The sun had already begun to set over the Forest of Death as Shunsui returned to his teammates and their territory.
Guy and Genma who looked tensed, relaxed visibly as they saw Shunsui without even a scratch on him or his kimono walking towards them.
The two defenders had been waiting patiently near their main flag pole, keeping a careful watch on the surroundings in case any enemies approached. They had spent the time setting up basic defenses and resting to stay strong for the long test ahead.
"You are back already?" Guy asked with surprise and excitement in his voice. He stood up quickly.
Genma said in a calm tone, "How many flags did you manage to get? Even if you did not manage to gather many, do not worry. We still have two days." He leaned against a tree with his senbon in his mouth, looking relaxed but ready for action.
Shunsui gave Genma a smile and replied, "You underestimate me Genma." He showed them six flags in his hands which was half of what he gathered as he gave the extra ones to Team Minato earlier.
Guy laughed loudly and said, "I never doubted you, my rival number two. You once again showed us your ever flowing youth. Your flames of determination burn so brightly that even the dangerous forest could not touch you."
Genma smiled and added, "Well, you were right. I should have never underestimated you. How did you even manage to get so many flags without an injury? And I cannot believe that the other genin did not chase after you took their flags. I do not think that you would have killed them so they should have been chasing after you." He looked genuinely impressed and a bit curious about the details of Shunsui's solo mission.
Shunsui just smiled without expanding on his story to maintain his reputation and for his teammates to not think of him as a thief.
He thought about the Kiri shinobi. 'I wonder how they are doing.' The thought brought a small satisfied smile to his face as he imagined the chaos he had caused by framing them.
---
Somewhere in the forest, Zabuza and Kisame cursed Shunsui as they continued to run from the dozen genin teams pursuing them.
Their breaths were heavy as they moved through the thick trees. They even thought of just killing the genins chasing them but the number advantage might tire them out and disqualify them from the exams.
The constant chasing had turned into an annoying game of cat and mouse that left them frustrated and tired.
"What the fuck did that Konoha brat do?" Zabuza cursed under his breath.
"These genins seemed to be shouting something about stealing their flags and taking them back from us. It seems like we have been framed." Kisame said.
"That bastard..." Zabuza cursed.
"But what confused me is that the test just started how did he even manage to get so many flags in such a short time. We ourselves only managed two flags." Kisame had a thoughtful look on his face.
"He must be incredible fast due to some movement jutsu. And there was him coming from my shadow somehow. We have to be careful of that one." Zabuza said as he tried to figure out Shunsui's abilities as he dodged a Kunai thrown by one of his pursuers.
"Bastard"
----
Genma asked, "So should we just hide the flags? We cannot just attach them on the pole as it would make us a bigger target." He was thinking practically about defense and wanted to avoid drawing too much attention.
Shunsui replied with a sense of honor, "No. Anyone who sees even our own flag would still attack us so it does not matter if we hide our flags. Besides hiding the flags would make it seem we are cowards but we are not." He spoke with confidence, completely forgetting how he had stolen the flags from other teams earlier.
Genma sighed and said, "Very well." They attached the flags to their main flag pole with careful movements.
In the middle of the clearing stood their flag. Tied beneath it were six more flags. Six captured territories.
Guy crossed his arms proudly and nodded to himself. "We have conquered six territories with the power of youth. I knew our teamwork and determination would lead us to greatness." His voice was full of energy and pride as he celebrated their success.
Genma looked at the seven flags and sighed. "And now everyone in this forest is probably hunting us." Guy's smile immediately froze. He looked at the flags again. Then he looked at the dark forest surrounding them. "...That is also possible."
Genma stood up from where he was sitting. "We should move and hide ourselves to prepare for an ambush. Anyone seeing the flag would rush here. We would attack them from their rear."
Shunsui shook his head. "No. We would lose our advantage of we go further from here."
Genma blinked. "No?"
Guy tilted his head. "What advantage?"
Shunsui smiled. "This is our territory." Guy and Genma stared at him. Then Shunsui slowly stood. His hand moved toward his sword.
Genma narrowed his eyes. "You are planning something."
"A little." Guy's eyes immediately sparkled. "Is it a youthful plan?"
"It is a game."
Genma sighed. "Of course it is."
Shunsui slowly drew his blade. The evening wind suddenly stirred. "Let us play Monopoly."
Guy blinked. Genma blinked. Then Guy asked, "What is Monopoly?"
Shunsui looked at him. "You buy land." Guy stared at him. "...That is the game?"
"You also collect rent." Shunsui said.
------Author Notes---------
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