Searching for the Master Fate Had Chosen

The Third Hokage smiled and said in a steady, forceful voice, "The three members of Team 7—Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno—may advance to the third round of the Chunin Ninja Exams."

"That's great!" Sakura said, then looked at Sasuke. She was happy for him.

Sasuke stared straight at the Hokage, listening seriously to what he would say next.

The Third Hokage continued, "Before we begin, there is something I must explain to you. Listen carefully!"

"Put away your naivety and abandon your innocent notions!"

"If any of you believe that the Chunin Ninja Exams exist to promote friendship between nations, encourage friendly exchanges among ninja villages, or improve ninja standards, then you are completely mistaken."

The Third Hokage raised his voice. "The true purpose of the Chunin Ninja Exams is competition between allied nations—a miniature reflection of battles between ninja villages."

Upon hearing this, some people present did not understand. Tenten was among them, and she asked, "Why is that? Aren't the Chunin Ninja Exams meant to select outstanding ninjas?"

"Heh heh." The Third Hokage explained, "Important figures from various nations will attend the third-round arena. Ninjas from each village will fight with their lives on the line so those people can witness it."

"Selecting outstanding ninjas is merely incidental."

The many Genin present were shocked. They had never expected that their life-or-death battles were merely a spectacle for important figures to watch.

"The greatest source of revenue for ninja villages comes from commissions issued by feudal lords and important figures from various nations. Ninjas earn money by completing those missions."

"Ninja villages that shine during the Chunin Ninja Exams will receive many high-paying commissions in the future. As for villages that are eliminated miserably, they will receive far fewer missions, and even their rates will be reduced."

"..." The many Genin present fell silent. Judging by their expressions, every one of them seemed weighed down by their thoughts.

Naruto thought, The Third Hokage is being fairly honest. At least he laid this matter out plainly before everyone. I can accept that...

The Third Hokage looked at the crowd below and smiled proudly. Most of those below were Genin from Konoha Village, proving that Konoha Village's new generation was strong. There would be no need to worry about future commissions.

Unable to bear the oppressive atmosphere, Kiba Inuzuka spoke up. "And for that reason alone, you expect us to fight and kill each other with our lives on the line?"

The Third Hokage said, "A ninja's strength represents the strength of their ninja village, and a ninja village's strength represents the strength of its nation. Only in a desperate battle can you display a ninja's true strength. The strength you display is the village's glory, showing others the power of your nation."

"It is precisely because you stake your lives that the Chunin Ninja Exams have meaning."

Tenten disliked that explanation and continued asking, "Then why does the Chunin Ninja Exams slogan say it is meant to promote friendship?"

"I already told you to put away your naivety and abandon your innocence," the Third Hokage said. "That is merely something we say for publicity."

Naruto thought, A slogan is just an advertisement after all. Of course it can't be trusted...

"I don't care what the purpose is," Gaara said viciously. "When does it begin? Get to the important part." After saying that, he glared at Naruto.

Naruto noticed Gaara's gaze and glanced in his direction, immediately meeting Gaara's eyes.

Seeing Gaara's eyes, filled with a desire for revenge, Naruto smiled. You're awfully arrogant. Let's see how I deal with you next...

"Next will be a three-person team melee," the Third Hokage said. "You will fight in the same arena as teams. The team that lasts until the end will win, and those with exceptional performances may be promoted to Chunin. It will take place seven days from now."

"Prepare yourselves well over these seven days. You are dismissed."

After saying that, the Third Hokage left, and everyone else began departing as well.

"Seven days? That's far too little time." Kakashi walked up to Sasuke and said, "Sasuke, come with me."

Kakashi then took Sasuke away. He was clearly in a hurry, not even giving Naruto and Sakura any instructions.

"Sakura, don't worry about Sasuke," Naruto reassured her. "Train hard these next seven days. I need to go prepare too, or we'll definitely lose horribly in seven days."

Before Sakura could respond, Naruto ran off in a flash, vanishing without a trace.

Naruto arrived on the streets of Konoha Village, where Haku had been waiting for a long time. Haku quietly approached Naruto and delivered the information. "Karin has been settled in your house, but she has been making a huge fuss. Zabuza can barely stand her."

"..." Naruto wore a helpless expression. "Tell Zabuza to endure it a little longer. I'll figure out a way to get a bigger house later. Then each of you can have your own room."

"Then please do it soon. I am afraid Zabuza will kill her."

"Help me keep an eye on those two. They're both troublemakers and never let anyone relax." Naruto shook his head helplessly, then asked, "Have you taken care of the other thing I assigned you?"

"It is done." Haku handed Naruto a key and a shop deed. "Using your name, I purchased the largest public bathhouse in Konoha Village. Here is the bathhouse key and the property deed."

"Nicely done." Naruto grinned. "Go take care of your own business. You can look around Konoha Village, and buy Karin some new clothes or whatever. Use my money."

With that, Naruto took out a large bag of money from his pouch and handed it to Haku.

After Haku left, Naruto began wandering around Konoha Village as though searching for someone.

"Naruto! What exactly are you looking for?" Suddenly, a ninja in blue-black robes descended from the sky and landed in front of Naruto.

"..." Naruto looked at him with utter disgust. "What are you doing here?"

"You think I wanted to find you? If Kakashi had not asked me, why would I have come looking for you?" This person was Ebisu, a Special Jonin of Konoha Village and Konohamaru's personal tutor.

"..." Naruto's expression became even more disgusted. He had no good impression of Ebisu. When they first met, Ebisu had shown strong prejudice against Naruto because the Nine-Tails was sealed inside him. Ebisu had even regarded Naruto as an omen of misfortune.

"What kind of expression is that?!" Ebisu grew angry and rebuked Naruto. "If not for Kakashi's sake, why would I come here to tutor you?"

"Who wants your tutoring?" Naruto pouted, turning his little face aside without even intending to look at him properly.

"Do you think I lack strength?" Ebisu said smugly. "I am the personal teacher of the Third Hokage's grandson. My strength has been acknowledged by the Hokage."

"I'm busy right now. I don't have time to keep you company. Go play with Konohamaru instead." Naruto looked around as he spoke. "I'm still searching for a teacher who can guide me, but that person definitely isn't you."

"Nonsense! Who besides me could teach you?" Ebisu looked unconvinced, then said, "How about I show you what I can do?"

Naruto completely ignored him and ran off, dashing through Konoha Village's major streets while Ebisu followed close behind, loudly shouting for Naruto to take him as his master.

Naruto was annoyed to death by him, so he could only keep sprinting as he searched for the master fate had chosen for him.