The Fierce Battle

In the distance.

"Was that move Shinji Kotera just used Hidden Shadow Snake Hands?" Kakashi frowned. "It reminds me of someone troublesome!"

Kakashi had undoubtedly thought of Orochimaru!

Of course, one couldn't conclude that Shinji was connected to Orochimaru based on a single jutsu, but the suspicious resemblance was enough to warrant Kakashi's attention.

Just as Kakashi was preparing to investigate Shinji Kotera after the exam, Kurenai looked puzzled. "Isn't this Kusagakure Shinji Kotera being a little too arrogant? Facing Shinji Uchiha, he doesn't seem afraid at all!"

"Maybe he's counting on his two Kusagakure teammates being here," Shizune said. "After all, that Kusagakure kunoichi named Chiyo is a genius who defeated Yakumo!"

Asuma nodded slightly. "That makes the situation look grim. Sasuke has clearly lost the ability to fight, leaving Shinji to carry the team alone. Among the other students, Naruto is the only one who's particularly strong. As for Sakura, Haku, and Karin, they obviously won't be much help in a battle between geniuses of this caliber!"

After Asuma's assessment, the other members of the Jonin team frowned as well.

Shinji Kotera's confidence had to come from somewhere. Add Chiyo, who had once defeated Yakumo, and the outcome was truly hard to predict.

After a moment's thought, Kakashi said, "Sasuke's injuries can't be left untreated for long. If things turn against us, we'll intervene under the pretext of treating the injured!"

"Right!"

The other three Jonin nodded in unison.

The Chunin Ninja Exams were important, but losing one or two geniuses because of the exam wouldn't be worth it.

On the field.

Hearing Shinji's words, Orochimaru shrugged and laughed. "It seems killing Raiga Kurosuki has given you some delusions about your abilities. As far as I know, you haven't even awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, have you?"

Shinji replied