Over the next few days, Sasuke began an intense training regimen. The focus was on physical training, starting with basic conditioning exercises like running, push-ups, and hitting a sandbag. He would push himself to the point of exhaustion every day. On the second day, when his body was completely drained, he would train with Lightning Release jutsu. Then, on the third day, it was back to physical training, continuing the cycle.
This extreme form of training was brutal, to say the least. Honestly, Linton, watching from the side, felt a little uncomfortable. He was glad he had some extra help; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to stick to such a grueling routine. But Sasuke really stuck with it, training until he passed out. His determination to grow stronger was undeniable, fueled largely by his desire for revenge.
As for Linton, he had it pretty easy. His main task was just to keep an eye on Kakashi. Kakashi wasn't the type to give in to threats easily and was genuinely committed to teaching Sasuke. However, it seemed like he was also trying to figure out a way to get out of this situation. Linton wasn't in a rush, though. He kept a close watch on Kakashi and spent the rest of his time familiarizing himself with the various jutsu in the shop. There were so many that it was overwhelming. He wasn't buying anything yet, but getting to know what was available for future use.
One afternoon, while Sasuke was still deep in training, an unexpected visitor arrived. Kakashi was the first to notice.
"Come out. I can sense your killing intent from several meters away," Kakashi said.
A figure emerged, and Linton was momentarily surprised. Then he remembered who it was. Despite this being a timeline glitch, somehow this person had found them. It was Gaara, Sasuke's opponent.
Standing in front of them was the odd-looking, gourd-carrying young man. Gaara, still in his "edgy" phase, radiated a violent aura. He was the type of guy you'd just want to punch on sight.
"Gaara of the Sand. What brings you here?" Kakashi asked directly.
"I came to see if my opponent is worthy of being killed by me," Gaara sneered, his face twisted in a menacing expression.
Kakashi frowned. He had always sensed something dangerous about Gaara, as though the boy's personality had been warped by something unknown. This was a serious threat, as Rock Lee's condition had already shown.
"The match is in seven days. You'll find out then," Kakashi replied.
Gaara's body trembled, as if barely able to contain his urge to attack. But with Kakashi present, he seemed to hold back for the time being.
Just as Gaara was trying to suppress his bloodlust, a voice came from the side: "Well, isn't this a coincidence, running into an old friend."
"Hm?" Gaara turned his head, confused, and saw someone he had never met before. Without hesitation, he asked, "Who are you? Do I know you?"
"I wasn't talking about you…" Linton replied with a smile.
Everyone was momentarily taken aback by Linton's words. Then he leaned in close to Gaara's ear and whispered, "I was talking about the one inside you…"
Suddenly, a burst of sand shot out from the gourd on Gaara's back, as if ready to attack. Kakashi and Sasuke immediately got into defensive stances. Linton, however, remained completely relaxed. Even though Gaara seemed ready to strike, he hadn't made a move yet. If he had, the system would've reacted automatically.
Linton didn't want to disrupt the original plan, knowing that if Gaara were killed by mistake, the entire Konoha Crush plan could fall apart. So he calmly said, "You really want to fight here? I'm fine with that."
Gaara, still furious, managed to hold back. After all, he had his own plans to execute. He glared at Linton before asking, "Who are you? Name yourself."
"Uchiha Linton."
"Very well, I'll remember you. Next time we meet, it'll be your death." Gaara growled.
His words were so cliché that Linton almost burst out laughing. Gaara probably had to work hard not to laugh when saying something that corny. Linton, not bothered at all, shrugged, "Alright, alright."
Linton's patronizing expression only made Gaara angrier, and the killing intent in the air grew even thicker. Kakashi, feeling nervous, was less worried about Linton losing and more concerned that killing a ninja from the Sand Village could spark a war between the two villages.
In the end, Gaara backed off. Before leaving, he shot one last glance at Sasuke and Linton, likely marking them both in his mind. Linton, of course, knew all about the Konoha Crush plan, so he wasn't worried. Gaara wouldn't reveal what had happened here to the Third Hokage or anyone else, so there was no real concern.
At least things hadn't escalated to the worst-case scenario, and Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief. Still, he was puzzled as to why Gaara had shown up here and what his true intentions were. Linton's earlier comment about Gaara being an "old friend" also stuck in his mind. Why had he said that when Gaara clearly didn't know him?
But there were many mysteries surrounding Linton. After disappearing for thirteen years, no one knew what he had been up to, and some in the village didn't even realize he was still alive. Kakashi had many theories but knew asking wouldn't get him anywhere. This was something for the Third Hokage to handle.
The unexpected visit quickly passed, and Linton returned to his routine of training and more training. Soon, the day of the final round of the Chunin Exams arrived. As Linton had predicted, no one had discovered their location. However, there was a small problem: Sasuke's training wasn't progressing as quickly as they had hoped. He hadn't yet fully mastered the Chidori jutsu, mainly due to his physical limitations.
"Looks like we're going to be late," Kakashi said, glancing at the time.
"Don't worry. A lot of people are watching this match. It's not going to be canceled," Linton said casually. "I think we're good to go as is."
"No… not yet. If he doesn't fully master this move, there's no way he can beat that guy," Kakashi insisted.
Linton knew that even with Chidori, Sasuke wouldn't stand a chance against Gaara right now. After all, Gaara's abilities were pretty overpowered at this stage. Sasuke would just have to take his lumps for now. Once he unlocked the Mangekyo Sharingan and could control tailed beasts, things would be different. Unfortunately, Sasuke didn't yet realize just how powerful he would become.
A few hours later, the match had probably already started. Sasuke was still training with Chidori, nearly exhausting all his chakra before Kakashi finally gave the nod of approval. By this point, the match should have been long over, and they could only hope the organizers had delayed it somewhat.
"Let's go. You…" Kakashi looked over at Linton, still worried that Linton might not return with them, even though he had promised. He couldn't be sure Linton wasn't lying.
"Let's go," Linton said. He had been waiting for this day for a while. After watching Sasuke struggle and get beat down repeatedly for the past ten days, he was ready. It was time to reap the rewards.
Linton's cooperation eased Kakashi's concerns, and the three of them made their way toward the arena. Linton's physical abilities had improved significantly, allowing him to keep pace with Kakashi and Sasuke without needing his spider shooters. The trio moved quickly toward the arena.
At the arena, the match between Shikamaru and Temari had just ended. Shikamaru had forfeited, giving Temari the win. This match had been moved up because Sasuke hadn't shown up yet, and according to the rules, if Sasuke didn't appear by the end of this match, he would forfeit.
Naruto and Sakura were both worried about Sasuke, but they couldn't delay things any further. Just as the referee, Genma Shiranui, was about to announce the results, a sudden gust of leaves blew through the arena, and three figures appeared on the field.
Seeing who it was, the crowd couldn't help but smile. Genma quickly called out, "State your name!"
"Uchiha Sasuke," Sasuke immediately replied.
The sudden entrance excited the audience. Linton, on the other hand, was unimpressed. He couldn't compete with these two when it came to making a dramatic entrance. Sure, they were running late, but storming into the center of the arena was a bit much. And what was with the special effects of swirling leaves? Linton figured he'd have to up his game when it came to making grand entrances in the future.
"You're so slow! I thought you were too scared to show up and face me!" Naruto exclaimed, relieved but still talking trash.
"Don't get too cocky, you loser," Sasuke shot back.
The two couldn't help but bicker as soon as they met. Naruto had been about to brag about his victory in the first round when he suddenly noticed Linton standing next to Kakashi. Pointing at him, Naruto asked, "Kakashi-sensei, who is that?"
Linton's presence naturally drew attention, though not many people knew who he was. However, there were a few who recognized him instantly—two of the most important figures in the highest seats: the Third Hokage and Orochimaru, disguised as the Fourth Kazekage.
"No way…" both of them thought simultaneously.
Linton, as if sensing their thoughts, turned and waved at the Hokage and Orochimaru. "Hello, everyone. I'm back."
(End of chapter)