Kazuha: Hokage, Do You Know You're Wrong?

Although Kazeka acted very kindly, Naruto, who had psychological trauma from him, still refused.

Although they had fought consecutively, they had still conserved much of their strength.

Seeing this, Kazeka didn't say much more and left with Kiba Inuzuka and Hinata.

The previous exam rules stated that participants needed to obtain a scroll within 5 days, cross the Forest of Death, and arrive at the central tower.

Kazeka's team had completed the scroll condition in just one day, leaving only the travel time.

For the remaining time, Kiba and Hinata thought Kazeka would look for other ninja to experiment on again.

However, to Kiba Inuzuka and Hinata's surprise, Kazeka gave up on further action and instead carved out an underground space.

He took out the scrolls, unsealed a large pile of bottles, jars, and scientific instruments, and began all sorts of incomprehensible experiments!

To Kiba Inuzuka's confusion, Kazeka explained:

"You don't understand. In the recent battle, I suddenly had some new inspiration.

This kind of inspiration is a rare and precious thing for a researcher.

Now that I have the time and conditions, of course, I must record it and experiment on it!"

Kiba Inuzuka thought Kazeka's recording would only take a few hours, but he didn't expect Kazeka to experiment for five whole days.

If Kiba Inuzuka hadn't grabbed Kazeka's ear and told him they were running out of time, Kazeka wouldn't have been willing to put down his experiment!

"It's just an insignificant Chunin selection, how can it be more important than my experiment!"

He said this, but after thinking about it, Kazeka still put down his experiment.

After resealing the experimental instruments, he rushed towards the central tower with Kiba Inuzuka and Hinata!

"Bang!"

Inside the tower, after opening both the Heaven and Earth scrolls, the figures of Kurenai Yuhi appeared before the three of them.

Seeing the three members of the team appear completely intact, Kurenai Yuhi's face showed satisfaction, but she immediately looked at them with displeasure:

"With your strength, you should have been able to reach the tower quickly, even if not on the first day. Why did you only arrive when time was almost up?"

"It's all Kazeka's fault. We got the scrolls on the first day, but this guy insisted on doing experiments and dragged it out until now.

If I hadn't pulled him along, he probably wouldn't have come at all!"

"This is indeed your style..."

Kurenai Yuhi gave Kazeka a wry smile:

"Do you know that your battle with Orochimaru had quite an impact?

The Hokage even wanted to get new intel from you, and he kept pestering me about why you guys weren't here yet.

Kazeka did experiments for five days, and I was bothered by the Hokage for five days. I feel like my skin is getting worse..."

Kurenai Yuhi complained to the three of them.

What kind of annoying voices cause wrinkles, and even though she's at an age where she's already started paying attention to skincare, she's still destined for a life of hardship...

After talking for a while, she looked at the three of them and smiled brightly:

"However, congratulations on successfully passing the second stage of the exam!"

Kiba Inuzuka began to cheer, Hinata, though proud, also raised the corners of her mouth, and Kazeka's expression softened slightly. Seeing this, Kurenai Yuhi spoke again:

"As usual, I need to take this opportunity to preach the ideals of us Konoha ninja to you.

But for now, let me hear your thoughts first. Why do you want to become Chunin?"

"Why? Of course, it's to create a world where Akamaru and I can be happy forever!"

Kiba Inuzuka spoke first:

"For this goal, I will continue to get stronger!"

"I want to bring about change to my incompetent clan!"

Hinata's words were a bit dangerous:

"I want the Hyuga to be the true pillar and leader of Konoha. Anyone who dares to disobey will be beaten into submission, and this kind of change requires strength!"

"Becoming Chunin allows me to take on higher-level missions and interact with more ninja materials..."

Kazeka's words were even more terrifying:

"Although it's a bit troublesome, I won't have to beg the Hokage for research funds and be held back by him.

At that time, I can find any ninja materials I want, or any resources I lack, on my own!"

"As expected, this is still the Team 8 I know!"

Listening to such unreliable words, if it were the Hokage, he would have already flown into a rage, but Kurenai Yuhi still smiled:

"Since that's the case, I won't bore you with any headache-inducing ninja spirit. Take two steps forward and enter my formation..."

Kurenai Yuhi pointed to a formation on the ground. After they all stood on it, she formed hand seals.

As the space rapidly shifted, the group arrived inside a spacious building.

It resembled a stadium, with the second floor hollowed out, leaving only a small area for spectator seating.

"Due to the large number of participants, a decision was made by the higher-ups to hold the elimination rounds on the same day the Forest of Death selection concludes, which is today.

Eight people will be chosen to participate in the finals a month from now..."

Kurenai Yuhi gestured towards the others resting in the spectator seats to Kazeka and the other two.

"They are the candidates who passed earlier. The Forest of Death assessment ends in half an hour, so they came early to wait for the next stage of the exam.

Technically, you three should have had time to rest as well, having just arrived.

However, ninja are expected to endure all sorts of harsh conditions. Since the elimination rounds were set for today, those who arrive late must simply accept it.

But it's good that..."

Kurenai Yuhi looked at Kazeka and the other two.

"Your condition seems to be quite good!"

"Pretty good..."

Kiba Inuzuka replied.

"Hinata and I spent the last five days helping Kazeka with his experiments.

We were afraid of being in danger if we split up, so we stayed in the underground cave for five days. I'm almost getting fat!"

"That's good then."

Kiba's words made Kurenai Yuhi smile. She turned and walked towards the Third Hokage, who had just appeared.

As they exchanged a few words, Kazeka felt a scorching gaze.

He looked in the direction of the gaze and indeed saw the Third Hokage's furious eyes.

Clearly, the Hokage was angry that Kazeka hadn't immediately completed the match after encountering Orochimaru, hadn't personally reported crucial intelligence, and had instead focused on experiments.

Furthermore, he had almost delayed the exam. Such outrageous behavior made the Hokage feel like he was about to explode!

"Kazeka..."

The Hokage quickly approached Kazeka, about to say something, when Iruka arrived and inquired if it was time to start the exam.

This was an important selection, and ninja from other villages were present.

The Hokage had to suppress his displeasure towards Kazeka and went to the center of the arena to deliver a lengthy speech.

Fortunately, Kazeka was not part of the first match determined by the draw, allowing the Hokage to approach Kazeka to vent his dissatisfaction.

However, before the Hokage could speak to Kazeka, Kazeka spoke first.

"Hokage, do you know you were wrong?"

Hokage: "???"