The elimination rounds officially began, with Sasuke up first.
Tormented by the Cursed Seal, he was in terrible shape. Kakashi noticed this and warned Sasuke beforehand not to use his Sharingan. If the Cursed Seal activated, he could very well die.
Disguised as a Sound Ninja instructor, Orochimaru watched from above. Unable to use his Sharingan or even ninjutsu, Sasuke was in a desperate position in this fight. How would he turn things around?
Anyo, who already knew the outcome, was not interested. His soul drifted outside his body, lingering like a ghost around a familiar figure on the second floor.
Little girl, you've grown up!
Kurenai Yuhi, her long black hair falling to her shoulders, stood behind her three students, watching Sasuke's match below intently. As their teacher, she needed to help her students analyze the other Genin's weaknesses and find ways to deal with them, helping her own students advance to Chunin. She was completely unaware that a soul was staring at her.
There should be no problem calling you Kurenai-sensei now. But how should I say hello? Coming back suddenly after being away so long, I can't help feeling a little distant and guilty.
Ugh, what a headache. I'll just watch the matches for now.
The first round soon ended with Sasuke's Lion Combo. Even in such desperate circumstances, he had still managed to win through taijutsu, living up to his reputation as a genius.
Kakashi left the arena with Sasuke and went to a secret chamber, preparing to seal the Cursed Seal inside him. Orochimaru disappeared at almost the same moment. After some thought, Anyo followed them too.
Kakashi drew numerous symbols on the floor in blood, forming an array. Sasuke took off his shirt and sat at its very center. After a complex sequence of