The dense, suffocating air of the Forest of Death loomed as Mitarashi Anko's instructions echoed in the ears of the candidates. The forest entrance gates creaked open, unleashing a realm of danger and uncertainty.
Satoru walked alongside Hozuki and Shiro, his demeanor carefree as always, despite the tension around him. His pale blue eyes scanned the forest entrance, and he let out a low chuckle.
"Looks cozy. Perfect for a little stroll," he remarked, popping the last bite of his dango into his mouth.
Shiro, ever composed, nodded slightly. "It's likely to be more than a stroll, Lord Satoru."
Hozuki grinned, her shark-like teeth glinting. "I hope we get into some action soon. It's boring otherwise."
Behind them, whispers carried on the wind, murmurs of plans forming among rival teams.
Among them, three ninjas from Otogakure lurked near the entrance, their murderous intent palpable.
"We'll take out that white-haired bandaged freak first," one of them sneered, cracking his knuckles.
Another smirked, his voice dripping with malice. "He looks like he thinks he's invincible. Let's teach him otherwise."
Their leader, a tall ninja with scars crisscrossing his face, grinned darkly. "Patience. If we run into him, he's dead. But for now, let's see what prey comes to us first."
Inside the forest, Satoru's group moved with calculated ease, avoiding the obvious paths. The towering trees cast long shadows, and the air was thick with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant growls.
"Stay sharp," Shiro advised, his voice quiet but firm.
"Relax," Satoru replied with a grin, his pale eyes scanning the dense foliage. "The fun's just starting."
Suddenly, a faint rustling noise came from their left. Hozuki tensed, her fingers twitching toward her weapon.
"Company already?" she muttered.
A moment later, a kunai whizzed past, embedding itself in a tree trunk just inches from Satoru's head.
"Well, that's rude," Satoru quipped, tilting his head to the side. "You could've just said hello."
From the shadows, the three Otogakure ninjas emerged, their faces twisted into confident sneers.
"Look who it is," one of them mocked, his voice dripping with disdain. "The bandage clown and his lackeys."
"Bandage freak, actually," Satoru corrected with a playful grin. "If you're going to insult me, at least get it right."
The scarred leader stepped forward, his aura radiating malice. "You're cocky for someone who's about to die. Let's see if you can keep smiling when we're done with you."
The tension thickened, but Satoru remained unfazed. He raised a hand, motioning for his team to stay back.
"Leave this to me," he said calmly, his voice tinged with amusement.
Hozuki raised an eyebrow. "You sure, Satoru? They don't look like pushovers."
Satoru turned to her, his pale blue eyes glinting. "I appreciate the concern, but this won't take long."
The Otogakure ninjas launched their attack, moving with blinding speed. The first ninja darted toward Satoru, a kunai aimed directly at his throat.
But before the blade could connect, Satoru vanished.
"What?!" the ninja exclaimed, stumbling forward.
A split second later, Satoru reappeared behind him, his bandaged hand resting lightly on the ninja's shoulder.
"You're too slow," Satoru said, his tone almost pitying. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the ninja hurtling into a nearby tree, the impact knocking him unconscious.
The remaining two ninjas hesitated, their confidence wavering.
"Don't falter!" the leader barked. "He's just one guy!"
They attacked simultaneously, one unleashing a barrage of shuriken while the other channeled chakra into a sound-based attack that reverberated through the forest.
Satoru didn't flinch. With a casual wave of his hand, he deflected the shuriken, the projectiles clattering harmlessly to the ground.
As the sound attack reached him, his pale blue eyes glowed faintly. The sound waves dissipated as if absorbed by an invisible barrier.
"Nice trick," Satoru said, smirking. "But not good enough."
In a flash, Satoru closed the distance between himself and the leader, his movements so fast they seemed almost instantaneous. Before the leader could react, Satoru struck him with a precise blow to the chest, sending him sprawling to the ground.
The final ninja froze, his eyes wide with fear as Satoru turned to him, his grin never faltering.
"Boo," Satoru said softly.
The ninja dropped his weapon and bolted, disappearing into the forest.
Hozuki let out a low whistle as she approached Satoru.
"Not bad, Bandage Freak," she teased, her grin widening.
Shiro nodded approvingly. "Efficient as always."
Satoru dusted off his hands, his expression relaxed. "Told you it wouldn't take long."
As they continued deeper into the forest, Satoru's eyes briefly flickered toward the direction of another presence—one he recognized immediately.
"Orochimaru," he murmured under his breath, his smile fading slightly.
The game was just beginning.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 160 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
Also, leave a review FFS