𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐤𝐢 | ɴᴀʀᴜᴛᴏ

Second Test: Suspecting Yakushi Kabuto

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✧˖*°࿐

Team seven and Kabuto began jumping through tree branches, following the older male towards the supposed 'path' they could take. Kazumi (who was a few inches behind) kept her stern attention to Kabuto's side profile with squinted eyes. The small cut left by Kazumi on his neck had stopped bleeding by now.

"Are there really enemies left?" Sasuke asked, doubtful.

"Yes, no doubt about it." Kabuto nodded, "Just think about it... Do you know the smartest fighting tactic in a large area like this jungle?" He quizzed with a plastered smile.

Sakura's brows raised, humming with a confused tone.

"The goal to this test is the tower, right? So, when there is only one day left, the easiest place to get a scroll is near the tower." Kabuto answered his own question.

"Oh!" Sakura beamed, "I see... an ambush! So, basically, we go after a team that has assembled both the heaven and earth scrolls and is heading for the tower!"

Naruto flapped his arms like a bird from beside Kazumi who'd swiftly hop on each branch with furrowed brows to Kabuto.

"You're one-third correct."

What now?

Kazumi pouted.

"Huh?" Sakura's expression dropped into more confusion.

"I mean, you guys aren't the only ones thinking that." Kabuto craned his head over his shoulder to continue, "There should be others in your situation already waiting at the tower with traps set."

Naruto grinned, "I see!!" He shouted with his eyes closed, "So there are already tons of enemies near the tower just waiting to ambush us!! Bring it on!! If we kick all their asses and get the heaven scroll... we all pass the second test!"

Kazumi exhaled through her nose, "And the remaining one-third?" She spoke the thought out for Sakura, boredom dripping from her tone.

"People I call 'collectors' that appear during this time in the test."

Ah... I see what he's implying.

"Collectors?" Sakura repeated, unsure.

"I think he means teams who take more than just one of each scrolls." Kazumi glances to Sakura, making the pink-haired girl understand.

Kabuto nods, "Correct, those who collect extra scrolls in case they run into a stronger enemy and need a gift to ensure their escape. Or those that try to receive favour and information by delivering an extra scroll to a team from their own village. Or, those that desire to pick off more teams while at an advantage... to ensure an easier time during the third test."

Kazumi's face relaxed at Kabuto for the first time, genuinely taken aback by his witty mindset. Though, when reminding herself of his personality, her face instantly reverted to a hardened pout.

"You should realise without me telling, these ones are strong and confident in their abilities. The worst possible enemies!" The ever-so-wise Kabuto concluded.