Chapter 30
A month passed as Naruto trained Karin. Ino and Hinata were busy training, and he only talked with them briefly through the telepathy seal.
Sometimes he also talked with Temari. As time passed, the day of the third round of the Chunin Exam finally arrived.
Naruto arrived at the arena and waved at Hinata and Ino. "So, ready for your fights?"
Ino smirked. "Yep. Let's see how strong the Suna princess is." Hinata nodded. "I will do my best."
Sakura watched them and laughed. Temari also noticed them. "Shameless pervert," she muttered under her breath.
"What did you say, sister?" Kankuro asked. "Nothing," Temari replied, shaking her head. Her eyes moved toward Gaara, who looked calmer after finally sleeping.
Soon, the Third Hokage stood up. "The third round of the Chunin Exam begins now."
Genma walked into the arena with a senbon in his mouth. "First match: Tenten vs Shikamaru."
Shikamaru sighed. "Troublesome." Naruto and Ino pushed him into the arena.
"Stop wasting time!" they shouted in unison, grinning at each other.
"Damn troublesome blondes," Shikamaru muttered, gritting his teeth as he rubbed his back.
Tenten looked at him as both formed the seal of confrontation.
"Start," Genma announced.
Shikamaru formed hand signs as his shadow stretched forward. Tenten took out a scroll and unsealed multiple weapons, launching them toward him.
Shikamaru's mouth twitched at the overwhelming number of weapons raining down on him.
"Troublesome girl… how much money are you wasting on a single attack? Not even B-rank missions will cover this," Shikamaru said as he jumped around, dodging the constant barrage of kunai, shuriken, and senbon.
"I surrender," Shikamaru raised his hands. Tenten was his worst matchup—she could endlessly spam weapons, and dodging them constantly drained his stamina.
Tenten smirked. Lee and Guy started cheering loudly.
"That's my youthful student!" "Tenten's youth shines brightly!"
Tenten went from smug to embarrassed and quickly ran back to her seat.
Inoichi glanced at Shikaku, who only smiled wryly. "Bad luck," he said simply.
Soon, Genma announced the next match. "Zaku Abumi vs Shino." Shino won effortlessly.
"The third match: Misumi Tsurugi vs Kankuro." Kankuro won.
"Fourth match: Hinata Hyuga vs Neji Hyuga."
Everyone perked up. Even Hiruzen and Rasa watched with interest. Hinata walked forward calmly.
Naruto cheered, "Go, Hinata!" She smiled slightly as she stepped into the arena.
Neji also stood and walked into the arena. Ino smirked through Hinata's private telepathy seal.
{Tsk, fighting your onii-chan? Don't lose too early—I want to be the one to kick your ass.}
{In your dreams, blondie,} Hinata replied as she stood in front of Neji.
Neji looked at her coldly. "Give up, Hinata-sama. You can't win."
Hinata didn't reply, though his words still hurt her.
"Well, sorry Neji-nii-san. There are two blondes watching my fight… I can't lose in front of them."
They formed the seal of confrontation.
"You will regret this," Neji said coldly.
Genma raised his hand. "Start."
{Sorry for short chapter next one will be bigger i promise}