Naruto: I Became Orochimaru's Apprentice

It was the last day.

Upon realizing all the teams which had obtained the scrolls were already almost there, Teriyaki bolted out.

Teriyaki reached the tower just before dusk. The looming structure stood cold and imposing, its stone walls marked by years of battles and trials. Teams were trickling in, some battered and exhausted, others smug with victory. He adjusted his headband, stepping through the entrance. The air inside was heavy with tension—ninja eyeing each other with suspicion, waiting for the final stage to begin.

"I guess I made it, lucky me." Teriyaki smiled, it didn't reach his eyes.

A voice whispered in his head, his curse mark burned.

"Go around, don't make me wait."

Slipping through the crowd, Teriyaki made his way to a dimly lit corridor near the back. Orochimaru was waiting there, leaning lazily against the wall, the faintest smile curling across his lips.

"You're late," Orochimaru hissed, his voice like oil sliding across stone.

"I wasn't followed," Teriyaki replied curtly. "When do you want the report? I found Neji, Naruto, Sasuke,Gaara, pretty much your entire list."

"Ah... Naruto," Orochimaru murmured, that unsettling grin widening. "I suppose that child is still alive, knowing his origins perhaps I should savour him more. What about Gaara?"

"Dangerous," Teriyaki said simply. "His sand is powerful, he's probably the strongest here. His team passed first, I think."

Orochimaru's smile deepened, his tongue flicking out briefly. "Perfect. Things are aligning just as I hoped."

"What do you mean?" Teriyaki asked, his curiosity outweighing his better judgment.

"You'll see soon enough." Orochimaru's voice dropped to a whisper. "But for now... focus on Sasuke. I need him to lose the tournament."

Teriyaki blinked. "Lose? Why?" 

"Because," Orochimaru said, eyes gleaming, "defeat will push him closer to power... and to me." He leaned in, voice sharp. "Keep your distance, but make sure he falters. If anyone threatens to let Sasuke win... deal with it. Deal with them. Even if it means using Kinjutsu."

"And if he still manages to succeed?" Teriyaki pressed. "You won't kill me right?"

"He won't," Orochimaru hissed, his smile turning cruel. "Because you'll make sure of it."

Teriyaki clenched his fist, unease settling in his chest. He knew what this meant. If anyone tried to help Sasuke to victory, it would be Teriyaki's job to remove them from the equation—quietly and decisively. Orochimaru's grip on him tightened with every order.

"Fine," Teriyaki muttered. "But if things get too out of hand shouldn't you intervene?"

"Of course," Orochimaru said with mock sweetness. "It's just I have other plans that require my secrecy in the present."

With that, Orochimaru slipped into the shadows, leaving Teriyaki alone with his thoughts. He knew what was coming—the final rounds of the Chuunin Exams would be brutal. Strong opponents, shifting alliances, and Orochimaru's twisted schemes would all collide.

"I need a plan," Teriyaki muttered to himself. "I need to win the tournament, I need Sasuke to lose."

Most of all.

"I need power to escape from him..."

He turned back toward the main hall, his mind racing. Naruto, Sasuke, Gaara... this tournament was about to turn into something far more dangerous than anyone expected. Teriyaki wasn't sure who would come out on top—but he knew one thing for sure.

The sun crept through the windows of the tower's main hall as the remaining genin gathered, each one weary but determined. The room buzzed with murmurs and quiet tension. Teriyaki leaned against the wall, arms crossed, quietly observing the others. Naruto was talking too loudly as usual, while Sasuke stood off to the side, his expression colder than ever. Gaara, silent and brooding, stared at nothing in particular.

The room quieted when the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stepped forward, flanked by Proctor Genma Shiranui and several elite jonin. Hayate Gekko was introduced as the proctor.

"This is Hayate Gekko, he will manage the tournament. But first I will explain the rules."

"Congratulations on making it this far," the Hokage began, his voice calm but firm. "You have almost passed the second stage of the Chuunin Exams. You've proven your strength and skill, but this is where things become even more demanding." 

The genin listened closely, some anxious, others eager.

"The final stage will be a one-on-one tournament," Sarutobi continued. "You will face off in matches designed to test your combat ability, strategy, and growth as shinobi. Winning is important, but your overall performance will determine if you qualify for the rank of Chuunin. We will do some fights to decide who can attend the third stage, as there are too many of you here."