A stifling atmosphere hung over the Central Tower's main hall. The teams that had arrived first were resting, most of them wounded, and the smells of blood and medicinal herbs mingled in the air.
Sakura helped Naruto toward the medical station. Karin followed helplessly behind them, but her worried gaze kept straying toward the direction in which Sasuke had been taken.
Ling sat down in a secluded corner, closed his eyes, and focused, sinking his consciousness into the spiritual space.
"Teacher Tobirama, Sasuke's Cursed Seal..."
[What Kakashi used was likely the Evil Sealing Method, combined with some Uchiha suppression techniques.] Tobirama's voice was cautious. [It can suppress the seal temporarily, but it cannot eradicate Orochimaru's technique. Still, Sasuke should be able to handle the rest of the exam.]
Somewhat reassured, Ling immediately raised a more important question. "That girl named Karin-her chakra..."
[Yes, that is the real issue.] Tobirama's tone grew grave. [That child carries an exceptionally pure Uzumaki Clan bloodline. Her vitality is immense, and she possesses tremendous potential for healing and sensory abilities. Those are her clan's innate gifts.]
"The Uzumaki Clan... Naruto's mother's clan?"
[Correct,] Tobirama confirmed. [The Uzumaki and Senju intermarried for generations and shared deep ties. When Konoha was first founded, they gave us their full support. Mito even became the first Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, rendering invaluable service to the village. That bond was once one of Konoha's cornerstones.]
His voice suddenly turned icy and sharp, its condemnation undisguised:
[Yet according to the "plot," when Uzushio Village was besieged and destroyed by multiple forces, Konoha's relief efforts were slow and ineffective. In the end, the Uzumaki Clan was nearly exterminated, and its survivors scattered! Hmph! I was already gone by then, but based on my understanding of the village...]
Tobirama's words were like a cold blade,