"Good grief! What kind of medicine did you take, you brat?! How did you suddenly get so strong?!"
Gamabunta got to his feet, rubbed his belly, and stared at Zhi Ge in astonishment.
"Haha! Toad Boss! This is called staying silent until it's time to amaze everyone!"
Zhi Ge said with a smug grin.
"You little brat! I'll fight you to the death!"
Gamabunta said furiously.
"Hmph! Come at me!"
Zhi Ge sneered disdainfully and charged straight at him!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The two quickly became locked in combat!
This battle was almost evenly matched!
The once one-sided fight had changed because Zhi Ge had learned Intermediate Armament Haki.
The current Zhi Ge was now capable of going toe-to-toe with the Toad Boss!
During their sparring, the Toad Boss gradually came to acknowledge Jiraiya's disciple more and more.
He also began fighting Zhi Ge seriously and taught him several combat techniques.
A giant toad and a Konoha Genin—this bizarre pair fought on Konoha's back mountain for three days and three nights.
Only after Zhi Ge collapsed from exhaustion and fell asleep did Gamabunta leave on his own.
Over those three days, Zhi Ge felt that he had improved at an astonishing pace. In particular, his use of Armament Haki had reached an entirely new level.
Even if he faced a Chunin now, he could handle the fight with composure!
It had to be said that the temporary instructor Jiraiya had found for Zhi Ge had worked wonders!
Time flew by, and the day of the Chunin Exams' official matches was soon at hand!
This competition had drawn countless spectators. Even the Kazekage of Sunagakure had been invited to watch, making it an unprecedented grand occasion!
"With the Kazekage of our Sunagakure personally presiding over this tournament, we hope Sunagakure will stand head and shoulders above the rest!"
"Hahaha! Zhi Ge from Konoha is outstanding as well! He's the strongest student I've ever seen! Not only is he incredibly gifted, but he can stretch and contract his body as freely as a spring. It's truly enviable!"
"Exactly! That child's potential is extraordinarily high!"
"This Chunin Exams will definitely shock the entire Ninja World!"
"I heard that many talented youths from prominent clans will be participating! Sasuke Uchiha and Neji Hyuga will both be competing!"
"Yes, those three are all outstanding figures among the younger generation. Whoever wins will become famous throughout the world!"
"No matter who takes the championship, it will be a blessing for Konoha! We must give this competition our full support!"
"Hahaha! Sunagakure definitely won't lose to anyone in these Chunin Exams either!"
Listening to the discussions around him, Zhi Ge felt a flicker of anticipation rise in his heart.
This was a decisive match that concerned his future development. If he won, he would rise to fame in the Ninja World and become the center of everyone's attention!
However, it would also be a grueling battle!
Although Zhi Ge's strength had improved greatly, none of the opponents he might face were pushovers. He wondered who he would end up fighting in the competition!
No matter what! He had to win this tournament!
"Now, I will announce the two contestants for the first match..."
Once all the participants had arrived, Genma Shiranui stepped into their midst.
Clearly, he was the new chief examiner for the official tournament.
"Strange! Why are you here? What happened to the previous chief examiner, Gekko Hayate?"
Zhi Ge glanced at Genma Shiranui beside him and asked doubtfully.
By all rights, shouldn't Gekko Hayate have been the chief examiner?
Why had it become Genma Shiranui instead?
"Hahaha! You guess!"
Seeing Zhi Ge's puzzled expression, Genma Shiranui immediately found it amusing.
"Uh..."
Zhi Ge froze. He had not expected this seemingly serious examiner to be so deliberately mysterious!
At that thought, a speechless expression appeared on Zhi Ge's face.
How was he supposed to know?!
As Zhi Ge was wondering, Genma Shiranui slowly spoke and explained:
"Gekko Hayate was assassinated three days ago! He died inside the village!"
"What?!"
Zhi Ge was stunned, and then a trace of concern appeared on his face.
"How did he die? Was he assassinated by an enemy?"
"Yes! His death saddened me deeply. By the time his body was discovered, it had already gone cold. We still can't tell who did it, but judging from the wounds, they were caused by a blade!"
Genma Shiranui nodded and spoke slowly.
"Blade wounds..."
Zhi Ge frowned slightly.
"Could this have been premeditated?!"
At that thought, a sense of unease rose in Zhi Ge's heart.
"That's right. This must have been planned in advance! After all, no one would attack a Special Jonin from within Konoha for no reason in Konoha. I'm afraid even more people will fall during these Chunin Exams!"
Genma Shiranui said indifferently.
"What do you mean? Are you saying someone is targeting Konoha?"
Zhi Ge froze before quickly asking.
"It's very possible! But for now, it's only a guess! The Hokage didn't publicize it because he didn't want matters to spiral out of control. Kid, I'm telling you this because you're a Leaf Ninja. Keep your eyes open during the match! Don't let enemies lurking in the shadows catch you off guard!"
Genma Shiranui analyzed the situation calmly.
After hearing this, Zhi Ge drew a deep breath, his face filled with gravity.
He knew Genma Shiranui was not simply trying to scare him.
"Don't worry! I'll definitely be careful! But I'm worried—what will happen if Konoha loses this competition?"
After pondering for a moment, Zhi Ge asked.
Hearing Zhi Ge's words, Genma Shiranui fell silent for a moment before speaking:
"If we lose, there may be losses, but they won't amount to much! After all, these Chunin Exams are merely meant to showcase everyone's training results and quickly strengthen our relationship with the Land of Wind."
Hearing this, Zhi Ge was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.
"I understand!"
"All right, get ready. The matches are about to begin!"
After saying that, Genma Shiranui left.
As Genma Shiranui departed, the contestants' area immediately returned to its earlier clamor.
"The first match officially begins! Contestants Uchiha Zhige and Neji Hyuga, please take the field!"
At that moment, the referee announced the official start of the match.
Cheers resounded throughout the entire venue as everyone excitedly shouted toward the arena.
"Zhi Ge! Go! Go!"
"Zhi Ge will definitely defeat his opponent!"
Before you continue