The towering structure stood like a silent sentinel in the heart of the Forest of Death. Its presence loomed over the surviving teams, marking the end of the second phase of the Chunin Exams. After the intense battle with Orochimaru's influence, the encounter with Gaara, and the ever-present tension of the cursed mark, Team 7 had finally arrived.
Naruto exhaled in relief. "Finally! I thought we'd never get here."
Sasuke remained quiet, his fingers subconsciously brushing over his neck where the cursed seal lay dormant. He could still feel it—Orochimaru's presence lurking beneath his skin, waiting.
Sakura, sensing his unease, gave him a worried glance. "Are you sure you're okay, Sasuke?"
"I'm fine," he replied quickly. Too quickly.
Kakashi's words from their last encounter rang in his mind:
"That mark isn't just a curse—it's a choice. Don't let it define you."
Sasuke pushed the thoughts away and focused on the task at hand.
The Tower's Trial
As they stepped inside the dimly lit halls of the tower, a scroll mechanism awaited them. Engraved above the panel were words etched into stone:
"If you lack heaven, seek wisdom. If you lack earth, seek strength. Open the scrolls and reveal your fate."
Sasuke and Naruto exchanged looks before placing their scrolls on the mechanism.
A soft click echoed through the hall. Then—a burst of smoke.
When it cleared, Iruka stood before them.
Naruto's eyes widened. "Iruka-sensei?! What are you doing here?"
Iruka smiled. "Congratulations. You've officially passed the second phase of the Chunin Exams."
Sakura let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "We did it…"
Sasuke simply nodded, his mind already moving ahead to what came next.
A Gathering of Rivals
After some much-needed rest, Team 7 found themselves in a grand hall where the remaining teams were gathered. Tension filled the air.
Among the familiar faces, Naruto spotted Gaara, standing eerily still with Temari and Kankuro at his side. Across the room, Neji Hyuga observed the competition with an unreadable expression, while Rock Lee looked eager for the next challenge.
Then there was Kabuto, adjusting his glasses with that ever-present smile.
Sasuke's gaze lingered on him for a moment. Something about that guy… doesn't sit right.
Just as the murmurs began to rise, the room fell silent as the Third Hokage entered, flanked by exam officials.
"The second phase is over," Hiruzen declared, his wise gaze sweeping over them. "But before the final exam, we will conduct a preliminary round."
Murmurs spread among the participants.
"A preliminary?" Naruto repeated, confused.
Hayate Gekko, the proctor for the next round, stepped forward, coughing lightly. "Too many candidates remain. The finals must have only the best. So, those who are unfit to continue… will be eliminated here."
The weight of his words settled in. Another battle was about to begin.
Sasuke clenched his fists. There was no turning back now.
The First Match Begins
Hayate stepped forward. "We will now begin the preliminary matches. The first battle is…"
The screen flickered, and names appeared.
Sasuke Uchiha vs. Yoroi Akado
Sasuke's eyes narrowed.
Naruto grinned, patting his shoulder. "Kick his ass, bastard."
Sasuke smirked. "I intend to."
As he stepped forward, however, a pulse of pain ran through his neck. The cursed seal.
Orochimaru's voice echoed in his mind. "Use my power, Sasuke… You'll need it."
Sasuke took a deep breath, shoving the voice away.
This was his fight. His strength.
He wouldn't let Orochimaru decide his path.
As Yoroi stepped onto the battlefield, Hayate raised his hand.
"Begin!"