When Aburame Shigeo issued the command, "The exam begins," the entrances to the training ground opened simultaneously.
The participants eagerly rushed in, striving to familiarize themselves with the terrain and locate suitable opponents.
Shigeo seized the opportunity to perform the "Wood Style: Clone Jutsu," leaving a clone outside while his real body followed the examinees into the Forest of Death.
Guided by his parasitic insects, he quickly located Naruto's team.
At that moment, Naruto and his team had just finished their first battle, successfully repelling a lone Rain ninja's ambush.
In light of the enemy previously disguising themselves as Naruto, Sasuke devised a countermeasure.
"If we get separated, don't trust anyone, even your teammates, when you meet again. Enemies can use Transformation Jutsu to get close to us like before. We need to decide on a password."
His face turned serious as he continued, "Listen carefully. If the password is wrong, treat them as an enemy no matter how they look or act. I'll only say it once, so pay attention."
Naruto and Sakura nodded quickly, leaning in to listen.
Sasuke then spoke, "When asked the password, *'Ninja Strategy,'* the correct response is:
*'When the enemy stirs in large numbers, it's the perfect opportunity to hide. In quiet places, you cannot remain concealed. The key for a ninja is to seize the moment—when the enemy is weary and careless.'* That's it!"
Sakura immediately nodded, "Got it!"
Naruto, however, looked completely baffled, as though he'd heard something in another language. "Uh… could you repeat that?"
Seeing his reaction, Shigeo, hidden not far behind them, almost burst into laughter.
"Sasuke's got some clever ideas!"
Shigeo had already figured out Sasuke's intent. The password was designed to target Sakura specifically, as Naruto, with his carefree nature, was unlikely to remember something so long.
If an enemy disguised as Naruto successfully recited the password, they would immediately give themselves away.
"A clever little trap!"
Shigeo adjusted his sunglasses and vanished with a Body Flicker Jutsu.
As he disappeared, a strong gust of wind swept through his previous position, heading straight for Naruto's team.
"Whoosh—"
When the gust subsided, it left a long trench on the ground, scattering Naruto's team.
Sakura was the first to find Sasuke.
But before she could approach, Sasuke raised his kunai.
"Don't come any closer—state the password first: *'Ninja Strategy'!*"
"Ah… uh-huh!"
Sakura quickly caught on, nodding and reciting the agreed-upon password.
*"When the enemy stirs in large numbers, it's the perfect opportunity to hide. In quiet places, you cannot remain concealed. The key for a ninja is to seize the moment—when the enemy is weary and careless!"*
"Good."
Hearing her recite it perfectly, Sasuke lowered his kunai.
At that moment, Naruto's voice rang out.
"Ow, that hurt! Hey, is everyone okay?"
Sasuke and Sakura turned to see a dirt-covered Naruto running toward them.
Sakura immediately raised her hand to stop him. "Naruto, hold on—state the password first!"
"Ha! I got this!"
Naruto grinned and recited the agreed password flawlessly.
*"When the enemy stirs in large numbers, it's the perfect opportunity to hide. In quiet places, you cannot remain concealed. The key for a ninja is to seize the moment—when the enemy is weary and careless."*
Hearing him recite it word for word, Sakura sighed in relief, patting her chest.
Sasuke, however, sneered and, without hesitation, threw a kunai at Naruto!
"Swish!"
Naruto, dodging awkwardly, tumbled to the ground, glaring in frustration. "What the heck, Sasuke? What are you doing?"
Sasuke assumed a combat stance and glared at Naruto. "Do you think the real Naruto could dodge that attack so easily?"
Sakura panicked. "What are you talking about, Sasuke? Naruto said the password perfectly!"
"That's the problem!"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he smirked coldly. "Do you honestly believe Naruto could memorize such a long password? If you asked the real Naruto, what would he usually say?"
Sakura hesitated, then mimicked Naruto's typical response, "Uh… sorry, I forgot."
Realizing the truth, she gasped. "So this Naruto is… fake?"
Sasuke offered his final piece of evidence.
"Not just that—the way this one dodged my attack was completely different from the real Naruto. So, why don't you show your true form, imposter?"
The "Naruto" on the ground grinned, licking his lips with a long tongue.
"Well done!"
With a puff of smoke, the imposter transformed into a pale-skinned man with snake-like eyes.
Orochimaru.
Revealed, Orochimaru didn't attack immediately. Instead, he glanced to the side with a smirk.
"Enjoying the show for so long—aren't you going to reveal yourself? Or are you planning to wait until the fight's over, as usual, Shigeo-kun?"
"Ah, you noticed me already?"
To the shock of Sasuke and Sakura, Shigeo appeared out of thin air, holding an unconscious, slime-covered Naruto.
"Naruto!" Sakura cried out, her voice filled with worry.
"Relax, he's fine."
Shigeo smiled, tossing Naruto toward his teammates.
"This senior was just playing a little prank. I'll stay here to catch up with him. You three, continue the exam."
"Got it," Sasuke said, leading Sakura and Naruto away.
However, after walking a short distance, Sasuke suddenly stopped.
Naruto, puzzled, asked, "What's wrong, Sasuke? Why'd you stop?"
"Idiot!"
Sasuke glared at him before explaining.
"That guy is clearly an enemy, and your foster father being here means he's here to deal with him. They'll definitely fight next."
"What?" Naruto's face lit with concern. "Then let's go back! We can help Shigeo Dad!"
Naruto turned to run, but Sakura grabbed him by the collar, holding him back.
"Don't interfere! Let's leave now. If your foster father loses, then—"
Naruto began to protest, but Sasuke interrupted with a sharp command.
"Enough! Do you know who he is?"
Naruto turned to see Sasuke's anger.
"As the captain of the Police Force, he won't be defeated so easily. Watching a battle like this could teach us something invaluable!"
Clenching his fist, Sasuke's voice grew firm.
"If you want to grow stronger, you can't miss any chance to improve. Only then can you avenge those you've lost!"
*(End of Chapter)*