Convergence of Souls

The Preliminary Matches

I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ITS CHARACTERS ALL RIGHTS BELONG WITH KISHIMOTO, VIZ MEDIA, AND SHONEN JUMP. PLEASE SUPPORT THE ORIGINAL RELEASE!

Welcome back to another chapter. We saw the curse mark take over Sasuto, yet he was able to overcome it with sheer determination. Unfortunately, it won't always be that way in the future. This chapter will cover the final part of round 2 and the start of round 3 preliminary matches. Time for you all to start thinking on if Sasuto will abandon the village or stay loyal despite having the Cursed seal of the Heavens on him.

Convergence of Souls
Arc 1: Chunin Exams
Chapter 3: The Preliminary Matches

The sun had begun to dip behind the canopy of trees in the Forest of Death, painting the sky with deep hues of amber and crimson. Shadows stretched long across the uneven terrain, turning the forest into a labyrinth of darkness and muted colors.

Sasuto stirred, his body heavy and aching as he slowly opened his eyes. His vision was blurry, the world around him coming into focus like a bad dream. The metallic taste of blood lingered on his tongue, and his muscles felt like they were on fire.

"Finally awake, huh?" Sakura's voice broke through the haze. Her tone was soft, yet there was an edge to it—relief mixed with lingering fear.

Sasuto blinked, his eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering through the dense canopy. His head rested on Sakura's lap, and as he shifted, a sharp pain shot through his body. "W-What... happened?" he muttered, his voice raspy and dry.

"You lost control," Sakura replied, her hand gently brushing the hair away from his face. "That... that mark on you... it turned you into something else."

Sasuto's gaze drifted to his left shoulder, where the curse mark lay like a brand, still pulsing with an ominous, dull heat.

Memories of the battle flickered through his mind—the bloodlust, the overwhelming rage, the terrible power coursing through him like an uncontrollable wildfire. His eyes widened, and he clenched his teeth. "I... I remember now."

Sakura nodded, her expression softening. "You saved us... but it was like you weren't yourself." She paused, her eyes brimming with worry. "Are you... okay now?"

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to steady himself. The air was thick and humid, filled with the scent of moss and earth. "I'm fine... I think." He struggled to sit up, and Sakura quickly moved to help him, her hands trembling as she supported his weight. "We need to get to the tower," he said, his voice firmer now. "The center of the forest."

Sakura nodded, though her face was still etched with concern. "Can you walk?"
Sasuto nodded, testing his legs beneath him. Though shaky, they held his weight. "Yeah, let's go."

They moved through the forest cautiously, each step measured and deliberate. The air was thick with the scent of damp leaves and fresh soil, and the sound of distant wildlife echoed around them. Sasuto could still feel the lingering effects of the curse mark, a dull throb that pulsed with every heartbeat. Sakura stayed close, her eyes darting around nervously as if expecting another attack.

The oppressive weight of the Forest of Death seemed to press in on them from all sides as Sasuto and Sakura trudged toward the looming tower at the center. Shadows clung to every tree, and the air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. Sweat dripped down Sakura's face, mixing with dirt and grime. Her legs felt like they were filled with lead, each step a struggle. But the sight of the stone walls ahead filled her with a flicker of hope.

"We're almost there, Sasuto," Sakura muttered, her voice laced with fatigue but also determination.

Sasuto's face was pale, and his breath was shallow. His hand instinctively touched the curse mark on his neck, feeling its malevolent energy simmer just beneath the skin. His expression was one of pain and frustration, his body fighting against the lingering effects of Orochimaru's cursed power. "Yeah... I see it," he replied, his voice strained but pushing himself to keep moving.