Although Sasuke didn't get any promises from Shinji, his confidence, which had been shattered by repeated blows, was repaired.
"Even though I've been getting beaten up, first by Shinji Big Brother, then by Hidan, then by Lee Rock after Hidan, and then by Orochimaru after Lee Rock...
But I've always believed that I will be the strongest. Yes, in the future!"
"Right, Big Brother Shinji, why are you here?"
Shinji looked at Sasuke, who was easier to fool at the moment, and changed his wording. "Seeing that you didn't take my advice to heart, I found a way to sneak in. If you had given up from the beginning, you might not have lasted until I arrived. So, don't underestimate yourself because of temporary victories or defeats. The future is yours."
As expected, Sasuke was completely fooled.
He felt ashamed of his previous arrogance while also being deeply moved that someone would infiltrate the exam venue for his sake.
And the phrase "The future is yours" made his blood surge, and he was extremely excited.
If there was anyone in this world who could understand him, it would definitely be Big Brother Shinji!
If people knew what Sasuke was thinking at this moment, Itachi and Naruto would probably cry themselves to death.
As expected, true affection is hard to keep, only schemes win people's hearts!
Finally, let's mention the Spectral Soul of the Sharingan, YYDS!
"Okay, I understand!"
Seeing that he had completely fooled Sasuke, Shinji didn't know if it was good or bad. He could only say before leaving, "I have to go now. Someone will come to check the situation soon. Do you know what to say when they arrive?"
Sasuke immediately said solemnly, "I fainted and didn't know what happened. When I woke up, the person was gone."
"Very good. Then that's it for now. I'll be waiting for your good news."
Sasuke nodded with firm eyes. "I will definitely take first place in this Chūnin Exam to prove I have the potential to join you."
Shinji casually hummed twice. Seeing that he had said all he needed to say, he immediately left the scene.
As for Sasuke, who had inexplicably gone through a life-and-death trial, he felt he had become more mature.
Yes, he was getting closer to the Sasuke in his memory who would say "I don't listen" and "I don't listen" no matter what you said.
Not long after Shinji left.
The Anbu finally arrived.
Sasuke was also a ruthless person. To be absolutely sure, he knocked himself unconscious.
So, when the Anbu members woke him up, the testimony he gave was flawless.
Facing that legendary figure, it was already a blessing that these examinees were still alive.
Although they didn't know why he let them live, it was ultimately a good thing.
Perhaps only Anko, who also woke up, had a grim expression.
For her, being let go by Orochimaru again was not a cause for celebration, but a deep humiliation.
After examining Sasuke and the others, the Anbu members, finding nothing, approached Anko. "The Hokage has summoned you. Someone else has been temporarily assigned to manage the exam site. We'll head back immediately."
Anko also knew the importance of the situation. First, the incident of Orochimaru's intrusion could not be publicized and had to be handled discreetly, otherwise, it would be a blow to Konoha's reputation.
If people from other ninja villages found out, they would inevitably demand an explanation from Konoha.
Their examinees could die during the exam, but they couldn't die at the hands of a Konoha rogue ninja. What would that make them?
Secondly, as someone who had directly faced Orochimaru and survived twice, Anko had to proactively report the first-hand intelligence to the Hokage so that targeted arrangements could be made based on her information, and Orochimaru's purpose for infiltrating could be confirmed.
Even thinking a bit deeper, could she, Orochimaru's former disciple, have also betrayed him?
Otherwise, why would Orochimaru have spared her twice?
Furthermore, no one could guarantee that the memories erased by forbidden jutsu would not resurface.
Therefore, Anko was no longer suitable to be the chief proctor for this exam, and she would not regain her freedom until it was confirmed that she was completely uninvolved.
Anko had already prepared herself for this on the way out, until she met the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Anko told the whole story without any concealment, including her intention to die with Orochimaru at the time.
Hiruzen Sarutobi listened for a long time, lost in thought.
"According to your account, before you passed out, only Uchiha Sasuke was still conscious at the scene. And when you found Orochimaru, he was about to make a move on him, is that correct?"
"Yes."
After hesitating, Anko still voiced her guess. "I suspect Uchiha Sasuke might have been targeted by Orochimaru, which is why he didn't kill him. But after I woke up and examined Uchiha Sasuke's body carefully, I found no curse mark, which puzzled me greatly."
Hiruzen Sarutobi took two puffs of his pipe and looked up, asking, "Then what do you think the reason might be?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe he gave up for some reason, or perhaps something unexpected happened. Who knows."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "Go and rest. A medical ninja will examine your condition in detail later. We'll discuss it after the Chūnin Exam ends. Consider this your vacation for now."
Although she had been mentally prepared, knowing that this was the rule.
When the moment truly arrived, Anko still felt a sense of loss. The feeling of being suspected for something she didn't do was truly terrible.
But she also knew that as Hokage, he had to do this.
After Anko left, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately revealed a look of deep exhaustion. "Since he left in the first place, why did he come back now?"
"Is it to get revenge on this old man?"
"As expected, my personality is not suited for this position. If I had been more decisive back then, instead of being indecisive and showing womanly compassion, perhaps this day wouldn't have come."
Orochimaru's appearance cast a thick shadow over Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart.
He had a premonition that the upcoming Chūnin Exam might not be peaceful.
However, he wasn't completely unprepared.
Knock, knock, knock.
A knock sounded.
"Come in."
"Long time no see, Teacher Hiruzen."
"You've finally decided to come back, Jiraiya."
Turning around to look at his former disciple, who appeared travel-worn, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt happy, yet somehow his eyes welled up with tears.
It would have been even better if Tsunade could have returned too.
Of course, that was just a wish.
To get Jiraiya to return, he had almost sacrificed his old face and used Minato's influence to 'beg' him back.
That's right, Jiraiya's main reason for returning this time was Naruto!
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