Shortly afterward, Sasuke embarked on several days of special training with Sakura and Ino.
During training, Sasuke turned to Sakura and advised, "Sakura, although you've learned some of my techniques like the Chakra-enhanced Strength, you have to remember that this technique consumes a lot of chakra. Don't use it carelessly. Also, when you engage in close combat, you must be especially cautious and work in sync with your team. Be vigilant, because your opponent could use poison against you. You must always stay on guard and never let your guard down!"
"Yes! I'll make sure to prepare antidotes in advance!" Sakura replied confidently.
Sasuke nodded approvingly, then turned to Ino. "Ino, your Mind Transfer Jutsu has reached an advanced stage now. You've even started to learn how to turn it into the Mind Clone Jutsu. That's great progress! But let me ask you—what happens if, after you've taken control of someone's body, their teammate attacks you while you're in control?"
Ino looked puzzled. "That's impossible! Once I've taken control with my Mind Transfer Jutsu, their body is completely under my control. How could their teammates attack them?"
Sasuke smirked slightly. "You may not attack yourself, but what about others? What if their teammates turn on them?"
Ino blinked in surprise. "Why would they do that? They're on the same team!"
"Don't assume that everyone follows the same rules of teamwork that we do," Sasuke said seriously. "In other villages, like Kirigakure, they have a rule where if you want to graduate and become a ninja, you have to kill your classmates."
"Wait... What?!" Ino and Sakura gasped, their eyes wide with shock.
"Yes," Sasuke confirmed. "The ninjas from other villages can be that ruthless. So Ino, if you take control of an enemy's body, be prepared for their teammates to attack. Not everyone follows the same ideals of teamwork that we do."
Ino nodded, her expression serious. "Thank you, Sasuke. I'll remember that."
She understood now that if she controlled someone else's body and their teammates attacked them, she could suffer significant physical and mental harm. Sasuke's advice wasn't just helpful; it was crucial for her survival.
Finally, Sasuke smiled and announced, "The person who performed the best in this training is… everyone! You both did an excellent job, Sakura and Ino. As a reward, tomorrow we'll all go on a date together!"
After a relaxing and fun day with Sakura and Ino, it was finally time for the Chunin Exams.
"Where's Kakashi-sensei been lately?" Naruto grumbled. "He used to be late sometimes, but now I don't see him at all!"
"Maybe he's dealing with something important," Sasuke replied calmly, walking up the stairs. He suspected that Kakashi was already investigating something.
When Sasuke reached the second floor, he noticed two chunin standing in front of a door marked with the number "301." It was clearly the location for the exam.
Sasuke smirked slightly. 'Such a basic illusion? Is this meant to fool idiots? Is this really the genjutsu level of Konoha's chunin?'
Just as Sasuke thought this, he was surprised to see Naruto turning towards the two chunin, completely fooled.
"Naruto!" Sasuke called out in frustration, grabbing Naruto by the collar and pulling him back. He waved his hand in front of Naruto's eyes, dispelling the illusion.
"Huh? Why did the number change from 301 to 201?" Naruto asked, scratching his head in confusion.
"We're on the second floor, idiot!" Sasuke snapped. "How could we have reached the third floor already? Pay attention to your surroundings!"
Even Sasuke couldn't understand how Naruto, a ninja, could fall for such a simple genjutsu. This wasn't advanced; it was basic ninja training. Even ordinary people shouldn't be so easily fooled by such a weak illusion.
"Ugh! I can't believe I fell for that!" Naruto muttered, feeling embarrassed.
Sasuke sighed and started explaining to Naruto how to detect and break free from illusions in the future. Naruto listened carefully, absorbing Sasuke's tips.
After the explanation, Sasuke patted Naruto on the shoulder, signaling him to follow. Sasuke then walked up to the two chunin and said, "Move aside. We're going to the third floor."
"Oh, so you noticed the illusion?" one of the chunin said with a sneer. "But just noticing it isn't enough!"
Before Sasuke could react, the chunin lunged at him, aiming a kick. However, to Sasuke, his speed was unbearably slow. Before the chunin could even land his kick, Sasuke appeared in front of him and effortlessly kicked him back.
Sasuke hadn't used much force. After all, these two chunin were just here to test the genin—they didn't deserve a harsh beating.
Watching from the side, Rock Lee was stunned. He had intended to intervene but was amazed by Sasuke's speed. However, after recovering from his shock, he turned toward Sakura, blushing deeply. "M-my name is Rock Lee," he stammered. "Sakura, will you go out with me? I'll protect you with my life until the very end!"
Lee flashed his iconic smile, showing off his gleaming white teeth.
"Absolutely not!" Sakura replied without hesitation. Seeing this strange boy in green tights and with that unusual bowl haircut, she immediately hid behind Sasuke like a startled rabbit.
At this moment, even Naruto seemed a lot more appealing.
---