Konoha: The Honored One

"If I just stand by and watch my friends die, I'll never be a real ninja!" Naruto roared, his face twisted in fierce determination despite his injuries. "Sasuke, we're your friends! No matter how many times it takes, I'll save you!"

Sasuke froze, his mind flashing back to all the lonely days after the massacre of his clan. Training, meals, even holidays—he'd done it all alone. But now, Naruto's words echoed in his mind.

"We're your friends. No matter how many times, I'll save you."

For the first time in ages, Sasuke felt a warmth in his chest, a hint of belonging he hadn't felt in years. But that feeling was quickly smothered by the cold purpose of revenge.

"I am an avenger," Sasuke murmured, his tone sharp as a blade. "Revenge is the whole reason I exist."

Just then, Orochimaru's neck stretched forward like a snake, his serpentine eyes locking onto Sasuke. "Sasuke, I'll give you the strength you need for revenge. Come to me if you want true power," he hissed.

"Don't listen to him!" Sakura shouted, pulling out a kunai and hurling it at Orochimaru, who dodged effortlessly, his expression souring.

"Enough," Sasuke growled, his Sharingan gleaming with new intensity as it evolved into three tomoe. He shot Orochimaru a cold glare. "You're weaker than Gojo-sensei. Why should I bother with you?"

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed at the mention of Gojo. "You think you can challenge me with your teacher's strength?" he sneered. With a flick of his wrist, a massive snake erupted from the ground, coiling around Team Seven.

Sasuke's expression darkened as memories of that night with his brother filled his mind. Orochimaru saw the flicker of anger and pounced. "I know what you want, Sasuke—you want power to kill Itachi Uchiha. I can give you that power."

"Shut up!" Naruto yelled, stepping forward, fists clenched. "We're not letting you take Sasuke! Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Suddenly, dozens of Narutos charged at Orochimaru, Rasengans spinning in their hands. Orochimaru smirked and summoned a thick, noxious gas, dissolving the clones in puffs of smoke.

"Poison? Really?" Naruto coughed, glaring at Orochimaru. "You slimy snake!"

Before Sasuke could react, the snake lunged at him, its jaws wide. For a second, he was paralyzed—but then he sensed a powerful, familiar presence.

Hovering above them was Gojo, a lazy grin on his face. "Thought you could mess with my students, huh?" He snapped his fingers, and a surge of energy flooded the area.

Orochimaru's triple Rashomon defenses disintegrated as a massive vortex of dark-red energy opened up, destroying everything in its path. The ground trembled, leaving a deep crater where Orochimaru had been.

"Bang," Gojo muttered, almost bored, dusting off his hands as if he'd done nothing.

Team Seven stared, wide-eyed. Sasuke's usual stoic expression softened in awe, a flicker of admiration breaking through his cool exterior.

"Gojo-sensei, that was amazing!" Naruto grinned, starstruck.

"Yeah, you were just about to die," Gojo said with a smirk, patting Naruto's head as if they'd narrowly missed a minor inconvenience. "But hey, brushes with death have a way of shaping who we are."

Gojo turned to Sasuke, his eyes gleaming behind his blindfold. "Sasuke, nice work with that three tomoe Sharingan. Looking sharp."

Sasuke managed a grudging nod, clearly pleased but trying to hide it. "Next time, I'll get it right."

"Good! Keep that attitude," Gojo said with a cheerful pat on his shoulder. "You're all making me proud, really."

Naruto punched the air, fired up. "We're a real team now!"

Sasuke gave a slight eye-roll, but there was a rare hint of a smile on his face. Sakura beamed, her earlier fear replaced by admiration.

"Gojo-sensei, you're the best!" she said, her voice full of gratitude.

Gojo waved it off with a dramatic flourish. "Naturally. Now, heal up, kiddos; we've got more excitement ahead."

With a snap of his fingers, a gentle glow enveloped the team, their wounds fading as healing energy coursed through them.

"Get ready," Gojo said, grinning as he looked over the rejuvenated Team Seven. "Whether you like it or not, I'm turning you all into exceptional ninjas."

The seventh class exchanged determined looks, their spirits lifted by Gojo's confidence. Whatever wild challenges awaited them, they were ready to face them—together.