Kakashi appeared behind Iruka, his presence sudden yet reassuring. "What happened?" he inquired, his tone laced with concern.
Haruto began recounting the harrowing events that transpired in the Forest of Death. He detailed the encounter with the mysterious ninja possessing a long tongue and an affinity for snakes. As he spoke, Kakashi's expression grew increasingly grave.
'A ninja with a long tongue and snakes?' Kakashi pondered, the description triggering a chilling realization. Only one individual fit that profile—Orochimaru.
Without hesitation, Kakashi gently took Sasuke from Haruto's arms. "I'll attend to him," he stated firmly. "You two should prepare for the preliminary exams." With that, he vanished, leaving Haruto and Naruto to their thoughts.
---
In the streets of konoha
The village bustled with activity, the streets brimming with life. The Chūnin Exams had drawn numerous visitors—ninja from various villages, merchants, and spectators alike. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and excitement.
Naruto's eyes sparkled as he took in the vibrant sights and sounds. Stalls lined the streets, offering exotic goods and tantalizing aromas. He turned to Haruto, a grin spreading across his face.
"Hey, Naruto," Haruto called, a devilish smile playing on his lips. "How about some training?"
Naruto's enthusiasm waned slightly. "Training? But I just survived the Forest of Death!"
Haruto shook his head, his expression serious. "This time, you'll need strength to beat the enemy fair and square."
After a moment's hesitation, Naruto nodded. "Alright, let's do it."
---
Training Grounds – The Next Afternoon
The sun hung high in the sky as Naruto and Haruto faced each other in the training grounds. Sweat glistened on their brows, evidence of the intense sparring session underway.
"Man, you're good!" Naruto exclaimed, launching a punch toward Haruto's head. Haruto deftly caught the fist and countered with a swift strike to Naruto's stomach, sending him staggering back.
"You should at least do this much, Naruto," Haruto admonished. "If you want to become Hokage, defeat me in a taijutsu battle first."
Unbeknownst to Haruto, a subtle surge of chakra coursed through Naruto, refining his movements. Haruto's keen senses picked up on the change, his eyes narrowing in curiosity.
Naruto lunged forward, his movements sharper and more precise than before. Haruto met his charge head-on, their fists colliding with resounding force. The ground beneath them trembled as they exchanged blows, neither gaining a definitive advantage.
Haruto's eyes widened slightly, impressed by Naruto's sudden improvement. 'Interesting… his movements have become more refined. Could it be the Nine-Tails' chakra?'
Naruto grinned, sensing Haruto's surprise. "Not bad, huh?"
Haruto smirked. "You're getting better, but you're still not there yet."
Their battle continued, a blur of motion and energy. Each strike, block, and counter showcased their growing strength and determination.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the training grounds, Naruto and Haruto stood facing each other, Naruto breathing heavily. Their clothes were torn, and bruises adorned their bodies, but their spirits remained unbroken.
"You're improving," Haruto acknowledged, a hint of pride in his voice.
Naruto grinned, wiping sweat from his brow. "Thanks. I won't stop until I become Hokage."
Haruto nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Then keep pushing forward. The path won't be easy, but I believe in you."
'maybe his asura chakra is surging forth' haruto thought as he glanced at the panting naruto
Absolutely! Here's the full Sasuke vs Yoroi Akadō fight — rewritten with intensity, strategy, and Haruto's perspective added in for extra depth and analysis.
---
[Preliminary Round – Match One: Sasuke Uchiha vs Yoroi Akadō]
The air in the chamber was thick with anticipation. Sasuke stepped into the arena with steady steps, eyes calm yet sharp. Across from him stood a masked shinobi with a strange aura — Yoroi Akadō, clad in dark gear with a visor partially hiding his eyes.
Haruto leaned against the railing above, arms crossed, observing every twitch. He's going to test you, Sasuke. But if you remember what I said… you'll come out on top.
Hayate raised his hand. "Ready? …Begin!"
Yoroi acted first.
He rushed forward with surprising speed, palm extended toward Sasuke's chest. Sasuke dodged to the side, but Yoroi's hand grazed his sleeve — and instantly, Sasuke felt something draining.
That's it, Haruto thought, eyes narrowing. Chakra absorption.
Sasuke stumbled back, shaking off the dizzying sensation. "So… that's your trick," he muttered.
Yoroi grinned beneath his mask. "Figured it out already? Doesn't matter — one touch is all it takes."
He lunged again, this time feinting left and swinging his hand from below. Sasuke blocked it with his forearm, but felt the drain again — like a vacuum sucking the strength out of his body.
Damn it, he thought. So this is why Kakashi said not to use chakra.
From above, Naruto clenched the railing. "C'mon, Sasuke!"
Haruto, however, was watching quietly. This is his test…
Sasuke backed away quickly, breathing heavier. Yoroi smirked. "Your chakra tastes delicious, Uchiha. I'll have seconds."
Sasuke said nothing. His hands were clenched. He couldn't use the Sharingan — chakra usage triggered the cursed seal, and the pain could paralyze him. Taijutsu was his only card.
Then I'll win with that.
Yoroi moved again — he had seen Sasuke go defensive, and assumed the boy was weakening.
He was wrong.
As Yoroi charged in, Sasuke suddenly closed the distance — catching him off guard. He ducked low, slammed his shoulder into Yoroi's stomach, and twisted mid-spin to throw him over his back.
BAM! Yoroi hit the stone hard but flipped back onto his feet — just in time to see Sasuke flying at him with a knee aimed for his face.
Lee's move?! Haruto's eyes flashed.
Sasuke had done more than practice taijutsu — the taijutsu kakashi had gotten from guy
Yoroi staggered as the knee connected. Sasuke landed, pivoted, and delivered a roundhouse to Yoroi's ribs. The sound cracked through the arena.
"He's actually copying that bushy brow guy's moves!" Naruto shouted.
But Haruto could see it — not quite. Sasuke was adapting the speed and momentum, but not the full discipline.
Yoroi growled and lunged again, managing to touch Sasuke's arm. Sasuke felt the burn as chakra drained again — but this time, he endured it.
Then, in a flash, Sasuke twisted inside Yoroi's guard, wrapped an arm around his back, and launched him into the air.
"This is it," Haruto muttered.
Sasuke leapt into the air after him, and with a spinning motion yelled—
"LION'S BARRAGE!"
WHAM!
Sasuke's heel slammed Yoroi back to the stone arena floor, sending up a shockwave of dust.
Silence.
Then—
"Yoroi Akadō is unable to continue! The winner is Sasuke Uchiha!"
Cheers erupted across the room. Naruto pumped his fist. "Yeah! That's what I'm talkin' about!"
Sasuke landed and winced — sweat dripping, muscles strained, but still standing.
Haruto smiled faintly. You did good. You learned to fight without chakra — and that means you're one step ahead now.
As yoroi was escorted away by medical ninja, Haruto closed his eyes briefly. Now, let's see who's next.