The central tower of the Forest of Death, a stark, cylindrical structure of weathered stone, became a temporary assembly point for the remaining genin. The air, still carrying the faint scent of the forest's damp earth and the residual tension of the preliminary matches, crackled with anticipation.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, his expression grave, stood before them, his presence commanding their attention. Hayate Gekko, his usual stoic demeanor slightly strained, stood beside him, holding a scroll.
"The preliminary matches have concluded," Hiruzen began, his voice echoing through the tower's stone interior, a somber tone that belied the usual formality of the Chunin Exams. "The final round of the Chunin Exams will commence in one month. During this time, you are expected to train and prepare yourselves for the challenges that lie ahead."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled genin—Naruto, Sasuke, Neji, Lee, Shikamaru, Shino, Temari, and Gaara. "The matchups for the final round have been determined. These matches will test not only your skills but also your resolve."
Hayate Gekko stepped forward, unfurling the scroll with a practiced flick of his wrist. "The matchups are as follows," he announced, his voice clear and precise, cutting through the tense silence. "First match: Neji Hyuga versus Temari."
A ripple of anticipation spread through the group. Neji's expression remained unchanged, his Byakugan eyes reflecting a cold, analytical gaze. Temari, her fan resting against her shoulder, maintained her composure, a flicker of intrigue in her eyes.
"Second match: Sasuke Uchiha versus Shikamaru Nara."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly, his focus shifting to Shikamaru, who sighed audibly, a hint of a little fear in his expression.
"Third match: Rock Lee versus Shino Aburame."
Lee's eyes burned with determination, his youthful enthusiasm undimmed. Shino, his insects buzzing softly around him, remained impassive, his gaze fixed on Lee.
"Fourth match: Naruto Uzumaki versus Gaara."
Naruto's eyes widened, a flicker of apprehension mixing with his usual determination. Gaara, his sand swirling around him like a sentient shroud, remained motionless, his gaze fixed on Naruto with an unsettling intensity.
Hiruzen dismissed the genin, his voice firm. "You have one month. Use it wisely."
The genin dispersed, each contemplating their upcoming battles. Sasuke, his mind racing with strategies, retreated to a secluded training area, his thoughts drifting back to his earlier, clandestine efforts.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _
- Flashback -
A glimpse into his solitary training sessions during the early days of Team 7. He recalled watching anime where Naruto struggle with the Rasengan, the raw power of the technique both intriguing and challenging. The memory of the swirling sphere of chakra, a testament to the Fourth Hokage's genius, sparked a hidden obsession within him.
In the solitude of his home, Sasuke had begun his own attempts to replicate the Rasengan. He remembered the countless failed attempts, the balloons bursting, the rubber balls slipping from his grasp. The complex chakra manipulation required, the precise balance of rotation and compression, proved far more challenging than he had anticipated. Yet, he persisted, driven by a desire to master the technique, to expand his arsenal beyond the limitations of his inherited skills.
He had progressed, his determination yielding results. He could now form a stable Rasengan, a 15 cm diameter sphere of vibrant blue chakra, but he was unable to control it in combat. The technique, a testament to raw power, lacked the finesse required for practical application. He knew the risks of revealing his Rasengan mastery, the potential reactions from Hiruzen and Danzo, the forbidden A-rank jutsu a dangerous secret.
His thoughts then shifted to the Eight Inner Gates, a technique he had witnessed in his past life, a display of raw, unbridled power. He had attempted basic physical training, aiming to strengthen his body for the Gates, but the rigorous routine proved far too demanding. He acknowledged the immense physical and mental discipline required, the sheer willpower needed to push beyond human limitations. Only the likes of Guy & Lee can do but he still decided to focus on the physical training after the chunin exams, when he had more time to dedicate.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
During a training break, he encountered Sakura, her expression clouded with concern. "I'm worried," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't think I'm strong enough."
Sasuke, his expression softening slightly, offered her practical advice. "Focus on your strengths," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "Analyze your opponents, identify their weaknesses. You're smarter than you give yourself credit for."
He maintained a friendly, but reserved demeanor, avoiding any romantic implications, his focus solely on their roles as teammates.
Kakashi then began teaching him the Chidori, a technique that demanded precise chakra control and speed. Sasuke absorbed the lessons quickly, his analytical mind dissecting the technique's mechanics, his movements becoming fluid and efficient.
(Name : Sasuke Uchiha)
(Age : 13)
(Chakra Reserves : 4600/4600 [Low-Chunin])
(Chakra Control : 37%)
(Ninjutsu : Intermediate)
(Genjutsu : Intermediate)
(Taijutsu : Intermediate)
(Shurikenjutsu : Adept)
(Sharingan : 30/50 [Level 2])
As he trained, he occasionally glanced at the internal display of his "system," the stats a cryptic reminder of his hidden potential. The system's true capabilities remained an enigma, a mystery he was determined to unravel.