But only a few seconds later, Sakura's expression shifted again.
Her relief vanished as she tensed up, gripping a kunai with both hands while stepping in front of Naruto and Sasuke's unconscious bodies.
"Are you really Menma!?"
Even though she had only graduated months ago, Sakura had matured. After half a year of missions and training, she understood the danger of the Chūnin Exams. In the Forest of Death, anyone could be an enemy using a disguise technique or a Transformation Jutsu.
Kakashi had already seen Sakura's exceptional chakra control and had started guiding her toward genjutsu and basic medical principles. But time was short, and genjutsu and medical ninjutsu were not Kakashi's expertise. What Sakura learned was only foundational, not enough to reliably distinguish an impostor from the real Menma.
So Sakura stayed wary — fully alert and preparing for the worst.
"Huh? Of course I'm Menma. Sakura, do you still remember the extra income I gave you?"
Menma responded immediately, choosing something only members of Team 7 would know — a detail impossible for an enemy clone or transformation user to imitate.
The moment Sakura heard that, her shoulders slumped in relief.
Her eyes immediately softened as tears almost formed.
"Menma… it's really you. Naruto and Sasuke, they… they both suddenly—"
"It's fine, Sakura. Naruto and Sasuke are only unconscious. They'll wake up after some time. Don't panic. Tell me what happened first. What kind of enemy did you encounter?"
Menma crouched beside Naruto and Sasuke, checking them with a serious expression, though he already knew the truth. When he looked up, he spoke in a steady voice meant to calm her.
"Well… here's what happened, Menma…"
Even among Team 7, Menma's decisive actions and strength had built real authority. After so many missions, even Naruto and Sasuke subconsciously followed his lead during critical moments.
Right now, Sakura — frightened and overwhelmed — leaned heavily on that familiarity.
Once she calmed down, she explained everything that had happened with Orochimaru: the overwhelming pressure, the killing intent, Naruto's collapse from Orochimaru's seal, Sasuke's confrontation, and finally the appearance of the curse mark.
Parts of the story were missing because they had been separated afterward, but her recount was clear.
"I see… that mark on Sasuke's neck is definitely a specialized curse seal. I can't determine the exact mechanics, but it's dangerous. Once we finish this test, we should let Kakashi-sensei examine it."
Menma nodded after pretending to think it over.
"Y-Yeah… yeah, okay…"
Sakura's mind — previously drowning in fear — finally eased. As long as Menma was here, nothing felt impossible. Everything he said became reassurance.
"You stay here and guard the two of them. I'll set traps around the area and gather food. Don't worry. Everything will be fine — Naruto, Sasuke, and this exam."
Menma spoke with calm confidence.
"O-okay… I understand, Menma."
Sakura nodded firmly.
Menma stood up and disappeared into the trees.
Sakura returned to guard Naruto and Sasuke, kneeling just outside the tree hollow, fully focused despite her exhaustion.
Meanwhile, deeper in the Forest of Death, the other teams had already started fighting.
Twenty-one genin squads from different villages — each trying to obtain both the Heaven and Earth Scrolls.
Only eleven scrolls existed, meaning only eleven teams could pass, and realistically, far fewer would survive.
In the original timeline, twenty-six teams entered but only six completed the trial.
This world was proving no different.
Outside, the forest pulsed with battles, ambushes, screams, and chakra bursts.
But Menma wasn't concerned.
His true goal in the Chūnin Exams had already been achieved.
Everything else was simply following the "script" he had already predicted.
Just as Menma expected, after several hours, Naruto woke up before Sasuke.
He bolted upright immediately, eyes wild as he sprang into a defensive stance.
Then—
"You're awake, Naruto."
Naruto recognized the voice and finally relaxed when he saw Menma standing there.
"Menma! When did you find us? And where's Sakura?"
Naruto let out a breath, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Sakura's right outside preparing food. But you — how do you feel?"
Menma gestured toward Sakura, who was boiling water over a small fire.
"Me? I mean… my head still hurts a little, but I'm fine. Eh? Wait — that creepy, gloomy guy… did you defeat him, Menma!?"
Naruto's eyes widened as he pieced his memory back together.
"No. When I found you two, you were already unconscious. Sakura explained what happened with that Grass ninja… but strangely, your scroll wasn't taken."
Menma shook his head.
"Seriously? Then what was that Grass ninja even trying to do…? He knocked us out but left us alive? It makes no sense…"
Naruto scratched his head, confused.
"Forget it. We'll tell Kakashi-sensei later. For now, just rest and recover. We still have to clear the second round of the exam."
Menma spoke gently — already moving the pieces exactly where he wanted them.
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