Chapter Twenty-Two: The Forest's Aftermath
Naruto stood over Sasuke's unconscious form, his chest rising and falling as he tried to steady his breathing. He glanced at the Sound genin, battered and trembling after Sasuke and Naruto's combined assault. Their leader clutched the Earth scroll tightly, eyes darting nervously between Naruto and their teammates.
"Drop the scroll and leave," Naruto commanded, his voice calm yet filled with authority.
The leader hesitated, clearly reluctant to part with the scroll, but the lingering pressure from Naruto's earlier display of power made them think twice. Slowly, they tossed the Earth scroll toward Naruto before limping away with their teammates, disappearing into the dense forest.
Naruto picked up the scroll and walked over to Team 10, who stood nearby with Sakura. Without hesitation, he handed the scroll to Shikamaru.
"Here. Take it," Naruto said.
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "Don't you need this to pass?"
Naruto shrugged. "We already have an Earth scroll. Consider it thanks for helping out."
Shikamaru sighed, pocketing the scroll. "Troublesome, but I guess I can't argue with that. Thanks."
Ino crossed her arms, staring at Naruto with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. "What the heck happened to you? You're not the same dead last from the academy."
Naruto smirked, brushing off her comment. "Let's get out of here. This forest is still crawling with trouble."
---
Journey to the Tower
The two teams moved through the forest together, their pace brisk but cautious. Chōji walked beside Naruto, munching on a bag of chips as usual.
"So, Naruto," Chōji said between bites, "how'd you get so strong? You were always loud and clumsy, but now… it's like you're a different person."
Naruto chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Hard work, good teachers, and a lot of determination. Let's just say I had to step up my game."
"Good teachers, huh?" Shikamaru remarked from ahead. "Must've been some intense training."
Ino rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Just don't let it go to your head."
Naruto grinned. "Why? Jealous?"
The group shared a light laugh, the tension from earlier easing as they approached the tower looming in the distance.
---
Reaching the Tower
The massive structure came into view, and a collective sigh of relief swept through the group. They quickly made their way inside, finding an empty room to unseal their scrolls.
Naruto and his team placed their Heaven and Earth scrolls on the floor, watching as a puff of smoke erupted from the center. Iruka appeared, smiling warmly at them.
"Congratulations!" Iruka said, his voice filled with pride. "You've successfully passed the second stage of the Chunin Exams!"
Sakura beamed with relief, while Sasuke, still recovering, leaned against the wall with a smirk. Naruto, however, remained serious.
"Iruka-sensei," Naruto said, stepping forward, "I need to talk to the Hokage."
Iruka blinked, surprised. "The Hokage? Why?"
"It's important," Naruto insisted.
Iruka studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Follow me."
---
Meeting the Hokage
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at his desk in the tower, reviewing reports from the ongoing exams. When Naruto entered with Iruka, he immediately noticed the determination in the young genin's eyes.
"Naruto, what brings you here?" Hiruzen asked, setting his pipe down.
Naruto bowed slightly before speaking. "Hokage-sama, I need to report something."
The Hokage gestured for him to continue.
Naruto took a deep breath and began recounting everything: the attack by Orochimaru disguised as a Grass genin, the curse marks placed on him and Sasuke, and how the Kyubi had intervened to destroy Orochimaru's influence in his seal.
Hiruzen's expression darkened as he listened, his eyes narrowing with concern. When Naruto finished, the room was silent for a moment.
"This is troubling," Hiruzen said finally. "Orochimaru's interest in you and Sasuke is dangerous. It seems he has plans for both of you."
Naruto clenched his fists. "I thought I was getting stronger, but he made me feel like a joke. And now Sasuke…"
Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "Your progress is commendable, Naruto. Don't let this shake your resolve. Orochimaru is far beyond your level, but you have shown remarkable strength. Your ability to withstand his mark without succumbing to its influence is no small feat."
Naruto looked down, processing the Hokage's words.
Hiruzen called for an Anbu to summon Kakashi, who arrived swiftly.
"Kakashi," Hiruzen said, "I need you to seal Sasuke's curse mark. Naruto has already overcome his, but Sasuke's condition is concerning."
Kakashi nodded. "Understood."
Turning back to Naruto, the Hokage offered a reassuring smile. "You've done well, Naruto. Your training and determination have not gone unnoticed. Now, return to your team's quarters and rest. The next stage of the exams will be even more challenging."
Naruto bowed. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
As Iruka led him out of the room, Naruto felt a renewed sense of determination. He had faced humiliation and danger, but this wasn't the end. He would grow stronger, not just for himself but for his team. Orochimaru wouldn't get the last laugh.