The Third Hokage nodded, greatly approving of Shikaku's analysis.
"I'll add one point.
That final strike from the red-haired girl should be a Tailed Beast Ball, unique to Tailed Beasts.
I've fought the Nine-Tails before.
I've seen the Nine-Tails' Tailed Beast Ball.
Therefore, we can conclude.
The energy of that Tailed Beast Ball is comparable to the Nine-Tails.
So.
That girl might be a Jinchuriki."
"But Hokage-sama!"
A Jonin spoke up, "According to the current intelligence.
There are only nine Tailed Beasts in this world, each sealed in a different village.
Moreover, none of these nine Tailed Beasts are bird-type!"
"It seems this world is more mysterious than we imagined~"
The Third Hokage sighed.
"There are many things I'm not very clear about.
Perhaps that Mysterious Organization developed it in secret~
For now, let's classify this organization as an S-class Terrorist Organization.
Pass down the order: when you encounter anyone from this organization, be extremely careful.
If a conflict arises, you may abandon the mission!"
"Yes!"
Everyone was shocked simultaneously.
For ninjas, missions were more important than their lives.
And at this moment.
The Hokage was actually telling them to abandon their mission upon encountering people from the Mysterious Organization!
Furthermore, no one from Konoha's higher-ups objected.
It had to be said, this was a shocking development.
"Alright, let's put the matter of the Mysterious Organization aside for now,"
The Third Hokage continued, "Let's talk about the Chunin Exams first~
Such a major incident occurred during the Chunin Exams, should we pause or cancel it?"
"I don't think it's necessary,"
Danzo quickly interjected, "The damage to Training Ground 44 isn't too extensive.
We can absolutely continue."
The area damaged at Training Ground 44 this time was only a large sector of about 200 degrees, radiating outwards from Orochimaru's original location.
And Sasuke and the others had only entered the forest a short while ago.
They had consistently been facing the outer perimeter of the forest, with their backs to the forest's core.
Therefore, most areas of the forest were still intact.
The reason for this situation.
Was mainly because Orochimaru was quite close to Sasuke at the time.
To prevent the mission target—Sasuke—from getting injured.
Karin's wood clone had used all its strength to protect the three of them.
Seeing that everyone was silent and did not object to his opinion.
Danzo continued, "If we pause or cancel it.
It might affect our village's reputation.
After all.
It's not just our village's people participating in the Chunin Exams.
There will also be the Daimyo observing.
As for Orochimaru...
Don't we have Jiraiya?"
"We don't have to worry at all."
Upon hearing this, Jiraiya cast a meaningful glance at Danzo but remained silent.
He also believed Orochimaru wouldn't be able to cause much trouble in Konoha.
After all, he, the perverted... no! The toad sage, was here!
Furthermore, his teacher, the Third Hokage, was also a powerful ninja.
Dealing with Orochimaru would be quite easy.
After discussions among Konoha's higher-ups.
The Chunin Exams would continue!
Simultaneously, all information regarding the organization in black would be completely suppressed.
The official story for the outside world was that the explosion was caused by Konoha ninja experimenting with ninjutsu.
Fortunately, the explosion occurred in a relatively remote location, Training Ground 44.
Therefore, it didn't cause any major panic.
Five days later, the second round of the Chunin Exams concluded successfully.
Because of Bai Luo, the "butterfly," in play.
The number of people who passed the exam was slightly different from the original story.
In the original story, 21 people passed this round.
Now, however, 27 people passed.
After the second round ended, these individuals were gathered in a fighting arena.
First, Anko, the chief examiner for the second round, gave a summary speech.
Then, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke about the importance of the Chunin Exams.
Finally, Gekko Hayate, the referee for the third round, explained the details of the third exam.
"Perhaps because the first and second rounds were too simple.
Therefore, there are quite a few remaining candidates for the third round."
Gekko Hayate said, coughing intermittently.
"Thus.
Before the third round begins, we need to hold a preliminary round."
Upon hearing Gekko Hayate's words.
The many candidates below immediately became unhappy.
However, their objections were useless.
"Since the preliminary round is about to begin.
If anyone feels unwell, they can choose to withdraw.
By the way.
The following will be individual battles.
Therefore, your withdrawal will not affect your teammates."
The arena fell silent.
"Sasuke..."
Somewhere in the arena, Orochimaru looked at Sasuke not far away, a smile on his face.
"Last time, that strange girl interfered, and I couldn't get a clear read on your strength.
But this time is a good opportunity~
I must obtain your body!
If I have your body, Then I won't be so passive when facing that strange Uzumaki girl.
This world is far more complex than I imagined.
So I must become stronger!"
A moment later.
Out of the 27 people, only Kabuto Yakushi chose to forfeit the match.
The remaining 26 participants were divided into 13 groups for one-on-one battles!
The first match was between Sasuke and Akado Yoroi, one of Orochimaru's subordinates.
This time, Sasuke, unhindered by the curse mark, displayed his power perfectly.
He defeated Akado Yoroi cleanly and decisively.
"Winner of the first match, Sasuke Uchiha!"
"Sasuke..."
Orochimaru watched Sasuke walk away coolly with his hands in his pockets, unable to resist sticking out his tongue and licking his lips.
The matches continued.
Except for Sakura and Ino, who fought to a draw and were both eliminated.
All other matches had a single winner.
Soon.
It was time for the battle between Hinata Hyuga and Neji Hyuga!
Chapter 13: Hinata's Resolve! [Third update, seeking collections and flowers]
"Um... um..."
Hinata, holding a box of healing medicine, approached the exit of the arena.
She stuttered slightly as she spoke to the medical ninja there: "Um...
This...
This is healing medicine..."
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