90. Piranha

As soon as they began running over the river’s waters the girls saw something they didn’t expect, or at least that was the case for the two natives of this world. In the direction they were running a massive wooden building rose from the ground. 

“Well, that makes things both easier and harder at the same time.” Truth be told Tomoka didn’t expect Yamato to go so hard on them. However, thinking about it she had to admit he needed to do so or this test would be meaningless. 

“No change of plans for now. We still need to go there regardless.” Keeping calm Nozomi who was acting as the leader decided to stay on track. 

A minute later the girls found their first obstacle. On the river a fallen tree had conveniently blocked their path. The problem lies with the fact that on top of said tree stood their teacher. Though none of them believed for a second that this was the real him. 

“Hinata.” No more words needed to be said. Hinata instantly knew what was being asked of her. 

“No other signatures within my range.” 

“Good, Tomoka, what are our chances of losing him?” Nozomi is a smart girl. The mission is to touch the totem pole. Fighting Yamato’s clones would only make them lose valuable time.

“Without a confrontation? None, however, we might be able to lose him if we distract him” In reality Tomoka knew that they wouldn’t be able to lose Yamato if he really wanted to keep them there. 

“Alright then. Have your clone attack, I’ll leave it to your discretion.” With that Tomoka 's expresion distorted into a wide creepy grin.

“Roger.”  

A moment later Tomoka’s clone rushed forward with red and blue lightning flowing around it. The reason behind her grin was a special something she had made that would give nightmares to whoever witnessed it. With wild abandon the clone rushed into melee range expertly avoiding Yamato’s half-assed attempts at ranged attacks. 

Once in melee range Tomoka’s clone began a taijutsu battle with Yamato… or that is what everyone else expected. Instead it took Yamato’s hits head on before grabbing onto him, A moment later the clone spat a clear liquid onto Yamato which began bubbling on impact. With a maniacal grin Tomoka saw how Yamato’s clone’s face melted from the chemical’s ministrations. Her clone wasn’t unscathed either. Its lower wooden jaw was also melting. 

“What is that?” Nozomi felt both surprised and a bit creeped out. 

“It's called piranha solution. The stuff can eat through anything carbon based. Normally it wouldn’t be as effective but you would be surprised what chakra infused chemicals can do.” As they talked the trio ran past the still melting clones. 

“Is your clone going to be alright?” Losing the clone so early would be bad so it was understandable that Hinata was worried for its well being.

“No. By the time it’s done all of its lower jaw and half its chest should be gone. It will still be able to move but fighting is out of the question. No worries tho, it still has some useful tricks up its sleeve” Once again Tomoka’s smile devolved into a deranged grin. 

Elsewhere inside the giant wooden castle Yamato had built he received the feedback from his wood clone. As soon as he did he couldn’t help but shiver. Whatever that stuff was gave him the creeps. Not to mention he didn’t expect Tomoka to be so brutal. Coupled with the fact her clones were strange made him raise his guard more. 

Back with the trio they continued down the river. Tomoka’s clone had reached them and it looked like nightmare fuel with a missing jaw and caved in chest. Of course Tomoka had it use henge to hide its missing segments. A while later their next obstacle appears. This one instead of being just a clone was a behemoth of wood with said clone controlling it from the inside.     

“Armoring up to prevent the acid from reaching the clone, that’s smart.” Tomoka looked at the behemoth with a wide grin as if she was eyeing a delicious morsel. However, instead of attacking she decided to leave this fight for one of her girls. 

“Nozomi, want to take this one?” With a nod Nozomi moved forward preparing her jutsu. It was her turn to show what she is made of.