For Konoha's Future

"Stop hiding. They've all left," the boy said.

"Kiba! You bastard!"

Naruto clutched his butt in protest.

The newcomer was Kiba Inuzuka, a fellow Genin from Team 8.

"I caught your scent, so I came to take a look."

As soon as he finished speaking, two more figures dropped down from above in succession: Shino Aburame and Hinata Hyuga, also from Team 8.

One was a cold-looking guy in sunglasses, while the other was a shy Byakugan girl.

"Hey, everyone's here," Naruto greeted them.

"Naruto-kun," Hinata said softly.

"What was that sound just now?" Sasuke asked.

"Ah, that was one seriously terrifying guy," Kiba said, still shaken.

Akamaru, the ninja dog, hid in Kiba's collar, still trembling as it let out low whimpers.

"As the team best at reconnaissance, we noticed some activity near the Central Tower. When we got closer, we found two groups from Sunagakure and Amegakure. That guy carrying the gourd..."

"He wrapped those three Amegakure ninja in sand and crushed them to death."

"Ah!" Sakura gasped, then immediately covered her mouth. Just hearing about it made her feel like vomiting.

Naruto and Sasuke were equally horrified, unable to speak for a long while.

"There may be many more dangerous people out there. When night falls, insects must return to their nest as soon as possible."

Shino spoke calmly. After a pause, he asked:

"We should hurry inside the tower. It'll be safer there. Have you gathered both the Heaven and Earth Scrolls?"

"Not bad. I never thought a Dead Last like you wouldn't have been eliminated yet!"

Before anyone could answer, sharp-eyed Kiba had already spotted the scroll in Sasuke's arms. He could not help but marvel inwardly. That Uchiha kid really was impressive.

In Kiba's mind, Naruto was the school's notorious eternal Dead Last. As for Sakura, while her grades were excellent, she had nothing much to offer in actual combat.

"As expected of Uchiha Sasuke," Shino praised coolly.

"Naruto-kun is amazing too," Hinata said, her face red and her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.

The sudden praise made both Sasuke and Naruto want to wave it off, but neither knew how to respond.

"Let's go already. I don't want to be alone in the tower with those Sand Shinobi!"

"Woof." Akamaru let out another pitiful whine.

Team 8, unaware of what had happened, had only one thought in mind: get out of this forest as quickly as possible.

Urged on by Kiba, Sasuke and the others followed them to the Central Tower.

"Then in the rest of the competition, we'll each rely on our own abilities!"

Kiba turned and spoke to Naruto's group.

However, because of the earlier scroll incident, no one from Team 7 was in much of a mood, and they did not respond.

With no fierce exchange of words as he had expected, Kiba found it boring and was the first to push open the door and enter.

"So you believe his target this time is Uchiha Sasuke?"

Inside the Hokage Office in Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, was receiving Anko Mitarashi's briefing.

Not long ago, Anko had fought Orochimaru. Though she had been prepared to die, she was still far from being Orochimaru's match.

"He told me he wanted the exam to continue. 'If you take away my fun, the end of the Leaf Ninja Village will come as well.'"

As Anko relayed Orochimaru's words, the Third Hokage's brow furrowed ever deeper.

The feudal lords and prominent figures from various countries were already on their way. Canceling the exam rashly would deal a considerable blow to Konoha's prestige.

Orochimaru, what exactly are you trying to do?

Perhaps, just as he claimed, all he wanted was Uchiha Sasuke.

Or perhaps he still harbored resentment over being driven from the village and was plotting an assassination.

Or even... war.

"In any case, all activities will continue as normal. But pass down orders to every department: strengthen security and closely monitor all activity related to Orochimaru!"

After thinking deeply for a long time, the Third Hokage made his decision.

"Yes!"

Just as Anko was about to leave, the Third Hokage suddenly called out to her. "Also, have Kakashi come here."

The Third Hokage gazed at the trees outside the window.

Among the branches, a nest of young birds was trying to spread its wings. At first, they could only extend them a little, while the adult birds gently watched over them nearby.

As they practiced more, the fledglings gradually spread their wings farther. One brave little bird stepped out onto a branch first, trembling as it prepared to glide.

Knock, knock—

Kakashi knocked on the door and stood respectfully at the entrance. "Hokage."

The Third Hokage turned around and waved a hand, indicating that he should close the door.

"The autumn wind has risen. I'm afraid the warm days are coming to an end," the Third Hokage sighed.

Kakashi pondered for a moment. "Hokage, are you troubled by Orochimaru's matter?"

"Yes." The Third Hokage nodded. "There is an important mission I need you to carry out."

"Yes!" Kakashi straightened his posture.

"Based on current intelligence, one of Orochimaru's objectives is very likely to be obtaining Uchiha Sasuke. From this moment onward, I want you to remain at Sasuke's side without leaving him for even an instant."

"Yes."

Protecting his student was already part of Kakashi's duty. The Third Hokage did not need to give him special instructions for that.

Yet Kakashi also knew himself well. At present, he was no match for Orochimaru. If Orochimaru truly intended to take Sasuke by force, Kakashi might not be able to stop him.

The Third Hokage seemed to see through Kakashi's thoughts and said slowly, "I know Orochimaru is powerful and not someone you can contend with. Do your best. No matter what happens, I will not blame you."

Kakashi fell silent.

"Oh, and in this mission, your life takes priority over the target itself. Do not force yourself."

The Third Hokage gave him this instruction.

"Yes!"

Hearing those words, Kakashi's heart warmed. He only hated that he was not strong enough.

Konoha's talents were dwindling, and it was precisely because of that that the Hokage had no choice but to make such arrangements.

After Kakashi left, an elderly man with the right side of his face wrapped in bandages entered through the side door.

"Kakashi can't stop him."

The newcomer was Shimura Danzō.

"I know."

The Third Hokage answered quietly.

"Saving Uchiha Sasuke will be difficult, but there are many other ways to ensure Orochimaru does not obtain a living Uchiha."

Danzō spoke.

The Third Hokage remained silent.

"In any case, leave it to me!"

Danzō understood perfectly and turned to leave.

"Wait!"

The Third Hokage suddenly stopped him.

"Do not act rashly unless it is the last resort! Sasuke still has an extremely important role to play for us."

"I know."

Danzō inwardly mocked his old friend for worrying too much. After all these years, he still understood such rules.

A cold smile tugged at his lips as he turned and left.

"For Konoha's future."

Watching the birds outside the window, the Third Hokage spoke earnestly to the empty air.

Inside the Central Tower of the Forest of Death.

Ever since the Monkey Kitsu incident, the atmosphere in Team 7 had remained subtly awkward.

Fortunately, Kakashi's arrival broke that awkwardness in time.

"Not bad. As expected of my proud subordinates, you passed the second stage so smoothly."

Holding a copy of "Make-Out Paradise" in one hand, Kakashi smiled as he greeted the three of them.

At those words, Naruto and Sasuke both wore awkward expressions.

"Well, there was some luck involved, haha, hahaha." Sakura tried hard to break the awkward silence while inwardly wondering what the hell she was even saying.

"More importantly, Sasuke, the wound on your neck..." Kakashi put away his book, his expression turning grave.

Only then did Naruto realize it. He had been so consumed by his own emotions that he had overlooked this critical issue.

"Kakashi, is Sasuke... going to be okay?" Naruto could not help asking.

"Ah, I imagine it'll be quite troublesome."

At that moment, Sasuke began coughing as well. His fight with Orochimaru, the high fever caused by the Cursed Seal, and his attempt to forcibly activate it had already drained him completely.

"But it's all right. There's still some time before the next stage. Perhaps I can help."