I ,Sasuke , Why Should I Defect To Konoha

The chilling atmosphere of the Forest of Death enveloped the candidates as they stood before its imposing gates. Giant centipedes and other monstrous creatures roamed the wilderness, leaving many participants trembling with unease.

"Is this the second examination room?" one murmured, their voice tinged with apprehension.

"I saw a centipede earlier—it was enormous! It must be highly venomous," another said, their voice barely above a whisper. The dense forest seemed alive, each rustle amplifying the unease.

Mitarashi Anko's sly grin didn't help. Her expression radiated menace, heightening the candidates' fear. "You'll soon understand what hell truly is," she announced, her tone ice-cold.

Naruto stood at the back with Sasuke and Sakura, his usual exuberance cutting through the tense air. "Hell? Is it really that bad?" he joked, though his attempt at humor didn't draw Anko's attention. Instead, her focus was elsewhere, leaving no room for confrontations—secret or otherwise.

Anko began explaining the second stage of the exam. "This phase is called Scroll Battle. The rules are simple…"

After her lengthy explanation, the teams received a waiver form to sign. Naruto, unbothered by the ominous implications, signed it with confidence. "Is this really necessary? Is it that dangerous?" Sakura asked nervously but, seeing Naruto's boldness, reluctantly followed suit. Sasuke signed without hesitation, his determination unwavering.

"Now, collect your scrolls," Anko instructed.

Sasuke led his team to the allocation area, observing their surroundings carefully, especially keeping an eye out for Orochimaru. After receiving the Earth Scroll, the trio moved toward the designated entrance to the Forest of Death. The test was about to begin.

As they approached the 12th gate, an assistant proctor signaled them to prepare. "The exam begins now!" With those words, the gates opened, and Sasuke darted forward, his sharp instincts on high alert. Naruto and Sakura followed closely behind.

"Do you have a plan, Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked, her voice tinged with both concern and anticipation.

"We need to secure a scroll," Naruto chimed in confidently. But Sasuke dismissed the idea. "No. We're heading straight for the tower," he said firmly, his tone brooking no argument. His plan was clear—let the other teams fight it out while they lay low.

"But what about the scroll?" Naruto scratched his head in confusion. Sasuke explained, "The teams with scrolls will converge at the tower. We can intercept them there."

Understanding Sasuke's strategy, Naruto and Sakura nodded. They decided to proceed cautiously, with Sasuke pulling out blank scrolls he had prepared earlier. "What are these for?" Sakura asked curiously.

"These are decoys," Sasuke replied, his calm demeanor betraying his meticulous preparation. "If someone steals a scroll from us, it might just be a fake. We can also use them to trick or lure enemies."

Naruto grinned mischievously as he tucked a decoy scroll into his pouch. "You're pretty devious, Sasuke!" Sakura, impressed by Sasuke's ingenuity, praised him as well.

With their strategy set, the team ventured deeper into the forest. The eerie silence of the Forest of Death was unnerving, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves. They had barely covered two kilometers when Sasuke suddenly halted. His eyes scanned their surroundings, his Sharingan flaring to life.

"Get down!" he ordered sharply, yanking Sakura behind a tree and kicking Naruto toward another. A split second later, a deafening gust of wind tore through the area, uprooting trees and flattening the terrain.

"What… what was that?" Sakura whispered, her voice trembling. Naruto, from his hiding spot, stared wide-eyed at the devastation. "This can't be normal wind. It's way too strong!" he stammered.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes, his mind racing. Orochimaru. He's here. Though he had anticipated this confrontation, he hadn't expected it so soon.

Emerging from the shadows, Orochimaru's sinister presence filled the clearing. "Sacrificing yourself to protect your teammates? How noble," he sneered, his gaze fixated on Sasuke's Sharingan. "You're a special Uchiha indeed."

Sasuke stepped forward, his expression resolute. "Naruto, take Sakura and leave. I'll handle this." Despite the overwhelming pressure Orochimaru exuded, Sasuke held his ground. He knew Orochimaru's interest in him meant he wouldn't be killed—at least not yet. This was his chance to test his abilities and grow stronger under the intense pressure.

Naruto hesitated but recognized the seriousness in Sasuke's voice. Grabbing Sakura's hand, he prepared to retreat. "Be careful, Sasuke," Sakura murmured, her worry evident.

As Orochimaru stepped closer, Sasuke activated his Sharingan fully, readying himself for the fight of his life. This was no ordinary enemy. This was a battle against one of the most dangerous shinobi alive, and Sasuke knew there was no room for error.

The Forest of Death lived up to its name, and the true challenge had only just begun.

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