Chapter Summaries

Kei refused to tell Hozuki Shingetsu more about the Chunin Exams and reminded him that their Genin duties came first. After Shingetsu left, Kisame promised to reveal the information if Shingetsu beat him in the main rounds.

• Hozuki Shingetsu confronted Kei after Kei dismissed his questions about their dead comrades.
• Kei reminded Shingetsu that they were both Genin and should leave the wider situation to Teacher Ao and the others.
• Shingetsu understood Kei's warning and prepared to leave.
• Kisame challenged Shingetsu to beat him in the main rounds to learn the information.
• Shingetsu accepted Kisame's promise and left, while Kei questioned Kisame's decision.

Kei reconsidered his excessive caution after Kisame challenged him to stop overthinking the tournament. As the final sixteen matchups drew public attention and Konohagakure welcomed the last dignitaries, the main tournament began on the morning of June fifteenth.

• Kisame questioned why Kei was so worried about facing Hozuki Shingetsu, prompting Kei to reflect on his indecision and tendency to overthink.
• Kei resolved to sort out his thinking as night passed and the village prepared for the main tournament.
• After the final sixteen matchups were announced, spectators and betting pools focused on Kei, Shingetsu, Toroi, and Kakashi.
• Konohagakure grew busier as merchants, nobles, and political dignitaries arrived for the exams.
• The daimyō of the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind arrived, and the main tournament began on the morning of June fifteenth.

On June 15, crowds filled Konoha’s newly built arena for the Chunin Ninja Exams finals, where sixteen genin from four great ninja villages prepared to compete. Minato Namikaze led the contestants into the arena, and the finals officially began.

• Tens of thousands of spectators and visiting dignitaries gathered at Konoha’s arena to watch the finals.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi watched the crowds and hoped the Shinobi World’s peace would endure.
• The sixteen competitors arrived, and Kei recognized their young chief examiner as Minato Namikaze.
• Minato explained the finals’ rules and schedule, then led the contestants toward the arena.
• The competitors entered to thunderous cheers as the finals began.

The Chunin Exam finals opened in Konoha, where Hiruzen Sarutobi addressed the crowd before naming Kei and Yura as the first contestants. Yura launched a Wind Release attack at Kei, beginning their match.

• Hiruzen Sarutobi welcomed the guests and declared the finals open.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi named Minazuki Kei of Kirigakure and Yura of Sunagakure as the first contestants.
• The other fourteen Genin left for the waiting area while their teammates watched Kei and Yura remain in the arena.
• Minato Namikaze signaled the start of the match.
• Yura attacked Kei with the Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere Technique.

Minazuki Kei defeated Sunagakure Genin Yura with Ice Release, turning the match into a dazzling display for the spectators. After Minato declared Kei the winner, the crowd cheered over the spectacle.

• Yura broke through Kei's Ice Wall Jutsu and charged, but Kei stayed calm and prepared a larger technique.
• Kei spread ice across the arena and trapped Yura inside the Ice Release: Extreme Ice Blooming Jutsu.
• Yura's Wind Release attacks failed to break through the ice, and the technique left him unconscious and covered in ice crystals.
• Konoha's medical-nin carried Yura away after Minato confirmed he was not in danger.
• Minato announced Minazuki Kei as the winner, and the spectators erupted in cheers.

Kei defeated Yura with a dazzling Ice Release technique, thrilling the crowd and raising expectations for the tournament. After several routine victories, Mei Terumi defeated Aoba Yamashiro with her Lava Release and Water Release, restoring the spectators’ excitement.

• Kei dispelled his Ice and Snow Barrier after defeating Yura and returned to the contestants’ waiting area as Minato admired his potential.
• Baki and the other Sand Ninja confirmed Yura was safe, while the other contestants recognized Kei’s strength and resolved to prepare for him.
• Toroi, Kakashi, Baki, and Genma Shiranui won their matches without much spectacle, though Toroi’s Magnet Release briefly impressed the crowd.
• Mei Terumi fought Aoba Yamashiro with Lava Release and Water Release, then knocked him down and held a kunai to his throat.
• Minato declared Mei Terumi the winner of the sixth match, and the spectators praised the bout as a welcome return to exciting fights.

Namiashi Raidō won the seventh match after a close fight, and the first round ended with Kisame Hoshigaki facing Hozuki Shingetsu. Kisame opened aggressively, but Shingetsu used the Hydrification Technique to evade his blade.

• Mei Terumi defeated Aoba Yamashiro and enjoyed the spectators’ cheers.
• Namiashi Raidō defeated his exhausted Kumogakure opponent in the seventh match.
• Minato announced the eighth match between Kisame Hoshigaki and Hozuki Shingetsu, whom most spectators expected to win.
• Kisame Hoshigaki charged at Hozuki Shingetsu and used Water Release: Water Ripple Jutsu.
• Hozuki Shingetsu transformed into water with the Hydrification Technique and dodged Kisame’s descending blade.

Hozuki Shingetsu and Kisame fought fiercely in the Chunin Ninja Exams, trading powerful Water Release techniques as the spectators watched in astonishment. Kisame’s assault left Shingetsu under pressure, but Shingetsu blocked a devastating blade strike with a kunai and his enlarged arm.

• Hozuki Shingetsu fired high-pressure water bullets that damaged Kisame’s great blade and forced him to dodge.
• Kisame countered with the Water Dragon Bullet Technique, astonishing the spectators and Minato.
• Hozuki Shingetsu used the Shield Eboshi Technique to form a giant water monster that neutralized Kisame’s water dragon.
• Kisame burst through the waves and brought his great blade down on Shingetsu, breaking apart the water monster.
• Hozuki Shingetsu enlarged his left arm and blocked Kisame’s strike with a small kunai, leaving the duel evenly matched as the crowd watched.

Kisame overwhelmed Shingetsu in a prolonged battle by exploiting his superior chakra reserves and forcing him to spend chakra on techniques and Hydrification. Shingetsu surrendered after surviving Kisame’s Great Waterfall Technique, leaving Kisame the victor.

• Kakashi and the other contestants watched Kisame and Shingetsu’s battle and recognized the exceptional strength of the Kirigakure genin.
• Kisame and Shingetsu traded powerful Water Release techniques, alarming the spectators and the watching Konoha ninja.
• Kisame shifted to a strategy of pressuring Shingetsu until his chakra reserves were depleted.
• Kisame unleashed the Great Waterfall Technique, and Shingetsu used Hydrification to evade most of its force.
• Shingetsu surrendered before Kisame could attack again, conceding victory to Kisame.

Kisame Hoshigaki defeated Hozuki Shingetsu after Shingetsu conceded, and the first round of the Chunin Ninja Exams ended. After the intermission, Minazuki Kei and Toroi began the first quarterfinal match, with Toroi challenging Kei to show the strength of his Ice Release.

• Hozuki Shingetsu surrendered, and Minato declared Kisame Hoshigaki the winner of the eighth match.
• Spectators reacted to Kisame's victory, while Kakashi, Baki, and the other contestants grew wary of his strength and chakra reserves.
• During the intermission, Mei Terumi teased Kisame about using tactics, and Kisame said his approach had been necessary against Shingetsu.
• Minato announced the quarterfinal match between Minazuki Kei and Toroi.
• Toroi charged into the arena, released a powerful surge of chakra, and challenged Kei to demonstrate his Ice Release.

Kei made a spectacular Ice Release entrance to face Toroi, thrilling the spectators before the match began. Toroi attacked with giant square Shuriken, but Kei froze them and closed in; Toroi evaded his strike and used Magnet Release to send the Shuriken back at him.

• Kei appeared in a swirl of frost and ice crystals, earning loud cheers from the spectators and admiration from the ninja and nobles watching.
• Toroi launched two enormous square Shuriken at Kei, who blocked their path with Ice Release: Ice Crystal Flower.
• Kei froze the Shuriken and rushed Toroi with a blade of frost, but Toroi jumped clear of the slash.
• Toroi used Magnet Release to break the ice from the Shuriken and send them flying back at Kei.

Kei used Ice Release to blind Toroi and evade his Magnet Release, then overwhelmed him with ice arrows and froze his weapons and legs. Toroi ended the fight bound in ice after Kei kicked him to the ground.

• Kei raised icy ridges that blocked Toroi's shuriken and hid Kei from sight.
• Toroi used Magnet Release to search the arena, but he could not locate Kei.
• Toroi unleashed the Burst Arrival Technique, spreading magnetism across the arena and affecting nearby ninja tools.
• Kei attacked Toroi from behind with a barrage of ice arrows, cutting him and preventing him from escaping.
• Kei froze Toroi's weapons and legs, kicked him to the ground, and bound his body with ice ropes.

Minazuki Kei defeated Toroi in the first match of the second round, drawing attention from spectators and shinobi who judged him a major threat. The next match began as Kakashi Hatake faced Baki.

• Kei restrained Toroi with Ice Release, and Toroi admitted defeat.
• Minato declared Kei the winner and summoned medical-nin to treat Toroi.
• Spectators and shinobi from the villages praised Kei's strength and marked him as a threat.
• Kei told Mei Terumi that Toroi's Magnet Release was not yet a serious danger and said Kakashi was the opponent he watched most closely.
• Minato announced Kakashi Hatake versus Baki, and both fighters leaped into the arena.

Kakashi overwhelmed Baki with relentless swordsmanship and advanced to the semifinals, leaving the Konoha crowd cheering and Kisame wary. The tournament then began its third match, Mei Terumi versus Genma Shiranui.

• Kakashi pressed Baki with close-range attacks, preventing him from using Wind Release and forcing him into a desperate defense.
• Kakashi defeated Baki, and the Konoha spectators celebrated his victory and praised him as the White Fang's successor.
• Kei reflected that Kakashi could have become a Kage-level ninja, while hoping Konoha's strongest figures would fall as they had in the original story.
• Kisame watched Kakashi with concern as the remaining tournament matches were set to pit Mist Ninja against Konoha Ninja.
• The announcer called Mei Terumi and Genma Shiranui to the arena for the third match.

Mei Terumi and Kisame Hoshigaki won their quarterfinal matches decisively, completing the Chunin Ninja Exams' final four. Team 7 placed three members in the semifinals, while Kakashi Hatake was the only Konohagakure representative left.

• Mei Terumi overwhelmed Genma Shiranui with a Water Dragon Bullet Technique, knocking him unconscious and winning their match.
• The Konoha spectators reacted to Mei's easy victory and debated whether Namiashi Raidō could defeat Kisame Hoshigaki.
• Kisame defeated Namiashi Raidō with taijutsu and a blow from his greatsword, and Minato declared him the winner.
• The final four were confirmed: all three members of Team 7 advanced, while Kakashi Hatake represented Konohagakure alone.
• Ao was pleased that Kirigakure had claimed three semifinal spots and hoped the display would attract missions from smaller nations.

Kei faced Kakashi in the first semifinal, using a modified Hidden Mist Technique infused with Ice Release to obscure Kakashi’s vision while leaving the fight visible to spectators. As Kakashi prepared to counter, Hiruzen and Minato recognized Kei’s growing skill and potential.

• The other villages marked Kei, Kisame, and Mei Terumi as high-priority threats after their squad dominated the exams.
• Konoha spectators rallied behind Kakashi as the first semifinal between Kei and Kakashi was announced.
• Kei spread a glowing frost mist across the arena, and Kakashi recognized it as a variation of the Hidden Mist Technique.
• Kei launched a massive block of ice at Kakashi, who split it with his blade.
• Hiruzen realized Kei had skillfully combined Ice Release with the Hidden Mist Technique, while Minato tracked both fighters despite the obscured view.

Kei pressured Kakashi with hidden ice attacks, but Kakashi unleashed Lightning Release Chakra to seize the initiative. Kei answered with a massive, scale-covered Frost Dragon, and Kakashi charged into the air to strike its head as their attacks collided.

• Kei obscured Kakashi's vision with Ice Release: Ice Crystal Flower and launched a rapid series of precise attacks.
• Kakashi abandoned his defensive probing and used Lightning Release Chakra to enhance his speed and power.
• Kakashi charged toward Kei's estimated position, and Kei summoned a massive Ice Release: Frost Dragon.
• Kakashi coated his blade in lightning and slashed at the descending dragon's head, producing a thunderous clash.

Kakashi and Kei fought an evenly matched battle, with Kakashi breaking through Kei’s ice dragon and locating him. Kei’s ice attack wounded Kakashi, leaving both genin locked in a fierce close-range clash.

• Kakashi used rapid sword strikes to damage Kei’s ice dragon, so Kei detonated it and unleashed a blast of freezing air.
• Kakashi resisted the cold, then used Lightning Release: Lightning Strike Jutsu to expose Kei’s hiding place.
• Kakashi and Kei clashed at close range with their blades, and Kei began forming one-handed hand seals before Kakashi interrupted him with a kick.
• Kei hurled a frost blade that burst into ice pellets, forcing Kakashi to defend himself; several pellets cut him and tore his clothing.
• The spectators marveled at the combatants’ strength, while Mei Terumi admired Kakashi and Kisame Hoshigaki watched with intense fighting spirit.

Kei and Kakashi fought in a fierce clash, with Kei using Ice and Water Release while Kakashi pressed forward with lightning-fast sword attacks. Kakashi broke through Kei’s ice wall and thrust his blade toward a vital spot, leaving the outcome apparently decided.

• Kei recognized Kakashi’s skill and launched Ice Release: Ice Soul Forest, but Kakashi cut through the ice pillars.
• Kei unleashed Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique, and Kakashi blocked the waves with an Earth Style Wall.
• Kakashi rushed Kei with Lightning Flash and cut his shoulder after Kei narrowly dodged the strike.
• Kei kicked Kakashi and raised an Ice Wall, but Kakashi smashed through it and thrust his blade toward Kei’s vital spot.
• Hiruzen Sarutobi, Shikaku Nara, Ao, the Jonin, and Minato watched and believed Kakashi had won.

Minazuki Kei defeated Kakashi in the first semifinal by using an Ice Clone to trap him and take him by surprise. After Minato declared Kei the winner, Kakashi asked how the switch had happened, and Kei explained that he had acted while the ice wall blocked Kakashi’s view.

• Kakashi struck Kei, confident the attack would win, but noticed that the wound produced no blood.
• The pierced Kei turned into an Ice Clone that melted over Kakashi’s sword and restrained his arms.
• Kei appeared behind Kakashi and held an icy blade to his neck, forcing him to stop struggling.
• The spectators erupted in reaction, and Minato announced Minazuki Kei as the winner of the first semifinal.
• Kakashi asked when Kei had made the switch, and Kei said he had done it behind the ice wall while Kakashi let his guard down.