Heroes [Naruto]

16 ; FIX YOU ☼

"W-what is this place--"

"THAT'S SO COOL!" Ushio cooed, "I bet there are cool animals I've never met before in there, don't you think, Sei?" Her new team-members gave each other an uneasy glance, as Team Seven couldn't help but sigh in relief.

"I love Ushio and all," Sakura sweatdropped, "but I only now realize how much troubles she can make with her... animal friends."

"Yeah," Naruto agreed. "Mr. Hawk and such."

"Yup."

The wind blew dangerously, warning the Genins of the dangerous area in front of them, the rusty FORBIDDEN AREA sign supposedly intimidating, and the calls of an animal making a girl look hesitatingly at her team members.

Ushio's eyes shone with anticipation, and some were looking excited for the danger. Kankuro was watching Ushio in curiousity, while Gaara watched the forest with a hidden crazed smirk. Seijuro placed his arm on Ushio's head, leaning comfortably, listening to Anko as she spoke.

"Welcome to Training Zone number 44, also known as... The Forest of Death."

►

"Mrs. Squirrel, please give me back my pen now," Ushio requested half-mindedly as she finished reading through the consent form. There she was, signing what might be her death certificate.

She was starting to get riled up.

"Hey there, brat," a voice greeted, making Ushio raise her glance as she returned the pen to the squirrel, that happily played with it again. She couldn't help but smile.

"Hi Mr. Kankuro," she spoke softly, making him raise his eyebrows. He examined her face, the soft smile that toyed with him.

"Just Kankuro," he corrected, "I'm three years older, not twenty," he waved off.

"Alright, Just Kankuro," she grinned. "Do you need a pen?"

"Hm?" Kankuro wondered, "yeah, sure."

"Mrs. Squirrel, please hand the pen to Just Kankuro." Kankuro scoffed, realizing she was turning it around against him. The squirrel walked up to Kankuro suspiciously, but handed him the pen.

"Ah, thanks," he said, taking it from her and signing. "Here, I guess?" he returned the pen to her. "Ushio, I-uh- feel awkward admitting it, but I got bored listening, so I kinda stopped and I've no idea what is the second exam... could you explain it?"

"Oh," Ushio looked up at him, picking up the squirrel in her hands. It curled into the nape of her neck. "Sure; the exam's gonna be five days. The goal is to get to the tower with both Heaven and Earth scrolls, while each team gets only one, and has to get the second one from someone else. Each of 28 teams got a scroll, 14 got Heaven, 14 got Earth. 14 is the max number of teams that can pass, and it's more than possible that less will."

"Oh."

"Oh, and killing's allowed," she grinned. 

"That sums it all up?"

"Yup," Ushio grinned, kicking the air with her legs lightly. Kankuro kept watching her for a moment more, before nodding. He stepped closer, silent, as Ushio patted the squirrel, watching him with her wide hazel eyes. 

"Well, thanks," he eventually said, "... Shio? Is that okay with you?"

"Sure, Just Kankuro." He smiled, nodding.

"I'll hope to see you in the forest."

"Yeah," she agreed. "See you."

"Goodluck, Shio."