Before the Third Hokage stood the seven genin teams who had survived the second chunin exam, neatly arrayed in rows in the combat hall. Behind them, the proctors and the village sensei watched—Konoha’s four team leaders among them, and visiting instructors from other villages who had come to see their chosen genin through the next stage.

Hidden among the faces, disguised by a transformation jutsu, was Orochimaru: a wanted, five-star shinobi criminal, observing every movement.

“The winner will be determined in one-on-one combat, sudden death. so like I said, if there’s anyone who doesn’t feel up to it, now is the time to raise your hand.” Sarutobi’s voice was measured, carrying across the hall.

Does he really think anyone is going to quit? Sasuke Uchiha thought, though his attention snapped inward as a sharp, stabbing pain flared at his neck—originating from the curse mark. His hand shot up to clutch the spot, knuckles whitening, a wince breaking his composure.

“It’s just as I feared.” The Fifth Hokage watched Sakura hover over Sasuke, torn between forcing him out and not wanting to push him into danger because of the mark. At his side stood Ikibi, the proctor for the written exam, and Anko, who had overseen the survival test in the Forest of Death. Ikibi’s gaze flicked to Sasuke. “What should we do with him?” he asked.

Anko’s voice snapped, edged with anger and fear. “We take him out of the exams, hand him over to Black Ops, and let them keep him locked up. We have to keep that seal under control and—“ Her sentence was cut off by Kakashi, who had stepped forward a few paces. Amusement touched his tone, but the threat beneath it was plain as steel. No one degraded his students like that.

“Oh, and he’s just going to quietly go along with all of this, hm? You really think so?” Anko turned to face him, seeing the half-hidden expression on his face.

“You’re forgetting, he is of the Uchiha clan.”

“I don’t care what the heck he is! If he stays, he’s a danger to everyone!” Anko snapped, the fear in her voice echoing what everyone feared but few would admit.