Third Exam Preliminaries

In the forest, Anko Mitarai finally regained the ability to move.

She struggled to her feet, only to find that she had already been discovered by members of the Konoha Anbu.

Anko Mitarai was quickly brought back to the Hokage's Office. The Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was already waiting there, his eyes revealing deep concern.

Hiruzen Sarutobi gazed at the Curse Mark on Anko Mitarai's neck, his brows tightly knit. He swiftly performed a Sealing Jutsu, firmly suppressing the power of the mark. Then, he asked softly, "Does the Curse Mark still hurt, Anko?"

Anko Mitarai touched the Curse Mark on her neck gratefully and replied, "No, thanks to you, Lord Hokage, it's almost healed." Her voice was still noticeably weak.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, but his brow remained furrowed. He was wary of Orochimaru's strength and knew he couldn't act rashly. So, he said in a deep voice, "In any case, the exam will continue as is. We'll observe that man's movements while preparing our countermeasures."

Afterward, the recovered Anko Mitarai followed Hiruzen Sarutobi to the Central Tower of the Forest of Death.

Almost all of Konoha's Jonin and Chunin had gathered there. Kakashi had also arrived at the Central Tower, looking at Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke with great relief.

Of the 78 people who started the second exam, only 21 had passed.

"21 people actually passed..." Anko Mitarai muttered to herself, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes. "I thought there'd only be single digits left..."

These 21 stood at attention, waiting for the speech from Lord Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi on the platform.

Choji rubbed his stomach, indicating he was hungry.

Shikamaru said with exasperation, "Why are there still this many people? What a drag."

Hinata stood to the side, nervously fidgeting with her fingers, her shy and gentle gaze fixed on Naruto. Her heartbeat quickened, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks, like a flower bud about to bloom.

"Naruto passed too, that's wonderful..." Hinata thought silently, her voice as faint as a mosquito's whisper.

Ino also noticed Naruto and said with a lovesick smile, "Naruto made it through too."

Behind Ino, Shikamaru turned his head and said, "Of course. Look at how Naruto's standing—he's changed in more ways than just his appearance."

Naruto stood leisurely, hands casually shoved in his pockets. The eyes hidden behind his dark glasses were exceptionally sharp. In every spare moment, Naruto played tug-of-war with the Nine-Tails over Chakra, constantly drawing Chakra from it, trying to master more of the Power of the Nine-Tails.

Just then, the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, slowly began to speak. His voice was steady and forceful, piercing through everyone present: "From now on, we will proceed to the third exam. But to ensure you don't misunderstand the meaning of this competition, I need to explain something."

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, "In the third exam, many feudal lords and notable figures who entrust us with missions will come to watch your battles in person. This competition is also about how many missions you can secure. It is a stage where you risk your life to be seen and to show your strength to others. This all relates to a ninja village's diplomatic power!"

Down below, Tenten heard this and couldn't help muttering, "But the teacher said before, friendship first, competition second."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled slightly, having heard Tenten's mutter, and said, "I said from the start, don't misunderstand. Friendship is a prerequisite, but strength is also indispensable. Only with equal strength can true peaceful coexistence be achieved."

At that moment, Gaara from the audience spoke coldly, "Whatever you say. Forget about friendship or not—just hurry up and tell us the content of this exam."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded upon hearing this.

Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi was about to reveal the content of the third exam, a light breeze swept through, bringing the rustling sound of fluttering robes. Hayate Gekko, a ninja with a somewhat haggard face, quietly appeared before everyone.

He knelt on one knee, performing a perfect ninja salute to Hiruzen Sarutobi, and said in a weak voice, "Lord Hokage, allow me, as the referee of the third exam, to explain the specific content and rules of this exam to them in detail."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and said, "I leave it to you."

Hayate Gekko stood up, faced the genin who had passed the second exam, and said calmly, "Next, there is something I need you all to do. It concerns a preliminary selection that will determine whether you can participate in the third exam."

At these words, the genin below erupted into commotion. They looked at each other, clearly unfamiliar with and confused by the term "preliminary selection."

Shikamaru shouted, "What's this about a preliminary selection?" His voice was full of annoyance. What a drag.

Sakura chimed in, "Yeah! Teacher, why can't the examinees who remain here directly participate in the third exam?"

Hayate Gekko explained flatly, "It's probably because the first and second exams of this round were too easy, leaving too many people remaining. Therefore, according to the Chunin Exam rules, we will hold a preliminary selection to reduce the number of participants in the third exam."