Meanwhile...
Orochimaru, in disguise, observed the scene from the shadows. His golden pupils gleamed as he stared toward the examination room.
"The Hoozuki Clan's secret technique—the Hydration Technique?" he murmured, a dangerous smile playing on his lips. "And the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai too? Satoru's team is fascinating."
A team of three from a minor village, yet possessing such rare abilities—an unexpected boon for Orochimaru's curiosity. His gaze lingered.
"Every single one of them is worth studying. Coming here was more rewarding than I anticipated," he thought, his smile widening sinisterly.
In the Candidate Observation Office
The examiners exchanged glances, their eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Not only does this team have someone with the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai, but there's also a girl who can perform secret techniques," one examiner noted.
"And their skill level is well beyond the average genin," another added, a mix of awe and curiosity in their tone.
The new Sweet Ninja Village was becoming the center of attention. Its strength was no longer something to dismiss lightly. Could this newly formed village alter the balance of power among the Five Great Ninja Villages?
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, pondered briefly before shaking his head with a faint smile.
"One or two talented individuals won't change the world. Every village has its prodigies. But a village needs more than just geniuses—it needs a foundation."
His gaze shifted toward Satoru, who stood chatting nonchalantly in the distance.
"I wonder if this so-called captain can meet expectations," he mused.
Back in the Arena
Gekko Hayate stepped forward to announce the next match.
"The next battle: Kankuro of the Sand Village versus Satoru of the Sweet Ninja Village!"
In the waiting room, Naruto blurted out, "Hey, Bandage Guy, it's your turn!"
Satoru stretched lazily, a glint of amusement in his pale blue eyes. "Got it," he replied casually before strolling into the arena.
"Looks like this won't take long," he muttered under his breath, his demeanor calm and unbothered.
The Crowd's Reaction
Spectators murmured among themselves, watching the white-haired boy step into the ring.
"Satoru? What kind of name is that?" someone asked.
"He's from that Sweet Ninja Village too, right?"
"Yeah, the captain of the team with the Ice Release girl and that Hozuki kid. If he's their leader, he must be even stronger!"
On the sidelines, Yamanaka Ino frowned. "He doesn't look powerful at all," she said, puzzled.
Shikamaru shook his head. "You can't judge a book by its cover. If he's their captain, he must have something that sets him apart. Otherwise, there's no way they'd follow him."
The Sand Siblings' Perspective
Temari crossed her arms, watching Satoru enter the arena. "It's him," she said grimly.
Kankuro glanced at her. "Do you think he's strong?"
"I wouldn't underestimate him," she replied. "He's probably the biggest threat in this exam."
Nearby, Gaara's murderous aura began to seep out, causing both Temari and Kankuro to step back instinctively.
"Gaara, calm down," Temari urged softly. "Don't lose control here. If the Shukaku stirs, it'll ruin everything."
Satoru's Presence
Satoru stood in the center of the arena, his posture relaxed, hands folded. Beneath his bandages, his pale blue eyes gleamed faintly, but his expression was distant as if lost in thought.
Gekko Hayate, observing from the sidelines, frowned. "What is he doing? Daydreaming in the middle of an exam? He doesn't seem ready at all."
The examiner's judgment was harsh. "This isn't the attitude of someone prepared to fight. If he keeps this up, he'll lose for sure."
Kankuro, however, hesitated. He studied Satoru cautiously, his instincts screaming at him not to make the first move. His mind raced.
"Something about him feels... off," Kankuro thought. "I can't risk exposing too much here. And honestly, I don't think I can win."
An Unexpected Turn
Finally, Kankuro raised his hand, interrupting the tension. "Examiner, I forfeit," he declared firmly.
A wave of shock rippled through the crowd.
"He's giving up? Just like that?" murmurs erupted among the spectators.
Gekko Hayate stepped forward, his expression a mix of confusion and curiosity. "Are you certain, Kankuro? You've come this far."
"I'm sure," Kankuro replied. His voice was steady, but his gaze avoided Satoru's. "The gap in our strength is too wide. It's pointless."
The arena fell silent as Kankuro's words sank in. Satoru, still standing at ease, seemed unfazed by the decision. His calm demeanor only fueled the speculation.
"Why would he give up? He didn't even try!" someone exclaimed.
"Maybe he knows something we don't," another whispered.
Even Gekko Hayate found himself glancing at Satoru with newfound intrigue.
"What kind of strength does this boy have," he wondered, "to make his opponent surrender without a fight?"
>>>>>
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