Another Nine-Tails?!

Wait

"How long do we have to wait?" Misumi grumbled, sitting down on the floor.

"It shouldn't be too long." Kabuto held out his arm, Uta making her way over to him.

-:-

"Well, what do you know... he activated part of it to protect his team. I do hope he survives when it fully awakens." Orochimaru looked over, seeing Uroko moving along the ground he knelt down, letting her climb up his arm to rest on his shoulder. "And what information do you have for me?"

"Akiko and Kabuto are together now."

"Oh? Well, that's certainly an interesting turn of events.."

"He's very protective of her. With them together, they'll become stronger and stronger. They be your most loyal followers, as well as your strongest within a few years."

"I knew they would come close, but I didn't think it would lead to this."

"So, is that why you decided to have her accompany his team instead of staying by your side?"

"Yes. Will you be going back soon?"

"No, I'll go back now. I will report back to you later, Lord Orochimaru." She flicked her tongue once, slithering into the shadows.

-:-

Uta sat on the floor, followed closely by Kabuto. He pulled her to him, noticing the stare Akado was giving the younger red-head. She let out a squeak of surprise, but relaxed as she felt his chest against her back.

"Showing emotions like that is a sign of weakness." Misumi growled, irritation filling his voice. "You should know that better than anyone."

"Mind your business. I can do whatever I want and you can't stop me." A threatening aura surrounded him.

"Listen here you spoiled little shit! We are older and stronger than you. We also have more experience than you. Don't think that just because you're Lord Orochimaru's right hand means that you can boss us around like we're weak." He stomped over to the pair.

Uta stood up, intercepting him. "Stay back!" She bared her canines at him, her eyes becoming red.

"Well aren't you stupid! You really think you can fight against us both by yourself?!"

As he reached forward, a fist came out from behind the girl. "Leave her alone, Misumi. Otherwise I will put you in your place. And if need be, I'll kill you without hesitation." He switched places with her, one of his hands coming to life with chakra. "Would you like to fight me too, Akado!?"

The young man shook his head, not wanting to be a part of their quarrel. "I'm fine." Misumi shook his head, shaking off the punch before glaring at the one who gave it to him.

"Enough fighting like children." Orochimaru spoke, his voice coming from behind them. Kabuto's chakra died down, his hand forming a fist. "What is your quarrel about?"

"Showing emotions is a sign of weakness." Misumi growled, glaring at the pair. He wanted to say worse, but he couldn't say anything bad about Kabuto in front or Orochimaru.

The pale man rolled his eyes, his arms coming to cross over his chest. "They're free to do as they wish. Kabuto is more powerful than he lets on. As for Akiko, she is not to be hurt by either of you. Am I understood?"

"Yes, sir." He submitted to the stronger male, bowing his head.

"Calm down, my dear. I have an order for you." The girl growled slightly, her eyes returning to bright blue. "You and Kabuto will not be participating in the final exam. When you're given the choice to moving on, you will not take it."

"Why?"

"Because you're already a Chunin, are you not? It wouldn't exactly be fair if you were to fight a genin. Without a doubt, you would be successful in winning. What if you were to be paired against your brothers?"

"I couldn't hurt them."

"Precisely." He smiled, disappearing.

A loud ping entered the room, followed by a voice. "The 2nd round of the chunin exam is over! Please make your way to the center of the tower for an explanation of the next round!!" Anko's voice echoed around the room for a moment.

"All right, time to go." Kabuto stood up. "I'm in front, Akiko behind me, followed by Misumi and Akado. If either of you touch her, you won't live for much longer." He glared at them before leading them into a large arena-like room. The other teams that passed entered as well, all except one of them battered or bruised in some form.