As expected, under Baki's soothing words, Gaara's rage quickly subsided.
After giving Lin Fan one last deeply affectionate look, he turned and flew off toward the Central Tower with Baki.
Lin Fan, of course, understood exactly what Gaara's gaze conveyed.
Because Shukaku was sealed inside him, the people of Sunagakure had called him a monster since he was a child.
He had never had any friends, either.
In the original story, Naruto only became Gaara's one and only best friend after beating him up.
Lin Fan couldn't help humming softly: "Today, only the remnants of this body remain to greet the glorious days; through wind and rain, I'll go all out with my best friend."
Let's go, sis!
Kankuro finally snapped out of his shock and spoke softly to Temari.
Okay!
Temari nodded lightly, then reluctantly looked away from Lin Fan.
She was now intensely envious of Hinata, whom Lin Fan had rescued.
If only Lin Fan weren't an enemy of Konoha.
Lin Fan then walked over to where Team 7 and Team 8 were, looking perfectly relaxed.
When Hinata saw him return unharmed, she hurried over, overjoyed, and grabbed his arm to celebrate.
Lin Fan affectionately patted the top of her head.
That guy Lin Fan... had he gotten even stronger?
When would I finally gain enough strength to stand before that man and demand the truth?
Sasuke said bitterly.
The Cursed Seal on his neck began to throb, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead from the pain.
Come on, get on!
Seeing Sasuke like this, Naruto felt terrible for him.
He crouched down in front of Sasuke.
Dead Last, what are you doing?
Sasuke said coldly.
You can barely walk. Don't slow Team 7 down.
I'll carry you.
Naruto narrowed his eyes and grinned.
Though Sasuke was still reluctant to accept it, Naruto kept insisting until he finally climbed onto Naruto's back.
The test in the Forest of Death gave the examinees five days to reach the Central Tower, but that also meant they would have to spend the night in the forest.
At night, the Forest of Death was full of venomous snakes and wild beasts, and enemy teams might launch surprise attacks, too.
Lin Fan naturally had no intention of staying in the forest any longer than necessary.
With Teams 7 and 8 both having obtained the Scrolls of Heaven and Earth, everyone agreed to travel together and reach the Central Tower as quickly as possible!
As they hurried along, they ran into Team 10 and Team 3.
So, did you all find the Scrolls of Heaven and Earth?
Lin Fan asked Neji and Shikamaru with a smile.
Yeah, we found them.
Neji replied coolly.
It was a hassle not being able to surrender outright, but we got them without much trouble.
Our Team 10 saw a fireball and a sandstorm not far away in the forest, so we came to see what was going on.
Shikamaru said lazily.
Do you even need to ask? Of course my big bro Lin Fan was fighting that gourd kid who plays with sand! You should've seen it—my big bro Lin Fan beat that little guy with the dark circles so badly, his face was peeling!
Naruto said excitedly.
So that was it. Our strength really isn't on the same level as Lin Fan's anymore, huh?
Shikamaru sighed and shook his head.
Haha, Lin Fan, you're so cool!
Ino gazed at Lin Fan with shining eyes.
Lin Fan, I hope we get a chance to have a proper match someday.
Neji activated his Byakugan and challenged him.
Hinata shrank into Lin Fan's arms in fright.
Sure, no problem.
Lin Fan spoke calmly as he soothed Hinata.
Rock Lee, meanwhile, turned his gaze toward Naruto, who was carrying Sasuke.
His eyes blazing, he cried out excitedly, "Naruto-kun, is this how you usually train?"
"This is incredible! I'm going to learn it, too! Burn, my youth!"
Neji, get on!
Rock Lee bent down in front of Neji.
No! Get away! I refuse!
Neji turned his head and said disdainfully.
Rock Lee wasn't discouraged. He simply picked up the chubby Choji on the other side and disappeared from everyone's sight in an instant.
The Konoha 13, the future of Konoha, now headed toward the Central Tower together.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office...
Anko said gravely, "Lord Third, Orochimaru has come to Konoha. His targets are probably Lin Fan and Sasuke."
"I'm also worried he'll make another move. Should we suspend the exams immediately?"
Hah...
"It's too late to suspend the exams. We've already invited the daimyos from every nation to Konoha to watch the Chunin Ninja Exams."
"If we stop them now, it could spark a public-relations crisis among the nations!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly let out a breath and spoke in a measured tone.
"What should we do, then?"
Anko asked, puzzled.
"We can only send people to protect Lin Fan and Sasuke. They're both pillars of Konoha's future. We absolutely cannot let Orochimaru take them!"
"As for that traitor—if he really intends to cause trouble in Konoha, then it's time for these old bones of mine to get moving!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi said resolutely.
The next day.
Inside the Forest of Death.
The mist-shrouded Central Tower rose like a pillar supporting the heavens, reaching high into the sky.
Lin Fan and the remaining ten rookies arrived together.
As soon as they reached the top of the tower, they saw Rock Lee, who had arrived two hours earlier and was showing off a perfect eight-tooth smile.
They also saw Choji leaning nearby, foaming at the mouth and twitching all over.
"Yoshi! Congratulations on making it to the Central Tower!!!"
The person who came out of the tower was Iruka.
"Iruka-sensei, it's been so long! I've really missed you!"
After speaking emotionally, Naruto opened his arms and rushed toward Iruka.
"I missed you, too, Naruto."
"You little rascal, you graduated and never came to visit your teacher. Do you know how lonely I've been without you at school?"
Iruka was just as emotional.
The two of them immediately started fawning over each other, exchanging affectionate words and pouring out their feelings.
Everyone else watched with black lines across their faces. Should we just leave them to it?
Then the examiner for the second stage, Mitaraishi Anko, came out as well.
"Congratulations! You've passed the Forest of Death exam!!!!"
After confirming that the four teams' Scrolls of Heaven and Earth were all intact, she announced with a smile.
Then, led by Iruka and Anko, everyone entered the tower.
There were still three days left before the second exam ended.
The examinees who had completed the test had to register first.
At that moment, the three elite jonin Kakashi, Might Guy, and Asuma appeared inside the tower.
They surrounded Lin Fan.