"Kiba! You bastard!"
Naruto protested, rubbing his rear end.
The newcomer was none other than Inuzuka Kiba from Team 8, a genin from the same graduating class.
"I caught your scent, so I came to check it out."
After speaking, two more figures dropped down from above—Aburame Shino and Hyuga Hinata, both from Team 8.
One was a stoic guy wearing sunglasses, the other a shy girl with pale eyes.
"Hey, everyone's here." Naruto waved in greeting.
"Naruto-kun," Hinata whispered softly.
"What was that sound just now?" Sasuke asked.
"Ah, that guy's really terrifying." Kiba said with lingering fear.
His ninja dog Akamaru cowered in his collar, still trembling and letting out low whimpers.
"As the team with the best reconnaissance skills, we noticed some commotion near the central tower. When we got closer, we saw two groups—one from Sunagakure and one from Amegakure. That guy with the gourd on his back..."
"He wrapped the three Rain ninja in sand and crushed them to death."
"Ah!" Sakura couldn't help but scream, then quickly covered her mouth. Just hearing about it made her feel sick.
Naruto and Sasuke were equally shocked into silence.
"I don't know how many other dangerous people are out there. When night falls, insects must return to their nests as quickly as possible."
Shino spoke calmly, then paused before asking:
"It's better to hurry into the tower where it's safer. Have you collected both the Heaven and Earth scrolls?"
"Not bad—I didn't expect you dead-last to still be in the running!"
Before anyone could answer, the sharp-eyed Kiba had already spotted the scroll in Sasuke's arms. He couldn't help but feel impressed—**Sasuke** really was something else.
In Kiba's mind, Naruto was the academy's famous underachiever. As for Sakura, while her grades were excellent, when it came to actual combat, she was completely unremarkable.
"As expected of Uchiha Sasuke," Shino said with cold approval.
"Naruto-kun, you're amazing too," Hinata blushed, her voice barely audible.
The sudden praise left both Sasuke and Naruto wanting to wave it off, but they didn't know how to respond.
"Let's go. I don't want to face those Sand ninja **in** the tower!"
"Woof," Akamaru whined again.
Team 8, unaware of the full situation, only wanted to leave the forest as quickly as possible.
At Kiba's urging, Team 7 also made their way to the central tower.
"Well then, in the upcoming matches, let's each rely on our own abilities!"
Kiba turned to address Naruto's group.
However, due to the scroll incident weighing on their minds, **Team 7** wasn't in the mood for conversation.
The expected moment of competitive banter never came. Kiba felt disappointed and took the lead, pushing open the door and walking inside.
---
"So, do you think his objective this time is Uchiha Sasuke?"
In Konoha's Hokage office, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen was receiving a report from Mitarashi Anko.
Not long ago, Anko had fought Orochimaru. Despite her determination to fight to the death, she was still no match for her former teacher.
"He told me he wanted the exam to continue. 'If you take away my **fun**, Konohagakure's **destruction** will follow.'"
As Anko relayed Orochimaru's words, the Third Hokage's frown deepened.
The daimyo and dignitaries from various nations were already en route. Canceling the exam suddenly would deal a major blow to Konoha's prestige.
Orochimaru, what exactly are you planning?
Perhaps, as he claimed, all he wanted was Uchiha Sasuke.
Or maybe he held a grudge for being driven from the village and planned assassination.
Maybe even war.
"In any case, all activities will continue as normal. But all departments must relay this order—increase vigilance and closely monitor any activity related to Orochimaru!"
After long consideration, the Third Hokage made this arrangement.
"Yes!"
Just as Anko was about to leave, the Third Hokage suddenly stopped her: "Also, have Kakashi come see me."
The Third Hokage gazed at the trees outside his window.
Among the branches, a nest of young birds was trying to spread their wings. At first they could only extend them partially, while the adult birds gently supported them.
With more practice, the fledglings spread their wings wider and wider. One brave little bird hopped to the edge first, trembling as it prepared to glide.
*Knock knock*
Kakashi knocked and stood respectfully at the door: "You summoned me, Hokage-sama."
The Third turned and waved his hand, indicating to close the door.
"The autumn wind has begun, and the warm days may be ending." The Third Hokage sighed.
Kakashi considered for a moment: "Hokage-sama, are you concerned about Orochimaru?"
"Yes," the Third nodded. "There's an important mission I need you to handle."
"Yes!" Kakashi straightened.
"According to current intelligence, one of Orochimaru's objectives this time is very likely obtaining Uchiha Sasuke. From now on, I want you to stay by Sasuke's side at all times."
"Understood."
Protecting his students was Kakashi's duty—no special orders from the Third Hokage were needed.
But Kakashi knew the reality. Currently, he was no match for Orochimaru. If the Sannin truly intended to take Sasuke, he might not be able to stop him.
The Third seemed to read Kakashi's thoughts and said slowly: "I know Orochimaru is extremely powerful and beyond your current abilities. Just do your best. Whatever happens, I won't hold you responsible."
Kakashi remained silent.
"Also, in this mission, your life takes priority over the **mission itself**. Don't push yourself beyond your limits."
The Third instructed.
"Yes!"
Hearing this, Kakashi felt warmth in his heart, only regretting that he wasn't strong enough.
Currently, Konoha's talent pool was diminishing, which was precisely why the Hokage had to make such arrangements.
After Kakashi left, an elderly man with the right side of his face wrapped in bandages entered through a side door.
"Kakashi can't stop him."
The newcomer was none other than Shimura Danzo.
"I know."
The Third Hokage answered quietly.
"It may be difficult to save Uchiha Sasuke, but there are many other ways to prevent Orochimaru from obtaining a living Uchiha."
Danzo said.
The Third remained silent.
"**In any case**, leave it to me!"
Understanding the implication, Danzo turned to leave.
"Wait!"
The Third Hokage suddenly stopped him.
"Don't act rashly until the very last moment! Sasuke still serves an important **role** for us."
"I understand."
Danzo inwardly scoffed at his old friend's concerns. After all these years, he still knew the rules.
A sneer crossed his lips as he turned and departed.
"For the future of Konoha."
Watching the birds outside his window, the Third Hokage spoke earnestly to the empty air.
---
Forest of Death, inside the central tower.
Ever since the Orochimaru incident, the atmosphere in Team 7 had been **tense**.
Fortunately, Kakashi's arrival broke the awkwardness just in time.
"Not bad. As expected of my **students**—you passed the second round so smoothly."
Kakashi held his "Icha Icha Paradise" in one hand while greeting the three with a smile.
Hearing this, both Naruto and Sasuke showed uncomfortable expressions.
"Well, there was some luck involved, ha ha ha." Sakura tried desperately to lighten the mood while internally cursing her awkward response.
"More importantly, Sasuke, that wound on your neck..." Kakashi put away his book, his expression turning serious.
Hearing this, Naruto finally realized he'd been too caught up in his own emotions to notice this critical problem.
"Kakashi-sensei, is Sasuke going to be okay?" Naruto couldn't help but ask.
"Ah, this **is** very troublesome."
At that moment, Sasuke couldn't help but cough. The battle with Orochimaru, the fever caused by the curse mark, and the strain of forcibly activating it had already drained his energy.
"But it's fine. There's still some time before the next stage. Maybe I can help."