The Race to the Tower

 Gathering their bodies I Set them up and next to the bodies that were already sitting near the campfire, making it look as if they were resting together. I began to set up explosive tags around the campfire and the dead bodies. As I was almost finished, I decided to Summon a clone and we quickly finished what was left to do. And I handed her a chakra conductor string. with a nod, I headed away. Flash stepped up a tree and headed west. Maybe I'd run into another team. Hopefully, one from my village so I could hand them the extra scroll.

"Someone has summoned one of my kin. " Kurokane hissed as she flicked her tongue out. "where?" I asked as I came to a stop on a tree branch. Trying to sense anything around me. "It would not be wise to head that way. To do so would be seeking death." 

"I'm not scared of death Kurokane, And I know who summoned your kin. It's someone who would be better off dead now than later. I'm not so stupid to believe I could beat him head-on, but even the strongest can be killed if caught off guard." I finished speaking as I was beginning to sense things around. 

"very well Ayumi, when you Die I will eat your body." Kurokane hissed as her tongue touched my cheek. "Geez thanks for the vote of confidence. Now which way?"

Kurokane guided me towards the disturbance. As I approached, I could hear the fighting. I moved cautiously, ensuring my approach was hidden. I knew this would be dangerous, and I would only have one chance to make this work.

I reached a vantage point and saw Orochimaru toying with team 7. Naruto was passed out and hanging from a tree while Sasuke was screaming in pain while holding his neck. Shit, I was too late! 

As my emotions heightened, I wasn't aware as my eyes shifted to golden slits, but I was aware that I had my Sharingan activated. I felt the power surge through me, sharpening my senses and focus. 

I silently summoned several shadow clones, sending them to surround the area. I planned to create a diversion, drawing Orochimaru's attention while Anko was making her way over here. Each clone prepared explosive tags and positioned themselves.

With everything in place, I signaled the attack. My clones initiated the diversion, launching kunai and setting off explosions around Orochimaru. The area erupted in chaos, and Orochimaru's attention momentarily shifted from Team 7 to the new threat.

Taking advantage of the distraction, I moved closer to Sasuke. "Sakura, get Naruto and Sasuke out of here. For once stop being useless trash. I'll cover you!" I whispered urgently. Sakura, recognizing the urgency, nodded and began to move, dragging the unconscious Naruto with her while she helped Sasuke walk.

Orochimaru quickly realized the ploy and turned his attention back to us, but it was too late. My clones continued to bombard him with attacks, giving Team 7 the precious moments they needed to escape. 

As the last of my clones were destroyed, I prepared for the inevitable confrontation. Orochimaru's eyes locked onto mine, a sinister smile forming on his lips. "Interesting, another beast brat in the village?" he hissed.

My grip tightened on my kunai, and I took a deep breath. "I don't need to beat you. I just need to buy time." I whispered to myself as I launched forward, my family Kekkei genkai. My skin turned a dark shade of red-violet, and my blood vessels bulged as I accessed 80% of my body's muscular strength. 

I moved faster now, able to somewhat keep up with Orochimaru. My attacks had more force, and I managed to land a few hits that made him stagger. Orochimaru's amusement turned to mild irritation. "So, the Kure Clan Kekkei Genkai, and to such a level huh? Impressive, but still not enough." As he shoot snakes from his arms that tried to bite me I flashed stepped back just barely escaping their bite.

I launched myself at Orochimaru again, fully aware that I stood no chance against him. even with these things all together my body had its limits. If I were older I might be able to kill him here and now but this was all I could do for now. As I closed the distance, he moved with a speed that was almost impossible to track. As he stretched his body and wrapped it around Braches, using them kind of like sling shoots to move faster.

Orochimaru's hand shot out, grabbing my wrist and twisting it painfully As it cracked. I bit back a scream as he flung me to the ground. I rolled and sprang back up, launching a kunai at him with my other hand. He deflected it effortlessly and was upon me in an instant, his sinister smile never wavering.

Kurokane attempted to use her Genjutsu on him, her eyes glowing with a menacing light. Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "you should know better than to try that on me," he hissed before de summoning Kurokane with a series of hand signs.

I gritted my teeth from the pain and formed the hand seals for another jutsu. "Wind Style: Gale Palm!" I thrust my hand forward, sending a powerful gust of wind towards him. Orochimaru sidestepped the attack easily and closed the distance between us in a blink.

As I lay on the tree branch, barely conscious, I could hear the distant sounds of Anko and Orochimaru's battle moving further away. My vision was blurry, and every breath was a struggle. I knew I had to stay awake there was no way I'd fall asleep here where Some animal could eat me or another team to kill and rob me. but my body was screaming for rest.

Through the haze, I saw a figure approaching rapidly. It was Lee. His eyes widened in shock as he took in my battered state. Without a word, he knelt beside me, checking my injuries with a concerned expression.

"Who did this to you?" he asked, his voice laced with Rage. I shook my head slightly, unable to muster the strength to speak. I couldn't tell him about Orochimaru, it was too dangerous. He might be stupid enough to try and fight him.

Lee didn't press further. Instead, he carefully lifted me into a princess carry, as my head rested on his chest. "Hang in there, Ayumi," he murmured as he started to move through the forest, heading somewhere.

As he carried me, I could feel the warmth and determination in his grip. Despite the pain and exhaustion, a sense of relief washed over me. I was safe, for now.

We soon arrived at Lee's team, where Neji and Tenten were waiting. They rushed to our side, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern.

"Lee, what happened?" Tenten asked, her eyes wide as she took in my injuries.

"I found Ayumi like this. She needs help," Lee replied, carefully setting me down.

Neji examined me with his Byakugan, assessing the extent of my injuries. "We need to treat her wounds quickly," he said, his voice calm. This prick I thought as I looked at him.

Tenten nodded and began to prepare a makeshift medical kit from her supplies. As she worked to stabilize me, I felt a sense of gratitude. Struggling to find my voice, I managed to whisper, "We need to find Team 7. They need help too."

Neji frowned but nodded. "Understood. Once you're stable, we'll move out to find them." After some time they started moving while Lee was carrying me again even after Tenten offered to carry me, He shook his head saying it was fine.

Lee carried me through the dense forest, his strong arms cradling me with care. Despite the pain, I couldn't help but feel a blush creep onto my cheeks. Being this close to Lee, his words from before ringing in my ears, made it hard to focus solely on my injuries.

"We're almost there, Ayumi," Lee said, his voice gentle. "Hang in there."

I nodded weakly, trying to ignore the throbbing pain that coursed through my body. Neji and Tenten scouted ahead, making sure our path was clear and that we wouldn't run into any more danger.

As we moved, I couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. Embarrassed at being so helpless and having to be carried, but grateful for Lee's support. He didn't complain once, even though carrying me slowed him down. I didn't realize he was this strong.

"Thank you, Lee," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I...I owe you one."

Lee smiled down at me, his eyes full of reassurance. "No need to thank me, Ayumi. I did promise I would keep you safe and I plan to, so just focus on getting better."

I tried to relax in his arms, but the pain and the weight of our situation kept my mind racing. I knew we needed to find Team 7 and make sure they were safe. 

"How much further?" I asked, wincing as a sharp pain shot through my side.

"Not far," Lee replied. "Neji and Tenten are leading the way. We'll find Team 7 soon."

I closed my eyes, trying to block out the pain and focus on our mission. Despite the dire circumstances, I felt a strange sense of comfort in Lee's presence. He made me feel safe, which was weird to me but I wouldn't complain.

 The forest was eerily silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves or distant animal cry. "Neji, any sign of Team 7?" Lee called out softly, not wanting to attract unwanted attention.

Neji, using his Byakugan, scanned the area. "I see them," he replied. "They're about half a mile ahead. It looks like they're setting up a temporary camp."

"Good," Lee said, relief evident in his voice. "We'll get Ayumi to them, and then we can figure out our next move."

As we drew closer to Team 7's location, my thoughts turned to Orochimaru. He had already managed one of his goals maybe I could mess with the other parts to come? Could I stop the emo from leaving the village? 

"Lee," I said, my voice a bit stronger now, "we need to make sure Team 7 gets help from Tenten as Naruto and Sasuke are both hurt."

Lee nodded, his expression serious. "We'll do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe, Ayumi. Just rest for now. We'll handle the rest."

Finally, we reached the edge of the small clearing where Team 7 had set up their camp. Sakura looked up, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw us approaching.

"Lee! Neji! Tenten!" she exclaimed, rushing over to help.

Sakura quickly assessed my injuries, Thankfully Tenten had already patched me up and so she looked to her team members who needed help. "could you help me stabilize them," she said, her voice tight with worry as she looked at Tenten.

Tenten nodded, pulling out her medical supplies and working alongside Sakura. Neji kept watch, his Byakugan scanning the area for any signs of danger.

As the girls worked on their injuries. Once they were as stable as we could be under the circumstances, we gathered to discuss our next move. Neji brought out their scrolls, and I showed them mines.

"We have a Heaven scroll and an Earth scroll," Neji said, holding it up for everyone to see.

"We've got an Earth scroll," Sakura added, revealing theirs.

"And I have two Heaven scrolls and one Earth scroll," I said, Pulling them out of my pack.

Lee frowned, deep in thought. "We need to get to the tower in the center of the forest. That's our goal, right?"

"Yes," Neji confirmed. "We have the scrolls we need, but we need to reach the tower without any more incidents. assuming Ayumi is willing to give team 7 one of her heaven scrolls"

Sakura looked at me, concern evident in her eyes. "Ayumi, could you please? We need to stick together."

I nodded slowly. "yeah. We can't stay here; it's too dangerous." I said as I rolled one of the scrolls to her.

Lee glanced at me, his expression serious. "I'll carry you, Ayumi. You're in no condition to walk, and we need to move fast."

I blushed slightly but nodded. "Alright. Let's do this."

As Lee lifted me into his arms again. With Team 7 and Lee's team working together, we had a better chance of making it to the tower safely.

Neji led the way, his Byakugan constantly scanning for threats as he was carrying Naruto. Tenten and Sakura were carrying Sasuke while Lee carried me with a steady.

As we moved through the dense forest, every rustle of leaves, and every distant sound made me jumpy.

"We're getting closer," Neji said after a while. "The tower is just ahead. But we need to be careful; there could be traps or other teams waiting."

I nodded. "If there is an enemy team their plz let me drain them." The others seemed confused but didnt ask any questions as we kept moving.

The tower loomed in the distance, its dark silhouette a stark contrast against the twilight sky. We were almost there, and I could feel a mix of relief and anticipation.

As we drew closer to the tower, Neji signaled for us to stop. "There's movement up ahead," he said, his voice low. "We need to approach carefully."

Lee set me down gently, as I leaned against a tree and I took a deep breath. We were so close, and I couldn't let my injuries slow us down.