Year 63 of Konoha On August 6, this highly anticipated day finally arrived.
Chunin Ninja Exams The final assessment has officially started. On the way to the venue, Naruto first smiled and rejected Konohamaru's "shortcut" proposal, and then split with Satsuki who failed to advance. Satsuki went to the auditorium, and Naruto arrived at the final venue, which was as grand as the Colosseum.
In the past month, even though he knew that no one could truly threaten him, Naruto still devoted all his energy to practice. After successfully mastering Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, life is generally quiet...
If I had to say something special, it would probably be when I came home one day and found that my old small bed was gone and replaced by a brand new spacious big bed.
The culprit is naturally Satsuki, who used her "money power" to complete this forced upgrade. Although I don't understand why she insists on changing beds, Naruto has long been used to this slightly forceful way of caring for her.
At this moment, the auditorium surrounding the venue was buzzing with people. The huge circular battlefield was surrounded by layers of stands. The atmosphere was as warm as an ancient Colosseum... or a duel field.
It's a pity that the only one who can let him touch his head is Satsuki sitting in the audience. Maybe... after defeating Gaara later, he can touch One-Tails Shukaku's head? I don't know how that Great Tanuki feels.
He glanced at the rostrum at the top of the table, smiling Third Hokage. Next to him sat the man Kazekage who was covering his face with a bamboo hat. Naruto frowned slightly. He was not sure whether this Kazekage was Orochimaru in disguise or the real Rasa.
Because the breath of life sensed from the other party was completely different from the encounter between Forest of Death and Orochimaru a month ago... Did [Living Corpse Reincarnation] change the container, or did the weird technique of [Shedding Skin] change the breath?
However, Naruto was not panicked. He knew that Shisui and other members of [Jin] had also infiltrated into the audience and were secretly on guard. He only hopes that Orochimaru can learn to be smarter this time and not seek death.
In the center of the field, the examiner Hayate Gekko was lazily holding a piece of sword in his mouth. Naruto couldn't help but feel a little worried. Is it really safe to put this sharp sword in his mouth?
Shiranui Genma's gaze passed over the other seven candidates in the field, including Naruto with a pale face, Shikamaru with a yawning face, Li with a burning fighting spirit, Neji and Temari with serious expressions, Gaara with a cold aura around them, and Shino, who covered his eyes with sunglasses, showing no emotion at all.
"Distinguished guests!" Third Hokage's voice spread across the entire venue through the loudspeaker on the rostrum, instantly suppressing the noisy voices.
"On behalf of the Konoha Ninja village, I would like to sincerely thank you all for coming from afar to watch this Chunin Exams hosted by Konoha! Next, the eight pre-selected contestants will have a final official showdown. Please enjoy the exciting competition that follows!"
Third Hokage As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous cheers and applause suddenly erupted from the stands.
Hayate Gekko changed the position of the words in his mouth, glanced at the candidates in the field, took out a battle list from his arms, and showed it to everyone.
"Everyone, it seems that you are all ready to fight? As today's protagonist, let's confirm our opponent one last time."
The list is clearly displayed in front of everyone.
[Riyan Neji VS Rock Lee]
[Temari VS Shikamaru Nara]
[Shino Aburame VS Dosu Kinata]
[Uzumaki Naruto VS Gaara]
"Please wait a moment?" Shino Aburame asked calmly, "Why is my opponent on the list, Dosu Kinata, not present? How should we deal with this situation?"
Hayate Gekko glanced at the empty seat and answered calmly. "If he still doesn't show up when it's his turn to compete, it will be deemed as an automatic forfeit and you will be awarded a 'no fight' victory."
...Naruto looked at Genma's mouth that moved flexibly between his lips and teeth when Genma was talking. Senbon was holding this in his mouth while talking. Would he really not accidentally swallow it?
Although winning without fighting sounds like a good thing, Shino's frown did not relax. Because in Chunin Ninja Exams, the key to promotion is not simply winning, but the comprehensive ability and Ninja quality displayed in the battle. Will the judges really recognize and award Chunin with a direct bye like this?
"Okay, although the venue is different from the qualifiers," Hayate Gekko raised his voice to draw everyone's attention back, "The rules of the final assessment are basically the same as those of the qualifiers - there are no restrictions. The battle will continue until one party dies or voluntarily admits defeat."
"Whenever, as the examiner, I think the outcome has been decided, or when the battle may cause unnecessary fatal injuries, I will take action to terminate the game."
Although Gekko Hayate did not die as originally planned, the examiner for the final assessment was still replaced by Hayate Gekko. He didn't know why the higher-ups asked Gekko Hayate to keep a low profile and not show up during the exam. When he thought that that guy might be being taken care of by his beautiful girlfriend at the moment, Genma couldn't help but feel a burst of sour envy in his heart.
"Now, let's start the first round of the competition!" Hayate Gekko announced loudly, "Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, you two stay! For the rest of the exam, please return to the lounge and wait!"
"That kid... is Kai's disciple, right? This look is just like a model."
"However, although Rock Lee easily defeated Inuzuka Clan's child in the qualifiers, the gap is still too obvious when facing the genius of the Hyuga Clan."
"Yes, the pure Taijutsu type Ninja is inherently at an absolute disadvantage against the owner of Byakugan."
The Konoha Ninjas in the audience exchanged their opinions in low voices, and some of them were overwhelmingly optimistic about Neji Hyuga. Everyone hugged Akamaru and stared closely at the green figure in the field.
After the initial prejudice dissipated, Kiba didn't think he would lose easily to any genin. At this moment, he vaguely felt that the strength of this thick eyebrow was probably far stronger than everyone thought.
In the center of the field, Rock Lee steadily assumed the starting position of Strong Fist, locking eyes with Neji, "Neji... I have been waiting for this moment for too long! I am so happy to be able to compete with you on the final stage!"
"Today, I will prove to everyone that hard work can surpass genius!"
Neji looked at Li with a solemn expression. Although Rock Lee has never defeated him in countless challenges in the past, he will never underestimate his opponent in the slightest.
Because the faith and tolerance Rock Lee upholds, to some extent, resonate strongly with the voice deep in his heart.
As long as you have enough power, you can break any seemingly predetermined fate!
This is exactly the path he learned from the man wearing Fox Mask. After the qualifiers, when he learned about clues that might be related to Menma, his initial excitement had subsided and turned into a more determined mentality.
He always kept in mind the true purpose of his desire to reunite with that adult, gain his approval, and become the power in his hands!
Therefore, even though Rock Lee's eyes burned with the flame of confidence that was definitely not bluffing, Neji would never give up the victory.
"Li... your forbearance is indeed admirable." Neji said in a deep voice. Veins popped up around Byakugan, and his palms were already in Gentle Fist's posture.
"Yes... I also have a reason why I absolutely cannot lose! There is one person who has expectations that I absolutely cannot live up to!"
"Then -" Hayate Gekko's voice clearly spread throughout the audience, "The first round of the competition begins!"