Chapter 138
Next up was Hyuga Neji versus Dosu Kinuta.
Dosu Kinuta's Resonating Echo Drill was also quite troublesome, a difficult-to-defend Ninjutsu that used sound waves to attack.
However... Hyuga Neji said coldly, "You do have some ability, but unfortunately, you're out of luck to have met me."
"I am the strongest in Konoha Village in this Chunin Exams!"
Hyuga Neji, risking damage to his eardrums, quickly closed in and directly sent Dosu Kinutaflying with a set of Gentle Fist Eight Trigrams Palm.
In everyone's eyes, he didn't even use a third of his strength!
Though arrogant, he certainly had the capital to back it up.
The next battle was Gaara versus Kankuro, an internal conflict for Sunagakure Village.
But Sunagakure Village actually had other plans; to conserve strength and to avoid revealing information about their abilities, Kankurovoluntarily chose to forfeit, allowing Gaara to advance directly to the finals.
Of course, everyone knew that Gaara was the great demon king of this Chunin Exams!
His performance in the Forest of Death had already proven everything.
The final battle... Uchiha Sasuke versus Zaku Abumi!
Zaku Abumi was also an Otogakure Ninja who specialized in sound wave attacks.
His Slashing Air Wave and Extreme Slashing Air Wave were both quite powerful.
He even, for a time, made Sasuke, whose strength had fallen due to the influence of the Cursed Seal, fall into a bitter struggle.
However... in adversity, Sasuke gradually resonated with the Cursed Seal within his body; ink-like markings spread all over him, causing him to emit a black, malevolent aura, and his power surged!
Zaku Abumi was greatly alarmed: "That, that is Orochimaru-sama's..."
Unlike Naruto, who actively suppressed the Cursed Seal, Sasuke, at this moment, discovered the immense power the Cursed Seal brought him!
He let out a sinister sneer, unleashing this power with a roar, and brutally broke Zaku Abumi's arms!
Crack—
Bones shattered, joints dislocated!
The cruel methods shocked everyone!
Zaku Abumi begged for mercy and conceded, but Sasuke seemed to be mesmerized and intoxicated by the Cursed Seal Power and the strength it brought, intending to continue tormenting Zaku Abumi!
Fortunately, Gekkō Hayate called a stop in time, which allowed Sasuke to temporarily regain his senses.
Naruto and Hinata exchanged glances, also feeling extremely worried.
Not just for the Cursed Seal itself, but more importantly... Naruto deeply knew Sasuke's determination and obsession to become stronger; having just tasted the benefits the Cursed Seal brought, he might very well become addicted to it and truly fall into Orochimaru's trap... "Sasuke, you..."
Sasuke silently lowered his head, not speaking, and no one knew what he was thinking.
Gekkō Hayate coughed, announcing: "The final battle roster is out, and they are..."
"Uzumaki Naruto! Uchiha Sasuke! Hyuga Hinata! Hyuga Neji! Rock Lee! Shino Aburame! Sakura Haruno! Nara Shikamaru! Gaara! Temari!"
Of the ten people in the final battle, eight were Konoha Ninja, and two were Sunagakure Ninja.
This indeed closely reflected the situation of the great nations in the entire Ninja World.
Gekkō Hayate said: "The final battle of the Chunin Exams will take place in one month. During this time, all Ninja can continue to improve their strength and prepare for the final judgment!"
Naruto was confident and full of anticipation, his eyes glowing with excitement.
"Oh! Let's wait for the final battle, and let the entire Ninja World remember my name, Uzumaki Naruto!"
Chapter 116 Pervy Sage Jiraiya Appears! That Man Shows Up! Please give me your monthly votes!!!
With the conclusion of the preliminaries, the Chunin Exams entered a temporary break.
One month later, it would be the grandest time for the final battles!
During this period, all Ninja participating in the final battles would naturally strive to improve their strength with all their might!
Naruto, of course, was no exception.
Konoha Village, training ground.
"Kakashi-sensei! Come and give us special training!"
"I want to get stronger!"
Naruto shouted excitedly.
Kakashi scratched his head: "Well, though I also want everyone to get stronger, it's not something that happens overnight..."
"All three members of Team 7 made it to the finals this time, which already proves our strength. As for what comes next..."
Naruto angrily said: "Kakashi-sensei, you're not trying to be lazy again, are you?!"
Kakashi smiled slightly: "Of course not."
"On the contrary, this time I'm unusually serious and have specially tailored the most suitable special training plans for all three of you!"
Naruto, Hinata, and even Sasuke couldn't help but change their expressions... Could that lazy, indolent man, who was always late and mostly read *make-out paradise* during missions, really be changing his ways today?!
The three couldn't help but become full of anticipation.
Kakashi then addressed them one by one: "Sasuke..."
"I know that in the previous matches, you unintentionally triggered the power of the Cursed Seal, making you feel a surge in strength, and deep down, you must be attracted by its mystery and power..."
"However, I can tell you clearly that it is a trap Orochimaru uses to lure you. Once you fall for it, you will be beyond redemption, becoming Orochimaru's prey, and death would already be the most wonderful outcome."
"The vast majority of people..."
"Would rather die than live."
Sasuke, deep down, actually understood this truth.
But... Kakashi smiled: "So, I have specially prepared the most suitable path for your own improvement..."
"Which is, the Sharingan!"
Sasuke's heart trembled: "The Sharingan, you mean..."
"Exactly. For the next month, I will personally train you to master the dōjutsu of the Sharingan!"
"You should know that the main reason Orochimaru values you is because of the Sharingan. That is to say, it is a power that even Orochimaru covets greatly, and it is within you."
"As long as you can master this power, Orochimaru, Cursed Seal Power, none of it will be a problem!"
Kakashi said this, on one hand, to affirm the terrifying power of the Sharingan, and on the other hand, to cater to Sasuke's preferences and better persuade him.
He knew that Sasuke valued the honor of the Uchiha Clan more than anything else.
So he deliberately emphasized the power of the Sharingan, making Sasuke feel proud while better understanding his own painstaking efforts.
Sasuke was silent for a moment, then couldn't help but ask: "Kakashi-sensei..."
"That left eye of yours..."
"Hmm?"
"Oh, that..."
Kakashi smiled slightly: "It's a parting gift from a friend..."
"A friend? A member of the Uchiha Clan? Who was he?"
Kakashi smiled nonchalantly: "He's no longer with us."
Sasuke's expression changed, and he hesitated to speak.
"Don't worry, Sasuke. Although I am not an Uchiha, I have studied this Sharingan for many years, so it will certainly be of some help to you."
Sasuke also nodded.
If he could become strong through the Sharingan's path, why would he risk his life to seek out Orochimaru?!
This was originally the most suitable and truly his own power!
Kakashi smiled, then turned to Naruto.
"Naruto, your Chakra reserves are immense, and your Taijutsu and Ninjutsu are also quite refined..."
"While comprehensively improving your own attributes, it's even more important to focus on finding ways to deal with various extreme situations and strange abilities..."
Naruto scratched his head: "Kakashi-sensei, what are you talking about?"
Kakashi said: "The principle is simple. If it's a direct head-on confrontation, I dare say that apart from that monster Gaara, probably no one can be your opponent."
"However, the Ninja World is vast, and there are countless people with various secret techniques and forbidden Ninjutsu..."
"For example, Akado Yoroi, whom you fought, could devour and absorb Chakra. Although you defeated him, if you were caught off guard, you would still suffer."
"And those contestants in the finals..."
"Sakura Haruno specializes in Genjutsu, do you know how to resist Genjutsu?"
"Shino Aburame's clan secret technique, Kikaichū, do you know how to deal with it?"
"Nara Shikamaru's Shadow Imitation Jutsu, do you know how to break it?"
"Of course, there are also Hyuga Neji, Rock Lee, Gaara, Temari; everyone has their own unique abilities..."
"In this month, I will teach you how to deal with them."
"Knowing yourself and your enemy, you can win every battle."
Naruto was overjoyed: "Good! Thank you, Kakashi-sensei!"
Kakashi narrowed his eyes and smiled: "Finally, Hinata..."
"Yes... Kakashi-sensei."
Hinata replied somewhat nervously.
"Don't be nervous, Hinata, you've already performed very well."
"To create your own Guardian Gentle Fist Eight Trigrams Palm at such a young age, your talent is truly outstanding."
"However, your weakness is that you are too defensive and not offensive enough."
"In this month, I will train you to form your own unique fighting style."
"Which is counter-attacking defense."
"Counter-attacking defense?"
Kakashi narrowed his eyes and smiled: "Exactly."
"While your Guardian Gentle Fist Eight Trigrams Palm is impenetrable, allowing you to stand undefeated and protect your comrades, relying solely on defense will ultimately not lead to victory."
"While ensuring you are unassailable, use your Byakugan to discern the enemy's weaknesses, and then defeat them with a single strike!"
"This is the fighting style you should adopt!"
Hinata quickly said: "Th-thank you, Kakashi-sensei!"
Kakashi had indeed changed his ways, actually tailoring special training plans for each person.
Afterwards, he even meticulously guided them one by one.
Naruto watched with great relief... He knew that system big brother's mission for him was not only for himself but also for his two other teammates in Team 7 to be promoted to Chunin at the same time!
If not, he would be punished!