As the exam continued, Naruto, who had been quietly observing the room, began to piece together the true nature of the test. Realizing that cheating was not just permitted but necessary to pass, he formulated a plan.
With a subtle glance around to ensure no proctor was watching directly at him, Naruto briefly activated his Mangekyou Sharingan. He shielded his eyes from view by lowering his head slightly, using his hand as a cover. His next action was swift and strategic.
Naruto used his control over ash to create a diversion. He summoned a gust of ash, a cloud bursting forward in a sudden whoosh that momentarily blinded everyone in the room. Amidst the chaos and coughing, Naruto quickly formed a hand seal and created a single shadow clone.
This wasn't just any shadow clone but one transformed into an ant, nearly invisible to the naked eye. The tiny clone scurried across the floor, unnoticed in the confusion. Its target was one of the participants who hadn't shown any hesitation or confusion during the exam, clearly a plant by the examiners.
The ant-clone made its way up the desk leg and onto the paper of the suspected plant. With precision, it grabbed the completed answer sheet with its minuscule form and darted back across the room to where Naruto sat. The swap was made seamlessly; Naruto replaced his blank sheet with the full one just as the ash settled and vision cleared.
As everyone regained their composure, Naruto acted as if he was just as disoriented as the rest, rubbing his eyes and looking around in feigned confusion. His small act of deception went unnoticed by the proctors, who were busy calming the flustered examinees and ensuring no one was seriously hurt by the sudden ash cloud.
Naruto's clever use of his ninja skills not only secured him the completed answers but also maintained his cover, leaving the proctors none the wiser. His heart raced with the thrill of the successful execution, yet outwardly he maintained a facade of bewildered innocence, waiting for the exam to continue as if nothing had happened.
As the tension from the earlier disruption settled, Ibiki Morino announced the conditions for the tenth and final question of the written exam. His voice was calm but carried a grave weight that instantly silenced the room.
"If you answer the tenth question correctly, you will pass this portion of the Chunin Exams," Ibiki declared, his gaze sweeping across the room. "However, if you answer incorrectly, you will be barred from ever participating in the Chunin Exams again."
The room erupted into whispers and gasps. The stakes were incredibly high, and the risk of a permanent ban from future exams caused a wave of panic among many of the genin.
Teams began to whisper frantically among themselves, weighing their options. Within moments, several teams made the decision to leave. The fear of making an irreversible mistake was too great. One by one, groups of genin hurried out of the room, their footsteps echoing in the otherwise tense silence.
Team 7—Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura—stayed seated, their expressions determined. They exchanged brief nods, silently agreeing to face whatever came next together. Around them, other teams, like those from Konoha, also chose to stay, showing a mixture of resolve and nervousness.
Seeing that a significant number had opted out, Ibiki paused, giving one last chance. "This is your final opportunity to leave before I reveal the tenth question," he stated clearly. No one else moved.
"Very well," Ibiki finally said after a moment of silence. "Those of you who chose to stay... you all pass this stage of the exam."
The room, which had been filled with anxious energy, burst into an uproar of relief and cheers. The genin who had stayed couldn't believe the turn of events—there was no tenth question.
Naruto, realizing what had just happened, quickly explained to those around him, "It was a test of our resolve, to see if we were willing to risk everything for the chance to advance."
As the reality of the test sank in, the genin celebrated their courage and the gamble that had paid off. Amidst the celebration, a new figure suddenly burst into the room. The window shattered with a loud crash as Anko Mitarashi made a dramatic entrance, her wild energy instantly capturing everyone's attention.
"Congratulations on passing the first test," Anko announced with a grin. "Now, get ready for the real challenge. Meet me at the Forest of Death in thirty minutes. Don't be late!" Her voice was filled with excitement and a hint of danger.
The genin were left in a mix of shock and exhilaration, the sudden appearance of Anko and the mention of the Forest of Death sending a new wave of adrenaline through them. As they hurried to prepare, the stakes of the Chunin Exams became even clearer. The journey ahead was going to be even more challenging and perilous.
At the entrance of the ominously named Forest of Death, Anko stood before the gathered genin, her expression serious despite the usual mischief in her eyes. She began to outline the next phase of the Chunin Exams, her voice carrying clearly over the crowd.
"In this test, each team will receive one of two types of scrolls: Heaven or Earth," Anko explained. "Your goal is to survive in the forest for five days and collect the second scroll you don't have. Once you have both, you must make it to the central tower to complete this phase."
The genin listened intently, the gravity of the task ahead settling in. The Forest of Death was notorious for its dangers, and the challenge they were about to face was not just against other teams but against the very nature of the environment itself.
Before distributing the scrolls, Anko held up a stack of forms. "These are release forms. By signing these, you acknowledge that the Hidden Leaf Village is not liable for any injuries or... worse," she said, her tone slightly darkening at the end. "Make sure you understand what you're getting into."
One by one, the teams came forward to sign the forms. The air was thick with a mix of determination and underlying anxiety as each participant contemplated the risks involved.
After signing, each team proceeded to receive their scroll. Anko handed them out randomly, ensuring that no team could guess which scroll other teams received. Each scroll was sealed and could only be opened at the designated time, adding another layer of mystery and strategy to the challenge.
Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura, now officially Team 7 for the duration of this test, received their scroll from Anko. They held it between them, their faces set with resolve. Around them, other teams also collected their scrolls, each group whispering plans and strategies, ready to dash into the forest the moment they were allowed.
The scene was charged with a tense anticipation, each team poised for the signal to begin. The thought of what lay ahead in the dense, treacherous forest was daunting, but the desire to prove themselves drove them forward, ready to face whatever challenges awaited in the depths of the Forest of Death.
As the teams prepared to enter the Forest of Death, Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura observed their surroundings cautiously. Their attention was drawn to a shinobi from the Hidden Grass Village, whose presence seemed to emit an ominous aura. The shinobi's eyes, hidden partially under a large straw hat, scanned the crowd with a chilling intensity.
"Let's keep our distance from that one," Satsuki murmured to her teammates, nodding subtly towards the Kusa ninja. Naruto and Sakura nodded in agreement, each feeling the unspoken threat that lingered around the mysterious figure.
Just as they were strategizing their entry into the forest, Anko, ever the unpredictable proctor, decided to have a little fun by sneaking up on Naruto. Known for her stealth and agility, she moved quietly, her steps nearly silent as she approached him from behind, a mischievous grin on her face.
However, Naruto, ever alert, sensed her presence at the last second. With a quick hand sign, he performed the Replacement Jutsu, substituting himself with a nearby student who happened to be passing by. The unsuspecting student yelped as he suddenly found himself in Anko's grasp instead of Naruto.
Anko, realizing she had grabbed the wrong person, released the student with a frustrated huff. She turned to see Naruto a few feet away, grinning sheepishly at her. "Nice try, Anko-sensei, but you'll have to do better than that," he called out, his voice teasing.
Anko shot him a glare mixed with reluctant admiration for his quick reflexes. "Keep that sharpness up in the forest, you'll need it," she retorted, shaking her head at his antics.
The brief interaction lightened the mood slightly, drawing a few chuckles from the nearby genin who had witnessed the exchange. Yet, as the laughter died down, the gravity of the upcoming test settled back over the group, each team mentally preparing to face the dangers of the Forest of Death.
With a sharp whistle and a wave of her hand, Anko signaled the beginning of the second phase of the Chunin Exams. Teams rushed into the dense thicket of the Forest of Death, each with their own plans and strategies.
Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura quickly moved away from the starting point, pushing deeper into the forest. Once they felt they were far enough to avoid immediate confrontation, they slowed to discuss their next steps.
"Let's set up a passcode," Sakura suggested, looking around to ensure no other teams were nearby. "That way, we'll know if there's an intruder among us."
"Good idea," Naruto agreed. "How about we use the name of our favorite ramen toppings? If someone doesn't answer with theirs, we know it's not one of us."
"Mine's chashu," Sakura said with a nod.
"Mine's tamago," Satsuki added, scanning their surroundings cautiously.
"And mine's narutomaki, obviously," Naruto grinned, pleased with their choices.
With their passcode set, Naruto clapped his hands together. "Okay, I'll send some shadow clones to scout around. They'll cover more ground and report back if they find any teams."
He quickly formed the hand seals and created several copies of himself, each clone saluting the original before dashing off into different parts of the forest. The real Naruto watched them go, then turned back to his team.
"Let's find a good spot to hold up while we wait for information from the clones," he suggested, leading the way deeper into the forest.
Satsuki and Sakura followed, keeping their senses sharp for any signs of danger or the approach of other teams. As they moved, the dense foliage of the Forest of Death closed around them, the sounds of distant movements and the rustle of leaves underfoot reminding them of the challenges ahead.
As Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura waited in their chosen hideout, one of Naruto's clones returned, dispersing as it delivered its report. Naruto relayed the information to his teammates. "There's a Hidden Rain team not far from here. I have a plan to draw them out."
Quickly, Naruto created more shadow clones, each one transformed to look exactly like the Hidden Rain team they were about to engage. He sent these disguised clones toward the area where the Rain team was hiding.
The Hidden Rain ninjas, seeing what they thought were reflections of themselves approaching, hesitated momentarily. That hesitation gave away their position without them realizing they were being tricked. As soon as they launched their attack, revealing their tactics and jutsu, the real Naruto and his team were ready.
From a concealed position, Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura watched as the Rain team used kunai and jutsu against the clone decoys. Each clone was struck down, but not before revealing the Rain team's defensive setup and the nature of their traps.
With precision timing, Naruto signaled to Satsuki and Sakura. They leaped from their hiding spots, using the distraction to their advantage. Satsuki and Sakura threw their own kunai with pinpoint accuracy, targeting the legs of the Rain team to incapacitate them without causing lethal harm.
The Rain ninjas were caught off guard by the sudden and precise counterattack. They tried to retaliate, but their injuries slowed them down significantly. Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura moved quickly and efficiently, dodging any last-ditch efforts or traps set by the Rain team.
Once the Rain ninjas were neutralized, Naruto approached carefully and retrieved the scroll they needed. With the scroll secured, he gave a quick nod to his team, and they made their way back into the deeper parts of the forest, leaving the injured Rain team behind but stable.
"This should give us the advantage we need," Naruto said as they moved away, keeping their senses alert for any other teams or dangers lurking in the dense forest. Their teamwork had paid off, and they were one step closer to completing this phase of the exams.
After waiting in their hideout for a bit, one of Naruto's clones came back and gave them the lowdown. It had spotted a Hidden Rain team nearby. Naruto quickly came up with a plan to draw them out.
He whipped up some more shadow clones and made them look just like the Hidden Rain team members. He sent these disguised clones toward where the real Rain team was hiding. Seeing their own look-alikes coming towards them confused the Rain ninjas. They held back at first, unsure what was happening, which was exactly what Naruto hoped for.
As soon as the Rain team showed themselves and started attacking, Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura knew exactly where they were. The Rain ninjas took out the clones, but each attack gave away their position and their fighting style.
With everything out in the open, Naruto gave the signal. He, Satsuki, and Sakura jumped out from where they were hiding and went straight for the Rain team. They threw kunai aimed right at the Rain ninjas' legs, trying to stop them without doing too much damage. The Rain team tried to hit back, but they were too slow because of their injuries.
Naruto quickly grabbed the scroll they needed from the Rain team. Once he had it, he nodded to Satsuki and Sakura, and they all headed deeper into the forest, leaving the Rain team behind but making sure they weren't seriously hurt.
"This should give us a good lead," Naruto said as they kept moving, always watching for any other teams or dangers that might be hidden in the thick forest. Their plan had worked well, and now they were one step closer to getting through this part of the exams.
As Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura made their way deeper into the Forest of Death, their surroundings grew denser and the air heavier with the smell of earth and leaves. They were alert, constantly scanning the area for any signs of other teams or potential threats.
Suddenly, without warning, a massive gust of wind hit them hard. It wasn't just any wind—it was too forceful and too targeted to be natural. "It's a jutsu!" Naruto managed to yell out over the roaring sound.
The wind was so powerful that it swept them off their feet in seconds. They tried to grab onto something, anything, but the force was overwhelming. As they were hurled through the air, their training kicked in. Each of them managed to position themselves to minimize injury.
Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura were blown in different directions, but still relatively close to each other. The trees caught them like giant green hands, their thick branches preventing them from flying any further.
Naruto twisted his body at the last second and grabbed onto a branch, swinging slightly from the impact but managing to hold on. Sakura, a bit further away, curled into a ball, lessening the impact as she too was snagged by sturdy branches. Satsuki, always precise, managed to use her momentum to flip and land more gracefully on a thicker limb, her hands tightly gripping the bark.
They each took a moment to catch their breath and assess their situation. The trees had saved them from a worse fate, but now they were separated, each caught in a different tree. The wind had died down as quickly as it had appeared, leaving the forest eerily silent again.
"Is everyone okay?" Naruto called out, trying to spot his teammates among the dense foliage.
"Yeah," came Sakura's voice, a bit shaky. "I'm okay!"
"Me too," Satsuki added, her voice calm and controlled.
They started to maneuver their way back to the ground, each moving carefully to avoid falling. The attack had been sudden and well-executed, reminding them that they were not alone in the forest and that the danger was real and ever-present. As they regrouped, they remained vigilant, knowing that the team that had launched the wind jutsu might still be nearby, watching.
After regrouping on the forest floor, Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura were suddenly confronted by the Kusa kunoichi they had noticed earlier. Her appearance was striking and somewhat eerie, matching the ominous vibe they had sensed from her before.
As she stepped out from the shadows of the trees, her presence seemed to fill the space around them. She smirked, her eyes gleaming with a menacing light as she began to taunt the team. "Thought you could hide in this forest forever?" she sneered, her voice dripping with malice.
Her killer intent was palpable, almost a physical force pressing down on them. It was so intense that Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura found themselves overwhelmed by the sheer pressure of her will. They struggled to maintain their stance, but the invisible weight of her intent forced them down to their knees.
Despite the immense pressure forcing them downward, they remained conscious, each one fighting to keep their wits about them. They could hardly move, the kunoichi's power pinning them in place like insects under glass.
The kunoichi laughed, a sound that seemed to echo through the trees. "Not so tough now, are you?" she taunted, watching them struggle. Her stance was relaxed, confident in her ability to dominate without even a physical attack.
Naruto gritted his teeth, trying to push through the mental barrier she imposed. Satsuki's eyes narrowed, her mind racing for a counterstrategy. Sakura, equally pressured, clenched her fists, her knuckles whitening as she fought against the invisible force.
As they knelt there, the reality of their vulnerability in the face of such power hit hard. Yet, their resolve did not waver; they were determined to overcome this challenge, somehow finding a way to break free from the crushing intent of the Kusa kunoichi.
As the intense pressure from the kunoichi's killer intent suddenly lifted, the atmosphere shifted from oppressive to dangerously dynamic. The Kusa kunoichi focused her attention on Satsuki, her expression a mix of scorn and recognition. "You have talent, Uchiha," she said, a smirk playing on her lips. "Let's see how much."
Without further warning, she launched a fire jutsu directly at Satsuki. The flames burst forward in a wide arc, forcing Satsuki to leap to the side to avoid being scorched. Landing smoothly, Satsuki countered by weaving signs for her own fire technique, shooting a precise stream of fire back at her attacker.
The kunoichi dodged with a quick sidestep, her movements fluid and confident. As the fire passed harmlessly beside her, she closed the distance between them, engaging in taijutsu. Her fists moved with trained precision, aimed at vital points that would incapacitate if they connected.
Satsuki, trained in the Uchiha style of combat, parried and countered, her Sharingan tracking the kunoichi's swift movements. She blocked a high kick, then ducked under a sweeping roundhouse, using the opening to deliver a swift elbow strike towards the kunoichi's midsection.
Meanwhile, just as the battle intensified, a massive snake slithered silently from the dense undergrowth. Its massive jaws opened wide, and before Naruto could react, he was swept up and swallowed whole. Sakura screamed out his name, momentarily distracted, her eyes wide with horror.
Back in the fight, the kunoichi used the distraction to her advantage, attempting to land a spinning heel kick. Satsuki, aware of the increased stakes, forced herself to focus, stepping back just in time to avoid the blow.
As the fight between Satsuki and the Kusa kunoichi continued, each exchange of blows and jutsu was a testament to their skills and resolve. Satsuki's determination not to let her friend's sudden plight distract her further fueled her combat spirit, each movement sharp and deliberate.
The battle raged on, a dance of fire and fists, as they both looked for an opening to end the confrontation decisively.
Inside the dark, cramped interior of the snake, Naruto quickly realized that this was no ordinary snake. "Must be a summon," he muttered to himself, feeling the slick, muscular walls of the snake's stomach closing in around him. He knew he had to act fast.
Not wasting any moment, Naruto decided to use a fire jutsu to burn his way out. He gathered his chakra, focusing intently despite the stifling, acidic environment. With a loud shout, he unleashed a powerful Fire Style jutsu directly at the snake's inner wall.
The effect was immediate. Flames engulfed the area around him, burning through the snake's flesh. The beast writhed in pain as a hole was seared into its side, large enough for Naruto to make his escape.
Crawling out through the burned opening, Naruto dropped to the ground outside, panting from the effort and the heat. He quickly regained his composure and assessed his surroundings to find his way back to the battle.
Determined to rejoin his teammates and help Satsuki, Naruto sprinted through the forest. His mind was clear, and his resolve was firm. He could still hear the sounds of the ongoing fight not too far away, guiding him back to the action. With a renewed sense of urgency, Naruto pushed himself to move faster, intent on making it back in time to make a difference in the fight.
As Naruto dashed through the underbrush, he finally broke into the clearing and saw the situation: Satsuki was struggling against the Kusa kunoichi, who was relentlessly taunting her. "You're almost as good as Itachi was at your age," the kunoichi sneered, landing another quick strike that Satsuki barely managed to block. Her words seemed designed to provoke, and they had their intended effect. Satsuki's expression twisted with both pain and anger.
Seeing Satsuki in trouble fueled Naruto's urgency. Without hesitation, he gathered chakra into his palms, forming a swirling mass of wind. "Wind Style: Wind Bullet!" he shouted, launching the compressed air projectile at the kunoichi.
Caught off guard by Naruto's sudden appearance and attack, the kunoichi was forced to leap aside to avoid the fast-moving wind bullet. Her evasive maneuver gave Satsuki the much-needed space to regain her footing and compose herself.
As the kunoichi steadied herself from the dodge, her eyes flicked between Naruto and Satsuki, recalculating her strategy now that the numbers were even again. Satsuki took a deep breath, steadying her shaking hands and refocusing her energy, now that she had a moment to recover thanks to Naruto's intervention.
Naruto positioned himself beside Satsuki, ready to fight together. "You okay?" he asked quickly, concern lacing his voice.
Satsuki nodded, her resolve hardening. "Let's finish this," she responded, her eyes sharp and focused, grateful for Naruto's timely arrival but ready to take back control of the fight.
The battle took a shocking turn when the kunoichi suddenly stopped, her hands reaching up to her face. With a chilling calmness, she peeled off what was revealed to be a mask, unveiling a new, more sinister visage beneath—Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, known for his deadly abilities and dark ambitions.
Naruto and Satsuki froze for a moment, their eyes wide with disbelief. "What are you?" Naruto blurted out, his voice tense as he took a defensive stance.
Orochimaru smiled, a cold and menacing expression. "I am Orochimaru, the Snake Sannin," he declared, his voice smooth but filled with a palpable threat. The air around them seemed to thicken with danger.
Instantly recognizing the name and the grave threat it represented, Naruto and Satsuki exchanged a quick, worried glance. They knew they were outmatched but also understood that retreating was their only viable option if they wanted to survive.
"Be ready to run," Satsuki whispered to Naruto, her eyes locked on Orochimaru, who watched them with a predatory interest.
Naruto nodded, gathering chakra under his feet, preparing to use his speed to their advantage. Sakura, who had been a bit further back, caught up and gasped upon seeing Orochimaru. "We need to get out of here," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
They didn't need further convincing. As Orochimaru began to move, his actions smooth and assured, Naruto shouted, "Now!" Using the burst of speed granted by his chakra, he grabbed Satsuki and Sakura, pulling them along as he dashed away.
Orochimaru, however, didn't seem inclined to let them escape easily. With a flick of his tongue, he signaled the arrival of more summoned snakes, sending them slithering rapidly after the fleeing Genin.
The escape was frantic, with Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura dodging through trees and leaping over obstacles, the sounds of the pursuing snakes a constant reminder of the danger on their heels. They knew they had to reach a safe area to plan their next move, their minds racing with both fear and the adrenaline of survival.
As Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura tried to escape, Orochimaru swiftly intercepted them. He appeared suddenly in front of Sakura, striking her with a powerful punch that knocked her out instantly. She crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
Seeing Sakura go down, Naruto and Satsuki immediately engaged Orochimaru in taijutsu, their movements desperate but coordinated. Naruto threw a series of quick punches, trying to find a gap in Orochimaru's defense. At the same time, Satsuki aimed high kicks at his sides, hoping to catch him off balance.
Despite their efforts, Orochimaru moved with terrifying ease. He dodged Naruto's punches with a slight tilt of his head and parried Satsuki's kicks with minimal effort. It was clear they were outclassed. Orochimaru's movements were not just fast; they were precise and calculated, always seeming to know where Naruto and Satsuki would strike next.
Naruto gritted his teeth, sweat dripping down his forehead as he tried to land even a single blow. Satsuki, her face set in a determined frown, switched tactics, attempting a sweep to take Orochimaru's legs out from under him. But he simply leaped over her leg, landing effortlessly a few feet away.
The frustration was building. Each failed attempt to hit Orochimaru only highlighted their own vulnerability. Despite this, Naruto and Satsuki didn't give up. They regrouped, standing back to back, ready for another attempt to take down the formidable sannin or at least hold him off long enough to think of a new plan.
Orochimaru watched Naruto and Satsuki with a slight, unnerving smile. "Such teamwork, truly amazing for mere genin," he commented, his voice laced with both praise and a hint of mockery. He then turned his attention fully towards Naruto, seemingly curious to gauge the extent of his abilities.
As Orochimaru focused on Naruto, launching a series of swift attacks to test him, Satsuki used this distraction to her advantage. She quickly grabbed a handful of shuriken and attached a thin, nearly invisible wire to them. With precise movements, she threw the shuriken around Orochimaru, the wire creating a trap that he seemed not to notice in his focus on Naruto.
Satsuki pulled the wire taut, and as Orochimaru moved to dodge another of Naruto's punches, he unknowingly crossed the path of the wire. Satsuki ignited the wire at just the right moment. Flames shot along the wire's path, encircling Orochimaru in fire. For a moment, it looked as though they had succeeded in capturing him.
However, the figure within the flames suddenly collapsed into mud, revealing itself to be nothing more than a clone. Orochimaru emerged from the ground behind them, completely unscathed, his expression one of amusement. "Impressive attempt, but not nearly enough," he said, his tone chillingly calm.
Naruto and Satsuki regrouped, facing the real Orochimaru now. They realized the depth of the challenge before them, understanding that this was no ordinary opponent but one of the legendary Sannin, capable of deceptive tactics far beyond their current level. Despite this, they prepared to continue the fight, unwilling to give up.
Realizing that escaping was their only viable option against such a formidable opponent, Naruto decided to use his most powerful techniques. His eyes changed as he activated his Mangekyou Sharingan, catching Orochimaru off guard with the unexpected show of power.
With intense focus, Naruto summoned a massive gust composed of ash and white flames, aiming directly at Orochimaru. The Sannin was engulfed in the blinding storm of fiery destruction. As the winds and fire subsided, what was left appeared to be Orochimaru's charred figure, motionless on the ground.
However, the victory was short-lived. From the burnt remains, another version of Orochimaru emerged, this one visibly furious and barely affected by the previous attack. Without hesitation, he rushed at Naruto, intent on ending the battle.
But Naruto was ready. As Orochimaru charged, Naruto used his ability to manipulate wood, causing wooden spikes to surge from the ground directly in Orochimaru's path. The spikes impaled him, stopping his charge abruptly. Orochimaru's face twisted in pain and rage as he coughed up another version of himself, this one looking exhausted and even more enraged than the last.
This relentless cycle of Orochimaru regenerating and attacking showcased not only his incredible survival abilities but also the dire situation Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura were facing. They had to find a way to truly incapacitate him or escape before he could recover again.
In a chilling tone, Orochimaru announced his next move, "1000 Hungry Shadow Snakes." The ground around him churned as countless serpentine forms slithered out, their eyes glowing ominously in the dim forest light, hungry for their targets.
As the snakes surged forward, something extraordinary happened. Both of Naruto's eyes began to spin wildly, a clear sign that something powerful was being invoked. An ethereal, white ribcage of chakra materialized around him and Satsuki, shielding them from immediate danger. "Susanoo," Naruto uttered instinctively, surprised by his own ability to summon such a formidable defense.
Orochimaru, recognizing the threat of the Susanoo, paused his attack momentarily. With a flicker of irritation and calculation, he decided to test the strength of Naruto's newfound power. Extending his neck at an inhuman speed, he aimed to bite Satsuki through the protective chakra. However, his head merely bounced off the sturdy ribcage, his fangs unable to penetrate the Susanoo.
Realizing the futility of attacking Naruto and Satsuki directly and not wanting to risk drawing the attention of the Hokage, Orochimaru swiftly changed his target. He turned his attention to their unconscious teammate, Sakura. With another swift motion, he extended his neck toward her, placing the curse mark on her neck. Neither Naruto nor Satsuki, both preoccupied with maintaining the Susanoo and their own safety, noticed the subtle, sinister action.
As Orochimaru retracted his neck, the curse mark on Sakura was subtle but significant, a dark sign of Orochimaru's lingering influence. He then retreated into the shadows of the forest, his form blending back into the undergrowth, leaving the team to ponder the sudden cessation of the attack and the eerie quiet that followed.
After the encounter with Orochimaru, Naruto and Satsuki carried Sakura, still unconscious, deeper into the forest. They were cautious, constantly looking over their shoulders, until they found a small cave that seemed safe and hidden from plain sight. Carefully, they laid Sakura down on a bed of leaves they gathered, making her as comfortable as possible under the circumstances.
Exhausted and shaken by the day's events, Satsuki turned to Naruto. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Naruto... for everything," she whispered. Without waiting for a response, she leaned in and kissed him softly. It was a simple, quick gesture, but it carried the weight of all they had endured together.
After the kiss, Satsuki wrapped her arms around Naruto in a tight hug. The adrenaline from the battle had worn off, and the fatigue was setting in. She rested her head against his shoulder and, comforted by his presence, she soon fell asleep.
Naruto, still processing the kiss and the intense day, felt a mix of emotions swirling within him. But the warmth from Satsuki's hug and the rhythmic sound of her breathing gradually soothed him. Feeling the toll of the day's exertions, he too closed his eyes and eventually drifted off to sleep beside her and Sakura.
The quiet of the cave enveloped them, a stark contrast to the chaos they had faced. For the moment, they were safe, and the trials of the forest seemed a world away. As they slept, the forest around them remained a silent witness to the trials of aspiring shinobi.
The next morning, Naruto woke up to the sounds of fighting not far from their hideout. Peering out cautiously, he saw Rock Lee engaging some Sound Genin in combat. To his shock, Sakura was also there, walking towards the fray with strange markings spiraling around her body. She was talking loudly, mentioning something about not being left behind again.
As Naruto watched, stunned, Sakura attacked one of the Sound Genin with such ferocity that she tore his arms off. Before Naruto could fully process what he was seeing, he quickly created a shadow clone to stay with the still-sleeping Satsuki and went to intervene.
Using a basic Wind Jutsu, Naruto managed to push Sakura away from another Sound shinobi she was about to attack. But as she saw Naruto, she started screaming about proving herself and not being left behind again. Ignoring her injuries, she charged at the Sound shinobi with reckless abandon. Unfortunately, her attack was easily countered, and she was thrown against a tree, knocking her unconscious.
Naruto quickly made another shadow clone that rushed over to tend to Sakura, ensuring she was stable. He then turned to Rock Lee, who had just finished dealing with the last of the Sound Genin.
"What happened here?" Naruto asked, his voice filled with concern and confusion.
Rock Lee, catching his breath, explained that they had been ambushed by the Sound team and that Sakura had suddenly appeared and intervened with unexpected and frightening strength. He thanked Naruto for his help, mentioning how critical it was to have backup in moments like these.
With a nod to Naruto, Rock Lee and his team, who had been hidden in the bushes during the fight, quickly departed to continue their own mission.
Naruto, his mind still racing from the incident, returned to their hideout. He sat down, trying to rest a bit more, but the image of Sakura's fierce and altered state lingered in his mind, worrying him about what it meant for her and the team.
Once Satsuki woke up, Naruto quickly filled her in on the events that had unfolded while she was asleep. He explained how Sakura had acted strangely, showing unexpected strength and aggression. Satsuki's initial reaction was panic, immediately worrying about Naruto's safety and the well-being of the team.
"It's okay, I'm fine," Naruto reassured her, seeing the concern etched on her face. "We just need to keep an eye on Sakura and figure out what's happening with her."
They didn't have to wait long for Sakura to wake up. When she did, she looked confused and disoriented. Naruto and Satsuki asked her what she remembered. "I don't remember much... just that it felt good," Sakura said slowly, her voice uncertain. This confession made Naruto and Satsuki exchange a worried glance, slightly creeped out by her response.
Deciding it was best to move on and focus on the exam, they gathered their things and began making their way to the tower, which was the final goal for this phase of the Chunin Exams. As they walked, the tension from the earlier incident lingered, but they tried to maintain a normal conversation to keep the mood light.
The journey to the tower was uneventful yet tense, each of them lost in their own thoughts about what had happened and what it might mean for Sakura. As they neared the tower, the massive structure casting a long shadow over the forest, they prepared themselves for the challenges that awaited them inside, hoping they could find some answers or help for Sakura once they arrived.
Upon entering the towering structure that marked the end of their current ordeal in the Forest of Death, Naruto, Satsuki, and Sakura were immediately greeted by the sight of a large wall covered with inscriptions. After a few moments of study, they figured out the message instructing them to unroll both the Heaven and Earth scrolls they had collected.
As soon as they did so, a puff of smoke filled the small room, and Iruka Umino appeared before them, his familiar face bringing a sense of relief. "Well done on making it this far," Iruka said with a smile. "You should all go rest in the barracks until tomorrow. You'll need your strength for what comes next."
Grateful for his advice, the team thanked Iruka and headed towards the barracks to find a place to rest. However, the worry over Sakura's strange behavior and the ominous markings on her body weighed heavily on their minds. Deciding they needed guidance, they first sought out Kakashi.
They found Kakashi not far from the barracks, and quickly showed him the curse mark on Sakura, explaining everything that had happened during their encounter with Orochimaru. Kakashi's expression turned grave as he listened, his eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of the mark.
Without wasting any time, Kakashi decided to take immediate action. "I'm taking her to see the Hokage," he stated firmly. "This is beyond what we can handle here. This mark... it's something sinister."
Kakashi gently guided Sakura, who was still a bit dazed and confused about the whole situation. Naruto and Satsuki followed closely, filled with concern but also a bit of relief that their sensei was taking charge of the situation.
As they walked towards the Hokage's office, the gravity of the situation seemed to sink in even more. The curse mark was not just a residual effect of a battle; it was something that potentially had deep and dangerous implications. They all knew that whatever came next, it was going to be a significant challenge, not just for Sakura, but for all of them.
The next morning, the competitors were led into a large stadium filled with spectators. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the remaining genin gathered on the field. The Hokage, standing at the podium, cleared his throat to address everyone present.
"Welcome to the next phase of the Chunin Exams," the Hokage began, his voice echoing throughout the stadium. "This year, we have seen an unusually high number of participants reach this stage. Therefore, we find it necessary to hold a preliminary round before the final matches."
He paused, letting his words sink in among the young shinobi whose expressions ranged from nervous to excited.
"The Chunin Exams are not just a test of individual strength but a demonstration of each village's prowess to the other hidden villages. It is a chance for you to show the honor and skills of your village."
At this point, the proctor for this phase stepped forward, a stern look on his face. "My name is Hayashi Tenzō," he introduced himself. "In a moment, we will begin randomly drawing names to decide the matchups for the preliminary round. Each fight will be one-on-one, and only the winner will advance to the finals."
He looked over the crowd of genin, his gaze sharp. "Prepare yourselves. These battles will determine who is truly ready to take on the responsibilities of a Chunin. Show us your strength, your strategy, and your spirit."
The genin nodded, some exchanging determined looks with their rivals, while others took deep, steadying breaths, mentally preparing for what was to come. The stadium buzzed with the murmurs of the audience, eager to witness the prowess of the next generation of shinobi.
As Tenzō moved to the side where a large board with all the participants' names was set up, he gestured to an assistant who held a box filled with slips of paper. "We'll start the draw now. Be ready to step forward when your name is called."
The tension was palpable as each name drawn brought a pair of ninjas into the spotlight, ready to battle for their chance to advance. Each participant knew that every fight could be the decisive moment of their young careers.