Despite Naruto's timely appearance, Sasuke was ready to relinquish their scroll to Shiore to ensure their team's survival. "We can't win this fight," he said, his voice strained. "We have to survive."
Naruto grabbed the scroll from Sasuke's hand. "No way! We can't give up like that. We're a team, and we'll fight together."
Naruto charged at Shiore, using his Shadow Clone Technique to overwhelm the enemy with sheer numbers. However, Shiore's snakes easily beat back the clones, and Naruto found himself on the defensive.
The battle intensified. Shiore's snakes coiled and struck with deadly precision, but Naruto's determination kept him going. As he was about to be devoured by one of the giant snakes, he tapped into the Nine-Tails' chakra. A surge of power enveloped him, and with a single punch, he sent the snake crashing into a tree.
Shiore managed to use another snake to toss Naruto away. He then turned his attention to Sasuke, who was still reeling from the earlier attack. As the snake lunged at Sasuke, Naruto rushed in to save him, knocking the snake aside.
"Are you okay?" Naruto asked, helping Sasuke to his feet.
Sasuke, regaining his composure, nodded. "Yeah, thanks."
Seeing Naruto's bravery and determination reignited a fire within Sasuke. He couldn't let his friend fight alone. As Shiore prepared another attack, Sasuke's Sharingan flared to life, and he moved to counter.
Recognizing Naruto as the Nine-Tails' container, Shiore used a special seal to block Naruto's access to the fox's chakra, rendering him unconscious. Ryuga tried to intervene, but Shiore threw Naruto towards the ground. Sakura managed to catch him just in time.
She turned to Sasuke, her voice trembling with emotion. "Sasuke, you can't be a coward! We need you!"
Sasuke's mind flashed back to his brother's words, and a steely determination settled in his eyes. He prepared to battle Shiore with renewed resolve.
Meanwhile, Anko discovered the real Shiore and his team, dead and faceless, a gruesome sight that sent chills down her spine. She knew exactly who was behind it. With a sense of urgency, she rushed towards the forest, hoping to reach Team 7 in time.
Back in the forest, Sasuke and Ryuga stood side by side, ready to face Shiore. "Let's do this," Sasuke said, his Sharingan spinning.
Ryuga nodded, focusing his chakra. "Together."
As the battle resumed, Shiore's laughter echoed through the forest. "Let's see what you've got, Uchiha."
Sasuke and Ryuga attacked in perfect sync, their teamwork honed through countless missions. Sasuke's Sharingan allowed him to predict Shiore's movements, while Ryuga's swift strikes kept the enemy on his toes.
But Shiore was no ordinary opponent. He countered their attacks with ease, his snakes striking with deadly accuracy. As the battle raged on, it became clear that this was a fight for their very survival.
With every move, Ryuga felt the weight of his responsibility. He couldn't let his friends down. As he and Sasuke pushed themselves to the limit, they knew they had to find a way to defeat Shiore.
The Forest of Death lived up to its name, but Team 7 was determined to survive and prove their strength. The Chūnin Exams were just beginning, and this encounter was only the first of many challenges they would face.