"You were able to use the Sharingan so skillfully at such a young age. As expected of someone who inherited the Uchiha name—I want you more and more."
Orochimaru finally returned to his original voice.
He lightly wiped away the charred black skin on his face, revealing a pale, snow-white, sinister visage and a pair of golden vertical pupils, like a serpent's eyes!
"Who... exactly are you?!" Uchiha Sasuke stared at Orochimaru. After that "baptism," he was no longer afraid of Orochimaru.
"Temporary Paralysis Technique!"
Orochimaru formed Hand Seals with a cold smile, directly binding Uchiha Sasuke and Sakura in place.
"Arghhh..."
Uchiha Sasuke roared wildly, mobilizing all the chakra in his body, yet he still could not break free from Orochimaru's Temporary Paralysis Technique!
"I was very satisfied with your performance just now. This! Is your reward!"
Orochimaru stretched out his neck, instantly extending it dozens of meters, then bit down on Uchiha Sasuke's neck and planted the Cursed Seal of Heaven!
"Urgh!"
Uchiha Sasuke felt his whole body convulse, as though something had surged into him, scorching his skin until it burned.
"My name is Orochimaru. If you want to see me again, then do your utmost to stand out in this exam. Defeat the three Sound Ninja under my control."
At the same time, Orochimaru released the Temporary Paralysis Technique he had placed on them.
"Sasuke!"
Sakura regained the ability to move and hurriedly supported Sasuke. "What's wrong? What happened to you?"
"Ah..."
A black Three Tomoe slowly emerged on the back of Sasuke's neck, and the searing pain grew increasingly intense!
"Sasuke, I believe you'll come to like the power I gave you. Hehehe." Orochimaru's figure slowly merged into the tree branch. Then he looked up at Houka, who had been watching all along, and chuckled.