---
"Draw?"
Everyone was shocked.
Sasuke, Kakashi, and Guy, who arrived late, heard the result as soon as they returned.
Naruto and Sakura, standing nearby, saw them and ran over.
"It's great that you're all right!" Sakura exclaimed.
"I told you Sasuke would be fine!" Naruto said with a huff.
"I'm sorry to have worried you," Sasuke replied.
---
**Hokage's Office**
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, trembled and said slowly, "What did you say? Orochimaru is back and planted a curse seal on Sasuke?"
"Yes, Third Hokage... Sasuke..." an Anbu reported.
"Tell me! Tell me everything!"
"Sasuke... went crazy. It seems the curse seal altered his mind. Fortunately, Kakashi and Guy stopped him, and he temporarily returned to normal."
Sarutobi took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I understand. You may leave. Wait, call Danzo over."
Just then, the door opened, and Danzo entered with a calm expression. "No need to call me, I'm already here. My agents informed me."
"Danzo, do you know about Orochimaru?"
Danzo chuckled, "Orochimaru told me he wanted Sasuke's body, but he's too dangerous, so I've cut ties with him."
"Sasuke's body? Is this related to that forbidden technique? What should we do about Sasuke?" Sarutobi asked.
Danzo replied, "I need to discuss this with Fugaku."
"I don't think that's necessary. Why not place him in my Anbu prison for observation?" Sarutobi suggested.
"No! Sasuke is a genius of the Uchiha clan. If something goes wrong in your Anbu prison, it will be a great loss for the Uchiha clan and the village!"
"What do you want to do, Danzo?" Sarutobi demanded.
"I am the leader of the Root and Anbu!"
"You will regret it!" Danzo snapped.
---
At that moment, Kakashi entered.
The Third Hokage looked at him, "You're here, Kakashi."
"I have something to report, about Sasuke..."
"I already know," Sarutobi interrupted.
Danzo slapped the table, "Kumiyama, you..."
"Enough arguing!" The Third Hokage roared, "The priority is to understand the curse seal Orochimaru placed on Sasuke."
Turning to Kakashi, he said, "Kakashi, keep a close eye on Sasuke. Report any abnormalities immediately."
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Kakashi replied.
After everyone left, the Third Hokage leaned back in his chair, sighing. Beneath Konoha Village's peaceful exterior lay many crises and challenges. Orochimaru's return made him worry even more. He decided to personally investigate and protect the village and its young ninjas.
---
"The list for the Chunin Exams is out. Let me see," Sarutobi said as an Anbu handed him a scroll. Reading the names, he muttered, "Uchiha Sasuke, Hyuga Neji, Uzumaki Naruto, Rock Lee, Nara Shikamaru, Uzumaki Karin, Temari, Gaara, Toss, Aburame Shino... Haha! Most are from Konoha! Konoha's strength is evident!"
The Third Hokage smiled, feeling hopeful about the upcoming Chunin Exams. He believed these young ninjas would grow through the competition, bringing honor to Konoha Village.
However, he was still concerned about the curse seal on Sasuke. This mysterious seal not only affected Sasuke's mind and body but also posed a potential threat to the village.
"We must find a solution for the curse seal," the Third Hokage thought. "And Orochimaru's plans must be stopped."
He resolved to closely monitor Sasuke during the Chunin Exams and ensure the safety of the other contestants. The future of Konoha Village rested on these young shinobi.
---
A month later, on a sunny day, Naruto strolled through the village. As he passed the women's bathhouse, he heard a scream.
Curious, Naruto approached and saw a gray-haired man lying on the roof, peeping inside. Naruto's eyes widened. "Isn't this peeping?" he thought.
The man was Jiraiya. As Naruto was about to shout, Jiraiya noticed him and turned. They locked eyes, and Jiraiya smiled sheepishly.
Naruto pointed at him, "You perverted old man, you're peeping!"
Jiraiya quickly waved his hands, "No, no, I'm just observing life!"
Naruto didn't believe him and prepared to confront him. But then he had an idea. Forming seals, he used his specialty—Transform! In an instant, he turned into a beautiful girl.
Jiraiya's eyes widened, and he started to bleed from the nose in astonishment.
"Wow!" Jiraiya exclaimed.
Naruto smiled smugly, "How about that, old man? Impressed?"
Jiraiya snapped back to reality, laughing, "Kid, you're pretty interesting."
Naruto huffed, "Don't think this makes me forgive you!"
Jiraiya grinned, "Kid, I'm actually a very powerful ninja. The one before you is the Great Toad Sage, Jiraiya!"
Naruto pouted, "I don't believe it."
Jiraiya thought for a moment, "Well, kid, I've decided to train you for the next month."
Naruto couldn't believe it. "Really? You'll teach me?"
Jiraiya nodded, "Of course, but you'll have to use your Shadow Clone Jutsu every day."
Naruto jumped up excitedly, "Great! I'll work hard!"
From that day on, Naruto's life changed. He cherished the opportunity, following Jiraiya every day. However, Jiraiya mostly had Naruto gather material for his novels. Eventually, Naruto learned the Summoning Technique!
"But why can I only summon tadpoles?" Naruto complained.
"Ahahaha!" Jiraiya laughed, watching Naruto.
"Is this... Minato's child? It seems he needs proper training," Jiraiya thought.
---