The second phase of the exam took place in the Forest of Death, a dangerous and treacherous area filled with deadly creatures and traps. Each team was given a scroll, and their objective was to obtain the opposing scroll type from another team, then make it to the tower in the center of the forest within a set time.
Team 7 was on high alert as they entered the forest, Divyansh's senses sharp, and Himanshu's Sharingan scanning for any sign of danger. They moved cautiously, knowing that Orochimaru, one of the most dangerous threats, was lurking in the forest, waiting for his chance to strike.
"Stay close," Himanshu whispered as they navigated through the dense underbrush. "We can't afford to be separated."
Divyansh nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "I'll use my shadow clones to keep watch. If anyone tries to ambush us, we'll know."
Sakura, feeling the tension, clutched her kunai tightly. "Do you think Orochimaru is really going to attack us?"
Himanshu's jaw tightened. "He's not after us. He's after me."
Before they could discuss further, a team from the Hidden Grass Village suddenly appeared, launching an attack. Himanshu and Divyansh leaped into action, working in perfect synchronization. Himanshu activated his Sharingan, predicting their opponents' moves and countering them with precision. Divyansh summoned a dozen shadow clones, overwhelming the Grass shinobi with sheer numbers.
Within moments, the battle was over, and Team 7 held both their own scroll and the Grass team's scroll. As they caught their breath, Himanshu's senses tingled. A cold, malevolent presence washed over them, and he turned just in time to see a figure emerging from the shadows.
Orochimaru.
His snake-like eyes gleamed with malice, his tongue flicking out as he smiled at the three young shinobi. "My, my, what impressive teamwork," Orochimaru hissed. "But I'm afraid your talents are wasted here."
Sakura froze in fear, while Divyansh tensed, ready to summon more clones. Himanshu stepped forward, his Sharingan blazing. He knew this moment was inevitable. Orochimaru's interest in the Uchiha clan's power, in Sasuke, was too strong.
"Orochimaru," Himanshu said evenly, keeping his voice calm. "What do you want?"
Orochimaru's smile widened. "I want to see how much potential you have, Sasuke. Show me the power of the Uchiha."
With lightning speed, Orochimaru attacked, his movements almost too fast for the eye to see. Himanshu barely managed to block the strike, his Sharingan tracking Orochimaru's movements. Divyansh leaped in, summoning clones to distract Orochimaru and create an opening.
The battle was fierce, with Orochimaru's power overwhelming. Despite their efforts, Himanshu and Divyansh were no match for him at their current level. Orochimaru toyed with them, testing their abilities, savoring their fear and desperation.
Just when it seemed Orochimaru would deliver a final blow, Divyansh unleashed a barrage of shuriken, followed by a powerful wind-style jutsu he had been secretly practicing. The attack caught Orochimaru off guard, giving Himanshu the chance to strike with a Chidori.
The lightning-covered hand surged towards Orochimaru, but he evaded at the last moment, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "Impressive, Sasuke. Very impressive. You have more potential than I imagined."
Before they could react, Orochimaru extended his neck impossibly, biting Himanshu on the neck. Pain seared through Himanshu's body as the Curse Mark was implanted, its dark power spreading through him. Orochimaru retreated, leaving behind his chilling words.
"Enjoy the gift I've given you, Sasuke. It's only a taste of the power that awaits you."