"True purpose," Kiba asked. Hiruzen nodded and continued, "This exam, the Chuunin exam, is to show of a village's power to potential customers. If a village shows it has lots of talented and strong ninjas, then missions will increase for that village. Also, instead of killing each other, the ninja villages compete under these exams, keeping relations and allies, as well as showing off their power to enemies, keeping them from attacking. Likewise if a village's representatives, the Genins in this exam, show that it is weaker, missions will decrease and the threat of invasion is greater. Therefore it is very important that you take these exams very seriously.
"The next stage will be one on one fighting where daimyos and other important people will come to see you fight. The selection on who becomes Chuunin is made by several judges among those important people."
A Special Jounin then jumped in front of Hiruzen, kneeling in front of him.
"Sandaime-sama, allow me to explain," the Special Jounin named Gekko Hayate requested before Sarutobi nodded to him.
"As Sandaime-sama said, for the third exam (cough) there will be a lot of important people watching and the invitations are to be sent out. (cough) But since these important guests have limited time, we can't simply have many matches. (Cough) That is why we must have a preliminary now. But before we begin, can those that don't feel well and want to give up, raise their hands. As it is individual (cough) fighting from now on, your decision won't affect your team. (Cough) So, anyone wish to retire from the exam? We will begin fighting immediately, so you won't have time to rest. (Cough)," Hayate said and a murmur arose from the Genins. Naruto saw that Shikamaru was about to raise his hand when Kabuto did.
"I give up," Kabuto said.
"You are Konoha's Yakushi Kabuto? Very well. You may leave," Hayate said and wrote something down on the clipboard he was carrying. Kabuto left and once again Shikamaru was about to raise his hand when…
"I also give up," Sai said with his hand raised surprising Sakura more so than Sasuke. Sure she and Sai didn't get along, but she was aware of his abilities as a Genin and for him to suddenly quit after their ordeals in the forest of death didn't add up. Naruto however was fully aware about why Sai was forfeiting.
You know what to do Sai, Naruto thought as he watched Sai make his way out of the building, I hope that you don't fail.
Shikamaru was about to raise his hand again when Ino shot him a glare. Reluctantly he complied and lowered his hand, not wanting to deal with Ino yelling at him later for quitting because of his laziness.
"What should we do about the Uchiha," Anko asked. Both she and Hiruzen could see something was bothering Sasuke, confirming Orochimaru did something to him.
"Hokage-sama," Anko started, "I can practically taste Orochimaru's cursed seal on Sasuke and he did survive the ordeal of the curse seal. We have to stop that Genin from competing. If he gives in-"
Anko started but was cut off by Kakashi.
"He isn't the type to just give up and listen to you. He's here to test his strength," Kakashi said.
"But…," Anko began.
"I or Kakashi can place the containment seal on Sasuke. Don't worry," Jiraiya said.
"Well, if there is no one else (cough) giving up, then let's start the first match," Hayate said and a part of the wall behind the statue slid down, revealing a screen. There, names began to flash before two stopped.
"First match of the preliminaries: (Cough) Senju Uzumaki Naruto against Tenten," Hayate called.
Damn it, Naruto swore with an annoyed tone, I just recuperated from my battle with a vixen Iwa kunoichi, and now I have to take on another kunoichi? Does the world hate me that much?
"Rest assured that my hatred of you and Yondaime is still in check," Kyuubi mocked darkly.
Shut the hell up Kyuubi-teme, Naruto retorted.
"Can everyone, except the two contenders, (cough) retreat to the upper levels to watch," Hayate said and everyone went up the stairs to the upper levels. Anko grinned menacingly, which didn't go unnoticed by the other Jounins. The grin that Anko was wearing was one she'd use before dealing something harsh and cruel on her enemies or torture victims; and the fact that she was wearing it upon hearing Naruto's name being mentioned for his fight with Tenten only served to give them the idea that this match was clearly one-sided.
.
.
.
🎉The novel is available in PDF with more than 400 chapters, visit us in our Ko-Fi store🎉
🎉ko-fi.com/horizon2075🎉