chapter 26

Team 7 arrived a few hours before the deadline due to healing from the injury. having reported the events that happened in the forest.

The Hokage decides to continue on with the third stage of the exam despite the appearance of Orochimaru.

The eight remaining genin teams line up to be briefed on the final test. The Hokage goes on to explain the true reason behind different countries taking the exam together.

"my name is.... cough... Hayate Gekkō I will be the instructor for this exam" Hayate Gekkō appears and tells the group about a preliminary to the third stage of the test in order to cut down their numbers even further.

"if there is anyone who wants to quit, they may do so now" hayate said "from now on the exam is individuals so it won't affect the team"

after hearing that Kabuto abandons the exam.

"I think I will also give up" Sakura rises her hand

"why!!"Naruto asked in shock

"I don't think I am ready" she answered

Sakura also encourages Sasuke to also give up but he refuses

as they were talking Ryu finally arrived

"Ryu nii!!"Naruto calls as he spots Ryu

"congratulation on passing Ryu" says with a smile as he walks toward them

'so, he still got it' thought Ryu as he sees the cursed mark.

he chats with them as the names for the first match appear on the screen.

same as the cannon Sasuke's match was the first.

as he went to the stage Ryu has already taken notice of Sasuke's condition so he warns him not to use his Sharingan and decide to step in if it worsens.

Sasuke is chosen to fight in the first match along with Yoroi Akadō from Kabuto's team.

due to the curse seal sasuke could not use his Sharingan as it will cause it to activate so he fought with it. Sasuke uses his Lion Combo, a technique based off Rock Lee's Front Lotus, on Yoroi winning the match.

"Kakashi senpai I will be taking him to seal it" Ryu tells Kakashi as he grabs Sasuke

"okay" Kakashi answers as he kept on reading.

Ryu takes Sasuke away to seal off the cursed seal, disappointing Sasuke since he wants to see the other matches.

taking Sasuke to a room Ryu activate him Sharingan to study the cursed seal

'he really is a genius even with my experience with sealing it will take time to decode it.' Ryu thought as he copies it using his Sharingan.

after that Ryu seals off Sasuke's cursed seal for the time.

"how long do you plan to watch us" Ryu says as he turns to look at the pillar behind him

"you actually found me as expected from a genius at the same level as itachi" says Orochimaru as he comes out from behind the pillar.

"you must very confident for you to come here"

"that's because you aren't strong enough to beat me."

"what makes you so sure??" Ryu asks as he put his hands on the hilt of his sword looking at Orochimaru. a powerful burst of chakra come out from Ryu making floor to crack due to the force. This surprises Orochimaru a bit.

"I have heard about you Uchiha Ryu, "the flaming sword demon" a genius only matched by few. but not even you will stop me"

"we will see about that"

Ryu contemplates fighting Orochimaru, but decides against it as it will affect his plan to kill Danzo. He is strong enough to match Orochimaru in a fight but not enough to kill him. Orochimaru leaves, promising to take Sasuke at a later date.

After having Sasuke taken care of, Ryu returns to the preliminaries, assuring Sakura that Sasuke will be fine. the second match has already concluded as Shino won against zaku.

Kankuro and Misumi Tsurugi are paired for the next match. it went exactly the same as the cannon. Misumi quickly restrains Kankuro and threatens to break his neck if he doesn't surrender. When Kankurō refuses, Misumi does as he warned, only to find that he has broken the neck of a puppet. Kankurō takes advantage of Misumi's close proximity to the puppet to capture him and crush him despite Misumi's attempts to give up, winning the match.

Sai and Ino are selected for the fourth match. The match was easily won by sai without any pressure. The fifth match between Temari and Karin commences.