Dark clouds blanketed the sky, thick mist obscured the heavens, the autumn wind wailed, and mighty waves surged.
Before the battle had even begun, the air was already filled with a grim, murderous chill.
To better assess the genin's frontal combat abilities, Araki had not made the competition area too large.
The matches were held near the beach, where Water Release and Earth Release could be used conveniently. Wind Style and Lightning Release were also largely unaffected by the environment, making it a relatively fair arrangement.
What, you were asking what Fire Release users were supposed to do?
What a joke. Did Kirigakure even have Fire Release users?
Could they be spies sent by Konoha?!
Catch them first and ask questions later!
The rules were simple as well. Forty people were randomly divided into two groups for one-on-one arena matches. Winners advanced, losers were eliminated—clear and straightforward.
However, the final six representatives from Kirigakure for the Joint Chunin Exams would not be selected entirely based on their records. Araki also had to consider the team composition.
Otherwise, it would be a problem if they ended up forming some idiotic cleaver squad.
Of course, the groupings were said to be random, but how could they possibly have been truly random?
To give Zabuza enough pressure and stimulation, Araki waved his little hand and directly put Zabuza, Mei Terumi, and Hua Bing into the same group.
Enjoy the feeling of ice and fire, Olikay!
As for Kaguya Black Bone, he was placed in the other group to serve as the quality inspector.
If anyone performed well against him and had suitable abilities, they would have a good chance at the remaining two slots.
That was right. There were clearly six genin slots across two teams, yet before the matches had even