August 6th, Konoha Year 63, the highly anticipated day finally arrived.
The final assessment of the Chunin Exams officially began. On the way to the venue, Naruto first smiled and refused Konohamaru's suggestion to "take a shortcut," then parted ways with Satsuki, who had failed to advance. Satsuki headed to the stands, while Naruto arrived at the magnificent final arena, resembling a coliseum.
In the past month, despite knowing that no one could truly threaten him, Naruto still dedicated all his energy to training. After successfully mastering the Nine-Tailed Chakra Mode, his days were largely peaceful... If there was anything special, it was probably coming home one day to find his old small bed gone, replaced by a brand new, spacious one.
The culprit was naturally Satsuki; she used her "money power" to complete this forced upgrade. Although he didn't understand why she was so insistent on changing the bed, Naruto had long grown accustomed to her slightly assertive way of showing care.
At this moment, the stands surrounding the arena were a hive of activity, with the huge circular battleground enveloped by layers of seating, creating an atmosphere as fervent as an ancient coliseum... or rather, a dueling ground.
Unfortunately, Satsuki, the only one he could pat on the head, was sitting in the audience. Perhaps... after defeating Gaara later, he could pat the Ichibi Shukaku's head? He wondered what the big tanuki felt like.
His gaze swept to the highest platform, where the smiling Third Hokage sat beside the Kazekage, whose face was hidden by a straw hat. Naruto frowned slightly; he couldn't be sure if this Kazekage was Orochimaru in disguise or the true Rasa.
Because the life force he sensed from the person was completely different from Orochimaru, whom he encountered in the Death Forest a month ago... Had Impure World Reincarnation changed its vessel, or had that strange Shedding Jutsu altered his aura?
However, Naruto was not panicked; he knew that members of the Ash led by Shisui had already infiltrated the audience, secretly on guard. He just hoped Orochimaru would be smarter this time and not seek his own demise.
In the center of the arena, the examiner Shiranui Genma casually held a senbon in his mouth. Naruto couldn't help but worry, was it really safe to keep such a sharp Ninja tool in his mouth all the time?
Shiranui Genma's gaze swept over the other seven examinees in the arena: the expressionless Naruto, the yawning Shikamaru, the fiery Rock Lee, the solemn Neji and Temari, the chilling Gaara, and Shino, whose emotions were completely hidden by his sunglasses.
"Distinguished guests!" The Third Hokage's voice, amplified by a loudspeaker, echoed throughout the venue from the main platform, instantly quieting the noisy crowd.
"On behalf of the Konoha Ninja Village, I sincerely thank all of you for traveling great distances to witness this Chunin Selection Exam hosted by Konoha! Next, the eight contestants who passed the preliminaries will engage in the final official duels. Please enjoy the exciting matches to come!"
As soon as the Third Hokage finished speaking, thunderous cheers and applause erupted from the stands.
Shiranui Genma shifted the senbon in his mouth, his gaze sweeping over the examinees in the arena. He took out a match-up list from his Pregnant and showed it to everyone.
"Everyone, it seems you're all ready? As today's protagonists, let's confirm your opponents one last time."
The list was clearly displayed before everyone.
"Hyuga Neji VS Rock Lee"
"Temari VS Nara Shikamaru"
"Shino Aburame VS Dosu Kinuta"
"Uzumaki Naruto VS Gaara"
"Please wait?" Shino Aburame calmly questioned, "My opponent on the list, Dosu Kinuta, why hasn't he arrived? How should this situation be handled?"
Shiranui Genma glanced at the empty spot and replied in a flat tone. "If he still hasn't appeared when it's his turn to fight, he will be considered to have forfeited, and you will be declared the winner by default."
...Naruto watched the senbon move nimbly between Genma's lips and teeth as he spoke, wondering if he wouldn't accidentally swallow it while talking and holding it like that.
Although winning by default sounded like a good thing, Shino's tightly furrowed brows did not relax. Because in the Chunin Exams, the key to promotion was not simply winning, but the comprehensive abilities and Ninja qualities displayed in battle. Would the judges truly acknowledge and grant Chunin status for advancing directly by default like this?
"Alright, although the arena is different from the preliminaries," Shiranui Genma raised his voice, drawing everyone's attention back, "the rules for the final assessment are basically the same as the preliminaries — there are no restrictions. The battle will continue until one side dies or voluntarily surrenders."
"Of course, as the chief examiner, when I believe the outcome is decided, or the battle might cause unnecessary fatal harm, I will intervene to stop the match."
Although Gekkō Hayate did not sacrifice himself as fate had originally dictated, the examiner for the final assessment was still Shiranui Genma. He wasn't sure why the higher-ups requested Gekkō Hayate to keep a low profile and not appear during the exams, but thinking of that guy perhaps being carefully looked after by his beautiful girlfriend at this moment, Genma couldn't help but feel a pang of envious bitterness.
"Now, let the first round begin!" Shiranui Genma announced loudly, "Hyuga Neji, Rock Lee, you two stay! All other examinees, please return to the waiting room!"
——————
"That kid... is Might Guy's disciple, right? His attire is practically a carbon copy."
"However, although Rock Lee easily defeated the Inuzuka Clan's kid in the preliminaries, the gap is still too obvious when facing the Hyuga Clan's genius."
"That's right, a pure taijutsu-type Ninja is at an absolute disadvantage against a Byakugan user by nature."
The Konoha Ninja in the stands exchanged whispered opinions, almost unanimously favoring Hyuga Neji. Kiba, holding Akamaru, stared intently at the green figure in the arena.
After his initial prejudice faded, Kiba didn't believe he would easily lose to any Genin. At this moment, he vaguely felt that the strength of this thick-browed Ninja was probably much greater than everyone imagined.
In the center of the arena, Rock Lee steadily assumed the starting stance of the Strong Fist, his gaze burning as he locked onto Neji, "Neji... I've waited too long for this moment! I'm so happy to be able to face you on this final stage!"
"Today, I will prove to everyone — effort can surpass genius!"
Neji watched Lee with a solemn expression. Although Rock Lee had never won against him in countless past challenges, he would never underestimate him in the slightest because of it.
Because Rock Lee's beliefs and Ninja Way, to some extent, resonated strongly with the voice deep within his own heart.
As long as one possesses enough power, one can break any seemingly predetermined fate!
This was the path he had learned from the man wearing the fox mask. After the preliminaries, upon learning of clues possibly related to Menma, his initial excitement had settled, transforming into a more resolute mindset.
He always remembered his true purpose in yearning to reunite with that esteemed person: to gain his recognition and become a force in his hands!
Therefore, even though Rock Lee's eyes burned with a confident flame that was by no means a bluff, Neji could never simply concede victory.
"Lee... your Ninja Way is indeed admirable," Neji said in a deep voice, veins bulging around his Byakugan as he took up the stance of Gentle Fist.
"But... I also have a reason why I absolutely cannot lose! There is someone's expectation that I absolutely cannot betray!"
"Then —" Shiranui Genma's voice clearly echoed throughout the arena, "The first round of matches, begin!"
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