The Rise of Uchiha Clan

Chapter XVII

As Naruto tried to compose himself, the gravity of the situation settled in. Shortly after, a group of Jounin, led by Kakashi, approached with serious expressions. They needed answers to understand the extent of the threat they were facing.

"Naruto," Kakashi began, his voice calm but firm, "we need to ask you some questions about what happened."

Naruto wiped his tears, nodding resolutely. "I'll tell you everything I know," he said, his voice still shaky but determined.

The Jounin led Naruto to a quieter area of the hospital, away from the worried friends and bustling medics. Kakashi, along with Asuma and Kurenai, sat down opposite Naruto.

"Start from the beginning," Kurenai instructed gently. "Tell us everything you remember about the exam and the events leading up to Hinata and Sasuke getting injured."

Naruto took a deep breath, recalling the chaotic sequence of events. "We were in the middle of the exam when we were ambushed. It all happened so fast. There were these rogue ninjas—we didn’t recognize them, and they had strange techniques."

Asuma leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Do you remember any specific details about these ninjas? Anything that stood out?"

Naruto nodded. "One of them had a weird symbol on his forehead, like a curse mark or something. And their attacks were coordinated, like they had planned this."

Kakashi took note, his mind piecing together the information. "And this mark on Sasuke’s neck," he prompted, showing Naruto the photo again. "Did you see anything happen to him during the fight?"

Naruto's eyes widened in recognition. "Yes, one of the attackers grabbed Sasuke. I tried to intervene, but he got away. I saw a flash of light near Sasuke's neck, but I couldn't make out what it was."

Kurenai exchanged a glance with Kakashi. "This might be connected to the sabotage we've suspected," she said. "Naruto, is there anything else you can remember? Anything at all?"

Naruto gazed downward, his mind racing as he tried to recall every detail. "I was fighting this ninja, so I couldn't sense everything that was happening around me," he said, the frustration evident in his voice. As he dug deeper into his memory, a particular moment surfaced.

"Wait, there was someone else," he said, his eyes widening with realization. "He looked like a teenager, probably a few years older than us. During the fight, he managed to get close and put something on my forehead."

Kakashi's interest piqued. "What did he put on your forehead, Naruto?"

Naruto frowned, trying to remember. "It felt like a talisman. When he placed it on me, my chakra stabilized, almost like he was trying to control or suppress it. It threw me off for a moment, but then he disappeared into the chaos."

Asuma leaned in, his expression serious. "This talisman, could it be some form of chakra control or a suppression technique?"

Naruto nodded. "It felt like it. I tried to tear it off, but it dissolved before I could get a good look at it."

Kakashi rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "A teenager with advanced techniques like that... This isn't just a random attack. These people knew what they were doing and came prepared."

Naruto's voice quivered with emotion as he spoke of Hinata's brave actions. "Hinata... she gave everything to protect us," he murmured, tears tracing down his cheeks. "But her chakra drained in the heat of battle."