Naruto. Volume 7: Masashi Kishimoto

Deep within the Forest of Death, the site of the second stage of the Journeyman Ninja Selection Exams, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura are still reeling from Orochimaru`s attack...and now they must battle this unrelenting monster`s minions, the mysterious Sound Ninja. As the fight rages on, Sasuke struggles with the strange force growing inside of him, spreading like an infection from the curse-mark Orochimaru burned into his neck, that could leave him dead...or send him on a bloodthirsty quest for power. And time is running out for the student ninja to collect the scrolls they need to pass the test!