then I shall... just not today

"No, I am completely in the wrong here. You're right, today is already gonna be tough on Kakashi," I say gesturing to Rin who just smiled as Minato and I both looked at her, "as long as I get a chance before either Kakashi leaves again or Orochimaru returns."

Have I been a little too gung-ho lately?

I should speak with Orochimaru about upping my physical training.

"I was actually hoping you'd help me with Kakashi?" Minato spoke.

"With what?" I ask curiously.

"Getting Kakashi to work with his team."

"Hmm… is the other member also from our class?"

"Yeah. Obito Uchiha."

Immediately a smile overtook my face, "Yeah you're gonna have to order Kakashi to work with him," I say before turning to leave, "I told Kakashi I had some things to do so I'll be back in like an hour."

And with that Iade my way to the edge of the training grounds, which very quickly went from field to forest.

I wonder if Minato will sell me out? 

I both do and don't expect him to tell Kakashi of my plans. Part of me really hopes he does. That'd make things interesting. Regardless, I should proceed under the assumption Kakashi knows.

The trees in this part of the training grounds were unexpectedly dense, only a few feet between each tree.

Naturally occurring?

Or were these trees grown this way on purpose?

Who knows.

As I was just kinda walking around looking for a cool stick of something to pass the time I caught a glimpse of something out of place at the very peripheral of my vision.

Bright yellow.

But as I turned to get a batter look at the color it had disappeared.

Once upon a time I'd just shrug my shoulder and move on with my life but that was before high speed shinobi were something I had to worry about.

Now the only question is who could possibly be out here in bright yellow?

Are they here for me?

Or did I just stumble upon someone's hideout?

As I continued to search for any signs of anyone I began to doubt myself.

Did I truly see something yellow?

It has been a bit since I last slept.

Leaning back against a tree I let myself slide down it to tell I was sitting on the ground. As I took an deep breath a sudden bout of exhaustion began to take hold over me.

Maybe a little nap will do me some good.

Pulling my hood over my face I closed my eyes and let myself begin to drift off to unconsciousness.

Or at least I was pretty close to doing just that when someone nearby stepped on a stick.

Really gotta watch where you step.

Opening my eyes I expected to see Minato given I couldn't sense anyone.

But instead as I looked up I was met with the sight of… a little girl? She wore a yellow kimono and had a white featureless mask with antlers on it.

Oh and her hands were pure black and looked a lot more like claws.

Not a little girl!

Backing away from whatever was in front of me, a barrier sprung to life as I got onto my feet.

I was so preoccupied with the creature in yellow I didn't even notice the other one until I was slammed into the tree I was previously sitting against with such force I'm surprised I'm still alive.

The other one looked similar to the one in yellow, pure black skin, claws, and wearing a kimono. The only noticeable difference would be it's size and the animal skull it was wearing.

The one in yellow was honestly kinda adorable but this one was hunched over and yet was towered over me with its clawed hand around my neck.

As the creature raised its other claws to put an end to me before suddenly pausing to look down at the little one who was repeatedly hitting its leg while saying tengu over and over.

Opportunity.

The moment it's no longer looking at me I maneuver my left hand into the side pouch on my pack.

The next moment I attempt to kill my attacker with a sword made of lightning.

Unfortunately I fail as the creature lets me go, I do get its arm though so not a complete loss.

The creature doesn't howl in pain or show any kind of reaction to losing an arm. Instead it takes one look at the sword in my hand and grabs the one in yellow before running off.

I just stood there holding the sword in a defensive manner until I was certain they were gone.

The next moment I coughed up some blood and fell backwards against a tree.

Lovely.

I can't stay here.

Enduring the pain, I began to make my way to Minato with a lot of difficulty. Eventually my injuries were simply too much to endure as I slumped back down against a tree.

Pouring out the contents of my tool pouch I proceed pick up a smoke bomb before tossing it as far as I could manage.

I wonder if I could improve this world's flare technology? Carrying around something the size of a log is pretty inconvenient.

Come on.

Notice.

Grabbing another smoke bomb I toss it.

I would prefer not to test to see if I am an immortal being who will reincarnate at the end of time.

"Sozo?" I hear Rin say.

Oh thank God.

"W-wha happened!" She half yelled as she took a look at me.

"Rin. Go to Minato, tell him Sozo needs immediate medical attention," I said in a demeanor more akin to an order. 

Nodding her head Rin ran off to get Minato.

Not even half a minute passed before Minato suddenly appeared teleporting in using a marker located on me.

The bastard.

He wasted no time picking me up before we vanished.

I'm not sure where exactly we ended up. I just remember it was bright and loud before I lost consciousness.