"Naruto... where are you? Sasuke's in danger!!"
Sakura clutched the Earth Scroll protectively against her chest and raced toward the spot where Naruto had disappeared.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...
After several leaps, Sasuke hid behind a towering tree, gasping for breath.
Waves of stabbing pain from his leg sent cold sweat dripping down his forehead, but he had no time to worry about that. He panted heavily and carefully listened for movement around him.
"Kakashi said there might be Chunin or even Jonin from other countries mixed into these Chunin Ninja Exams... looks like he was right."
Though Sasuke was frantic, he knew he had to calm down when facing such a powerful enemy.
"No wonder even someone as strong as Naruto was subdued instantly. Kakashi and Zabuza were both peak Jonin, and I could still move freely in their presence, but this time..."
After briefly assessing the enemy's strength, Sasuke felt his heart turn ice-cold. Could this person be a Kage-level fighter? But how is that possible?
Yet while Sasuke was analyzing the situation, an enormous body suddenly lunged at him from behind, bringing a fierce gust of wind.
Sasuke kicked off the ground and narrowly avoided the attack. Landing on a branch, he looked back and saw a patterned Giant Python.
"What an interesting little fellow. You actually knew to use pain to break free of the lock of killing intent. You really are exceptional..."
Snake Aunt's body slowly emerged from the trunk of a nearby tree. A cruel smile curled her lips, and her pitch-black eyes looked as though they had spotted prey.
"You... who exactly are you? What did you do to Naruto?!"
Seeing the enemy reveal herself, Sasuke tightened his grip on his kunai and stepped forward to demand an answer.
"You mean your companion? Hehehe...