Should Sasuke be allowed to receive Orochimaru's Cursed Seal?
The Cursed Seal was a forbidden technique Orochimaru had developed using Jugo's bodily fluids as a basis. Its user could gain tremendous power by activating it, but it would erode both body and mind, with the damage worsening over time.
Moreover, the Cursed Seal carried Orochimaru's spiritual imprint. Orochimaru could revive through it, making it one of his trump cards.
When it came to staying alive, Orochimaru ranked at least among the top three in the Naruto world.
What if Sasuke were given the choice?
As long as he could gain power, Sasuke would not even need to think about such minor side effects.
And even if Orochimaru could be stopped this time, what about next time?
There was no stopping these two when they were so mutually willing and deeply enamored.
Therefore, Hayato did not reveal himself immediately.
Only after Orochimaru knocked Naruto unconscious and left Sasuke with the Cursed Seal did he step out from the shadows.
As for whether Orochimaru would seriously harm Naruto and Sakura, Hayato was not worried. Orochimaru was a smart man. He knew that if he did that, Sarutobi Hiruzen would immediately halt the Chunin Exams, and his plan would fail.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had his bottom line. As long as that line remained, Orochimaru could use every examinee in the Death Forest as hostages to force Sarutobi Hiruzen to continue the exam.
"Hayato, Naruto and Sasuke, they... they..."
Sakura knelt on the ground and looked up at Hayato helplessly, tears streaming down her face.
"It's okay. They're both fine, just temporarily unconscious." Hayato's heart ached as he gently comforted Sakura.
In the end, he was still not strong enough. If he had enough power, would he need to consider all this messy nonsense? He