The End of the Second Exam and the Third Exam Preliminaries
Ōnoki came in a hurry, and left in a hurry.
In high spirits after resolving the matter, Ren invited Ōnoki to stay and watch the Chunin Ninja Exams, but Ōnoki declined.
After learning of Ōnoki Kitsuchi had some guesses.
The rest of the people, including those from Konoha, had no idea what the Tsuchikage had come to Konoha for, or why he had left in such a hurry.
However, one thing is certain: something important is going on behind the scenes. This is a big deal, and today's report will have plenty of valuable information to write about.
Not long after Ōnoki left, the results of the Chunin Ninja Exams were released.
Konoha was divided into three teams: the team consisting of Kabuto, Neji, and Natsuri.
Natsuri's team, on the last afternoon, still chose to travel at full speed and successfully reached the outside of the tower, but were blocked outside because they did not have the scroll.
Inside the tower, Kabuto saw the three and threw out a scroll. The three happily picked it up and passed the test.
This was also a task assigned by Ren, asking Kabuto to take care of the three of them without affecting his own ranking.
On the first day, Dou also tried to find the three of them, but unfortunately, the three of them felt that the examination site was too dangerous and kept lingering on the outskirts, unwilling to go deep into the Forest of Death.
The Hidden Sand Village passed through a small team, namely Gaara's team.
Kirigakure passed through a small team, namely the team that Utakata was in.
The Hidden Cloud Village passed through a small team.
Iwagakure passed through two small teams.
Hidden Cloud Village arrived at the tower just before the deadline and almost failed.
The four Iwagakure squads chased after the Hidden Cloud Village squads everywhere, but ultimately, they still had to take the exam.
Just before the deadline, two small teams were sent to advance towards the central tower, while the remaining teams continued to stop the Hidden Cloud Village team.
Even after the blockade was halved, the Hidden Cloud Village team still managed to break through it and passed the test on time.
The remaining small ninja villages were basically wiped out, and the third exam was the stage for the Five Great Nations to demonstrate their strength.
There are 8 teams, with a total of 24 people.
If all of these were scheduled for the third match a month later, then there would be twelve matches.
If possible, Ren wouldn't mind playing 12 matches, one a day, for 12 days.
After 12 days, once the injuries of those who came before have mostly recovered, then the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals can be held.
But that's unrealistic. For the first two days, some people might still give him face and keep him company, but after three days, those who were supposed to leave will probably all be gone, leaving only the people of Konoha to indulge in their own self-congratulation.
Moreover, the further along the battle goes, the closer the strength becomes, the more intense the fighting becomes, and the injuries sustained cannot be healed in a short time.
Moreover, and most importantly, there are some slackers among the 24 people now, and they need to be weeded out.
The preliminary rounds couldn't be held immediately; at the very least, the candidates should be allowed to rest well for the night, and we'll discuss it tomorrow.
That evening, Ren informed the other four village leaders of the decision to hold the preliminary rounds, and told them to prepare.
Nothing happened that night.
The next day, at eight o'clock in the morning.
Ren, along with the instructors leading each team from Konoha Jonin teams from the other four villages, waited quietly in an indoor dueling arena.
About ten seconds later, the teams that had passed the second round yesterday began to walk in.
At 8:03, all 24 people had arrived.
"First of all, congratulations on standing out from Genin 700 genin after passing two exams and making it this far. This achievement is something you should be proud of!"
Apart from a few special 'Genin' who were on missions, the remaining boys and girls were more or less excited.
Including Gaara, because Shukaku is now extremely well-behaved, Gaara is enjoying a rare moment of peace.
Ren didn't pay much attention to what the Genin thought, and continued speaking.
"This exam is different from your usual Chunin the village. A month later, you will be the best of the best in this Joint Chūnin Exams, representing all ninjas and showcasing your talents in front of the most important figures in the entire Shinobi World."
These words stirred a sense of anticipation even in the Genin who were on special missions.
Then Ren changed the subject.
"However, due to the large number of participants, a preliminary round is now needed to select the best of the best. Only the winners can participate in the third assessment one month from now!"
Some of the Genin present remained calm, while others' expressions changed drastically, and some even voiced their protests.
Ren ignored these voices and spoke finally.
"Alright, that's the purpose of gathering you all here today. Next, we'll be holding the third preliminary round of the Joint Chūnin Exams. The chief examiner for this round will explain the specific rules to you."
After Ren finished speaking, a stout ninja stepped forward from behind him; it was Akimichi Choza.
Chōza was chosen because of his sufficient strength; when he went all out, he could exchange one or two blows with the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, and his Partial Multi-Size Technique could effectively stop the battle in case of unexpected situations.
Moreover, he had no connection with the Genin present, making him the perfect candidate to serve as the chief examiner.
People like Guy and Kakashi wouldn't be suitable. Guy is the leader of a squad, and Kakashi has been interacting with Naruto frequently in recent years.
Otherwise, during the exam, when other candidates have questions, they honestly ask the examiner, Rock Lee says "Guy-sensei" or Naruto says "Kakashi- nii," wouldn't that just be asking for trouble?
Although the qualifiers are certainly unfair, the appearances still need to be maintained to ensure that no one can find fault with the process on the surface.