The second stage of the Joint Chunin Exams lasted four days. For the Genin, the beasts and venomous insects in the forest were all threats that could end their lives.
Combined with potential enemies, gathering both the Heaven and Earth Scrolls was naturally no easy task.
Ever since Shu Furukawa passed alone in five hours, the Konoha ninja had erupted in excitement. The result was simply outrageous, but the more outrageous it was, the more it proved his strength!
"Looks like someone was forced to withdraw. Tsunade, it seems you don't understand your own disciple well enough."
"You couldn't have taught him that level of Body Flicker Technique, could you?"
"What a pity. We didn't get to see his talent for ninjutsu."
Inside the Central Tower, Orochimaru leaned against the railing, excitement showing on his face. In the end, unable to restrain his instincts, he extended his long tongue and licked his lips.
His friend's voice was as hoarse and low as ever, but Tsunade felt that Orochimaru had changed. That indescribable feeling made her frown.
"There are many talented ninja, but even more die in war."
"Orochimaru, Shu's talents should be used in medical ninjutsu."
"The village needs medical ninja who can stand on their own. Only by establishing a complete system can we help more people."
Dressed in Jonin attire, Tsunade looked especially serious when speaking of her disciple's future. She did not want Orochimaru interfering with his training. Power could sometimes lead people astray.
Orochimaru gave a gloomy smile. He did not mind Tsunade staring at him, and instead continued with great interest.
"Perhaps you're right, but Shu will ultimately walk the same path as me."
"To understand the truths of this world—no one with exceptional talent for ninjutsu can resist that temptation."
"Tsunade, eternal life truly exists. You will see it!"
The second stage officially ended. After several days of battles in the forest, more than half of the Genin had been eliminated outright.
In the arena, some were covered in wounds while others sat collapsed on the ground. When the Konoha Jonin announced the written-test results, some of the youths who had passed broke down in tears.
"I already passed the second stage! Why are you eliminating us based on the first-stage results?"
"..."
"If you want to become Chunin acknowledged by Konoha, then follow our rules!"
"You should be grateful the results weren't announced after one-on-one duels. Don't let me hear any more objections."
The resolute-looking Konoha Jonin issued his warning loudly, his pride plain to see.
Konoha was the rule!
At the very front of the crowd, Shu Furukawa remained calm. After resting for several days, even the traces of his journey had vanished from his body.
Some Genin behind him kept glancing his way, fear written across their faces.
Inabi Uchiha, with his long black center-parted hair, still bore traces of battle. He did not know what had happened.
However, seeing how the remaining Kumogakure and Sunagakure ninja did not even dare lift their heads, Inabi Uchiha shifted his gaze toward Shu Furukawa. This might be his future opponent.
After briefly explaining the combat rules, the Konoha Jonin hosting the exam looked excited again as names appeared on the massive screen behind him.
"Shu Furukawa versus Baki."
"Will the two contestants please enter the arena!"
Shu Furukawa looked up at Tsunade, who stood above with her arms folded. After giving her a slight nod, he unhurriedly walked into the arena. But before he could prepare himself, a voice suddenly came from behind him.
"I... I... choose to forfeit..."
The severely injured Baki barely raised an arm. Seeing the disappointment on his team leader's face, he lowered his head in shame before shouting loudly.
"I won't forget the humiliation you gave me, Shu Furukawa! I'll consider you my rival for life! Sooner or later, we'll meet again, I swear..."
"So your name is Baki!"
Startled by Shu Furukawa's sudden voice, Baki instinctively looked up and saw the amused expression on his opponent's face. His humiliation grew even stronger, his breathing became increasingly difficult, and he finally fainted on the spot.
This scene nearly made the Konoha ninja present burst out laughing. The Jonin overseeing the duel flushed with excitement and, without even looking at the Sunagakure ninja's expressions, loudly announced:
"Winner! Shu Furukawa!"
"Whoosh..."
In the blink of an eye, Shu Furukawa appeared at the upper railing. Tsunade, still standing with her arms folded, smiled and offered simple encouragement.
"Not bad."
The following matches became dull and uninteresting. In the end, the competition would turn into a Konoha civil war. This Joint Chunin Exams had been a demonstration of strength.
In late June, after deliberate promotion by the higher-ups, most villagers showed proud expressions upon hearing the results of the Joint Exams.
Konoha ninja were the strongest!
The final examination was held in a circular arena. A ring of curved walls lined the inside of the venue, while the ceiling rose high overhead in a dome.
The viewing stands had filled early. Daimyo from every nation gathered together, representatives from each ninja village's upper ranks had also arrived, and spies were mixed in among them.
At the very top sat the Third Hokage. Large events like this were rare, and hearing the cheers, Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled as well.
"Although I don't like that Inabi guy, a two-tomoe Sharingan can see through everything!"
"A Jonin from the clan even gave him one-on-one guidance. At this age, it'll be hard for anyone to defeat the Sharingan..."
In the stands, Obito Uchiha once again began explaining the Sharingan's power to Kakashi and the others beside him. As he spoke, he pointed at his own eyes and loudly declared:
"As long as I awaken the Sharingan, I'll soon surpass everyone!"
"..."
In the arena, the Konoha Jonin's shout of "Begin!" rang out, and Inabi Uchiha immediately threw his shuriken straight at Shu Furukawa's vital points.
Both wore black training uniforms. Sparks flew as the spectators shouted excitedly.
"Whoa!"
Kunai clashed repeatedly. Inabi Uchiha, who had activated his Sharingan immediately, was clearly confident in his taijutsu. Seizing the chance to widen the distance, he launched Talk no Jutsu for the first time.
"Strength of a Hundred? It's useless before these eyes. I can see every movement you make!"
Holding a kunai in each hand, Inabi Uchiha tried to force his opponent to look into his eyes. Just as he was about to continue his attack, Shu Furukawa suddenly vanished from before him.
His pupils contracted sharply. Inabi Uchiha hurriedly raised his arms, intending to block, but the force far exceeded his imagination. His jaw exploded with pain, and as he spat blood, his entire body was kicked into the air.
Dust rose from the ground. Shu Furukawa, having used the Rising Dragon Kick, vanished again. In midair, Inabi Uchiha felt a sharp pain in his arm, then his entire body began spinning as he let out an involuntary scream.
"Ah!"
Just as the spinning Inabi Uchiha was about to slam headfirst into the ground, the observing Jonin immediately formed hand seals, turning the earth into a swamp.
Bang!
His whole body was stuck in the mud, completely motionless. The spectators who witnessed the scene cried out in shock, and the hosting Jonin no longer hesitated as he looked at the youth beside him and loudly announced:
"Winner! Shu Furukawa!"
"Yahoo!"
In the stands, Might Guy shouted excitedly, waving his fists as he jumped up and down. The surrounding spectators applauded again and again, while Kakashi looked at Obito, whose eyes had gone blank, and replied simply:
"His eyes could keep up, but his body couldn't."
"Don't measure Shu by your own talent."
"..."