Lights Down Low

The Forest of Death

"Am I passionate or obsessive?

That's a matter of perspective.

You can make a quick decision,

But your opinion is subjective.

Am I eccentric, or insane?

Demented and deranged?

I won't argue with the claim,

That I'm particularly strange.

See, the way that we perceive,

It shapes the way that we believe;

But let us not deceive ourselves,

Things aren't always what they seem.

Sometimes I'm like a raging river,

And other times, a silent stream.

Is what we see reality?

Or is it just a vibrant dream?"

Jimmy Osborne

________________________

"Welcome to the stage for the second test, Practice Area 44." Anko was saying with her hands on her hips. "Also known as 'The Forest of Death!"

Or something. He thinks that's what she said. Maybe, possibly. But Ashi was simply not paying attention. Asami's scent had gotten stronger, but he still couldn't quite place what was up.

He narrowed his eyes at her, looking at her body language. I mean... She certainly seemed fine. She was poking Shikamaru as he desperately tried to ignore her.

Ashi snickered at the look on the Nara's face. It certainly was not working in his favor. Ashi didn't even know why he tried at this point. Shikamaru should know that he couldn't ignore the love of his life.

"Are you paying attention at all?" Kohaku whispered to him.

Ashi glanced over. "I'm sure you'll give me the footnotes."

Kohaku snorted, rolling his eyes. "Okay, goofy."

...

"So we need a plan." Asami decided, as they waited to receive their scroll.

She was glaring heavily at the woman who had gotten disgustingly close to Naruto. It was... creepy. And when she looked at Sasuke with those eyes...

She did not trust that genin one bit.

"I have one," Kohaku whispered, "But I'll tell you when we're more... Alone."

Currently, they stood surrounded by enemy genin. Asami knew she didn't have to worry about the rookie nine going after them. They were her friends.

Everyone else though...

It was too risky to trust even the leaf Genin. You'd think they'd be more allied to them, but after Rock Lee challenged Sasuke, and that kid Kabuto had information he shouldn't...

It was clear to her that they would not be allied the way they should be.

They went off to a secluded area to discuss what they would do.