Naruto: Bonds Unbroken

The tension hung in the air, thick and heavy, as Sasuke's Sharingan flickered with that strange, ominous energy. His chest heaved, the sudden surge of power leaving a dull ache behind his eyes.

Kakashi's single eye narrowed, his mind racing. That chakra… it felt like… Orochimaru's presence.

Naruto, having felt the shift in the air, glanced over. "Oi, Sasuke! You okay?"

Sasuke shook his head briefly, the sensation fading as quickly as it appeared. "Yeah… I'm fine." But his voice carried uncertainty, and Kakashi didn't miss it.

---

Kakashi's Warning

The training came to an abrupt halt. Kakashi lowered his headband, covering his Sharingan. "That's enough for today."

Naruto pouted. "What? Already?"

Kakashi's tone grew uncharacteristically serious. "Naruto, Sakura—head home. I need a word with Sasuke."

Naruto's eyes flicked between them, a knot forming in his chest. "Tch. Fine." He shot Sasuke a concerned look. "Don't let him scold you too hard, bastard."

Sasuke gave a small smirk. "Like he could."

Once they were alone, Kakashi's voice dropped. "Sasuke… that chakra just now. Have you felt it before?"

Sasuke's eyes darkened, and he crossed his arms. "Once. During the fight with Haku. And… sometimes… in my dreams. It feels… wrong. But strong."

Kakashi's eye sharpened. "Be careful. Power like that… often comes with a price. I've seen it before." His voice held an edge of personal memory—one that Sasuke couldn't ignore.

Sasuke's fists clenched. "I won't lose myself to it. I can't."

Kakashi stared for a moment longer, then nodded. "Good. Just… remember, you're not alone."

---

The Chūnin Exams Announcement

The next day, Team 7 gathered at the academy, the air buzzing with excitement.

Iruka stood before them, a smile on his face but authority in his voice. "Team 7, by recommendation of your jōnin instructor… you are eligible to participate in the Chūnin Exams."

Naruto's eyes blazed. "Yes! Finally!"

Sakura's expression was more cautious, but her fists tightened with determination. "We're ready."

Sasuke's lips curled into a confident smirk. "Good. I was starting to get bored."

Kakashi appeared beside them, his usual carefree demeanor masking his watchful gaze. "You've grown… but the Chūnin Exams aren't just a test of strength. Be prepared for anything."

---

Whispers and Fangs

As they left the academy, a voice, smooth and mocking, called from the shadows.

"Well, well… So you're the famous Team 7."

They turned to see three unfamiliar genin in Sound Village headbands. The leader, a smug-looking boy named Dosu, eyed Sasuke with thinly veiled interest. "I hear the Uchiha is something special. Try not to die too quickly in the exams."

Sasuke's eyes flashed. "Don't worry. I won't give you the chance to regret those words."

Before tension could spark into violence, a voice broke through—smooth as silk, yet laced with something venomous.

"Now, now… no need to waste energy before the main event."

A tall, pale figure emerged from the shadows, his amber eyes glinting with something cold and ancient. His presence felt wrong, unnatural, making the hairs on Naruto's neck stand on end.

Sasuke's gaze locked with his, and something primal, something dangerous passed between them.

The stranger's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I look forward to seeing your… potential, little Uchiha."

Sasuke's Sharingan flared—something deep inside him screaming in warning. "Who… are you?"

The man chuckled softly, the sound like a serpent's hiss.

"Orochimaru."

---

The Shadow Falls

Kakashi arrived in a heartbeat, placing himself between Orochimaru and his students, his sharingan blazing. "Back away. Now."

Orochimaru's smile didn't fade. "Ah… Kakashi. Always so protective. But you can't protect them from everything… especially from themselves."

With that, his form melted into the shadows, his voice lingering in the air. "Until we meet… Sasuke-kun."

---

The Calm Before the Storm

Naruto's fists were trembling. "Who was that guy?"

Kakashi's voice was cold, his usual ease replaced with steel. "A monster."

Sasuke, however, felt the burn of something else—a whisper of power, a promise of strength. And it terrified him how much he wanted it.