Finally. Part 1

"Uchiha Sasuke, Abumi Zaku. *Cough* Please come down."

Interesting...

In the original series, Sasuke fought against Yoroi, a chakra-absorbing ninja. I wonder how he'll deal with Zaku, who has a personal vendetta against him.

Focusing my gaze on the battered Uchiha, I noticed that Kakashi was whispering something. Judging by his expression, it was probably about the curse mark.

This reminded me of someone.

Standing on the platform on the other side of the room, was Orochimaru. I still don't understand how they don't know that's him... I mean, his alias is Orochi. Get a clue, Sarutobi.

He was smiling viciously, looking at no one but Sasuke. Just looking at his expression made me feel uncomfortable.

Whatever... Although I don't really care about Sasuke, I hope he wins. I want to face him in the third phase, I really do.

Interrupting my thoughts, Hayate signaled for the match to start.

Sasuke immediately took the offensive. A pair of clones appeared in front of him, and he took out some Shuriken from his pouch.

He didn't waste a second, throwing them towards his opponent.

The clones also started running towards Zaku.

Retrieving one hand out of his bandages, Zaku raised his arm.

"Decapitating Airwaves!"

A massive burst of air and sound came out of Zaku's hand, easily deflecting the incoming Shuriken.

The clones also got hit, disappearing in an instant.

Suddenly, Sasuke seemed to have been hit with a wave of pain, as he placed his hand on his neck. Using the shadow-clone jutsu must've reawakened the curse mark.

Smirking, Zaku looked at Sasuke with a vicious expression.

"Is that all, Uchiha Sasuke? Where is all that power that you had earlier!? Don't tell me you can't use it!"

"Tch."

Not letting himself be affected by Zaku's taunts, Sasuke retreated. His face was determined, as he suppressed the curse's influence through sheer willpower.

"What's going on, are you scared?!"

Zaku seemed to have descended into madness. He looked like he had gone absolutely crazy.

"You did this to me, so you'll pay for it... EXTREME DECAPITATING AIRWAVES!"

In an unexpected move, Zaku raised his other arm and joined both to release a blinding burst of air and sound.

Not wanting to get affected, I blocked my ears with sand.

Sasuke wasn't expecting such power and ended up getting hit head-on by the shockwave. His body was sent flying, creating cracks on the nearest wall.

When he fell to the ground, drops of blood flowed out of his ears. Zaku looked exhausted, struggling to breathe properly.

That attack must've consumed a lot of chakra. Looking up to the stands, he smiled.

Following his gaze, I realized that he was looking at Orochimaru.

Will Sasuke really not pass the exams? I wonder if this is because of the butterfly effect...

Suddenly the Shuriken that were on the ground burst into smoke, revealing three Sasuke clones.

Not giving Zaku time to realize what happened, they ran towards him and locked him into place.

Two of them had his arms locked, and the third held a Kunai by his neck.

"What?!"

Zaku looked at the seemingly unconscious Sasuke in disbelief. The young Uchiha's mouth curled upward in a smile.

...

"He coated his entire body with a layer of chakra in order to minimize the impact..."

Near me, Kakashi had his Sharingan out and analyzed the situation. Everyone had shocked expressions.

Their surprise was justified... Since Zaku's attack wouldn't normally be stopped by a normal chakra coat.

Thinking quickly, I looked in Anko's direction and saw her facial expression change to utter disbelief.

That gave me a vague idea of what happened...

Sasuke must've used the curse mark... How I don't know. Zaku seemed even more confused than me.

"How are you still alive?! I used almost all of my chakra for that attack!"

"Heh, I guess you didn't use enough, Zaku."

Smirking, Sasuke got up and slowly walked toward his exhausted opponent. In this state, he couldn't do anything.

"Don't underestimate me... SASUKE UCHIHA!"

With a look of madness, Zaku released all of his remaining chakra into his arms, trying to create a burst strong enough to eliminate the clones.

"I won't let you!"

Both of Sasuke's clones increased the strength on their grip and twisted Zaku's arms in wicked angles.

Cracks could be heard all over the place as the sound ninja screamed in agony.

The last clone then used the opportunity to finish him off, knocking him out with a strong chop to his neck.

Hayate flickered next to Zaku and immediately declared Sasuke the victor.

In a not so alluring fashion, Sasuke had once again passed to the second round.

I had to admit that I doubted him.

After they carried Zaku out on a stretcher, Kakashi immediately took Sasuke and left without saying a word. It was probably to seal the curse mark...

Anyhow, with that out of the way, we all watched as the next two names appeared on the electronic board...

Smiling, I flickered onto the stage.

'Sabaku Gaara vs Aburame Shino'

I looked up at the Aburame heir, who met my fierce look with uncertainty.

Ah crap, Shukaku is excited. I have to calm down... Relax.

if I kill my opponent, it only increases the chances of Shukaku taking over... Relax...

Next to Shino, Kiba and Hinata looked as pale as a ghost. Akamaru was unable to look and hid inside the former's jacket.

Overhearing their conversation, I became a little worried.

"Shino, give up. This guy's crazy... Do I have to remind you of what happened to that umbrella guy?"

"Shino-san... Please listen to Kiba-san..."

Behind them, Kurenai stared in confusion, but she did not speak.

Oh come on, please let me fight. I've been itching to battle for three days! If I don't fight now, I'll have to wait a month in order to fight for real...

As if God heard my plea, Shino disappeared in a shroud of bugs, reappearing in front of me.

In the stands, Shira cheered loudly, giving me a headache.

"Gaara! Good luck!"

As if I'd need it, stupid. Watch.

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(AN: Two-part chapter, because I have cliff-hanger disease. See you later, and don't forget the power stones!)