Event Year: 2002

The preliminaries of the third exam consist of one-on-one combat, and the first match is between Sasuke and Orochimaru's minion Yoroi.

With so many participants still left, the groups are told that they will be pitted against each other in preliminary matches. Kabuto leaves, then Sasuke is told he has to fight. They know that Sasuke was given the cursed seal and if it takes over they will stop him. Can Sasuke stop the seal from taking over again and still win?

The exam is over, but did they truly pass? An old friend arrives to explain and show his concern. Meanwhile, Anko informs the ANBU about Orochimaru, the S-Class criminal who even they cannot stop. Later the Third Hokage explains to everyone what the third exam truly means….

To heal their wounds, Naruto and his team take a much-needed rest after their battle against the Sound ninja. But it has already been four days since the start of the exam and there is only one day remaining until time expires.