Years later, the much-anticipated Chunin Exams were underway. Ninja from various nations had gathered in the Land of Fire to take part in this prestigious tournament. But this was no ordinary test of skill. The Chunin Exams had become a grand event—a stage for the different countries to showcase their national power and the strength of their shinobi.
The first stage—the written exam—had just concluded. Many teams had passed, demonstrating their intelligence and tactical awareness. Now, the second stage was about to begin in the infamous Forest of Death, a treacherous expanse known for its deadly terrain and lurking threats. Despite the peril, a growing number of ninja teams successfully passed this stage, proving their resilience and combat prowess.
Among the successful were the infamous trio from Otogakure—the Hidden Sound Village. Though they had passed the test, their hearts burned with resentment. During the forest stage, they had been defeated by Uchiha Sasuke, a loss they had not forgotten. Their anger was compounded by the fact that their leader, Orochimaru, had explicitly ordered them to capture Sasuke alive. Now, thirsting for revenge and eager to deliver their prize to their master, the Sound ninja prepared themselves for their next encounter with Sasuke's team.
As they waited for Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura to approach, Kin Tsuchi, the long-haired girl of the Sound trio, stood restlessly. "I'm going to the restroom," she announced, her voice laced with annoyance. "I wonder if there will be any strange exams coming up."
Dosu Kinuta, the burly male member of the trio, scowled, his voice dripping with disdain. "Tch. This is such a hassle!"
Kin Tsuchi snapped back sharply, "Women can't just go anywhere to relieve themselves like you men! And I haven't even settled the score with you for attacking me in the forest!"
Dosu smirked, mocking her. "Hehe, that's because you're weak and fell for the enemy's genjutsu!"
"You!" Kin Tsuchi was about to retort, but Sakon, the third member, quickly intervened. "You two bickering over petty things? Don't embarrass the Sound Ninja Village!"
The two grudgingly fell silent. Dosu resumed his watchful gaze toward the arena entrance while Kin Tsuchi stormed off toward the restroom.
But alone, Kin Tsuchi's tough façade crumbled. Beneath the bravado and biting words lay a vulnerable girl—one desperate to prove her worth to Lord Orochimaru.
She was painfully aware of her own weaknesses. Compared to Dosu and Sakon, she was the weakest member of the trio. Unlike many elite ninja, she possessed no bloodline limits or special kekkei genkai. She was a civilian ninja by birth, and her strength paled in comparison to the powerful Sound Four.
Being selected for this Chunin Exam was her chance—her only chance—to prove she could serve Orochimaru with honor. But as she saw stronger opponents emerging one after another, doubt gnawed at her. Could she really stand among these fierce competitors?
With a heavy sigh, Kin Tsuchi was about to leave the restroom when suddenly, a woman dressed entirely in black collided with her, knocking her off balance.
"Oh my, I'm so sorry! Are you alright?" The woman's voice was soft and pleasant. Kin Tsuchi's gaze snapped upward, immediately noting the other woman's striking beauty.
Her skin was pale and luminous, unlike Kin Tsuchi's own wheat-colored complexion, stirring a pang of envy within her. The woman had a tall, elegant figure—slim where it counted, yet curvaceous in all the right places—a true beauty. Long, glossy black hair cascaded almost to her feet, resembling Kin Tsuchi's own, yet exuding a captivating allure that even Kin Tsuchi, as a woman, admired.
But there was something about this woman's smile that unsettled Kin Tsuchi. Despite the warmth in her expression, a strange feeling prickled at her senses—something was off.
Just by looking at her, Kin Tsuchi knew this woman was no ordinary ninja. She felt an undeniable aura of power radiating from her, one that sparked awe and jealousy all at once.
"I'm fine," Kin Tsuchi replied, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling.
Suddenly, her pupils dilated sharply, alarm flashing in her eyes.
"No! There was no sound! How did she move without a sound?" Kin Tsuchi turned swiftly to face the woman, now on full alert—but before she could react, her legs gave out beneath her, and she collapsed to the floor.
As darkness closed in, Kin Tsuchi faintly heard the woman's words.
"Oh my, you're really lucky to have bumped into me."
"Damn it!" Kin Tsuchi cursed through fading consciousness. She saw the woman's feet moving closer and closer before the world went black.
Moments later, Kin Tsuchi's body stirred as she slowly stretched and regained consciousness. The woman's words echoed faintly in her mind.
"This little girl's body is really weak."
Kin Tsuchi gathered herself and made her way back to the team.
Dosu scoffed as she returned. "You're so slow!"
Kin Tsuchi ignored him and replied confidently, "There's still plenty of time. Sasuke won't get away from us."
Dosu's eyes darkened as he thought back to the humiliations Sasuke had inflicted on him. The ache in his arms from their last fight still lingered.
Kin Tsuchi silently smiled to herself, licking her lips with anticipation.
Soon, Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto arrived at the exam's finish line. A crowd of spectators, including instructors, Anbu ninja, and even the Third Hokage, had gathered to watch.
"Hehehe, they're here!" some whispered excitedly.
Kin Tsuchi paid no attention to the murmurs around her. Instead, she analyzed the opponents quietly, speaking to herself.
"Genjutsu and taijutsu are her strengths," she mused, eyes narrowing. "Her chakra nature is Earth and Wind. She's skilled with senbon—long needles..."
The atmosphere grew tense. The head examiner, Gekkō Hayate, observed the large number of examinees and decided to cut the participants in half to keep the competition fierce and manageable.
However, Yakushi Kabuto's sudden withdrawal from the exams caused a furrowed brow on the Third Hokage's face. Kabuto's history of multiple abrupt exits raised concerns about his true intentions.
With the crowd hushed, the combat matches were announced one by one on the large screen.
Kin Tsuchi's heart pounded as she scanned the names.
"Who am I facing?" she wondered anxiously. "Sasuke's opponent can absorb chakra, right? Who will be my opponent?"
She considered her options. "Rock Lee with his Eight Gates… Gaara… or should I 'take care' of Sasuke myself?"
"All tempting," she murmured.
"But fighting Gaara would cause too much of a stir… Lee and Sasuke remain…" Her eyes gleamed with cunning.
"I've got it."
Kin Tsuchi smirked and then suddenly stopped, focusing intently.
She stared up at the screen as two names appeared in bold:
Uchiha Sasuke VS Kin Tsuchi
The first match would pit her directly against Sasuke.
A hush fell over the audience as all eyes turned to the unexpected pair.
Orochimaru watched from the shadows, eyes gleaming with interest. "This one is the weakest pawn I've sent out this time—not nearly as strong as the others. I wonder if she can force Sasuke to use the Cursed Seal."
"If she fails… no matter. They're all disposable, whether they win or lose."
Sakon muttered enviously, "You're so lucky."
Dosu sneered. "Hmph! Luck always favors the weakest."
He saw Kin Tsuchi ignoring him and growled, "Hey! You—"
All he received was a cold glare from Kin Tsuchi, which stopped him dead in his tracks. The aura she radiated was terrifying—so intense it made him tremble involuntarily.
Sakon eyed Dosu's strange reaction and whispered, "Who exactly is she?"
Kin Tsuchi ignored them both, striding confidently toward the arena.
Sakura exhaled in relief. "Good. It's her. We've met before. Sasuke should handle this easily, right?"
"Hmph, of course," Sasuke said coolly, touching the Cursed Seal on his neck. It was a slight nuisance, but a fight with a woman was nothing to fear.
He leapt down into the arena and faced his opponent.
The Chunin Exam had officially begun.
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