled he weaved signs and his body glowed red, spreading to Anko for a mere moment and causing her to scream in pain. The snakes desummoning from her lack of focus.
"Infectious Seal: Pain Overload." Ashira lectured as he deflected several thrown kunai from Mikoto. She appeared above him and slashed down with two kunai into Ashira. The blow blocked the force cracking the concrete below. "Reinforcement Seal: Density Multiplier." Ashira added before flinging her back casually with his katana. The force sent Mikoto through a food stand. Both women stood shakily as they stared down the shockingly lethal man.
He seemed to be able to counter almost any attack in mere moments. The amount of seals he used was shocking; neither of them had ever faced a Funijutsu master. He was adaptive and powerful. Was there anything seals couldn't do?
"Mikoto, let's blow him away!" Anko yelled angrily as she weaved signs.
Mikoto did not waste time responding, merely weaving her own in response.
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Bullet!" Anko called as a quick beam of flames flew toward Ashira.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" Mikoto called a large gust of wind propelling and growing the flame shot as it approached Ashira.
"Collaboration Technique: Explosive Fire Bullet!" The woman chorused as the beam slammed into Ashira. The fire immediately enveloped him and roasted anything into its narrow path into ash. "Ha! Showed that bastard!" Anko chuckled meerily. Mikoto smiled back happy to have survived the encounter.
The two both cried out in pain as suddenly the man appeared in front of them landing viscous body jabs on both women with one hand each. They flew back as he drew his sword again and marched on.
"Impressive for sure, but slow, it gave me plenty of time to create a defense seal. Do not despair, for you never truly stood a chance." Arashi offered as he approached the two defeated women. He raised his blade, choosing to kill Anko first. As he did so an orange blur appeared kicking him incredibly hard. His seal crackled against the blow before he saw Kanji flow onto him. The Fuinjutsu boosted attack pierced his Fuinjutsu shield and he felt the blow crack some of his ribs. He flew back crashing painfully into the building.
"Another challenger. And well worth my time. Kushina Uzumaki, my leader, has marked you for death." Arashi declared as he stood facing her. Removing himself from the building he had been kicked into.
Kushina faced him as well, already in her one-tailed form and staring at him hatefully. "You all threatened my child and destroyed some of my heritage. Can't just let that go, ya know?" She said darkly.
"I can understand, I also am not the best at letting go." Arashi stated. "See I feel the need to purge the Uzumaki that started!" He cried.
In truth, the two distant family members did not listen to each other. They merely prepared to kill the other. The time for words had longed passed. Kushina roared angrily as her single tail raced forward and attempting to crush the older man. Ashira with a roar deflected the tail and raced forward to attack Kushina. The two met katana to katana. They tested their strength for a few moments before Kushina pushed back against the man sending him skidding along the concrete. As he stopped Kushina was above the man attempting a vertical slash. Ashira laughed as kanji flowed into the ground around him forming a barrier. Kushina roared as her blade suddenly glew red, slashing through the barrier with ease. Ashira gasped in pain as he received a shallow cut. It burning into his skin and making him dizzy for a moment as his vision focused back and he saw a fist fill it. He felt his nose shatter as he flew back through a billboard. The old man slowly crawled to his feet with a smile.
"Playing with your food aye?" Ashira asked simply.
"Merely dispensing a mothers wrath." Kushina said darkly.
"Little do you know you played right into our hands." Ashira stated simply. A scroll popped out from his releasing several syringes. "My colleague is merely here to cause damage. My goal is you." He said his hatred in his eyes.
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Jugo's POV (Westside of Leaf Village - Hidden Leaf Village)
Jugo roared angrily as the weak man scrambled away from him. A shinobi of some kind attempted to sneak attack him with a blade. And to his credit, he stabbed him in the back. But his muscles and deformed body could be barely harmed by normal blades. Jugo paid him back for his honest effort by grabbing and crushing his throat. He growled as a kunai missed his eye thudding into his face instead. The spiky-haired man panted before scrambling away again. He jumped to the rooftops and Jugo followed angrily. Somehow the weak man had managed to evade death so far. He watched as he flew over a smoking chimney. The rampaging Jugo followed right after him. But when he attempted to pass through the smoke he stopped. It seems to solidify and hold him in place. He growled at the event. But before he could do anything the smoke formed into a giant fist holding him.
"Smoke Style: Smoker's Remorse!" A voice called as the smoke rose through the air with the crazed murderer before driving him into the ground on the street violently. "Hey, Youse turn!" Dez called in front of the downed Jugo.
The man rising angrily, most of his injuries seemingly healing already. Iruka landed nearby exhausted but seemingly game to fight still. "See, Iruka isn't it? With these big fellas, you gotta treat 'em like a hog!" Dez started with a smile. As Jugo raised and roared angrily he was interrupted by a giant pair of arms wrapping around him. "If you don't know what that means, well it's really simple. You beat the shit out of them!" Dez said happily.
"My name is Nekomaru. Forgive me for my unflattering fighting style. I'm a simplistic soul after all." The named Nekomaru towered over the large Jugo. "I am the third-ranked underling of Tsunade-sama. As such it is my job to protect this village and kill you now." The man was easily seven feet tall and built of pure muscle. He wore an athletic one-piece and had a buzzed cut.
"Too much talking!" Jugo roared as he elbowed violently on both sides. Nekomaru seemed to flinch under the powerful blows.
"Smoke Style: Smoker Puff Bullets!" Dez called as he spit small balls of smoke. The balls smacked off the face of Jugo, seeming to stun him. "How like my ultra strong cigs! NOW Neko!" Dez called.
"Death Technique! Endless Suplexes." Nekomaru called as he lifted Jugo out of the air. He slammed him head-first with a German suplex. As Jugo hit the ground in a bone-crushing thud. As Jugo impacted, Nekomaru rolled through. Bodily lifting the man again. "Prepare yourself until you die, this is your life!" He slammed him twice, three times, five times, on the tenth he launched Jugo into a building headfirst. Nekomaru panted harshly as the building collapsed on top of the enraged man.
"Only ten?" Dez asked as he lit a smoke. "I mean don't get me wrong the bastard must be dead. But youse usually do more than that."
"He was struggling up until the eighth one." Nekomaru explained.
"Bastard eight of those and was still trying to scrap? Respectable for someone who's scum." Dez stated.
"We're not done yet!" Jugo yelled as he crawled from the rubble of the building. He was coated in blood from a cut above his brow. His left arm seemed to be crushed and he walked with a wince. Likely he had some form of spinal damage from Nekomaru's savage attack. Dez dropped his cigarette in shock as Nekomaru charged forward. Jugo met this charge and the two both threw matching rights. The blows met with a thunderous clash before Nekomaru screamed in pain, his arm seemingly broken. Dez couldn't believe it. The man had countered Nekomaru's strength with pure strength. He had grown even stronger…
Dez was too shocked to react as Jugo bear-hugged the large Nekomaru and somehow managed to crush him with a sickening crunch. He tossed the corpse to the side as he approached him happily. Dez felt a teardrop tread down his cheek Yias he stared at his dead best friend. Jugo laughed as the curse mark spread to his body. It is now adding additional masses around his body. All of which seemed to boost his speed and strength. Right as Jugo approached to kill Dez a large fist filled Dez's vision. It sent the berserker flying through several buildings.
"Sorry, we didn't make it sooner." A gruff voice called. A large man wearing armor walked by. Dez recognized him as the leader of the Akimichi. Choza Akimichi.
"We'll make him pay in response." A gravelly voice added. Shikaku Nara was here as well.
"For all this." A more somber voice finished. Inochi Yamanaka.
Jugo laughed madly as he faced down an infamous trio. His body grew even more monstrous and deformed as he grew in power. The most famous and argued most powerful version of the Ina-Shika-Cho formation was here.
The real fight had yet to begin.