The room, which had just begun to settle after Ibiki's intense test, suddenly erupted with chaos as the windows burst open, shattering glass onto the floor. The sound was deafening, and everyone jerked backward in surprise. Standing in the shattered frame of the window, a woman grinned mischievously. Her wild hair and her outfit that seemed to scream "unpredictable" immediately caught everyone's attention.
"I'm Anko Mitarashi, your examiner for the next stage of the Chunin Exams!" she declared with a wild, almost manic excitement.
The class collectively blinked in disbelief as the woman jumped into the room, landing in a crouch before straightening up with a grin that was both unnerving and infectious.
"Let's get going!" Anko shouted, her voice loud and full of energy. "You've all passed the written portion, but that was just the beginning! Follow me!"
Before anyone could protest or question her, Anko turned on her heel and dashed out of the room, leaving the group of genin no choice but to follow her. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura exchanged looks, their confusion mirrored in the expressions of their fellow genin, but they quickly adjusted and followed her out of the building.
Anko led them through the village, moving swiftly and confidently as they raced to keep up with her. Her pace was brisk, almost unnatural, and Naruto had to push himself to match her speed. As they left the village and moved into the surrounding forest, the air grew cooler, and the sound of the bustling village faded behind them.
They eventually came to a halt in front of a huge, towering fence that seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance. The fence was reinforced with thick metal, and the forest around it was dense and filled with an eerie stillness. It felt like they had crossed some kind of invisible line, and the tension in the air made every single genin feel like they were on edge.
Anko, who had been waiting for them to catch up, smirked at the group and stepped forward. She gestured to the fence, then to the dense, ominous woods beyond it. Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she began to explain.
"Alright, listen up!" Anko shouted. "This is the next stage of the Chunin Exams! You've all been given two scrolls, one marked with the Earth symbol and one marked with the Heaven symbol. Your objective is to get both scrolls—Earth and Heaven—before time runs out. The trick is, you can only get one scroll per team, and you must find the other team that has the scroll you need. And don't think it's going to be easy," she said, her grin turning darker. "The other teams are going to be just as desperate as you are."
She paused, letting her words sink in, as if savoring the growing tension among the genin. "Oh, and did I mention the forest? It's full of traps, dangers, and...hungry creatures. Not to mention the other teams who are just as determined to pass as you are. It's kill or be killed out there."
Naruto's eyes widened as he took in the gravity of her words. A real fight? No more rules? This was nothing like the mock missions he'd done in the past. This would be a true test of their strength, their cunning, and their survival skills.
"Once you get both scrolls, you'll have to make it to the central tower at the center of the forest. The gates won't open unless you have both scrolls, so don't waste time trying to escape," Anko continued. "And remember, you're not alone out there. There are other genin teams competing against you, and there are a lot of dangers in the forest that can leave you on your back before you know it."
She gave a loud, dramatic pause. "Now, you're about to enter a competition where only the strong survive. You're all on your own once you step through that fence. The exam is simple: make it to the tower alive... with both scrolls in hand."
The genin exchanged worried glances, understanding the stakes all too well now. The safety net of the village felt very far away, and the gravity of the situation was beginning to settle in. Naruto's mind raced, already analyzing the situation. He could feel the excitement bubbling in his chest, but it was quickly tempered with caution. This was no longer just an exam—this was a survival challenge.
Anko's voice cut through his thoughts. "Alright, I'm going to open the gates now. You've all got three days to make it to the tower, and remember: the only way out is with both scrolls. Good luck, everyone!"
Without waiting for any objections, she pulled a lever, and the giant gates creaked open, revealing the dark, foreboding forest beyond. The air was thick with tension as the genin teams began to move toward the gates, each team heading into the forest with their scrolls clutched tightly.
Naruto's heart was pounding. He took one last glance at his teammates. Sasuke was standing tall, his face set with determination. Sakura looked nervous but ready. Together, they were strong—together, they could do this.
"Let's do this, guys!" Naruto said, grinning as he led the charge into the forest, his eyes scanning for any signs of danger.
As they disappeared into the trees, the sounds of the village grew fainter and fainter, and the true test of the Chunin Exams began.
The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon as Team 7 sat perched in the branches of a large, sturdy tree, its canopy providing a decent amount of cover from the view of other genin teams in the forest below. The air was thick with tension and uncertainty. Their scrolls, one Earth and one Heaven, were tucked securely away in Sakura's pack, a reminder that their goal wasn't just survival, but securing both scrolls.
Naruto, leaning against the trunk of the tree with his arms folded behind his head, stared up at the evening sky, his mind turning over plans. Sasuke and Sakura were next to him, each silently watching the forest below, scanning for any sign of movement.
"We're wasting time up here," Sasuke muttered, eyes narrowing. "We should be moving. We can't just sit around."
Sakura nodded in agreement, but her eyes were tired, worried. She wasn't used to this kind of pressure, and the harsh reality of the Chunin Exams had started to set in. "But if we move too fast, we could run into another team. And that's a risk I don't think we should take. Not yet."
Naruto, who had been unusually quiet for the past few hours, sat up and stretched. His eyes twinkled with the same mischievous energy they always held, but this time there was a sharpness to it. He had been thinking about their best strategy, analyzing the possibilities.
"You guys are overthinking it," Naruto said with a grin. "We don't need to rush into danger. We need to outsmart them."
Sasuke shot him a look, raising an eyebrow. "Outsmart them? How?"
Naruto leaned forward, suddenly more serious. "We've got something that most of the teams don't: time. The other teams are gonna be rushing, they're gonna be too aggressive. They'll think they need to get to the tower as quickly as possible. But we don't have to do that. We can just wait it out."
Sakura blinked, a little confused. "Wait it out? What do you mean?"
Naruto pointed toward the sky, where the sun was now setting and darkness was creeping in. "It's day one. Most of the teams will be thinking they have to get both scrolls right away, and they're gonna exhaust themselves. Some of them might even get reckless, thinking they need to fight to get ahead. But that's where we'll have the advantage."
Sasuke was listening now, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "So you want us to play the long game?"
Naruto nodded. "Exactly. We stay put for a bit longer. We don't engage. We watch. We wait until we find the right team to fight. If we wait, we won't be burning through chakra. And when we do fight, we'll pick the right team and the right moment."
"Sounds simple," Sasuke said. "But we'll need to be on guard."
"We will be," Naruto replied. "But here's the plan: We don't need to take anyone out until we absolutely have to. We wait for the teams that are too eager to get to the tower, the ones that are too aggressive, or the ones that are just tired from running around. We'll only fight if we can take advantage of the situation."
Sakura chewed her lip, clearly a little nervous. "But what if we don't find a team with both scrolls? What if we're stuck here with just one scroll for too long?"
Naruto's grin widened. "We're not going to be stuck. We'll play our cards right. If we wait long enough, we'll come across another team who's already worn out. And I've got a little backup plan, too," he said, tapping his head, signaling that his mind was already working out the next step.
Sasuke and Sakura exchanged a glance. It seemed risky to them, but Naruto's plan was sound. They had to admit that he was making sense. They didn't need to be the first to reach the tower. They just needed to get there with both scrolls—and survive the process.
"Alright," Sasuke said, finally conceding. "Let's give it a try."
Sakura nodded, though she was still a little uncertain. "We wait for the right moment."
Naruto leaned back against the tree, satisfied with the plan. He had been right; the best way to win wasn't always by rushing in. It was about being patient, using his mind, and knowing when to strike. He trusted his instincts, and they were telling him that waiting just a little longer would pay off.
As night fully fell, the three of them settled in, quietly watching the world around them. They were perched high up, the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves the only noise to break the eerie silence of the forest.
Naruto's mind kept working, already planning their next steps, using his Chimera-gan to scan the surrounding area. There was no movement nearby, and for the moment, everything was quiet. He could afford to wait.
Sasuke, although silent, was clearly deep in thought, his body ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. Sakura, more reserved, was clutching her scroll tightly, trusting her teammates and ready to follow whatever strategy Naruto would throw their way.
Naruto's eyes flicked to the stars above, thinking of how to use his abilities even more efficiently. He didn't just want to survive the exam—he wanted to show everyone that he was a force to be reckoned with. And if he played his cards right, he'd get the chance to prove that sooner than later.
The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a pale glow across the dense forest surrounding the hidden village of Konoha. The air was cool, and the sounds of nocturnal creatures were the only disturbance in the otherwise quiet and still atmosphere.
Naruto's mind was still buzzing with ideas, his Chimera-gan active and scanning the area around them. His eyes glinted in the moonlight, sharper and more focused than they had been in days. He was thinking beyond just survival now—he was thinking of how to win the entire Chunin Exams, to prove himself not just to the villagers but to everyone who had doubted him.
"Sasuke, Sakura," Naruto whispered, catching their attention. "I've been thinking."
Sasuke looked up from his quiet contemplation, raising an eyebrow. "You've been thinking for hours. What now?"
Naruto's eyes gleamed with excitement, and he smiled. "I've got a plan. We don't just wait here and do nothing. We take action." He paused for a second, making sure his teammates were listening. "I'm going to send out a group of owls."
Sakura blinked. "Owls?"
"Yeah, owls," Naruto replied with a grin. "They're quiet, they can fly long distances, and they're good for scouting. I'll create a whole bunch of them. Send them out at different directions to keep an eye on all the teams in the area. Since most teams will be exhausted and napping tonight, we can use that to our advantage."
Sasuke leaned forward, intrigued. "What do you mean by 'use that to our advantage'?"
Naruto's smile widened as he sat up, more energized now. "We send the owls in to get close to other teams while they sleep. They can grab a scroll or two. Heaven scrolls, Earth scrolls, doesn't matter. We take what we can. The more scrolls we get, the fewer teams we have to worry about when we reach the tower. We can cut down the field significantly."
Sakura frowned slightly. "Won't that be risky? If the other teams wake up…"
"That's where the owls come in," Naruto explained, his voice filled with confidence. "They're quiet and fast. We won't take them head-on. If they're asleep, we'll make sure the owls only grab the scrolls and get out without being noticed."
Sasuke smirked, impressed by the cleverness of the plan. "You're not playing around anymore."
"I've always been serious," Naruto replied with a chuckle, though there was a hint of pride in his voice. "We're not just going to sit around. We're going to make sure we have the upper hand."
Naruto closed his eyes, and with a quick series of hand seals, he summoned the cells for his owls. In an instant, four large owls appeared in front of him, their dark feathers almost blending into the night. Their eyes glowed faintly in the moonlight, and their wings fluttered as they awaited instructions.
"Alright, guys," Naruto said, addressing the owls. "Spread out. Go find teams that are sleeping or just lounging around. Keep your distance and don't get caught. Bring back any scrolls you can find, and be quick about it."
The owls hooted softly, their feathers rustling as they spread their wings, ready to fly.
Sasuke and Sakura watched in awe as the owls disappeared into the night, vanishing into the trees and sky. Naruto's plan was audacious, but it made sense. The other teams would be so focused on making it through the forest, they wouldn't expect a team to steal from them in the dead of night.
"Think this will work?" Sakura asked, her voice a little uncertain but hopeful.
Naruto grinned. "Absolutely. We've got the element of surprise on our side. If we're careful, we can make this whole thing a lot easier for us. Plus, if we get lucky, we might have both scrolls by morning."
Sasuke nodded, though his eyes were still scanning the dark forest. "I'm not sure if you're a genius or just crazy. But I'll go along with it."
Naruto's smile grew. "Don't worry. By the end of this exam, everyone will know we're not just any ordinary genin team."
As the night continued, Naruto and his team waited in silence, keeping their eyes peeled for any signs of movement. They could hear the distant hoots of the owls as they carried out their mission. For now, it was just a waiting game, but Naruto felt a rush of excitement. He was already one step ahead of the other genin, and if all went according to plan, they wouldn't just survive the exam—they'd dominate it.
Sasuke and Sakura remained vigilant, but there was an undercurrent of excitement in the air. They could feel the tension building, knowing that soon, the Chunin Exams would come to a head, and they'd be forced to put everything they had learned into practice.
As the first light of dawn began to break through the trees, casting long shadows across the dense forest, Naruto could feel the weight of the night lifting. He had been tense, eagerly awaiting the return of the owls. His eyes, though tired, were sharp, scanning the treetops and listening for the familiar rustle of feathers.
Suddenly, the soft hoot of one of the owls echoed in the distance. Naruto's pulse quickened. "Here they come," he muttered under his breath, eyes flicking to Sasuke and Sakura, who were both on high alert.
The owls appeared one by one, gliding silently through the morning air and landing softly on the branches around their hidden campsite. Naruto's heart raced as they flew in from different directions, each one carrying a small, tightly-wrapped bundle in their talons.
One by one, the owls perched in front of Naruto, and he eagerly took the scrolls from them, his grin widening with each new discovery. There were Earth scrolls, Heaven scrolls, and even a couple of teams' discarded items. He hadn't just hoped for success—he had known it was coming. The Chimera-gan's vision, paired with his cunning strategy, had paid off.
Sasuke leaned over, squinting at the scrolls in Naruto's hands. "I don't believe it," he muttered, his usual stoic demeanor slipping slightly. "You actually did it."
Sakura was equally stunned. "How did you know this would work?"
Naruto couldn't help but smile smugly, his eyes glinting with pride as he looked at his team. "I told you we'd get the upper hand. No one expects someone to steal from them in the middle of the night. And I made sure the owls were quick and quiet. The other teams were too busy resting or on the lookout to notice."
He unfurled one of the scrolls, his mind already calculating how to use their newfound advantages. "We've got a nice mix here—Earth, Heaven... we could even use some of these as bargaining chips, depending on what happens next. This just saved us a whole lot of trouble."
Sasuke, though impressed, shook his head. "You really are something else, Naruto. I didn't think you'd go this far."
"Well," Naruto said, his grin widening, "I've got to stay one step ahead. And right now, we're sitting pretty."
Sakura smiled, relieved and more confident now that they had a solid head start. "You've got a good plan, Naruto. This could actually work."
Naruto winked at her. "Told you so."
He then tossed one of the scrolls into the air, catching it and inspecting it carefully. "But we're not done yet. We still have to make it to the tower, and we'll need to keep our heads in the game. If anyone gets suspicious or figures out what we're doing, they'll come after us."
Sasuke crossed his arms. "I don't think anyone will be able to catch up with us now. We've got the scrolls, and we've got the strategy."
Naruto's smile faded slightly as his eyes flickered with focus. "True, but it's better to be careful. We don't want to get too cocky. The other teams won't just lie down and let us win."
Sakura nodded. "You're right. But for now, we've got what we need. We can take a break before heading out."
Naruto stood, the scrolls carefully tucked away in his pack. "We've earned it."
As the sun fully rose, casting a warm light over the forest, Naruto felt a sense of exhilaration flood through him. They were ahead. They were one step closer to the tower, and no one expected them to play this smart. But more than anything, it was the victory he felt that he had anticipated all along. The first real victory where his mind, his strategy, and his unique ability were the ones that made the difference.
And it felt good.
"Alright," Naruto said, looking at his team. "Let's head out. We've got a lot of work ahead of us."
With that, Team 7 began to pack up, the weight of the scrolls a reminder of their success—but Naruto knew that the real battle was still to come.
The sudden crash of the massive snake's body hitting the ground sent a shockwave through the forest. The earth shook, the trees swayed, and a deafening hiss echoed in the distance. It was as though the very air itself vibrated with the creature's presence. Naruto's eyes widened as the colossal beast slithered toward them, its scales glistening under the dim canopy of trees, its fangs sharp enough to pierce through steel.
"Move!" Naruto shouted, his voice cutting through the shock. In a heartbeat, his mind clicked into gear, and his hands shot into position for a series of hand signs.
The massive serpent's head lunged toward them, its mouth opening wide, fangs gleaming in the light. But Naruto was already a step ahead. He flicked his hands through the signs, and with a burst of chakra, he hurled a large clump of cells into the air. It flared into a ball of swirling energy before morphing mid-air.
"Chimera-gan: Summon—Colossal Bird!"
In an instant, the clump of cells transformed into an enormous bird, wings spanning across the sky as it materialized. The bird's feathers were a mix of sharp, metallic hues, giving it the appearance of something forged from the very elements of nature. Its beak snapped open with a mighty screech as it soared high, lifting into the air and immediately diving toward the massive snake.
The bird's talons slashed through the air with precision, aiming for the snake's massive body. With incredible speed, it struck, sending the snake reeling back in shock. The bird's wings beat with immense force, keeping the serpent at bay, creating gusts of wind that blew through the trees and forced the snake to retreat a few paces.
"Nice job, Naruto!" Sakura exclaimed, eyes wide with awe.
Sasuke, who had instinctively moved to dodge the serpent's strike, nodded approvingly. "Impressive, but we're not done yet." His eyes narrowed, focusing on the ground below them. There was movement—a flicker of motion at the edge of their vision.
Before anyone could react, a sharp hiss split the air, followed by a flash of movement. A long, coiling snake launched out from a hidden figure in the forest—this time, aimed directly at Sasuke.
"Watch out!" Sakura screamed, but it was too late.
The snake shot forward with blinding speed, wrapping around Sasuke's arm before he could react. Its fangs were inches from his skin, venom dripping from the tips. Sasuke gritted his teeth, muscles tense as the serpent constricted around his arm, its grip strong and unyielding.
Naruto's eyes flashed with determination. "Not today."
He shot his hand into a new set of hand signs, his mind quickly analyzing the situation. "Chimera-gan: Summon—Metal Hawk!"
With a burst of chakra, Naruto summoned another creature—a sleek, metallic hawk, its wings folding in the air as it dove toward the snake. Its talons glinted like sharpened knives as it aimed directly for the serpent's head. The hawk slammed into the snake, forcing it to release its grip on Sasuke's arm. The snake recoiled, hissing in fury as it was knocked backward.
But then, the figure behind the attack revealed itself. From the shadows, a female figure emerged, her hair dark and long, with a strange, almost serpentine quality to it. Her eyes gleamed with malice, and from the long sleeves of her robe, she extended another snake—a deadly extension of her body, wrapped in strange, twisted chakra.
"So you're the ones who've been causing trouble," the woman said, her voice cold and venomous. "I'd hoped for a greater challenge than this, but it seems I'll have to dispose of you myself."
Naruto clenched his fists, his gaze hardening as he watched the woman with new focus. His Chimera-gan hummed with energy as he assessed her. She was dangerous—no doubt about it—but with his strategic mind and abilities, he could already see the path to victory.
The bird still circled above, keeping the giant snake distracted, but now they had to deal with the woman herself. "Sasuke, Sakura—keep your distance," Naruto instructed. "I'll handle her."
Sasuke, still shaken but unharmed, nodded. "Be careful."
Naruto gave a short nod, his eyes already calculating the best move. He wasn't about to let this woman get the best of him.
Without warning, Naruto began weaving another series of hand signs, this time focused on strengthening his next move. "Chimera-gan: Summon—Thorned Beast!"
A new creation emerged from the ground—large, thorn-covered vines and tendrils twisting into a solid mass. The creature was wild and organic, as though it had been ripped from the earth itself. It grew massive, its body covered in sharp, barbed thorns, which swirled around the woman like a living, breathing weapon.
The woman's eyes widened for a moment before her expression turned into one of cold amusement. "Impressive, but not enough." With a swift motion, she swung her arm, and the snake she had summoned shot out like a whip, aiming directly for Naruto's new creation.
Naruto's eyes flashed with determination. He wasn't about to let her have the advantage. With his strategic mind and his Chimera-gan guiding him, he knew exactly what to do next.
His Thorned Beast whipped its massive vines to block the oncoming snake, wrapping around it and pulling the serpent into the air. With a swift motion, the Beast hurled the snake away, sending it crashing into the ground, incapacitating it.
"Now!" Naruto shouted to his team. "Let's finish this!"
As the Thorned Beast continued to restrain the woman's snake, Naruto leaped forward, ready to engage the woman directly.
Sasuke, his Sharingan swirling with intensity, seized the moment when the woman's focus momentarily shifted to her struggling snake. His eyes narrowed, a swift flick of his wrist sending a surge of chakra into the air. "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
A massive ball of fire erupted from Sasuke's mouth, spiraling toward the woman with explosive force. The woman's eyes widened as the flames engulfed her, licking at her body and causing the trees nearby to catch fire. Sasuke watched with a cold, calculating gaze as the firestorm raged.
But to his surprise, the woman didn't scream or even flinch. Instead, her form twisted in an unnatural way, and as the flames died down, her body was still standing. The woman's face, partially charred and melted from the attack, slowly started to contort into something almost… unnatural.
Her skin bubbled and warped, the texture of her face shifting in an eerie manner. Sasuke's stomach turned as her features seemed to melt away entirely, revealing an unsettling, snake-like appearance underneath.
"Oh?" The woman laughed, her voice now deeper, tinged with a sickening sense of amusement. She reached up and peeled the remaining skin off her face, revealing a hollow, pale visage with strange, slit pupils that shimmered like a snake's. "That's more like it," she hissed, her voice almost serpentine.
Sasuke felt a cold chill creep up his spine as he stared at her. "Who... are you?" His mind raced—this wasn't just any ordinary shinobi. Something about her wasn't right.
"I see the Uchiha blood runs deep," she purred, her voice dripping with mockery. "You've been hunting the wrong prey, boy."
Sasuke's eyes widened, the realization dawning on him too late. This wasn't just some rogue shinobi. He'd heard stories, whispers, rumors... But seeing it in front of him was a different story entirely. This was him. The one they'd feared for years.
Before Sasuke could act, the woman—or rather, the thing that was pretending to be a woman—spoke again, her voice smooth and cold. "I was hoping to get your attention in a more dramatic fashion, Uchiha Sasuke... but it seems I'll have to deal with all of you instead." She snapped her fingers.
With a terrifying surge of chakra, the woman twisted her body in a way that felt completely unnatural. In a blink, her body seemed to elongate and contort, shifting and warping before their eyes. Her face, now unmistakably reptilian, grew more snake-like, and the sensation of dread that filled the air intensified. The true nature of the woman was revealed in its horrifying entirety—Orochimaru, the rogue shinobi of legend.
Naruto's eyes narrowed as he took in the scene, processing the information in an instant. He could see Sasuke's confusion, his shock, and his growing anger at the situation. He could feel the tension rising in the air, an unspoken understanding forming between him and his teammates.
Naruto turned to Sakura, his voice low but firm. "Stay focused, we can't let our guard down. We don't know what she's capable of."
Sakura nodded, her grip on her kunai tightening as she prepared for whatever came next.
Orochimaru, now fully transformed, hissed, her eyes flicking over each of them, lingering on Sasuke for just a moment too long. "How quaint. The young Uchiha is the last of his bloodline... You have no idea what you're truly up against."
Naruto's mind raced. The last time he'd seen an enemy this terrifying was when he faced off with Zabuza, but this was something different. This wasn't just an ordinary rogue ninja—it was a monster, and they needed a strategy.
"Let's take this slow," Naruto muttered, eyes flicking to his teammates. "We can't win this if we rush in blindly."
Sasuke clenched his fists. "I'll take her on myself."
"No, you won't," Naruto said, his voice firm. "We're all in this together." He turned to face the transformed Orochimaru with renewed resolve. He had no idea just how dangerous this was going to be, but he'd come this far. There was no turning back now.
The battle with Orochimaru began in earnest. The creature's movements were serpentine, fluid, almost impossible to track. She lashed out with incredible speed, dodging Sasuke's fireballs and striking with a venomous precision.
Naruto quickly analyzed the situation. Orochimaru was fast, stronger than most of the opponents they'd faced so far, and she wasn't hesitating. But that didn't mean she was unbeatable. They just had to work together, exploit her weaknesses.
"Let's go, Sasuke!" Naruto shouted. "We'll force her into a corner!"
The two of them attacked in tandem—Naruto using his Chimera-gan to summon constructs and weapons to assist. He threw a massive wave of kunai and shuriken, intending to keep Orochimaru distracted while Sasuke prepared another jutsu.
But before they could land any solid hits, Orochimaru shifted once more, her body weaving through the attacks with terrifying ease. She grinned wickedly, her tongue flicking out like a snake's, tasting the air as though savoring the fear surrounding them.
"You think this will be enough?" she asked, her voice a mixture of amusement and contempt. "You're not ready to face me... none of you are."
Naruto tightened his grip, his Chimera-gan still active. "Then we'll make ourselves ready," he muttered under his breath, his eyes glowing with determination.
Naruto's mind raced as Orochimaru's serpentine form coiled around them with an unsettling grace. He could feel the weight of the situation bearing down on him, and though his body itched to move, his strategic mind kicked into overdrive.
She's dangerous. We can't underestimate her, Naruto thought, his Chimera-gan still active, constantly analyzing Orochimaru's every move. But Naruto was already one step ahead. He had the perfect ability to turn the tables.
With a flash of his mind, Naruto concentrated and summoned a small clump of cells from Orochimaru's own body. His Chimera-gan scanned the DNA, understanding its structure, its weaknesses. The ability to study and replicate cells was more powerful than anyone could imagine. It wasn't just about copying jutsu—it was about understanding what made a person's abilities unique.
With a swift motion, Naruto focused his chakra into the clump, manipulating it with precision. Slowly, the mass morphed into a form resembling Orochimaru's, her signature long, dark hair flowing from the figure. But this wasn't a perfect copy—this was just a clone, something Naruto could control. He could feel Orochimaru's chakra signature course through it. The key now was to use this to gather more information and strike at her weaknesses.
Naruto quickly sent his cloned form to distract Orochimaru, charging in with a flurry of strikes. At the same time, he continued his Chimera-gan scanning, digging deeper into the strange, deadly chakra that surrounded her.
While his clone faced off against Orochimaru's physical might, Naruto's mind was occupied with deeper analysis. There it is, he thought, sensing a pattern in her chakra. Her regeneration isn't instant, there's a slight delay when she's hit. And her cells... they're incredibly unstable when she uses too much chakra in quick bursts.
He knew this wasn't the time for full-on offense—he had to find the right moment to strike. He glanced at Sasuke, his eyes narrowing. Orochimaru wasn't just after them as opponents; she had another, far darker agenda.
"I'm going to take Sasuke," Orochimaru hissed, her eyes locking onto the younger Uchiha. "He's the perfect vessel for my immortality."
Naruto's stomach churned, but he didn't let the anger show. He already knew she would target Sasuke. She was obsessed with his Sharingan, with the potential it held for her twisted ambitions. But that meant he had to act even faster.
With a flash of insight, Naruto mentally commanded his cloned Orochimaru to act as a distraction while he focused more of his energy on his next move. He summoned more cells from his clone and began manipulating them into a new form—this time, a series of thin, razor-sharp blades. He could see the weakness in Orochimaru's stance, the slight delay in her reflexes after each chakra burst.
"Let's go, Sasuke," Naruto said, his voice steady despite the tension. "We need to get her off balance. I'll handle her weaknesses."
Sasuke's eyes were narrowed, but he nodded, his Sharingan flashing to life. "I'll handle the attacks, you find a way to finish this."
Naruto's Chimera-gan scanned once more, focusing on Orochimaru's chakra. The moment she began to charge up another deadly jutsu, Naruto knew it was time. He summoned another clump of cells, this time drawing on Sasuke's chakra, his Uchiha lineage mixing with the serpent-like form of Orochimaru's DNA. The result was a chaotic, deadly hybrid—a creature that had the speed of Sasuke's Sharingan and the regenerative properties of Orochimaru's cells.
The creature launched itself at Orochimaru, a blur of speed and precision. Orochimaru barely managed to evade the strike, her eyes widening in surprise. That was all Naruto needed.
"Now!" Naruto shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Sasuke launched himself forward, the heat of his fire jutsu erupting in a blaze that forced Orochimaru to leap back. Naruto acted without hesitation, his own chakra flaring as he created a series of razor-sharp tendrils from his new clone, aiming directly for the exposed gaps in Orochimaru's defenses.
Orochimaru barely had time to react as the tendrils sliced through the air, grazing her side and cutting through her regenerative skin. She hissed in pain but quickly shifted her body to heal, but the process was slower than usual, the delay growing more apparent the more chakra she exhausted.
But Orochimaru wasn't backing down. Instead, her snake-like grin only widened. "You're clever, boy," she said, her voice dark and serpentine. "But you're still out of your depth. I'll take what I need, even if I have to pry it from your very bones."
Naruto's eyes locked on her as he carefully considered her words. She wanted Sasuke as a vessel for immortality. But she also wanted him, Naruto, as an experiment. That much was clear. The very essence of his Chimera-gan, his ability to manipulate life, his ability to summon and copy... it was too tempting for someone like Orochimaru. She wasn't just after Sasuke's power—she was after his as well.
"You're not getting either of us," Naruto said, his voice firm, "And you're not walking away from this."
Naruto's mind spun with ideas, analyzing Orochimaru's chakra flow, his body moving automatically in sync with his plans. He launched another round of attacks—this time, he used his Chimera-gan to copy more of her own techniques, summoning snakes and other creatures to mirror her movements. His speed was nearly matched to hers now, every movement calculated, every action designed to draw out her weaknesses.
Orochimaru hissed, her expression twisting in frustration. "You truly think you can defeat me, boy? I've seen hundreds of years, and you're nothing but a child."
Naruto ignored the taunts. "I'm not a child," he snapped, his eyes flaring with chakra. "And I'm done being experimented on."
As he said this, he manipulated his cells into one final, powerful attack—a massive, sweeping blade formed from the essence of Orochimaru herself. With all of his focus, he brought it crashing down toward her, the force of the strike pushing her back with overwhelming power.
Sasuke's eyes widened as he watched the exchange. It wasn't just a battle of strength—it was a battle of wits, of control. They had turned Orochimaru's own abilities against her.
It was a strategy that worked. For the first time in the battle, Orochimaru looked shaken. The sword of cells pierced her body, and she staggered back, her form flickering between regeneration and instability.
"I'm not done with you," Orochimaru snarled, but the pain in her voice told Naruto all he needed to know.
"Neither are we," he said, voice steady, as he prepared for the next phase of the battle.
Orochimaru's breath was labored, and her once calm and calculating demeanor now flickered with pain. The sword of cells Naruto had summoned had pierced through her body, but true to her nature, she was beginning to regenerate. Yet, the strain was showing—she had underestimated Naruto's resourcefulness. Still, she was not out of tricks.
With a flash of her serpentine eyes, Orochimaru hissed, her chakra swirling around her as she prepared one final, desperate move. Before Naruto could launch another attack, Orochimaru turned, and in a blur of movement, she shot forward with unnatural speed. Her hand shot out, and with a sickening crack, she placed her palm against Sasuke's forehead.
The curse mark—a dark, swirling symbol—appeared instantly, spreading from the spot where her hand touched. Sasuke's body trembled violently, and his Sharingan flickered erratically as the curse mark spread across his body. His eyes widened in shock and pain as the malevolent chakra of the mark began to take hold.
"Sasuke!" Naruto shouted, but before he could move to intervene, the ground beneath them seemed to shift.
The trees in the surrounding forest shook, and the air grew dense with an unsettling presence. Orochimaru grinned manically, a triumphant glint in her eyes despite the pain. "You may have stopped me, but I've marked him now. There's no escaping his destiny. I'll return for both of you."
She turned to flee, but her movements were suddenly interrupted by a pair of masked figures, emerging from the shadows with incredible speed.
Who…?
Naruto's eyes flared as the two figures landed before Orochimaru, blocking her path. One of them, a tall, cloaked figure with flowing black hair, was carrying a sword that seemed to hum with energy. The other was smaller, with a sharper, more angular frame, their presence almost ethereal in its focus. Both wore the familiar masks of Konoha shinobi, their chakra signatures immediately sending a wave of recognition through Naruto.
Kaito? Uyu?
The two figures before him were none other than Kaito and Uyu. Naruto's jaw dropped in disbelief as they moved with unrelenting purpose, stepping into the battlefield as if they had always been part of the plan.
Orochimaru stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing with a mix of amusement and curiosity. "Well, well... if it isn't the silent watchers. Come to finish what Naruto started?"
Kaito's voice was cool, but there was an edge to it. "We've been watching for some time, Orochimaru. This ends today."
The air between them was thick with tension. Orochimaru's eyes flickered from Kaito to Uyu, her face contorting in annoyance. "I'm in no mood for games. If you intend to fight me, then come. But don't think you'll win."
In a flash, Orochimaru lunged toward Kaito with a speed that could slice through steel. But Kaito was faster. With a fluid motion, Kaito summoned a massive cloak of chakra that twisted around his body, creating an aura of destructive energy. He swung his sword—a jagged blade made from a mixture of his own cells and chakra—against Orochimaru's advancing strike. The clash of their weapons sent a shockwave through the clearing, pushing back trees in every direction.
Orochimaru hissed, her own deadly chakra surging forward, but Kaito remained unfazed. His swordwork was flawless, and the sheer weight of his presence made it clear that he wasn't merely a backup; he was a force to be reckoned with.
On the other side, Uyu stood still, her hands raised in a calm, deliberate stance. Chakra surged around her as she formed hand signs with precision. In an instant, she summoned a series of enormous serpents that writhed and lashed at Orochimaru, the summoned creatures' fangs dripping with venom. Orochimaru barely had time to react as the snakes coiled around her, attempting to bind her.
Orochimaru snarled, slashing through one of the snakes with a brutal swipe of her arm. But as soon as the serpent dissolved into chakra, Uyu was there again, using her own hands to manipulate the battlefield with startling speed. With a flash of her hands, she summoned several chakra constructs—sharp, deadly spears of light—that shot toward Orochimaru.
Orochimaru twisted her body, avoiding the initial strikes, but Uyu's precision didn't let up. Another spear shot forward, grazing the side of her shoulder, making her flinch in pain. "You..." Orochimaru growled, her serpentine eyes flashing dangerously. "You're more skilled than I remember."
Kaito stood his ground, his sword still in hand. "We've been training for a long time. And we're not going to let you have Sasuke. Not like this."
With that, Kaito and Uyu synchronized their attacks. Kaito rushed forward with his sword, forcing Orochimaru to block the oncoming blows. Meanwhile, Uyu used her unique abilities to disorient Orochimaru, sending a series of lightning-fast strikes from multiple angles that Orochimaru had trouble keeping up with.
In the chaos of their fight, Naruto turned to Sasuke, who was still reeling from the curse mark. His body was shaking, and dark veins were beginning to crawl up his neck as the power of the curse spread.
"Sasuke, hang on!" Naruto shouted. He couldn't let this happen. Not after everything they had been through.
Using his Chimera-gan, Naruto quickly analyzed the curse mark, finding the weak point in the chakra flow. He then focused his chakra, calling upon his vast reservoir of power, and summoned a clump of cells from his own body. It was risky, but he needed to remove the curse mark before it completely consumed Sasuke.
The moment he touched Sasuke's forehead, he felt the resistance—the dark chakra swirling beneath the surface. Naruto gritted his teeth and pushed harder, his own chakra battling the curse's pull. Slowly but surely, he was able to dissolve the mark's grip, his cells disassembling the curse and removing it from Sasuke's body.
Sasuke let out a pained gasp but managed to open his eyes. "Naruto…" he whispered, his voice hoarse. "What... what happened?"
"You're free," Naruto said, panting. "We're not letting her get to you."
The fight raged on between Kaito, Uyu, and Orochimaru, but with Sasuke free from the curse mark, they were able to press the advantage. Orochimaru, realizing she was no longer in control of the situation, began retreating, her serpentine body retreating into the forest with alarming speed.
"We'll meet again, but it will be on my terms," Orochimaru hissed, disappearing into the trees, leaving a trail of darkness behind.
Kaito and Uyu watched her retreat, their bodies tense but their minds calm. They had given it their all, but Orochimaru's retreat meant the battle wasn't over yet.
"We can't let her go too far," Kaito muttered, eyes narrowing.
Naruto turned to Sasuke, who was still recovering, his body trembling from the aftermath of the curse mark. "You okay?"
Sasuke nodded slowly. "Yeah. Thanks, Naruto."
"We did it together," Naruto replied, his eyes already scanning the horizon, preparing for whatever came next.
The battle was over, but the war was just beginning. And with the team stronger than ever, Naruto knew they were ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
As Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura settled onto the colossal bird, the massive creature's wings flapped powerfully, sending a gust of wind through the trees below them. The immense size of the bird made the three of them feel small, but they were able to ride comfortably on its back. Naruto, with his usual grin, looked around, his eyes scanning the forest below them.
"We did it, guys," Naruto said, his voice filled with excitement and a sense of accomplishment. "We're almost there. Just a little longer, and we can wrap this thing up."
Sasuke, still feeling the lingering effects of the curse mark, sat with his arms crossed, leaning against the bird's back. His usual aloof expression was replaced by a quiet seriousness. "That Orochimaru... we're not done with her. I'm sure of it."
Naruto glanced over at Sasuke, nodding. "Yeah, I know. But for now, we have to focus on getting to the tower. The next part of the exam is coming up, and we can't let our guard down."
Sakura, who had been silently observing the landscape, spoke up. "We've made it this far. We'll get through the rest too."
The colossal bird soared through the air with ease, its wings cutting through the wind as they approached the Tower. The landscape below them gradually shifted from dense forests to the vast open space that surrounded the structure. The Tower stood tall, a monolith that marked the end of the second phase of the Chunin Exams.
As they flew closer, Naruto couldn't help but think back on the events that had unfolded during the journey. The battle with Orochimaru had been intense, and they had only just barely managed to get through it. But now, with the mission almost complete, they could focus on what came next.
Once the colossal bird reached the base of the Tower, it landed gracefully, its large talons digging into the earth as the trio disembarked. The bird's massive size made the ground tremble slightly with each step it took. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura quickly got off the bird's back and made their way toward the entrance of the Tower.
"This is it," Naruto said, eyes bright with anticipation. "Let's get inside and finish this thing."
The three of them walked side by side, but before they could enter, the massive doors of the Tower swung open. Standing in the doorway were several other genin teams, all looking as exhausted as Naruto's team, but with expressions of determination and curiosity. Some teams looked wary, others looked eager for the final part of the exam.
As they entered the Tower, the atmosphere shifted. The walls were lined with scrolls and various materials for the final stage of the Chunin Exams. The air was tense with anticipation. Several of the teams had already arrived, and it was clear that the competition was only about to get fiercer.
Naruto spotted a few familiar faces in the crowd—some from other villages, others from his own. But his attention was quickly drawn to a figure at the far end of the room. Standing there, hands crossed, was none other than Kaito. He looked just as calm and collected as always, his sharp eyes scanning the room as if taking in every detail.
"Hey!" Naruto called out, waving excitedly. "You're here! You're early!"
Kaito glanced over at him, giving a small, knowing smile. "I've been here for a while," he said simply. "You three seem to have had quite the adventure."
Naruto grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, you could say that. But we made it, so we're ready for whatever comes next."
Sasuke and Sakura, a bit surprised by Kaito's sudden appearance, exchanged a glance before following Naruto's lead. The tension in the room was palpable, and every team seemed to be preparing for the final leg of the exam.
Kaito walked over to them, his expression neutral, but his eyes were calculating. "This final part of the exam isn't going to be like the others. You need to stay focused. There are no easy answers here."
Naruto, already fired up, nodded eagerly. "We've been through a lot, but we're ready for whatever they throw at us."
Sasuke, still a bit reserved, spoke up. "We'll make it through, but I'm not underestimating anyone here. I'll get through this, even if I have to fight my way to the top."
Sakura, who had remained quiet up until now, clenched her fists. "We'll do this together. No one gets left behind."
Kaito's eyes shifted between them, his face unreadable. "Good. Keep that mindset. It will take you far."
Just as Naruto was about to say something else, a loud voice echoed through the Tower. The proctor for the third round of the exams, a tall, imposing figure with dark hair and sharp features, stepped forward, raising his hand to get everyone's attention.
"Welcome, everyone, to the final round of the Chunin Exams," he announced. "This will be the most difficult part of the exams, and you will face challenges that will test your very limits. Only the strongest will remain. You will be divided into one-on-one matches, and each match will determine whether you advance or not."
A murmur spread throughout the crowd. Naruto's heart started to race as he realized that the time for planning, training, and strategizing was over. It was time for the real challenge to begin.
"Each match will take place in a separate arena," the proctor continued. "You will be given a brief period to prepare and then be teleported into the arena where you will fight. No one can interfere in your matches, and only one person can be declared the victor. Do your best, and good luck."
Naruto's thoughts raced. The Chunin Exams had been tough so far, but this was it—the moment where everything came to a head. With Kaito, Sasuke, Sakura, and everyone else's strength in his mind, Naruto clenched his fists.
"We're ready," Naruto said, his voice steady with determination. "Let's show them what we've got."
As the proctor began calling the names for the first round of matches, Naruto and his team shared one last look. It was time to step into the arena and prove themselves once and for all.