The Fate Behind the Preliminary Draw

"Anyone who wishes to withdraw may speak now."

Leaning against the railing, Gekko Hayate swept his gaze over the hall after his coughing subsided. Several injured examinees began checking on their teammates, but no one immediately stepped out of line.

Kabuto Yakushi adjusted his glasses and raised a hand.

"I withdraw."

Naruto turned to look at him.

"Senior Kabuto, you worked so hard to get this far. Why withdraw?"

"My ears were injured by the impact. If I keep fighting, I might suffer permanent damage."

Kabuto took out a hearing record card that had already cracked.

"There will be nobles from various countries watching the third round. I don't want to collapse then."

Chiba watched him leave the line.

The cracks on the card were fresh, but the chakra circulation around his ears was undamaged. Withdrawing was merely a way to escape the later inspections.

Anko Mitarashi stood on the other side of the platform and tilted her head toward Kakashi.

"How many times has that examinee taken the Chunin Ninja Exams?"

"Seven."

"He's older than the others too."

"Nothing in his records violates the rules."

"Your Konoha records always make the most suspicious people look perfectly ordinary."

Kakashi's gaze settled on Sasuke's neck.

"Focus on the arena first."

After Kabuto left, Gekko Hayate raised a hand and pointed at the electronic screen.

"The matchups will be randomly selected by the device. Once the names stop, both sides are to enter the platform below immediately."

Naruto squeezed in beside Chiba.

"Hope I get picked against you."

"You want to lose?"

"This time, I'll definitely hit you."

"Deal with the seal on your abdomen first."

Naruto pressed a hand over the Five-Finger Seal beneath his clothes.

"You know about this too?"

"Your right leg drags when you walk. You can't gather