I ,Sasuke , Why Should I Defect To Konoha

Sasuke pondered his path, reflecting on why he might consider defecting to Konoha. In a moment of reflection, he encountered Kaiban, an intense figure whose passion for teaching ignited a sense of respect within him. Their first meeting sparked a journey he never anticipated.

---

In the exam room, Sakura was stunned. The recent announcement of every candidate's qualification left her speechless, with a mix of disbelief and relief evident in her eyes. This unexpected outcome differed drastically from what anyone had expected, and similar reactions spread across the room as the other candidates voiced their confusion.

"From where?" murmured Temari of Sunagakure, frowning and tapping the table thoughtfully. "How did everyone suddenly qualify without even facing the tenth question?" she asked, rising to seek clarity.

Ino, also perplexed, immediately raised her voice, echoing the question. "Yes, what's happening? We haven't even been asked the final question—how did we pass?"

In response, Ibiki gave a hearty smile, surprising everyone yet again. "Because there is no tenth question!" he declared, silencing the crowd. "In fact, the choice you just faced was the final question."

His statement left many bewildered. The concept of an exam with an unasked question seemed nonsensical.

Ibiki continued, sensing the candidates' confusion. "This decision is one every ninja will face at some point. As Uchiha mentioned earlier, the life of a ninja is filled with uncertainties. You'll need to make difficult decisions, often torn between missions and allies, loyalty and survival."

With a dramatic pause, he removed his turban, revealing deep, brutal scars etched across his scalp. The sight held the room in silent awe, driving his message home. "These marks aren't merely for show. They're reminders of the cost of hesitation and fear, of choices made under pressure. To abandon comrades who might falter is to deny the essence of the ninja spirit," Ibiki concluded, his voice laden with intensity.

The silence in the room deepened. Even Sasuke, who had anticipated the nature of the test, felt the weight of Ibiki's words. Bonds, trust, loyalty—these weren't just idle words for a ninja.

---

As if sensing the gravity of the moment, a sudden noise shattered the silence. The window glass exploded with two kunai, and a dark banner unfurled, covering both the blackboard and Ibiki. From behind the banner, a vibrant, enthusiastic voice called out.

"Ha ha... Don't get too comfortable yet! You've passed the first exam, but the second is about to begin!" The speaker revealed herself—a woman with a lively air, dressed in a distinctive trench coat. "I'm the examiner for your next challenge. Mitarashi Anko!"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, taking in her energetic entrance and apparent disregard for decorum. She reminded him of Naruto in female form, wild and unrestrained. Although attractive, Anko's carefree demeanor betrayed her seriousness, leaving an impression on everyone present.

"Who is this… really?" Sakura whispered with a sigh as Anko's presence dominated the room. "Is she really a Jounin?"

Ibiki, noticing the tension, let out a resigned sigh, commenting dryly on Anko's theatrical arrival. "Calm down, Anko. Tomorrow is your show—perhaps save some of that energy for then."

Anko seemed momentarily chastened, scratching her head with a sheepish grin. "Sorry, sorry! Just a bit too excited."

Despite the lively exchange, the candidates watched in silence, still reeling from the intensity of the previous test.

Clearing her throat, Anko finally addressed the group, maintaining a semblance of composure. "Tomorrow, you'll meet your examiner again," she instructed, her voice steady. "Ask your sensei where to be—and don't be late."

With a final wave, she exited the room, leaving a lasting impression of confidence mixed with an undeniable eccentricity.

---

After Anko's departure, Sasuke rose to lead Sakura and Naruto out of the room. Sakura's adoring voice followed him. "Sasuke-kun, you were incredible back there." She clung to his arm, casting a teasing glance at Ino, who bristled with annoyance.

"Ino, calm down," Shikamaru muttered, blocking her from charging toward Sakura. "We should focus on finding Asuma-sensei to learn tomorrow's location."

Choji, supporting his friend's suggestion, nodded vigorously. "Shikamaru's right. Besides, Asuma-sensei owes us a barbecue after every exam!"

Hearing this, Ino's anger evaporated, replaced by a gleam of anticipation. Nothing quite matched the allure of a good barbecue, especially when Choji was involved.

Meanwhile, Naruto overheard their conversation and quickened his pace to join them. "Wait up, Sakura! I figured out the trick to that tenth question too. Don't let Sasuke steal all the credit!"

"Oh, please, Naruto," Sakura scoffed. "As if you could compete with Sasuke's insight."

"Don't be so harsh, Sakura-chan!" Naruto shot back, pouting. "I bet I could get Kakashi-sensei to treat us to dinner!"

Sasuke listened with a smirk, privately amused. When Ibiki looked back at Sasuke's retreating form, he couldn't help but feel an odd admiration for the young Uchiha's composure.

---

Later that Evening

After the tense events of the day, Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura cornered their instructor, Kakashi. "So, you really want me to treat you to dinner?" Kakashi asked, eyeing them warily while subtly reaching for his wallet.

Naruto grinned mischievously. "Yep! Just like Asuma-sensei does for his team. Wouldn't want word getting around that you're stingy, right?"

Reluctantly, Kakashi sighed. "Fine, but only this once." Despite his feigned reluctance, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth beneath his mask.

Sasuke's eyes lit up, and the three of them exchanged a knowing glance. Behind Kakashi's back, he shared a triumphant smile with Naruto. Little did Kakashi realize that their plea had triggered a hidden reward for Sasuke. By accepting Naruto's plan, he completed a mission objective that granted him a substantial sum of 10,000 taels.

---

The Next Day: The Second Exam

The following day, Anko gathered the candidates at Training Ground 44, known ominously as "The Forest of Death." Her gaze was cold as she scanned the group. "This will be your next test location," she announced, her voice carrying an unsettling edge.

Surrounding them was a dense, eerie forest filled with hazards—an unforgiving landscape that would test both their physical abilities and their resolve. The sight alone sent chills down the spines of many candidates, a reminder that the life of a ninja was not for the faint-hearted.

In the crowd, Sasuke spotted a figure that looked familiar—a long-haired ninja from the Rain Village whose presence felt unsettling. He narrowed his eyes, reminded of the dangers lurking not only in the forest but within the ranks of their own competitors.

"This Orochimaru… Snake Lady…" Sasuke thought to himself, his mind racing with suspicions.

This forest represented the next step in their journey, a trial that would demand all their skills and courage. As the group prepared for what lay ahead, the bonds of loyalty, the tests of survival, and the potential for betrayal loomed large, each element combining to create a challenge that would define their growth as ninjas.

---

The journey into the Forest of Death was set to test them beyond any prior exam, pushing them to their limits. Sasuke and his teammates steeled themselves, ready to face whatever awaited within the shadows of the forest, determined to prove their strength, skill, and loyalty to one another.

[End of Chapter]

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