Chapter 438 - 123

Chapter 123: The Third Round PreliminarySeeing that these three possessed meager strength, Sasuke urged Robin to kill them quickly so they could get on their way, but Robin didn't act. Instead, she looked at Naruto, her meaning self-evident.Although she knew Sasuke and Naruto were on good terms, when it came to decisions, she only listened to Naruto's arrangements; other people's orders simply didn't work with Robin.Seeing her like this, Sasuke's expression immediately turned sour. Clearly, he was dissatisfied with Robin not following his orders, and a hint of killing intent even leaked out.Naruto perceived the thoughts of both individuals. After a moment's consideration, he said to Robin, "Don't kill them for now. Just knock these three unconscious. I'll send them all to Huayin Village in a moment.""Although their strength is indeed unimpressive, every little bit helps. Having more power is always a good thing."After giving Robin these instructions, Naruto didn't act immediately. Instead, he turned to Sasuke and said, "Sasuke, we are your teammates and friends. No matter what, you shouldn't direct killing intent toward us.""I don't know what happened during the time I was away. Whenever I ask, you always brush it off impatiently.""I can also sense a very special Chakra coming from you. Perhaps your current irritable personality is related to it.""Furthermore, I didn't expect that there would be someone in the Chunin Exams capable of threatening you. The primary responsibility for this lies with me. If I hadn't left you, so many things wouldn't have happened.""But regardless, Sasuke, I don't want to see such an expression or attitude from you again in the future, because we are friends!"In truth, this was a very minor matter. Under normal circumstances, Sasuke wouldn't have had such an attitude toward Robin. Naruto knew about the special circumstances, yet he still said those words to Sasuke.He also understood that if he waited until Sasukereturned to normal to say these things, Sasukewould definitely understand and might even apologize to Robin.Naruto spoke this way at this moment on purpose. He wanted to plant a seed of resentment in Sasuke's heart to facilitate his subsequent defection.Sure enough, after hearing Naruto's words, Sasukesaid somewhat angrily, "What is that supposed to mean? You're shouting at me over a woman?""Or are you showing off, implying that without you, I'm just a worthless piece of trash? Heh, let me tell you, it's only because I consider you a friend that I'm like this. I don't need anyone's help or pity!"After saying that, Sasuke left without looking back. Naruto signaled Robin to follow him quickly, while he used the Flying Thunder God to return to Huayin Village with the three unconscious Hidden Waterfall Ninja.Fearing that Sasuke in this state might actually do something extreme, he tossed the three to Kakuzuwithout a word and immediately returned. The round trip didn't even take ten seconds.The three arrived at the tower and pushed the door open. From the message posted on the wall, they deduced that they were supposed to open the scrolls here.Naruto took out the Heaven and Earth scrolls and opened them without hesitation. The two actually formed a small Summoning Technique, and with a "poof," Iruka appeared.Seeing his teacher there, Naruto smiled and greeted him, "Iruka-sensei, since you've appeared here, does that mean we've passed this test?"Iruka looked at the three before him with great satisfaction and sighed, "Yes! Congratulations, you have passed the trial of the Forest of Death.""Time really flies! This also proves that your previous efforts haven't been in vain. I'm afraid your current strength is already much greater than mine!""Alright, don't linger here. Leave with me! Then hurry up and get some good rest. There will be more battles waiting for you shortly!"Naruto and Iruka arrived at a competition arena. Clearly, this was the location for the third round of the Chunin Exams.The three were not the first to clear the stage. When they arrived, they found that Neji's team and Gaara's team were already waiting there.By this time, Anko's injuries had been treated. She reported her encounter with Orochimaru to the Third Hokage. After listening to her report, Hiruzentook a puff from his pipe and said, "Regardless of his purpose for returning this time, Ninjas from various Villages have already arrived.""The Chunin Exams absolutely cannot be interrupted because of his presence. Let it be decided then! The Chunin Exams will continue, but notify the Anbu and the Jonin to strengthen their defenses at all times."Anko wanted to say something more, but just then, a voice came from her walkie-talkie, "ExaminerAnko, the second stage of the Chunin Exams has now concluded. A total of eight teams, twenty-four people in all, have passed the test."Anko nodded slightly at the number, thinking to herself, "Out of over seventy people, twenty-four actually passed this test.""Although I said at the beginning that I wanted to leave less than half remaining, in my heart, the ideal number was actually in the single digits. Are the participants this time really that excellent?""I wonder if that yellow-haired, perverted brat is among those people."Anko didn't know what was happening, but as she thought about it, Naruto's figure actually surfaced in her mind. At the same time, her heart raced and her face turned red.The Ninja behind her noticed she had suddenly gone silent after hearing the news and couldn't help but nudge her gently. Anko then snapped out of it and began reporting the conclusion of the second round of the Chunin Exams to the Third Hokage.After hearing her report, the Third Hokage stood up and said to those behind him, "Let's go! The candidates are all ready. Let's head over to watch the matches as well!"The candidates about to participate in the third round Preliminary of the Chunin Exams were lined up neatly. The Third Hokage walked slowly in front of them and said with his hands behind his back, "First of all, congratulations on passing the second exam..."The Third Hokage began his speech, but few people below were listening seriously. Chojiclutched his stomach and said, "What should I do? I'm so hungry!"Shikamaru, who was in front of him, looked back and said, "Why are there still so many people? What a drag."...There were many such whispers, but the Third Hokage had long since grown accustomed to it. He didn't mind and continued talking to himself.Even the Jonin standing behind the Third Hokage were the same. Guy whispered to Kakashi beside him, "Your team isn't bad; they actually passed too.""I heard that Naruto basically didn't take action this time. It seems those two brats have very good luck!""If they don't run into Naruto, as long as my team is there, your remaining two can forget about it. Luck won't help them in this round of testing.""The next stage relies on real skill. Sigh, there's no way around it. Youth is sometimes bittersweet and sometimes severe, Kakashi!"As he spoke, Guy looked at Kakashi with a proud gaze while flashing his trademark smile.