Pressing forward with immense force.
Menma had no intention of being flashy.
He directly unleashed the Nine-Tails' chakra.
Of course, it was just a layer of red chakra coating his body, without even any tails manifesting. Yet, this terrifying chakra aura...
"?!"
The moment it rushed toward him...
Sasuke's breath hitched violently. His eyes widened, leaving him no room to react.
Whoosh!
Menma was a step ahead, flashing directly to Sasuke's side.
Bang!
His fist slammed heavily into Sasuke's abdomen.
"Gah?!"
Even though Menma controlled his strength slightly, the force transmitted was enough to make Sasuke's face change.
His body curled up instinctively.
But Menma paid no heed.
"Menma?!"
Amidst Sakura's scream from the side...
Menma grabbed Sasuke by the collar and slammed him viciously downward.
Bang!
A heavy thud as he hit the ground.
Accompanied by the dull sound of impact.
Suffering a second blow...
The pain spreading through his body made him feel as if he were falling apart. Under the pain, Sasuke couldn't help but let out a muffled groan.
"Ugh?!"
In that instant, Sasuke was completely and utterly suppressed.
The next second.
Menma pressed forward, looming over Sasuke and pinning him down. Leaning forward, his crimson fox eyes stared straight into Sasuke's eyes.
"How about it? Have you calmed down, Sasuke! If that's not enough, I can help you again!"
Close-range pressure.
This trembling sensation that seemed to seep directly into his soul...
Sasuke's pupils contracted violently.
The chilling coldness he felt seemed to freeze his body completely.
At this moment, it was as if a basin of cold water had been poured instantly over Sasuke's heart. The previously restless turmoil in his heart cooled down abruptly.
His rapid breathing gradually calmed.
The Cursed Seal markings slowly receded, and his aura visibly stabilized.
The Sharingan in his pupils deactivated.
Returning to his distinct black and white pupils.
Menma's expression softened accordingly.
He released his right hand and stood up again.
Sasuke stood up simultaneously, returning to his previous expressionless demeanor. But at this moment, both Naruto and Sakura truly breathed a sigh of relief, because the current Sasuke was the Sasuke they were familiar with.
The two quickly approached.
"Sasuke, desiring power is not wrong. A ninja must constantly become stronger and climb higher. But if you are controlled by power, it proves that your capacity is only that much."
Menma looked at Sasuke calmly and spoke indifferently.
These words caused Sasuke's expression to change involuntarily. After taking a deep breath, he nodded silently.
Although he didn't say anything, given Sasuke's personality, this action was infinitely close to admitting his mistake.
"Sasuke-kun, are you alright now?"
Sakura approached, taking out a handkerchief to gently wipe the sweat from Sasuke's forehead, speaking with worry and affection.
Sasuke frowned instinctively, but surprisingly didn't dodge. He simply shook his head with a cold face and said, "I'm fine."
This was unmistakably the familiar Sasuke.
It allowed Sakura to completely relax.
"It's getting late today, so let's rest first. This is only the first day; there's no need to rush. Your scroll hasn't been taken. Once you're fully recovered, we'll go take scrolls from other squads."
Menma said to the three of them.
"Un."
"Oh oh oh! No problem!"
Sakura and Naruto responded quickly.
Sasuke, on the left, also nodded, pretending to be cool.
After a simple dinner, the group went to sleep.
---
At the same time.
In the very center of the Forest of Death, inside the sole central tower.
"How are you feeling? Anko."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had rushed over immediately upon receiving the message, looked at the pale-faced Anko and asked gravely.
"Yes, Lord Hokage. Thank you for your concern. I'm fine. The Cursed Seal has been suppressed again."
Gone was the lively and cheerful demeanor from her earlier appearance.
The current Anko wore a solemn expression and replied in a very weak tone.
Just like in the original story, when Anko entered the Forest of Death to search for traces of her former teacher, Orochimaru appeared before her as she wished. There was no need for a real fight.
Just pure verbal provocation and triggering the power of the Cursed Seal were enough to make this Special Jōnin lose all ability to resist.
It had to be said that Anko likely still held a certain place in Orochimaru's heart. Otherwise, with Orochimaru's power, if he didn't want to be found by Anko, how could she have seen him?
The fact that he didn't strike a killing blow in the end was the most direct proof.
After all, technically speaking, Anko was Orochimaru's only disciple.
"That's good. Rest well. Leave the exam supervision to the other proctors for now."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded gently and said.
"No, I'm completely fine, Lord Hokage. Regarding Orochimaru..."
"Anko, what you need now is rest. You don't need to worry about the rest. I will arrange everything. Rest assured."
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand gently, interrupting Anko, and spoke in a deep voice.
"Uh? Yes, I understand, Lord Hokage. Then, please excuse me."
Anko was stunned, not quite understanding her Hokage's meaning. Wasn't Orochimaru's return to the Leaf a very dangerous matter? But just a second later, Anko bowed her head and responded.
After all, this was the Hokage's order.
Even if she didn't understand, she had to execute it.
"Go on."
After bowing to Hiruzen Sarutobi one last time, Anko turned and left the office.
Orochimaru? To think you chose this time to return... It seems this will likely be the last meeting between us master and disciple? This time, I absolutely won't let things end like last time.
Hiruzen Sarutobi clasped his hands behind his back, looking out the window at the now completely dark night scene. A look of extreme sharpness appeared in his somewhat cloudy eyes.
Beneath the calm surface, undercurrents were already surging constantly.
In this largest ninja village of the ninja world...
Various factions were beginning to stir.
---
Nothing happened overnight.
Time flowed slowly by.
When the dawn of the second day arrived...
Just as the first light of morning shone on the earth...
Menma and the others woke up one after another. After a night's rest, Naruto, relying on his partial Uzumaki bloodline, had basically fully recovered. Only Sasuke was still affected by the Cursed Seal, appearing relatively exhausted.
But it wouldn't affect normal movement or combat.