SASUKE
In the training yard of his clan's mansion, an exhausted and sweating Sasuke smashed a fifth Chidori against a half-destroyed eight-feet tall boulder. He landed on balanced feet but dropped to his knee as his vision began to blur. Pushing himself past Kakashi's warnings, he wondered, 'how much more do I need?' To ruin Naruto, to annihilate his brother, all he wanted was more power.
Nothing else mattered and irregardless of the number of times Kakashi has told him to abandon his quest for revenge—to put his life on a that won't end the Uchiha clan for good—Sasuke knows in his heart of hearts, he's nothing and no one until Itachi is dead. It didn't matter how much Kakashi or anyone understood his pain. He won't stop until his clan has been avenged and Itachi felt abominable pain before dying by his hand.
Pondering pushing past his exhaustion, he's not surprised to hear a scratchy voice ask, "what is your purpose, Sasuke-kun?"
He could picture the cruel smile before he even turned to spot the legendary Snake-nin behind him. Leaning against a column, he's hidden in the shadow of the outdoor walkway and smiling as Sasuke asked, "how did you get-"
"There isn't a place in Konoha that could deny me entry," he mused with his wide grin. "Don't worry. Your caretakers are sleeping. I wouldn't want Hiruzen to remove you from tomorrow's festivities, after all." Stepping off the elevated walkway to the training ground, Orochimaru proclaimed, "I've come for your answer. What is your purpose?"
Sasuke didn't need weeks or days to answer, "power."
"I can give you more power than this comfortable home environment ever can," Orochimaru assured him and Sasuke couldn't doubt it. "Enough to kill your blond teammate and take your revenge on Itachi," his slithery voice added, walking around Sasuke. "All you need do is ask yourself; are you like them or not? I imagine the answer to that question is as clear to you as it is to me."
Thinking about Kakashi and Sakura, Sasuke confirmed, "I'm not like them and I'll never be, because I'm only alive to kill Itachi." Annoyed at the crushing thought of Naruto, he confessed, "we have different paths and I know the steps I must take. After I destroy Naruto tomorrow, I'll cut ties with this sham of a life and you will teach me everything you know. You will give me the power you promised."
"Splendid," Orochimaru sings. "I'm certain you've made the right decision, and after the exams, you'll be certain as well."
THE CHŪNIN EXAM
Sasuke didn't know what that meant but he knew if he couldn't even beat the Dobe in a match, then he'll never be a match for Itachi. Walking the open battleground, Sasuke ignores the wild clamoring from the mindless villagers and stands beside Kiba.
"For our final match-up of the first round," Genma communicates. "I introduce to you from Sunagakure: Sabaku no Gaara."
The Kazekage stands from his seat and walks closer to the railing to inspect the red-headed Jinchūriki many meters below, all the while recalling the unique wager he made less than an hour ago.
ONE HOUR EARLIER
Jiraiya and the Kazekage—followed by two Suna bodyguards and the Konoha security-escort team Jiraiya assembled—cleared the Leaf's large gate. Naruto is standing several yards away from them off to the side of the wide walkway, and for the briefest moment, he wondered if the Kage and the entire group, including his cousin, are fakes. The legendary Snake-nin is certainly capable of that kind of deception, however, he doubts very highly Orochimaru could avoid Karin's sensing ability on top of an informed Jiraiya.
Naruto smiled at the winded Karin—wearing a lavender jacket with the Uzumaki swirl over her heart, black shorts and thigh high stockings. She's catching her breath beside her personal protection detail, Kurenai and Asuma, and Naruto recalled how nervous he felt when Jiraiya recommended to Ji-chan that Karin join the escort team. It was worrying enough knowing Kurenai was going but Karin couldn't fight as well as the Jōnins. If Jiraiya hadn't promised her complete safety, Naruto wouldn't have agreed. His relief for her safety has him make a clone to escort her to the arena.
The entire time Naruto was waiting, Jiraiya had been talking to the Kazekage in private, requesting a private audience on Naruto's behalf. The stern Sand leader in his white robe and hat turned to Naruto, observing the young blond a moment before ordering his guards to stay. His godfather then orders the security team to stay as well—confusing Kurenai and Asuma—before Rasa and Jiraiya walked several yards toward Naruto.
Naruto felt anxiousness facing the ruthless and strict Kage since he only had Temari's short description to go on. Naru-nii never met him and only knew that he died around the Chūnin exam, though he wasn't sure when. It was Jiraiya who thought they should try to stop however Orochimaru planned on killing him, thus preventing the snake-nin from being close to Ji-chan in the first place. For the Narutos, helping Gaara and his siblings keep their father was reason enough.
The Kazekage had a hard appearance; stern small eyes under furrowed brows and short auburn hair. His jaw was clenched tight and even his posture seem intimidating in the generally soothing attire of a Kage. To the blond genin, the imposing man in the Kage's white robe looked as if he's never had children, family, or even felt love before. Desperate to break the tension, Naruto couldn't help but smile and wave at Gaara and Temari's father.
Well away from the Jōnin escorts, Rasa asked Jiraiya while glaring at Naruto, "this boy is who you wish for me to speak to."
Casually, Jiraiya rotated his shoulders as he plainly answered, "you mean in return for saving your life today? Yeah, that's him." Seeing his Godfather relaxed as he talked to the village leader, also helped Naruto relax.
Tilting his head, Rasa sternly commanded of the legendary sennin, "don't act as if you know the outcome-"
"With all due respect, Kazekage," Jiraiya nonchalantly interjected. "You may not have sensed the ambush before they were on you but we did. And if I'm a challenge for you by myself, Orochimaru and his kill-squad most definitely are."
"Four masked youths," Rasa corrected with murderous eyes and Naruto wondered if Rasa meant the Sound Four or not. Jiraiya had assumed any ambush meant for a Kage would have to be a feint for a second more discreet attack because it didn't make sense to him for Orochimaru to kill a Kage so easily and then make it to Konoha to fight Ji-chan in the same morning.
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