I ,Sasuke , Why Should I Defect To Konoha

"Wow, incredible... Hinata, I didn't realize you were this strong!" Naruto exclaimed, his voice brimming with admiration as he observed her unwavering stance. He tightened his grip, determination shining in his eyes. "In that case, I won't hold back anymore!"

Hinata's cheeks flushed a deep red, but her pale lavender eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and joy. Naruto-kun... is acknowledging my strength? Her heartbeat quickened, but she forced herself to focus, grounding her emotions. This wasn't just a test of her skills; it was a moment she had dreamed of—to stand as an equal before Naruto.

Meanwhile, in the shadows, Orochimaru's lips curled into a sinister smirk. Hidden among the crowd, his golden snake-like eyes glinted with anticipation. "Let's see how far you've come, Uzumaki Naruto," he muttered, forming a series of seals with his hands.

The Curse Mark on Naruto's shoulder began to glow ominously, spreading its dark tendrils like wildfire. A suffocating aura filled the arena, silencing the murmurs of the spectators.

Suddenly, a wave of crimson chakra exploded from Naruto's body, swirling chaotically around him. His blue eyes turned into slits, glowing an eerie red as his face twisted in pain and rage. His nails lengthened, and a feral growl escaped his throat.

The oppressive atmosphere sent shivers down the spines of everyone present. Kakashi, seated alongside the Third Hokage, immediately lifted his forehead protector, revealing his Sharingan. He tensed, ready to intervene at the first sign of Naruto losing control.

"Hinata... run!" he called out urgently, though his voice remained composed.

But Hinata froze, her gaze locked on Naruto. This wasn't the same boy she admired. The warmth and optimism she knew were replaced by something primal and terrifying. She clenched her fists, her body trembling—not from fear, but from the sheer intensity of Naruto's transformation.

"Is this the true power of a Jinchūriki?" murmured Retsu, his brows furrowed as he leaned forward, trying to make sense of the chaotic scene unfolding before him. "I didn't think someone like Naruto could harness this level of chakra."

Beside him, Setsu was equally astonished but wore a smug expression. "Looks like this fight is about to get interesting."

However, Gaara sat eerily still, his bloodthirsty grin widening. "A monster... just like me," he whispered, his voice laced with twisted excitement. "Mother will love this."

Haruto and Kankuro exchanged nervous glances as they noticed Gaara's murderous intent swelling. Maki leaned in quickly to calm him, whispering reassurances.

Down in the arena, Naruto's transformation continued. The ground cracked beneath his feet as his chakra flared violently, his body shaking as he wrestled for control. The Curse Mark, combined with the Nine-Tails' influence, was overwhelming him.

"Stay back!" he roared, his voice a mix of his own and the beast's.

Hinata took a hesitant step forward, her Byakugan activated. She could see the erratic flow of chakra in his body—wild, untamed, and threatening to tear him apart. She wanted to help him, but what could she do against such power?

Sasuke's voice suddenly cut through the tension like a blade. "Naruto, get a grip! If you lose here, I'll never forgive you!" He stood in the stands, his Sharingan spinning with determination. "Show everyone the will of someone who dreams of becoming Hokage!"

Sakura quickly joined in, her voice sharp. "Naruto, don't you dare give up! Prove to everyone that you're more than this!"

Naruto's red eyes snapped to his teammates. For a moment, their words seemed to reach him. The chaos in his mind began to settle as he clung to their encouragement.

"Come on, Naruto!" Sasuke shouted again, his tone softer this time. "Don't let some stupid mark control you. Fight it."

The Third Hokage observed silently, his gaze heavy with contemplation. Kakashi, however, had seen enough. He vanished from his seat, appearing next to Naruto in an instant. "Naruto, listen to me. You have to stop before you hurt someone—or yourself."

But Naruto shoved him back with a burst of chakra. "No!" he yelled. "I won't stop here! I'll prove to everyone that I deserve to move on to the next round!" His red eyes flickered back to blue as he gritted his teeth, pushing against the overwhelming darkness within him.

The Curse Mark began to recede, and the crimson chakra dissipated. Naruto's breathing slowed, his fists still clenched, but his expression was resolute. "Hinata, let's continue!"

Hinata hesitated, her Byakugan deactivating as she assessed Naruto's condition. Despite his recovery, she knew he was at his limit. She couldn't bring herself to fight him like this.

"I... I forfeit," she said quietly, bowing her head. Her voice was barely audible, but it carried enough weight to silence the arena.

Naruto stared at her in disbelief. "What? Why, Hinata? You're strong! You could've won!"

Hinata shook her head, a soft smile gracing her lips. "You've already proven your strength, Naruto-kun. There's no need to continue."

Moonlight Hayate stepped forward, his raspy voice cutting through the tension. "The winner is Uzumaki Naruto."

The crowd erupted into murmurs, a mix of relief and admiration for both participants. Naruto, however, wasn't satisfied. He opened his mouth to protest but was immediately yanked away by Kakashi, who dragged him toward the medical area.

"We need to talk," Kakashi said firmly, ignoring Naruto's protests.

As they disappeared, Hinata stood alone in the arena, her heart heavy. She had wanted to show Naruto her strength, but not like this. She looked up at the stands, where Kurenai gave her an encouraging nod.

"You did well, Hinata," her sensei said softly. "Sometimes, knowing when to step back is the strongest decision of all."

Meanwhile, in the shadows, Orochimaru watched the scene with a twisted grin. "Interesting," he mused. "Naruto and Sasuke... you both have potential. This will make things even more fun."

The Third Hokage's sharp gaze scanned the crowd, his instincts warning him of Orochimaru's presence. He knew this wasn't over—not by a long shot.

---

Back in the medical area, Naruto sat on a cot, his arms crossed as he pouted. "Why'd you pull me away? I could've convinced Hinata to keep fighting!"

Kakashi sighed, kneeling in front of him. "Naruto, do you even realize what just happened out there? That Curse Mark isn't something you can ignore. Combined with the Nine-Tails' chakra, it could've destroyed you—and everyone else."

Naruto's expression softened, the weight of Kakashi's words sinking in. "I... I didn't mean to lose control."

"I know," Kakashi said gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. "But this is something we need to address. You're strong, Naruto, but strength without control is dangerous."

Naruto nodded slowly, his mind racing with thoughts of what could've happened. He clenched his fists. "I'll get stronger. I'll learn to control it."

Kakashi smiled faintly. "Good. But for now, rest. You've earned it."

As Naruto leaned back, exhaustion overtaking him, the Third Hokage entered the room, his expression somber. "Kakashi, we need to talk. Orochimaru is here."

Kakashi's eyes widened, his grip tightening on the edge of Naruto's cot. "Then the exams..."

"They've just become more dangerous than we anticipated," the Hokage said grimly.

---

In the arena, Sasuke watched as the medics tended to Hinata. His Sharingan faded, but his mind remained alert. He knew Orochimaru was still lurking, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

Sasuke and Naruto… we've only scratched the surface of what's to come, he thought, his fists tightening.

The crowd began to disperse, unaware of the storm brewing in the shadows.

Orochimaru's laughter echoed faintly in the distance. "The game has only just begun."

---

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