The Gap

In the blink of an eye, Sasuke, who had been brimming with confidence, was effortlessly subdued by the mysterious intruder. Sakura, watching from the side, was left utterly shocked and at a loss.

She had heard what Sasuke had just said.

The news that Sasuke, Shinji, and several Ninja Academy instructors had been attacked by a mysterious assailant in the Forest of Death had caused an uproar at the Ninja Academy.

So once she confirmed the intruder's identity, she knew this wasn't some test arranged by the village. This was a real enemy who could threaten her and Sasuke's lives!

"We have to call for help!"

Having made up her mind, Sakura pulled a distress flare from her ninja tool pouch and rushed for the entrance of the mine.

Every student taking part in the test knew that Jonin proctors were nearby. Sakura figured that if she could launch the flare, reinforcements would arrive immediately.

Seeing Sakura sprint for the exit with the flare, the mysterious intruder glanced sideways at her, then grinned.

The intruder seemed utterly unconcerned that Sakura was about to set off the distress flare. Sasuke's heart sank as he realized something was wrong. His opponent had clearly come prepared; the Jonin proctors outside had probably been held up by something.

But Sasuke didn't despair. He endured the pain, spat out a mouthful of blood, and said to the intruder, "You picked the wrong person to mess with!"

RUMBLE!

In an instant, his furious eyes turned scarlet, and a purple shadow projected from his body!

The purple shadow swiftly formed into a section of ribs, encasing him in its protection. Then a skeletal arm grew from one end of the ribs and seized the intruder in a fierce grip!

"So this is Susanoo..."

The mysterious intruder, caught