"The final round of the Chunin Ninja Exams is only a few days away. I'm worried about you guys," Naruto explained. "Sasuke, why did the Lightning Release ninjutsu you used just now fail halfway through?"
The proud Sasuke turned his face away. He simply could not bring himself to say it—the technique was too difficult, and he had yet to master it.
To spare Sasuke's feelings, Kakashi could only say, "Naruto, you don't need to worry. Sasuke just needs a little more time, and he'll be able to complete this technique."
Judging by the current situation, he might not make it in time...
Trying to fool me? No way! The final round originally gave us a month to prepare. Sasuke needed a full month to learn Chidori. Now that Orochimaru has shortened the Chunin Ninja Exams, how could he possibly learn Chidori in just a few days?
"She's a friend I just made. Her name is Karin," Naruto said. "Kakashi-sensei, I'll have to trouble you to look after her for the next few days."
Kakashi had wanted to refuse. Taking care of Sasuke was already difficult enough; how could he possibly take on another person?
Naruto said mysteriously, "Karin won't cause any trouble. If possible, she might even help Sasuke."
"Hey, Naruto..." Kakashi wanted to stop him, but Naruto immediately slipped away.
Naruto did not explain anything to Karin, nor did he say anything to Sasuke. He silently brought Karin here, then hurried off by himself.
Over the following days, Kakashi devoted all his efforts to teaching Sasuke, while Sasuke threw himself wholeheartedly into training Lightning Release: Chidori.
Karin watched quietly from the side. Sasuke carried a ruthless determination in his entire being. No matter how many times he failed, he would grit his teeth and start over.
Sasuke gathered