The Uzumaki Legacy

Welcome to Sunakagure !

Hana's POV:

The Hokage's words still echo in my mind as our group traverses the vast expanse between Konoha and Suna. The morning sun casts long shadows across the gradually changing landscape, forest giving way to sparse vegetation, then sand.

"Lord Third seemed particularly interested in this year's examinees," Orochimaru muses, his long strides effortless despite the growing heat. "Though perhaps not without reason."

"He said we're the strongest generation since the war," Shima adjusts her medical pack. "No pressure or anything."

"We are strong," I say quietly, monitoring the chakra signatures of our group. Shima and Shisui's energies pulse steady and determined beside me.

Shisui grins, flickering briefly ahead before returning. "Strongest since the war? We'll be the strongest, period."

"Such confidence," Orochimaru's golden eyes glint with amusement. "Though not entirely unfounded. Your progress these past months has been... fascinating."

I catch the undertone in his voice, remembering countless training sessions in the Forest of Death. My sensory abilities have grown exponentially under his guidance, though sometimes his methods were... unconventional.

"I can sense the other teams," I report, extending my awareness. "Team 9 is taking the eastern route . Team 10  is following the river path."

"Show off," Shima nudges me playfully. "Some of us have to travel like normal people."

"Normal is boring," Shisui appears on my other side. "Right, sensei?"

Orochimaru's chakra ripples with something like pride. "Indeed. Though perhaps we should discuss what awaits in Suna. The chunin exams are not merely tests of strength."

"They're tests of judgment," I recite, remembering our briefings. "Strategy. Leadership."

"And teamwork," Shima adds pointedly .

Orochimaru asks smoothly. "Hana, what do you sense ahead?"

I close my eyes briefly, extending my range. "Two patrol units, chunin-level. They're monitoring the border crossing. And..." I frown. "Something else. A chakra signature I can't quite..."

"Ah," Orochimaru's smile turns knowing. "That would be the Kazekage's youngest son. Quite the unique chakra, wouldn't you say?"

The signature feels... wrong somehow. Like two energies in one body . "It's turbulent. Unstable."

"Gaara of the Desert," Shisui's expression turns serious. "I've heard stories."

"Haven't we all," Shima mutters. "They say he's never been injured. Not once."

"His sand defense is indeed formidable," Orochimaru observes. "Though every technique has its weakness. Remember your training."

"Which part?" Shisui jokes. "The running away really fast part, or the 'don't die' part?"

"The observation part," I answer, still tracking the distant chakra. "Everything leaves traces. Even perfect defenses have patterns."

"Well said," Orochimaru's approval sends a shiver down my spine. "Your sensory abilities may prove particularly valuable in the coming trials."

"We've got this," Shima declares, her determination evident in her stance. "We've trained harder than anyone."

"Under the best teacher," Shisui adds, and I catch the genuine respect in his voice.

Orochimaru's chakra flickers with something I can't quite read. "Your faith is... touching. Though perhaps we should discuss specific strategies for the first exam. The desert presents unique challenges."