Earlier.
Orochimaru had failed to get his way because of Naruto's overwhelming might.
After his failure, he had not truly left. Instead, he lurked around Naruto's team.
Orochimaru's goal was simple: plant the Cursed Seal of Heaven on Sasuke.
Then use Sasuke's desire for strength to lure him into defecting.
Originally,
when Orochimaru saw Naruto leave the team, he knew his chance had come.
But unexpectedly, Sakura Haruno and Sasuke ran into trouble before Naruto had gone far.
The situation spiraled out of control, as though some kind of banquet was being held here.
So many people had gathered in such a short time.
There were even Orochimaru's own subordinates among them.
Then Naruto returned with Karin.
Naruto hurled a black spherical ninjutsu at Dosu.
That power...
It could not be called merely great. It was absurdly, unbelievably great.
Orochimaru hid in the shadows, watching Naruto with tightly furrowed brows.
Naruto in this state was truly difficult to deal with.
It seemed he would have to wait for a more perfect opportunity.
Naruto drove away everyone except those from Konoha, and he also obtained a scroll different from his team's. It could be considered a perfect completion of the mission.
After exchanging only a few words, everyone went their separate ways.
After all, this was an exam, and they had no desire to steal scrolls from people of the same village.
Naruto's team had completed their mission. Now, they only needed to head to the central tower.
Sakura Haruno looked at Karin behind Naruto, feeling a sour twinge in her heart.
After all, this older girl was rather pretty.
And Naruto treated her exceptionally well.
Sakura Haruno could not help asking Naruto, "Naruto, who is she?"
Before Naruto could answer, Karin stepped forward, folded her arms across her chest, and