I ,Sasuke , Why Should I Defect To Konoha

Three Days Later: Tower Reception Office

"It's finally over…"

Kabuto Yakushi stepped into the tower, his fatigue evident. After handing over the scrolls, he let out a deep sigh, his expression one of weariness.

"You're fortunate Orochimaru-sama has a use for you," a cold voice remarked from beside him. It was Ketsu, one of Orochimaru's subordinates, her tone sharp and cutting. "If not for your so-called intelligence, we wouldn't have had to recover those scrolls again. Honestly, I'd have eliminated you long ago."

Kabuto's eyes glinted coldly behind his glasses. Though his outward demeanor remained calm, a flicker of murderous intent flashed in his gaze.

"Such hostility," a serpentine voice interrupted. Orochimaru materialized from nowhere, his arrival heralded by an unnatural gust of wind. His snake-like eyes glittered with amusement. "Kabuto, you look terrible."

Kabuto adjusted his glasses, his composure quickly returning. From his pouch, he retrieved two intelligence cards and handed them over. "Considering I faced both the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and the last Uchiha, it's no surprise. These are the intel reports."

A sly smile curved Orochimaru's lips as he accepted the cards. "What's this? Are you questioning me, Kabuto?" His tone was light, almost playful, yet carried a chilling edge.

Kabuto forced a polite smile. "Of course not, Orochimaru-sama. All decisions rest with you."

Orochimaru chuckled, his laughter echoing like a hiss. "That's why you're so useful, Kabuto—always so clever." Without another word, he vanished in another unnatural swirl of wind, leaving the room heavy with unresolved tension.

"You and your cleverness," Ketsu muttered disdainfully. "One day, it'll get you killed."

Kabuto's fake smile faded, his expression turning icy. "Enough," Retsu interjected, stepping between the two. "We've been summoned to the main chamber. Let's not waste time."

She strode ahead, leaving Kabuto and Ketsu to exchange one last glare before reluctantly following.

---

Meanwhile: Tower Rest Area

Naruto followed Sasuke, his arms crossed behind his head as he grumbled. "What's going on with Sakura? She's been avoiding us for days. And now, she's not even coming to the meeting?"

Sasuke ignored him, his focus elsewhere.

Naruto pressed on, his voice growing louder. "Hey, I'm talking to you! It's your fault she's upset. You left her outside—"

"Idiot," Sasuke muttered, cutting him off. Naruto's nonsense grated on his nerves.

Just then, Naruto stopped abruptly. "Wait—Sakura? Is that you? What happened to your hair?"

Sasuke turned his head to see Sakura approaching with Hinata and Ino. Her once-long pink hair was now cut into a short, neat style.

He froze momentarily, his eyes narrowing in confusion.

Ino smirked, her tone teasing. "See, Sakura? I told you not to cut it. Now look—Sasuke-kun is stunned speechless!"

Sakura flushed, tears welling in her eyes. She had cut her hair as a symbol of change and strength, but standing before Sasuke, her confidence faltered.

Naruto, however, jumped in enthusiastically. "Sakura, you look great! Short hair really suits you!" His voice was earnest, though his words made Hinata shrink back slightly, her cheeks burning.

Sasuke, growing irritated by the scene, took a step forward. "Enough," he said coldly, grabbing Sakura by the wrist. "We're going to be late." Without sparing Naruto another glance, he pulled her away.

As they walked, Sakura hesitantly asked, "S-Sasuke-kun, does this look… bad?"

"No," Sasuke answered flatly, not looking at her. "It's better this way."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, simple yet reassuring.

---

The Tower's Main Hall

In the main chamber, the remaining 21 participants stood in organized rows before the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. Beside him stood the Chūnin Exam proctors and a group of jōnin, including Kakashi.

The Third Hokage stepped forward, his expression solemn. "First, I congratulate you all for passing the second stage of the Chūnin Exams. However, this is far from over. The true trials begin now."

Naruto shifted restlessly, muttering under his breath, "Finally, some action. I can't wait to show Kakashi-sensei how strong I've gotten!"

Sakura stood beside him, her gaze flickering toward Sasuke's neck where the curse mark lay hidden. Kakashi-sensei, please help him...

The Hokage continued. "The Chūnin Exams are not merely a test for individuals but a stage where nations display their strength. It is a subtle yet fierce competition among villages, a symbol of peace and deterrence through power."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Geez, the old man sure loves his speeches," he whispered.

Standing among the jōnin, Kakashi noticed the intense gazes of his students. What's with these three? Why are they staring at me like that?

Despite his puzzlement, pride swelled within him. Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura—you've all come so far.

---

The Preliminaries Begin

As the Hokage concluded his speech, Anko stepped forward. Her sharp eyes scanned the group before settling momentarily on Sasuke and Naruto. So, these are the ones Orochimaru is interested in...

"The preliminaries will commence shortly," she announced. "Prepare yourselves. From here, your individual strength will be tested."

Naruto grinned, his fists tightening in anticipation. "Finally, it's time to show them what I've got!"

Sasuke smirked faintly, masking the discomfort of the curse mark's lingering pain.

Sakura stood tall, her resolve stronger than ever. No matter what, I'll prove my worth.

---

Orochimaru's Watchful Eyes

Hidden in the shadows, Orochimaru observed the proceedings with a malevolent smile. "The game begins," he murmured. His gaze flickered between Sasuke and Naruto.

Kabuto appeared beside him, his expression wary. "Orochimaru-sama, are you certain about this? Pitting them against each other so soon..."

Orochimaru chuckled softly. "Trust me, Kabuto. Everything is unfolding perfectly. They will either rise—or break."

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