Orochimaru

"Nice job!" Lee, hidden in the shadows, couldn't help but feel impressed with Sasuke's clever tactics.

Despite being just a Genin, Sasuke had managed to create an elaborate trap and seized the chance to strike back. His talent was remarkable—no doubt Sasuke had a bright future ahead.

"Swish! Swish! Swish!"

Sasuke didn't hesitate. After putting some distance between himself and the enemy, he threw six shurikens tied with steel wires into the trees around the female ninja. The wires formed a trap, locking her in place with no easy way out.

"So, this is the Sharingan Windmill Triple Blade!" she murmured, surprised.

"Oh, you recognize it? I bet one of my clan members taught you a lesson in the past!" Sasuke shouted. "But beating me won't be that easy!"

The steel wires, controlled by Sasuke's chakra, tightened around the female ninja, binding her against a tree. With nowhere to escape, she was trapped.

"It's over! Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" Sasuke formed the hand signs and launched a large fireball that hit the ninja squarely, flames roaring and consuming her. The blast left a scorch mark on the tree behind her, and her scream filled the air.

Sasuke felt his strength fading. His body ached, and he wanted nothing more than to collapse and rest, but his heart raced with excitement. He'd just defeated an opponent far stronger than himself, fueling his confidence.

"You did it, Sasuke! That was amazing!" Sakura ran toward him, her face full of relief. "Are you okay?"

But before Sasuke could answer, a disturbing noise cut through the air—a metallic snapping sound from the tree.

"No way… how is she still alive?" Sasuke's face turned pale as he saw the female ninja standing, mostly unscathed. The face she'd been wearing looked burned, revealing patches of skin that didn't match, as if it wasn't her real face at all.

"She wasn't using a Transformation Jutsu… she's wearing someone else's body!" Lee thought, horrified. He now understood that Orochimaru, the ninja before them, was after Sasuke's body!

"Hahaha…" Orochimaru took slow, menacing steps forward, his laughter sending chills down their spines. "You truly are a gifted Uchiha, Sasuke. Even at your young age, you wield your Sharingan so skillfully."

"Who… who are you?" Sasuke demanded, his voice shaking.

"You have potential even beyond Itachi," Orochimaru said, his tone sinister. "If you want to meet me again, survive this exam. Defeat my three subordinates, the Sound Ninjas."

Orochimaru! Lee's heart sank.

This was the infamous Orochimaru, one of the "Legendary Sannin." Orochimaru had once been Konoha's pride, but he'd abandoned the village to pursue immortality through horrific experiments. Now, it seemed he had set his sights on Sasuke, the last living Uchiha heir.

"You know Itachi?" Sasuke's rage flared. "Where is he? Tell me!"

But Orochimaru simply clapped his hands, sending a strange energy toward Sasuke. Instantly, Sasuke felt his body lock up, unable to move.

"This must be… the legendary Paralysis Jutsu!" Sasuke realized, fear creeping into his heart. Only the most advanced ninja could use this technique.

"Sasuke Uchiha, you're mine," Orochimaru said, his gaze predatory. He raised his arms, and then, with a horrifying motion, his neck stretched forward like a serpent, reaching toward Sasuke's frozen form.

"Monster!" Lee clenched his fists as he watched, horrified. Orochimaru's neck had extended over ten meters, a sight that defied human limits.

Orochimaru's jaws opened, revealing sharp teeth aimed directly at Sasuke's neck. Sasuke, paralyzed, could only wait helplessly as Orochimaru closed in. Sakura, frozen in fear, could only watch, tears streaming down her face.

Suddenly, a flurry of shuriken whizzed through the air, slicing toward Orochimaru's path!