At dusk, the Tower at the center of the forest finally appeared in view. The towering structure stood in the middle of the dense woods, solemn and majestic, and every team that had passed the second round was gathering there.
"We're finally here!" Naruto shouted excitedly.
Sasuke gazed at the Tower, a hint of resolve flashing in his eyes. The third stage of the Chunin Exams was about to begin, and he was ready. Whether it was the opponents before him or the road of vengeance waiting in his future, he would face them all one by one.
When Team 7 stepped into the Tower's main hall, more than a dozen teams had already gathered inside. Sunagakure's Gaara, Temari, Kankuro, Hyuga Neji, Rock Lee, Otogakure's Kabuto Yakushi... Every strong contender who had passed the trial of the Forest of Death was present.
Tension filled the air. Every gaze carried wariness and fighting spirit.
Gaara stood alone in a corner, grains of sand automatically circling around him. His cold purple eyes swept across the hall before finally landing on Sasuke, a bloodthirsty smile flickering across his face. "Second Pillar..." he murmured in a low voice, the sand at his fingertips stirring restlessly. "You're next."
Sasuke sensed that murderous stare and looked back coldly. The Sharingan met Gaara's eyes from across the room, invisible sparks bursting in the air between them. These two boys, both burdened by darkness and solitude, had long since come to see each other as fated enemies.
Hyuga Neji folded his arms, his gaze toward Sasuke carrying a trace of disdain. "The survivor of the Uchiha is nothing special either. Before absolute talent, hatred is worthless."
Sasuke ignored his provocation and simply led Naruto and Sakura to a corner to rest. After the ordeal in the Forest of