Dawn came unusually late to the Forest of Death, its dense canopy filtering the daylight into a gloomy gray-green haze. Ling had stood watch for half the night, driving away several giant centipedes drawn by the scent of blood. Only when the sky began to brighten did he let his taut nerves relax a little.
Sakura woke first. With a faint groan, she rubbed her still-aching neck and sat up, looking around in confusion. Her memories quickly returned, and terror flooded her face.
"Sasuke-kun! Naruto! Ling! Are you all right?!" she asked, anxiously looking beside her.
"I'm fine." Ling's voice eased her anxiety a little. Only then did she notice him leaning against the rock wall at the cave entrance, with Naruto and Sasuke still unconscious nearby.
"They..." Sakura's heart leaped into her throat again.
"Naruto's just exhausted and suffering from the seal's effects. Sasuke..." Ling looked at Sasuke, whose brow remained tightly furrowed even in unconsciousness. The Cursed Seal on the back of his neck flickered faintly, giving off an ominous aura. "He's been hit with a very troublesome technique. We need a qualified medical ninja to examine him as soon as possible."
Sakura immediately crawled over to Sasuke and checked his breathing and pulse. Though she lacked Tobirama's guidance, unlike Ling, she could still sense the chaotic chakra inside Sasuke and that cold, sinister power. "How did this happen..." Her voice trembled with tears.
Just then, Naruto gave an indistinct mumble and slowly woke. "Ugh... that hurts... How'd I fall asleep?" Clutching his still-aching stomach, he sat up with a bewildered expression, then suddenly jumped to his feet. "Right! Where's that long-tongued freak?! Sasuke! Sakura!"
Seeing Sasuke unconscious and Sakura in tears, Naruto immediately panicked. "What happened to Sasuke?! What did that bastard do to him?!"
Ling briefly