Third Person POV
Even though they wanted to move faster, it was hard to do in the darkness deep inside the dense forest. Amaya kept warning her teammates about how close the enemy was.
But the girl had no idea they were about to be cornered.
The enemies left two shadow clones with one of their own teammates, followed Team 7, and completely hid their chakra. They advanced from the right and left flanks, getting ahead on the path the genin were taking.
The team attacking Team 7 was more familiar with dark environments, so in that situation, they had the advantage in moving around.
The two enemy team members who advanced from the sides appeared in front of the three genin. They tried to hit Hatake first, since he was leading the way.
Kakashi stopped abruptly to try and avoid the enemies in front of him, but there wasn't enough time to retreat or even warn his teammates. The enemy team's kunai and shuriken were aimed at the silver-haired boy's vital points.
But the weapons never reached his body.
The red-haired figure used her own ninja tools to defend her teammate, since she'd had more time to react, being behind him. Her kunai clashed with the enemy's weapons, neutralizing them.
Before the enemies in front could try to hit them again, Amaya threw a few more kunai in their direction, forcing them to defend themselves. Some of the girl's kunai ended up embedded in the surrounding trees.
Seizing the opening, Hatake slammed his hands on the ground, using Earth Style: Earth Wall to create a barrier between his team and the enemy's but not before a shuriken hit his arm.
The situation for Uchiha in the rear wasn't favorable either. One of the enemies was there, along with two Shadow Clones. He had to rely on his sharingan to block all the enemy attacks in that moment.
Just like Kakashi had done, the Uzumaki resorted to the same earth style jutsu, raising a wall between the enemy and his clones that had been at their backs.
The enemy team tried to surround Team 7 from the sides of the walls, where there was no protection yet. But the siblings acted faster than them, raising two more walls, one on the right and one on the left, creating total protection around the three of them.
Protected by the earth walls, the three genin could hear the enemy trying to attack them from the outside, without success. A jutsu's durability always depended on the amount of chakra the user employed, as well as their mastery of the technique.
The Uchiha lit a glow stick, given the complete darkness the three genin found themselves in within the earth wall protection. The trio stayed silent and soon moved closer together, following the weak light.
It was then that Amaya noticed the injury on the silver-haired boy's arm. Even though he was holding the wound, his blood still trickled through his fingers. She handed the metal box she'd been holding to her brother and approached Hatake.
The boy looked at her, confused for a moment, before she raised her hands and held them in the air over the injury he'd just gotten from the enemy team.
A faint green glow emanated from the girl's palms, drawn to the cut on Hatake's arm. The Mystical Palm Technique, that was the jutsu she was using. It was one of the techniques she'd mastered during her medical ninja training with Rin.
In moments, the cut on Kakashi's arm was closed, and only the tear in his clothes and the bloodstains remained.
– Thanks... – Hatake thanked her while looking at his own arm, a bit astonished by what the redhead had done.
– Looks like you learned some new things in the months before the Exam – Shisui commented, and the girl gave a weak smile.
– Listen up, brats! – They heard one of the enemy team members speak from outside – If you want to get out of here in one piece, you'd better hand over the scroll!
The two boys looked at Uzumaki, whose eyes were scanning their surroundings. She took a few moments before saying anything.
– And what guarantee do we have that you won't try to kill us again? – She questioned in a louder tone, so the three outside could hear her.
– Hey, what are you thinking? – Shisui asked his sister, and she gestured for him to be quiet.
– You seem to be the team leader, am I right? – The same genin asked from outside.
– What if I am? – The redhead continued and approached one of the earth walls she and her team had raised.
– You seem smart, and you must have noticed your comrade's injury isn't the kind to be neglected – The boy commented – You don't stand a chance against us with a weakened member. Let's do this: We let you and your buddies go if you hand over the scroll you found. Only one member of our team will approach, and just like you, she's a girl. What do you say?
The Uzumaki lightly ran her hand over the wall in front of her and marked it with a kunai she still had. She turned and approached her teammates again, who had confused expressions due to her behavior, as well as the prolonged dialogue with the enemy.
She gestured for them to come closer, and they did.
– You're probably not actually considering handing over the scroll – The Uchiha said in his low voice – So what are you thinking?
– We're going to create a distraction to get away from them – Amaya explained, also in a low tone.
The Uzumaki took one of the blank scrolls from her bag and spread it on the ground, taking back from her brother's hands the box with the test scroll and placing it on the paper. With a gesture, the object was sucked into the scroll, having the kanji for "box" inscribed inside it.
She closed the scroll with the newly sealed box and handed it to Shisui. It wasn't out of preference, but because she needed Kakashi to fulfill another role in her plan.
Amaya immediately explained to the two boys that the enemy team seemed to be in the direction opposite to the training area's tower, leaving the path to it clear.
Her plan was simple: She would buy time with the enemies so the two companions could head to the tower with the real scroll.
She showed Hatake and Uchiha the remaining blank scroll she had and explained she would buy time with the enemy by handing them that fake scroll after all, they wouldn't know if it was the real one or not.
Meanwhile, Kakashi would create an opening in the earth wall opposite to where the enemy was waiting, since Hatake had a natural affinity for Earth Release, unlike Shisui who had only copied the technique with his sharingan.
The redhead also explained that, as soon as they got out, the silver-haired boy should close the wall again and the two should get away as fast as possible with the box sealed in the scroll she'd given to Shisui.
Due to the girl's strong chakra, the enemy team probably wouldn't notice the two other genin moving away if they kept their chakra hidden.
As soon as she finished explaining, the two boys immediately objected to the plan. Neither of them was in favor of letting Uzumaki take the risk and face an enemy alone who would clearly try to kill her.
– We can think of something else, but you can't risk yourself unnecessarily – Kakashi said, worried, to Amaya.
– Surprisingly, I agree with the scarecrow guy this time – Shisui said quickly – I'm sure if we think of something, we...
– No – The girl interrupted them – This is the option that best guarantees we get out of here in one piece and without conflict. I have a way to escape from those three when I'm sure you've gotten far enough with the scroll, otherwise I wouldn't suggest something knowing the risk was greater than the chances of success.
– But, Amaya... – The Uchiha tried to insist, but she quickly continued defending her idea.
– The objective of our mission is to take the scroll to the tower – The redhead said in her more serious tone – That's our priority, isn't it? – Reluctantly, they had to agree.
And besides, I have a better chance than you two of escaping those three..., was the thought that lingered in Uzumaki's mind after she finished speaking.
Even though they agreed with Amaya's point, neither boy was happy about leaving their teammate behind as bait, especially with three maniacs who had just tried to kill them minutes ago.
– I'll be fine – The redhead reassured them, as if reading their thoughts – And I'll be following you to the central tower before they even realize it.
– You'd better, because if not, I'm gonna take it out on this scarecrow guy to vent my irritation – Shisui told his sister and didn't miss the chance to provoke the other.
– Think you stand a chance, weasel-face? – Hatake retorted, and the two stared each other down.
– I'll be the one hitting both of you if you keep this up – The redhead admonished them, and they turned their attention to her – Get ready. When I use earth style to get out, you do the same – Kakashi nodded as the green eyes turned to him.
Amaya Uzumaki POV
I handed over my equipment, as well as my bag, to the boys. The less stuff I have for this, the better, I thought, imagining what I'd do in a few moments. I only had the blank scroll in my hands.
– Alright, I'm coming out! – I warned the team outside.
I stopped near the wall where I could feel the chakra of the three and glanced back to check if Kakashi and Shisui were ready. They both nodded.
I slammed my hands on the ground at the same time as Kakashi, and the two openings in the walls formed simultaneously. Since the moonlight was coming from the direction I exited, the enemy team wouldn't notice Hatake and my brother leaving.
As soon as I passed through the newly formed opening in the earth wall, I placed my left hand on it, closing the opening behind me.
I walked calmly with my arms raised to neck height, the scroll in my right hand visible to the enemy trio.
Now I could see them better: The boys were tall, but the girl probably wasn't much taller than me, just a few centimeters. Teenagers, I deduced. I'd guess around fifteen or sixteen at most...
– You're making the right choice, brat – The girl in front of her comrades said as I approached.
It seemed they hadn't noticed that Shisui and Kakashi were no longer there. So far, so good, I thought.
– Why were you trying to kill us? – I asked when I stopped two meters from the girl on the enemy team – We're ninja from the same village, not war enemies – I said calmly, buying time for Kakashi and Shisui to get as far away as possible.
– By Kami-sama, so naive... – One of the boys commented, and soon the three of them started laughing.
– It's simple, my dear – The girl took over speaking, and I focused on her – We don't care about the weak.
– I can't imagine what your sensei was thinking, letting brats fresh out of the Academy take the Chunnin Exam – The third team member said.
– Right, we've stalled enough – The boy, who was probably the leader since he was the one talking to me before, interrupted – Just hand over that scroll.
I sighed heavily. I hope you two are far away by now and that my plan works as intended...
– Alright, here... – I said, keeping an obedient tone, and threw the scroll to the girl in front of me.
She caught it in the air and looked at it for a moment, but didn't bother to open it.
– Sorry, brat, change of plans – She announced, giving me a wicked smile.
I immediately noticed her two comrades quickly advancing towards me. Just as I imagined, they wouldn't let us go either way.
Before the boys could reach me, I kicked the ground in front of me, sending the sandy soil flying towards the two. They raised their arms to protect their eyes from the dirt.
– Earth Style: Earth Wall! – I said, taking advantage of their few seconds of distraction to raise a simple block between us.
– As if that would save you! – The girl practically snarled, and I heard her footsteps quickly coming my way.
Before any of them could get near me again, I raised my right hand, forming half of the Ram seal and quickly releasing my chakra to use my trump card.
Shisui Uchiha POV
As Amaya had instructed, we moved away as fast as we could from the spot where the enemy team had cornered us. I decided to keep my sharingan active to see the path better, and the scarecrow and I covered a good distance in just a few minutes.
Ten minutes had passed. I counted the time, and my anxiety grew with it. It ate me up inside to have agreed to the idea of leaving my adorable little sister with those three, just so Kakashi and I could escape.
But she promised she'd catch up, I reminded myself, and if there's one thing Amaya always does, it's keep her word.
I glanced for a moment at Hatake, who was keeping pace with me. His expression was as usual, impassive. But I could swear there was a hint of worry there. I don't doubt it, after all, she's clearly important to this scarecrow guy...
I looked back, scanning the path we'd taken, trying to see Amaya's chakra flux approaching so I could feel more at ease.
And that's when I noticed a faint point of chakra.
Its flow was scarce, appearing for a few seconds before disappearing, then reappearing closer to us moments later. What is that?, I thought worriedly. I saw Kakashi stop and did the same, landing on a branch further ahead of him.
The chakra that kept disappearing and reappearing was getting closer, and this time it stopped vanishing. The person is approaching.
The scarecrow guy turned towards where I saw that weak chakra coming from, and I saw him... sniff? Before I could say anything, his expression softened.
– It's Amaya – He announced quietly, but in a tone I could hear, noticing his relief.
I looked in the direction of the approaching chakra. It was almost non-existent, not what I remembered the redhead's feeling like, but its coloration now that it was closer confirmed Hatake's claim: A concentration of purely white chakra in the person's eyes.
Kakashi and I exchanged a look for a moment, nodding, and headed back, going to meet Amaya. It seemed we'd both noticed something was strange about her.
It didn't take long to see the figure with predominantly red hair running towards us. As soon as she saw us, she gave a weak smile. We all stopped close to each other.
– Are you okay? – Hatake and I asked in unison, making us look at each other and Amaya give a weak laugh.
– Yes, I am... – I noticed her voice sounded tired and she was breathing irregularly.
– What happened to your chakra? – I asked quickly – I could barely feel it as you approached.
– Well, that's related to my plan to escape from those three without a fight – She said and gave a weak laugh – I ended up using a lot of it to make it work.
– You really managed to throw them off? – Kakashi asked, and Amaya nodded.
– Yes, they won't be able to reach us, and they won't even find our trail in time – She looked at us – So now we can finally finish this test.
I stood up again so we could head to the training area tower, and Hatake did the same. But when Amaya went to stand up, I noticed the redhead wasn't as well as she was trying to appear.
She almost fell, not having enough chakra to steady herself on the tree branch, and luckily, Kakashi and I caught her, preventing her fall.
– Sorry – She apologized with obvious guilt in her tone – I think I really overdid it.
I looked at Kakashi and gestured to him, getting a nod. We passed Amaya's arms over our necks and supported her so we could continue on our way. She started to speak, probably in protest, and I quickly interrupted her.
– Don't even think about trying to change our minds – I admonished her seriously – Now it's your turn to do as I say, alright?
She looked at me as we carried her, certainly understanding I was speaking as her older brother in that moment and wouldn't accept any arguments. She gave a weak laugh and nodded, accepting the help.
– You're crazy for coming up with this and convincing us to follow this idea – Hatake complained, and Amaya gave another weak laugh.
– It's good to know you were worried about me – The redhead said with a bit of teasing in her voice.
– Nobody ever said anything about being worried – The scarecrow guy made a point of highlighting his defense, contradicting his earlier words.
– Dude, you basically said we were worried – I said to help, or maybe to make the situation worse for Hatake.
– Quiet, weasel-face... – He retorted.
– Scarecrow guy – I returned the "affectionate" nickname and heard Amaya laugh.
Amaya Uzumaki POV
After reuniting with my team, we headed for the central tower of the training area. Though I didn't want to admit it, I was exhausted. I had used much more chakra than I thought I would and could barely stand afterwards.
I knew from my training that the Hiraishin used a large amount of chakra, but I hadn't imagined I'd be in a situation where I'd need to use it so many times in such a short period. At least not so soon..., I thought.
Thanks to Kakashi and Shisui, who were more than understanding and attentive in their own way, I was able to accompany them to our final destination.
The whole way, the two took the opportunity to try and get information on how I had escaped the enemy team without a single scratch from the encounter.
Even though I wanted to tell them about it, I decided to keep it a secret a while longer. Maybe I'll end up using it in the next phase, I thought, and it's better to keep this technique as a trump card.
Shisui bothered me a lot trying to find out anything, but it didn't work. Kakashi, on the other hand, understood faster than my brother that I wouldn't say anything until I changed my mind.
__________________________________________________________________________
We arrived at the central tower in the middle of the night. Thanks to the time it took us to get there, I had already managed to recover a good portion of my chakra, at least enough to stand on my own.
I took my equipment and my bag back, as well as the scroll where the test box was sealed. I summoned it, releasing it from the seal.
The box was sealed shut and didn't seem like it would open easily. I then remembered the inscriptions on its lid. Using one of the glow sticks Shisui carried, I could finally read it.
– "Feed me and I live. Give me water and I die" – I read aloud to the two beside me.
– Another riddle – Shisui commented.
– I hope this is the last one... – Kakashi complained, and I agreed.
I concentrated on thinking about the riddle and its possible meaning. The first premise didn't make much sense, so I focused on the second. Something negatively affected by water..., I thought.
And only one thing came to mind at that moment.
– I hope it's this – I said, and the two boys turned their eyes to me as I stood up.
– You figured it out already? – My brother asked, and I nodded, making them stand up as well.
– Shisui, use fire style to burn the box – I requested, and could see the confusion on the faces of the two in front of me.
– Wait, hold on... – Kakashi said.
– It's fire – I explained – The answer.
– Yeah, I got that as soon as you said it – Hatake hurried to say – But what if it burns the scroll inside?
He was right, I knew. But I also knew my brother could control the flames of fire style impeccably, so they wouldn't burn the scroll if there was such a possibility.
– I'll be careful – Shisui assured, as if he'd understood what I was thinking.
I gestured for Kakashi to move a bit further away from the box with me. Even though Shisui would control the flames, we were still talking about fire, pure and burning.
He joined his hands and formed the seals quickly, using fire style in an extremely restrained manner. Points to the Uchihas for this impeccable control..., I mused, watching the scene.
All we heard when my brother ceased his jutsu was a metallic click. Shisui joined his hands again and used wind style, this time more forcefully than the fire had been. The weak flames that remained were extinguished, allowing us to approach and retrieve the scroll.
And it was intact inside the box.
I took it in my hands and looked at the boys, noticing the relief they both felt that this was finally over. We finally headed towards one of the central tower's doors. Passing through the entrance, we saw only a sheet of paper attached to the wall beside it. Kakashi took it in his hands.
– It says we can open the scroll now – Hatake announced and turned his gaze to me, since I was holding the scroll.
– Okay... – I said, untying the ribbon holding the roll.
When I opened the thing, a cloud of smoke filled the area in front of us. I dropped the scroll instantly and brought my hand to the wakizashi at my hip. I heard Kakashi and Shisui also readying themselves.
– Well, well... – A lazy male voice filled the area instantly – I imagined you'd pass the stage, but not that you'd be the first – The moment he finished speaking, I relaxed.
The smoke gradually decreased, and we could finally see the tall figure in front of us, wearing his usual ninja uniform, his hair tied back in a ponytail, and a carefree expression on his face.
– Shikaku-sensei... – I called out to him, and the jounin looked at me – What are you doing here?
– Normally a jounin is instructed to welcome the genin at the end of the second stage of the Chunnin Exam, so I decided to come see your faces – He said lazily, as usual.
– You can pretend all you want that you're not happy to know we passed – Shisui commented with a bit of teasing, and the jounin allowed a contained smile.
– You pests... – The Nara muttered under his breath, and we couldn't help but smile, since this was his "affectionate" way of talking about us – My congratulations. You did good work.
I looked at Kakashi and Shisui, noticing that both, like me, had weak smiles on their faces.
It was now official: We were qualified for the third and final stage of the Chunnin Exam.