"No, it still has to be three-to-one. You three form a squad, and I'll be a squad alone. You don't need to say anything, Naruto. Neither you nor Sasuke are my match, right? This is the most appropriate approach, and the choice that gives our four-person team the highest probability of passing the exam together."
In this moment, Menma spoke without a shred of mercy.
The moment the words left his mouth, not only was Naruto choked into silence, but even Sasuke's expression darkened. However, Menma was telling the truth, and it was hard for the two of them to refute it.
Over the six years at the Ninja Academy, while Naruto and Sasuke had traded wins and losses, every spar either of them had against Menma ended in defeat. Moreover, they could clearly judge now that Menma had undoubtedly held back back then.
And in the past half-year...
The power Menma had displayed time and again during missions...
Both of them had seen it with their own eyes.
Proud as Sasuke was, although he wouldn't admit out loud that he was inferior to Menma, he knew for a fact that the current him could not defeat Menma.
"Do you remember that B-rank mission we executed before? Wasn't I responsible for the solo infiltration work? Don't worry, I am perfectly capable on my own. Once we get inside, we can find a way to regroup. Naruto, you don't want to stop at this round of the exam, do you?"
Menma waved his hand and continued.
Letting the strongest person act alone—this indeed seemed like one of the most reliable choices. Splitting into pairs, leaving aside other factors, easily risked a situation where both sides failed. Three-to-one was the safest bet.
Of course, if viewed strictly from a practical standpoint...
Sakura's proposal to withdraw was actually the safest.
But isn't this where Menma needed to display a posture of "caring for his comrades"?
Menma also believed that Sakura wasn't truly willing to withdraw, and this point would definitely sway Naruto. As for Sasuke? His attitude was purely indifferent.
Regardless, Menma was determined to secure solo action for this exam.
Sure enough.
After Menma's words fell...
Sasuke didn't express an opinion, Sakura was clearly moved, and after a short silence, Naruto looked up at Menma. "Then you must be careful during your operation, Menma. We'll strive to meet up with you in the shortest time possible."
"Yeah, that's for sure."
Menma nodded.
Of course, he said they would meet up. After all, he couldn't actually scour the entire forest alone looking for Orochimaru, could he? The best approach was to wait for the rabbit to hit the tree stump. As long as the plot didn't deviate, that "Uncle Snake" would definitely come looking for Sasuke.
He just needed to wait nearby, and there was a high probability he would see Orochimaru.
Menma's initial plan had been to find an excuse to separate after entering the exam grounds so he could hide and wait for Orochimaru. However, Orochimaru's arrival time was uncertain, and finding a good excuse was difficult. If he was gone for too long, it would seem very unnatural. He couldn't treat Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura like total fools, could he?
Therefore, being able to enter the Forest of Death as a solo squad this time was a golden opportunity worth a thousand pieces of gold to Menma.
With the plan settled...
The separated members of Team 7...
Seemed to return to the plotline of the original story.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura moved together.
And Menma acted alone.
But this was the result Menma wanted.
Led by different proctors, the four of them were obviously assigned to two entrance locations that were completely unconnected.
"Last warning: you are not allowed to open the scrolls during the exam. The candidates will bear all consequences themselves."
The Chūnin proctor looked at Menma indifferently and said.
"Yeah, I understand."
Menma nodded nonchalantly.
Whoosh.
Immediately after, with a leap...
He sped through the entrance, rushing deep into the Forest of Death.
Time is still a bit tight. Although I don't remember exactly when that guy Orochimaru went looking for Sasuke, it should be shortly after entering the exam grounds. I don't have much time left.
As Menma sprinted, he fully released his sensory abilities. He needed to determine the location of Naruto and the others as quickly as possible.
---
Not long after all the candidates had entered the exam grounds...
In a desolate area far from the Forest of Death...
Anko Mitarashi appeared with several Leaf ninja. Looking at the three tragically dead Grass ninja, the expression of this Special Jōnin of the Hidden Leaf turned ashen. Her previous calmness and teasing demeanor completely vanished, replaced by a much more intense, specific emotion.
He's back. That guy is back!
Anko's hands clenched tightly, and her dark pupils revealed a look of sharp intensity.
"Report the information here to the Hokage immediately! The rest of you, follow me into the Forest of Death at once!"
Anko suddenly turned her head and shouted sternly to her subordinates around her.
"Yes, Anko-sama!"
Although these subordinates didn't understand why the deaths of three Grass ninja would make their Anko-sama lose her composure like this, a Jōnin's order was absolute. Immediately, these Chūnin sprang into action, following Anko's command.
I have to make it in time!
With a look of extreme gravity, Anko flashed toward the interior of the Forest of Death at high speed.
A great shark entering a small fish pond.
The lethality and destructive power this brought were absolutely unparalleled. The most terrifying part was that almost all the small fry were unaware that a giant shark had infiltrated the mix. However, fortunately, this was a shark with a clear target.
Those small fry, who didn't even count as appetizers...
Orochimaru wouldn't pay them any attention at all.
For Orochimaru, there was only one goal in entering the Forest of Death: to determine Sasuke Uchiha's current condition and deliver his exclusive gift.
Others?
As long as they didn't interfere with him, Orochimaru didn't even have the interest to glance at them.
In fact, this was exactly the case. After Orochimaru used the Vanishing Facial Copy Jutsu to assume the face of the Grass ninja and entered the Forest of Death, he immediately began searching for Sasuke.
With his superior strength and the assistance of countless summoned ninja snakes, in less than two hours, Orochimaru located Sasuke's group.
Heh, Itachi's younger brother... let me see where your current limit lies.
Looking at Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura below...
Orochimaru smiled playfully. He extended his long tongue to lick his lips, and after signaling his two subordinates to disperse and stand guard around the perimeter...
Whoosh!
Orochimaru didn't hesitate in the slightest. With a leap, he flashed directly toward the ground below.