The test in the Forest of Death is over, and for the first time in many years, there will be preliminary matches for the third phase of the Chunin exams. The young competitors will face each other in battles with no rules or restrictions...

Sakura tries to convince Sasuke to withdraw, but he ignores her and decides to fight, despite carrying Orochimaru's curse. With his inherited techniques essentially useless, how can Sasuke prevail against his opponent, a ninja from the Kabuto team with incredible powers?

Even if he manages to win the battle, Orochimaru's curse threatens to change him permanently and irreversibly!