𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐀 𝐇𝐘𝐔𝐆𝐀 𝐓𝐖𝐈𝐍

Sasuke's Curse Mark

Last time:

"It seems like I won't need to," Neji responded smoothly as Sasuke emerged from the cave behind Sakura, staggering as purple chakra swirled around him.

"Sasuke!" Sakura squealed.

Now:

"Sakura," Sasuke growled, fire-like marks crawling onto his skin, "Who did this to you?"

"S-Sasuke?"

"Who. Did. This. To. You?"

"Hmph," Zaku opened his mouth to speak but was hurriedly shut up by Dosu.

"You don't know what you're messing with," Dosu muttered, "Why would Orochimaru ask us to kill him but give him that mark?"

"I did it to her," Zaku said, smirking, "What are you going to do about it, kid?"

"T-That's Sasuke?" Ino stuttered.

'What the heck is causing that purple chakra? It isn't nat- Oh! It's from his neck! and based on what Dosu just said, Orochimaru put it there. It makes sense... he left the village because he was caught experimenting on humans. This must have been one of his projects...'

"No, Ino. Dosu just said something that makes me think that Orochimaru of the Sannin caused this. There's something on his neck that's eating at his chakra and it might even be affecting his mind. Whatever it's trying to do, it isn't good," Hanara responded.

"S-Sasuke, y-your body!" Sakura said, concern leaking into her voice.

"Oh, this? Don't worry, it's giving me power. I can feel it surging through me. I feel great!"

'Idiot. You of all people should know that such a fast-working power-up comes with a price! Remember how you got that Sharingan? You felt pain!'

"He gave it to me. I finally understand what I am. I am an avenger," Sasuke exclaimed.

"DOSU! Don't be afraid of that half-dead guy!" Zaku yelled.

"No! Stop! Zaku! You don't understand!" Dosu panicked.

"I'll kill them all with this! It will be over in a flash!" Zaku said, acting all high and mighty, "SUPERSONIC SLICING SOUND WAVE!"

'You're in for a rude awakening, my dude. If my Wind-Style could beat your attack, curse-mark enhanced Sasuke is going to kill you. And I'm not using that just as an expression, I mean it literally.'

Zaku's attack took effect and Team 10 was struggling to stay in their spot. 'Damn, I should learn some wind barriers or someone on this team should learn some earth style ninjutsu. Rotation isn't going to help the four of us...'

"Heh, they're blown to pieces," Zaku smirked.

"What's this all about? What's going on?" Choji asked Shikamaru.

"How should I know?" Shikamaru responded, annoyed.

"Orochimaru of the Sannin wants something from Sasuke. Most likely his Sharingan. From what I can tell, these Sound ninja, if not all Sound ninja, work for him. They were ordered to kill him but Orochimaru placed a curse mark on Sasuke which enhances his chakra but is also probably eating away at his mind," Hanara told Choji.

"H-How?" Shikamaru asked.

"You should listen to your enemy while they rant, it gives away lots of information. The curse mark stuff was figured out because of my Byakugan though."

"ARGHH!" Zaku yelled, crashing into Dosu, shocking us into silence.

"Zaku!"

'Damn, he got fast! Team 7 was in front of the cave a minute ago but now they're in front of the bushes that we're hiding behind!'