Chapter 36: Defeat/Even in the New Year, You Can’t Be a Dog
At this moment, Sasuke turned his head and looked at Rock Lee, a hint of curiosity and scrutiny in his eyes.
Even though he knew the green tights were a strange look, seeing them in person left Sasuke a bit shocked. However, he still acknowledged Rock Lee's strength. After all, with Lee's level of taijutsu, very few could defeat him in close combat.
"Why?" Rock Lee asked, visibly disappointed.
"Your eyebrows are too thick," Sakura replied expressionlessly.
Sasuke smirked slightly at her response. He then pulled Sakura behind him protectively and said to Rock Lee, "She's my girlfriend. You're bothering us."
"You're Uchiha Sasuke, right? I've heard of you since our days at the Ninja Academy. You and Neji Hyuga are known as the two geniuses of our year!" Rock Lee's eyes were ablaze with the fire of determination. The word "genius" was exactly what he had always wanted to challenge! "Please, duel with me man-to-man!" Lee shouted, his blood boiling with excitement. In his mind, he had already imagined himself defeating Sasuke and winning Sakura's heart. The thought filled him with boundless energy.
"A man-to-man duel?" Sasuke mused, then walked over to Sakura, gesturing for her to come closer. Blushing, Sakura hesitated for a moment before standing on tiptoes and giving Sasuke a kiss on the cheek.
"You said it was a man's duel, but it looks like you've already lost," Sasuke said to Rock Lee with a smug smile.
Rock Lee felt like he'd just heard his heart shatter. His face turned pale, and he staggered backward. It was as if the whole world had collapsed around him. He dropped to his knees, pounding the ground with his fists as tears streamed down his face. "Why... why is it like this?" Lee muttered in despair, his voice filled with anguish. Though he didn't know any ninjutsu or genjutsu, he had just suffered an emotional blow heavier than anything physical.
Seeing Lee in such pain, Sasuke felt a strange satisfaction. He, Sakura, and Naruto then proceeded into the exam room. The moment they entered, they became the center of attention. Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto's arrival stirred curiosity and whispers among the other candidates.
"Whoa, there are so many people here! Are all these people taking the exam?" Sakura asked, surprised as she glanced around the crowded room.
Suddenly, Ino came speeding toward them like lightning. She threw her arms around Sasuke's back and said playfully, "Sasuke, why were you so slow? I've been waiting forever to see you again!"
"Stop messing around, Ino," Sasuke said, although his body betrayed his words. Feeling the softness of Ino's chest pressed against him, he couldn't help but notice how much she had matured.
"But didn't we just meet yesterday?" Sasuke asked, exasperated.
"It's not the same! You know what they say: one day without seeing you feels like three years!" Ino replied, clearly showing her affection for Sasuke.
Seeing Ino clinging to Sasuke so brazenly, Sakura immediately stepped forward and grabbed Sasuke's arm, boasting, "Ino, you don't know? Just now, Sasuke and I kissed in public!"
"What? No fair! Sasuke, I want a kiss too!" Ino said, her tone playful.
"It wasn't that dramatic, she just kissed me on the cheek," Sasuke explained.
"That's still not okay! I want a kiss too!" Ino pouted, then quickly planted a kiss on Sasuke's right cheek.
"I want one too!" Sakura shouted, feeling competitive.
"Alright, alright, cut it out. Everyone's watching! If you want to mess around, wait until we're alone," Sasuke said, embarrassed by the scene.
"Such a drag... why even bother with this boring exam?" Shikamaru said as he walked over with his usual uninterested expression. Beside him, Choji was munching on snacks, seeming indifferent to the whole situation.
"Hehe... I didn't expect all nine of us from the same class would be taking the Chunin Exams! It's rare for us all to be together again," Kiba added as he joined the group, accompanied by the shy Hinata and the quiet Shino.
"Haha, let's not worry about Sasuke. I'm going to beat you in this Chunin Exam!" Naruto declared confidently, pointing at Kiba with determination in his eyes.
"Hey, could you guys keep it down? Don't you realize you're attracting a lot of attention?" A voice suddenly interrupted them. Everyone turned to see Kabuto Yakushi smiling calmly at them.
"Who are you?" Naruto asked, curious.
"My name is Kabuto Yakushi. But rather than introducing myself, take a look around," Kabuto suggested kindly.
It was only then that the group noticed the cold and suspicious stares from the other candidates. Realizing how much attention they had drawn, they couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed.
Kabuto didn't seem to mind the tension. He quickly pulled out his Ninja Info Cards and demonstrated their function, explaining how they could be used to gather information about other ninja. Despite the interesting information, Sasuke wasn't paying much attention. His mind seemed to be elsewhere, as if he was preoccupied with something important.
*Is this the vessel that Lord Orochimaru is so interested in?* Kabuto thought to himself, his eyes lingering on Sasuke's indifferent expression. Despite Sasuke's calm exterior, Kabuto was keeping a close watch on him.
Meanwhile, Sasuke was scanning the room, searching for Karin. After a quick glance around, he finally spotted her in the corner. Her bright red hair made her stand out instantly. Seeing her glasses, Sasuke couldn't help but think of Sarada from the Boruto timeline. As a member of the Uchiha clan, how could he have passed on such terrible eyesight to his daughter? She looked almost identical to Karin. Did Sakura never find that suspicious?
At that moment, Karin noticed Sasuke looking her way. Her face flushed red, and she quickly lowered her head, feeling shy. Her thoughts raced, *Is he looking at me? He's so handsome! Why is my heart beating so fast? Is this what they call love at first sight?*
There was no doubt that yet another girl had fallen for Sasuke's undeniable charm.
Meanwhile, after seeing the powerful ninjas from other villages, Naruto felt a surge of excitement and fighting spirit. He straightened his posture and shouted boldly, "I'm Uzumaki Naruto, and I won't lose to any of you! Just wait and see!"
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