Chapter 10 : The Final Exam! Preliminary Rounds!
The third exam room was an enormous, dimly lit hall with high ceilings and cold, stone walls that echoed the faintest sounds. It had a brutal, utilitarian feel, as though the space was designed purely for combat.
In the center of the room lay a large, rectangular arena, its floor made of hard, cracked stone, worn down by countless battles fought here over the years. At the far end of the chamber, a massive stone carving of a shinobi hand sign stood as a monumental symbol of the village's traditions and the trials the contestants would soon face. This emblem loomed over the room, a constant reminder of the weight of the Chunin Exams..
Balconies lined the sides of the room, where exam proctors, important figures, and the other contestants could stand and observe the matches below. The silence was thick, broken only by the subtle clinking of shinobi gear and the quiet murmurs of the Genin, who were all acutely aware that this room was where their skills would truly be put to the test.
The 21 Genin who had survived the brutal Forest of Death stood lined up in the center of the third exam room, the gravity of their accomplishment beginning to sink in. These were the ones who had proven themselves capable in the second exam, the ones strong and resourceful enough to make it through the deadly trials of the forest.
Naruto, standing at the front of his team's line, stole a glance back at Sasuke. His teammate had been unusually quiet since their ordeal, grimacing and clutching at his neck every so often. 'We made it through the Forest of Death,' Naruto thought, recalling the events that led them to this moment. 'All things considered, we probably would've done well... if we hadn't run into that incredibly powerful shinobi.'
- Forest Of Death Flashback -
Naruto's thoughts wandered back to the beginning of the exam. After the initial instructions were given, they had learned that the test involved collecting both a Heaven and Earth scroll from opposing teams. "We get one, and we have to fight for the other," Naruto recalled.
As soon as they entered the forest, Sasuke had suggested using clones to scout ahead. Naruto had grumbled in response, irritated that Sasuke had spoiled his plan. "I was gonna do that anyway! You ruined the surprise!" he muttered, but still summoned a dozen shadow clones and had them spread out to search for other teams.
Team 7 moved cautiously through the dense foliage, inching closer to the tower, when Naruto excused himself for a bathroom break. Walking a short distance away from his teammates, he noticed the telltale rustling of bushes nearby. Trusting his instincts, he quickly used his shadow clone transformation technique—an increasingly familiar trick—and pretended to take a leak.
Suddenly, an enemy Genin leaped from the bushes in an attempted ambush, but Naruto's clone had anticipated the attack and countered it perfectly. He sent a clone to retrieve Sasuke and Sakura. Together, they managed to take down the enemy Genin, but to their disappointment, he didn't have the scroll they needed.
Sakura reasoned that he had probably been sent ahead to scout and ambush solo, hoping to steal their scroll, but Naruto was still on high alert. Soon after, one of his scouting clones returned. Naruto, perplexed, facepalmed, "Why didn't you just dispel?!" he asked the clone, who huffed and replied, "Tch, that's why," before tossing something toward the original.
Naruto caught the object mid-air and his eyes widened. "It's the scroll we need! Well done, me!" he exclaimed. His clone immediately protested, "No, it's not you—it's ME!" Sasuke quickly cut in, asking how the clone had obtained the scroll.
"Easy," the clone smirked. "There were a few teams fighting each other, and I just happened to notice one of their scrolls lying on the ground, so I swiped it!"
With their required scrolls in hand, Team 7 set off for the tower, feeling more confident than ever. But their relief was short-lived. Out of nowhere, they were caught in a fierce gust of wind that scattered the team. Separated and dazed, Naruto found himself face-to-face with a massive snake. He barely managed to dodge its attack as it lunged, attempting to swallow him whole. After summoning a few clones, Naruto managed to defeat the beast, but the adrenaline coursing through his veins left him rattled.
He raced through the trees, desperately searching for Sasuke and Sakura. When he finally found them, they were locked in combat with a terrifyingly strong shinobi—a snake-like figure with an eerie presence. Naruto threw himself into the fight, but he quickly realized they were outmatched. He remembered little after that, the shinobi had hit him in his gut before his consciousness began slipping away.
When Naruto awoke, Sasuke had been bitten on the neck by that creepy shinobi. Sakura, apparently, had been watching over both of them while they were unconscious, but she had been ambushed by a team of Sound ninjas. She told him later that Rock Lee had intervened to protect her, only to be defeated as well. Even Team 10 had shown up to help, but they too were overwhelmed.
In the end, it had been Sasuke, marked and changed, who had defeated their attackers. "Tch, always Sasuke that bastard," Naruto thought, feeling both frustration and relief.
The rest of the exam had been relatively uneventful for them. They had made it to the tower, dealt with a few small skirmishes, and opened their scrolls—only to have Iruka appear from inside them. That moment had been a welcome surprise, a rare moment of comfort amid the chaos.
But now, standing here in the third exam room, Naruto's attention snapped back to the present as the Hokage cleared his throat, drawing the attention of every Genin in the room.
The Hokage stood tall before the gathered Genin, his gaze sweeping over the eager yet cautious faces. His voice was calm yet commanding as he began, "Congratulations to you all for passing the second exam. The third examination is about to commence. But before we move forward with the details of this final phase, I want to speak about something important. It concerns the underlying reason behind the Chunin Exams."
The room, filled with tension from the trials they had endured, fell into a hushed silence. Every Genin present was curious. Most had never considered that the exams had any deeper meaning beyond ranking up in the shinobi system.
"Why do you think the Chunin Exams are being held with the joint collaboration of the allied nations?" The Hokage paused, letting the question linger in the air, challenging the young shinobi to think beyond what they knew.
After a few moments, he continued, "On the surface, it seems to promote friendship and cooperation among the allied nations, to raise the standard of our shinobi through competition. However..." His voice grew more serious. "The true nature of the Chunin Exams is much more complex."
Many of the Genin furrowed their brows in confusion, leaning forward slightly, paying even closer attention.
"The Chunin Exams are, in fact, a controlled version of war between our villages," the Hokage explained, his tone steady but grave. "While it serves to evaluate the potential of shinobi candidates to rise to the rank of Chunin, it is also a political tool. Through these exams, the allied villages test each other's military strength without open conflict. It allows us to gauge the prowess and tactical abilities of our shinobi, the next generation of warriors who may one day lead their villages."
Naruto blinked in surprise, and many of the Genin around him exchanged uncertain glances. The thought of the exams being more than just a stepping stone to becoming Chunin hadn't crossed their minds.
The Hokage continued, "Each of your villages is represented here. By showcasing your abilities, you're not only proving your own worth but also the strength of your village. The potential for recruitment, alliances, and even deterrence are all factors weighed by our leaders as they watch these battles. It's an intricate dance of power that balances military strength with diplomacy."
The weight of the Hokage's words began to sink in, and the mood in the room shifted. This was not just about becoming Chunin—this was about how their actions would reflect on their homes, their nations.
"Do not misunderstand, however," the Hokage said, his voice softening slightly. "While the Chunin Exams serve as a way for our villages to assess one another, the exam's primary purpose still remains: to find those among you who possess the qualities necessary to become Chunin. You are being tested not only for your combat ability but for your leadership, decision-making under pressure, and your ability to carry out complex missions."
The Hokage's eyes scanned the Genin once more. "To become a Chunin means more than just becoming stronger. It means leading others into dangerous situations. It means carrying the responsibility of lives on your shoulders and making decisions that could impact your village's future."
The room had grown even quieter as the Genin took in the gravity of what the Hokage was saying. This exam was about more than just power; it was about how they would carry the burdens of war, diplomacy, and leadership in the world they lived in.
"In these exams, you are not just fighting for yourselves," the Hokage finished. "You are representing your village. The results of these battles will shape your future and the future of your homeland. Remember this well as you proceed to the next stage of the exam."
The Genin were left to absorb the weight of his words, fully understanding now that the Chunin Exams were not just a test of their abilities, but a stage for something much larger.
Before the Hokage could continue explaining the details of the upcoming exam, a soft cough echoed from the side of the room. The sound came from a tall, lanky Jonin with pale skin and dark hair, his eyes heavy with the hint of fatigue. Despite his sickly appearance, there was a sharpness in his gaze that hinted at the experience and skill lying beneath his frail exterior. This was Hayate Gekko, known for his talent with the sword and his responsibility as the proctor for the final stage of the Chunin Exams.
"Pardon the interruption, Lord Hokage," Hayate said in a raspy voice, bowing respectfully. "But if I may, I'd like to explain the details to the candidates. After all, I am the proctor for the third exam."
The Hokage gave Hayate an understanding smile and nodded. "Of course, Hayate. The floor is yours."
Hayate gave the gathered Genin a moment to absorb the weight of his words, his tired gaze flickering across their faces, many showing signs of shock and uncertainty. He allowed a small pause before delivering the final blow.
"And just so you're all aware," Hayate continued, his voice carrying a steely edge, "the preliminary rounds will begin right now."
The room erupted with reactions—shocked gasps, widened eyes, and quiet murmurs of disbelief rippling through the rows of young shinobi. Naruto's jaw dropped as his body tensed. "Right now?!" he blurted, echoing what many of the others were thinking.
Sakura bit her lip nervously, already worrying about Sasuke, who looked calm on the surface but was silently grimacing, a hand hovering near the cursed mark on his neck. He wasn't ready for this—not yet. Meanwhile, Kiba groaned in frustration, Akamaru whimpering softly on his shoulder.
"Are you serious?!" Kiba muttered, clearly rattled by the suddenness of it all. He wasn't the only one. Several of the other Genin looked just as unprepared, their exhaustion from the Forest of Death still evident in their stances.
But Hayate didn't falter, his expression unchanging. "This is part of the exam. You'll need to be ready for anything at any time, without warning. The life of a shinobi is no different."
The pressure of his words hung over the room, and while many of the Genin looked nervous or unsettled, there was also a growing sense of determination in the air. They had made it this far, and no one was willing to give up now—not after enduring the hardships of the second exam.
Hayate coughed lightly, clearing his throat before delivering his next instructions. "If anyone wishes to withdraw, now is the time to do so. Otherwise, the preliminary rounds will commence immediately."
Just as the weight of Hayate's words settled over the room, a hand shot up from the line of Genin.
"I think I'll withdraw," Kabuto announced, his tone calm but carrying a hint of exhaustion.
Naruto spun around in shock. "Kabuto?! What are you talking about? You've come this far!"
Kabuto gave a weary smile, adjusting his glasses. "I've already taken part in several exams, and I've been through a lot in this one already. My body's not in the best shape, and… I think I've reached my limit. No point in pushing myself too hard, right?"
Hayate simply nodded, not particularly surprised. "Very well. You're free to go," he said, his voice retaining its usual hoarse tone.
Kabuto nodded back gratefully. "Good luck to the rest of you," he said before turning to leave. As he walked out of the room, Naruto clenched his fists, feeling a pang of disappointment. He had looked up to Kabuto for his experience, but now he was leaving without even giving the preliminaries a shot.
As Hayate prepared to continue his explanation, he paused for a moment, realizing he had forgotten an important detail. "Before we move on," he rasped, "I forgot to mention—moving forward, you'll be fighting as individuals. These rounds will not be based on your teams anymore."
The announcement took some Genin by surprise, while others appeared undeterred, their expressions hardening with renewed focus.
Suddenly, a sharp gasp broke through the tension. Sasuke, standing in the line with his team, grabbed his shoulder in obvious pain, his face contorting as if struggling to maintain control. Naruto whipped around, concern written across his face.
"Sasuke?" Naruto asked, confused and worried.
Sakura stepped forward, her own face filled with fear. "Sasuke, you can't keep pretending you're okay! That mark—it's making you act up!" Her voice trembled with both anger and desperation.
Naruto blinked in confusion. Mark? he thought to himself. What mark?
Sasuke gritted his teeth, pushing through the pain. "Shut up, Sakura. I'm not quitting."
Sakura's frustration boiled over. "You have to! You're going to hurt yourself!" she said, her voice rising. "If you won't do it, then I'll tell them myself!" She turned to raise her hand, ready to alert the proctors.
But before she could, Sasuke's hand shot out and grabbed her wrist firmly. His grip, though not painful, was enough to stop her in her tracks. His eyes burned with stubborn defiance. "No," he said, voice low but determined. "You're not telling anyone. I don't care about becoming a Chunin. That doesn't matter to me anymore. I'm in this exam to prove one thing—that I'm strong."
Naruto's fist clenched, anger rising in his chest. "Sasuke, you jerk! Don't treat Sakura like that! She's only trying to help you!"
But Sasuke cut him off, locking eyes with Naruto. His expression was intense, almost cold. "Naruto," he said, his voice calmer now but filled with purpose. "You're one of the people I want to fight."
Naruto froze, his anger replaced by shock. For a moment, everything seemed to fall silent. Sasuke's words hung in the air, heavy with tension, as Naruto tried to comprehend what his teammate had just said.
- Preliminaries Begin! -
Hayate, observing the tension between the teammates, waited for the moment to pass before clearing his throat and addressing the room once again. His raspy voice cut through the atmosphere.
"It's time to begin," he announced, causing the room to quiet down as the Genin turned their attention back to him. "The preliminary matches will be conducted in a tournament style: one-on-one battles. This will test not only your combat skills, but your strategy, adaptability, and endurance."
A murmur spread through the group as the gravity of his words set in. The Genin were now sizing up their competition, knowing that the next few hours could determine the course of their futures.
Hayate continued, "Since there are now an even number of candidates—20 of you remain—there will be 10 bouts in total. Each match will be between two candidates, and the winner will proceed to the third and final exam."
The announcement hit the Genin hard. The realization that their fate would now depend on individual combat was enough to stir both excitement and anxiety among them. Some clenched their fists in determination, while others darted nervous glances at their potential opponents.
Naruto's eyes scanned the room, lingering on Sasuke. He could feel the tension still radiating from his teammate. One-on-one, Naruto thought. I guess this is where we see who's really the strongest.
Hayate's expression turned serious as he continued his explanation. "The battles will be no holds barred. Each participant will fight until their opponent is unconscious, dead, or admits defeat. There are no restrictions on the techniques you use, but killing is not the goal of this exam. However, should you die, it's your own fault."
The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, casting an ominous silence over the Genin. Naruto's eyes widened slightly. No holds barred? The stakes of the exam just skyrocketed. He glanced around at the other candidates, each of them tense, their eyes sharp with anticipation and worry.
After letting that information settle in, Hayate motioned to the wall behind him, where a large screen suddenly lit up. The electronic scoreboard flickered to life, and Hayate stepped aside to give them a full view of it. "This scoreboard," he explained, "will randomly select two names at a time. The two chosen will face each other in battle."
The room buzzed with nervous energy as the Genin stared at the screen, waiting to see who would be the first to fight. Each name on the board represented a potential opponent—and a potential threat.
"Once the names appear, those two will come down to the arena below and begin their fight immediately," Hayate added, his voice steady despite the obvious tension in the room.
The anticipation was palpable as the scoreboard began to spin, the names of all the remaining Genin flickering rapidly across the screen. Everyone held their breath, waiting to see whose names would be called first.
The scoreboard's flickering names came to a sudden and dramatic stop. The first two names appeared in bold letters.
Sasuke Uchiha vs. Akado Yoroi
The room fell into a hush, everyone turning to glance at Sasuke, who stared at the screen, determination burning in his eyes. He let out a small grunt, ignoring the pain still lingering in his shoulder from Orochimaru's cursed mark. Sakura looked worried, but Sasuke's mind was focused on one thing—he couldn't afford to lose here, not in front of Naruto, not in front of anyone.
Hayate stepped forward. "Sasuke Uchiha and Akado Yoroi, please come to the arena."
Sasuke calmly walked toward the balcony's edge, glancing down at the large stone floor of the arena below. Yoroi, a rather mysterious shinobi with dark hair and a mask covering most of his face, already stood waiting. He had a confident air about him, his eyes narrowed at Sasuke as if sizing him up.
Sasuke descended into the arena, jumping down to land gracefully on the stone floor. He could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on him—especially Naruto's, who watched from above, his fists clenched.
"Ready?" Hayate asked, looking between both contestants.
Sasuke's gaze was fixed on his opponent. He nodded.
Yoroi, his expression unreadable under his mask, merely grunted in acknowledgment.
"Begin!" Hayate called out, jumping back to give them space.
Yoroi wasted no time in rushing toward Sasuke. He moved swiftly, his hands glowing faintly with a chakra-based technique. Sasuke immediately jumped back, dodging the initial attack. Yoroi's hand missed Sasuke's face by inches, but Sasuke quickly realized something strange—his body felt sluggish, weaker than usual. The cursed mark pulsed at his neck, still dormant but clearly affecting him.
Yoroi came at him again, aiming to grab him. Sasuke attempted to counter, aiming a punch at Yoroi's midsection, but Yoroi managed to catch Sasuke's arm with his chakra-infused hand. A strange sensation immediately washed over Sasuke as Yoroi's technique took effect—he was draining Sasuke's chakra.
Sasuke's eyes widened in shock as he felt his strength being sapped away. Yoroi's hand glowed brighter as the chakra-draining ability intensified. "You're already finished," Yoroi sneered, tightening his grip.
Sasuke gritted his teeth, feeling his energy rapidly depleting. He had to think fast. His Sharingan still wasn't active, and with the cursed mark constantly threatening to take over, he was fighting on uneven ground.
"Damn it!" Sasuke cursed under his breath, realizing he couldn't afford to let this drag on.
Desperation lit a fire in him, and in a moment of quick thinking, Sasuke grabbed Yoroi's wrist with his free hand and performed a quick maneuver, kicking off the ground and twisting in midair to land a powerful spinning kick to Yoroi's face. The blow connected, sending Yoroi staggering backward.
Sasuke landed gracefully, clutching his arm where Yoroi had grabbed him. His chakra reserves were drained, but he refused to show weakness. He had to end this quickly.
Yoroi, now visibly angry, rushed at Sasuke again, but this time Sasuke was ready. Drawing on his remaining strength, Sasuke leapt into the air and unleashed the Lion Combo—the same technique he Rock Lee had tried using on Naruto. He delivered a series of rapid punches and kicks, ending with a powerful dropkick that slammed Yoroi into the ground with brutal force.
Yoroi hit the ground hard, the impact echoing throughout the room. Sasuke landed lightly on his feet, breathing heavily but standing tall. Yoroi, unable to get up, lay motionless on the ground.
Hayate stepped forward, checking Yoroi's condition. After a moment, he raised his hand. "Winner, Sasuke Uchiha!"
The room was silent for a beat, then filled with murmurs. Sasuke stood there, his body trembling slightly from the exertion. He glanced up at Naruto, who was watching intently from the balcony. The battle had taken its toll, but Sasuke had won without succumbing to the cursed mark.
As he walked back toward his team, Sakura ran up to him, concerned. "Sasuke, you—"
"I'm fine," he cut her off, his voice steady but strained. He glanced at Naruto, who nodded silently, acknowledging the strength Sasuke had shown.
For now, Sasuke had triumphed, but the ominous presence of the cursed mark still loomed over him.
Before the next match could commence, a group of medical ninja hurried into the arena. They quickly approached Yoroi, who was still lying unconscious from Sasuke's relentless attack. With efficient, practiced movements, they lifted him onto a stretcher, carefully carrying him out of the arena to receive further treatment.
As they began to leave, one of the medical ninja turned to Sasuke, who was standing a bit unsteadily, clearly drained from the battle. "You'll need treatment as well," the medic said, gesturing for Sasuke to follow them.
Before Sasuke could respond, Kakashi suddenly appeared at his side, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry about Sasuke," Kakashi said, his eye crinkling into a smile beneath his mask. "I'll take care of him myself."
The medical ninja hesitated for a moment, glancing between Kakashi and Sasuke. Seeing the confidence in Kakashi's demeanor, they eventually nodded and returned their focus to Yoroi, who was now being carried out of the room.
Kakashi gently guided Sasuke away from the arena, his voice low and calm as he spoke to him. "Let's go, Sasuke. You need to rest and… we need to talk." Sasuke nodded, though a hint of apprehension crossed his features as he followed Kakashi out of the arena.
As Kakashi led Sasuke out of the arena, he leaned in close and whispered, his voice barely audible, "I'll seal the curse mark for now."
Sasuke's eyes widened in shock, his body stiffening at Kakashi's words. He hadn't expected anyone, not even Kakashi, to know about the mark's true nature, much less be able to control it. His mind raced as he processed what this could mean, a mixture of relief and apprehension washing over him. He glanced at Kakashi, but the older shinobi's face remained calm and unreadable, giving no further explanation as they continued to walk.
Sasuke's shock lingered, but he realized quickly that this was his chance to stay in the exams without the curse overtaking him—at least for now.
The electronic scoreboard whirred to life once again, its letters rapidly cycling through the remaining names. The tension in the room was palpable, each Genin wondering if they would be the next to step into the ring. Then, after a few long seconds, the names came to a halt.
Zaku Abumi vs. Shino Aburame
As the names appeared on the board, Zaku glanced at his opponent and scoffed, "Who's that loser?" His tone was dismissive, his confidence oozing through his words as he stepped into the center of the room, cracking his neck and stretching his arms.
On the other side, Shino remained silent, calmly adjusting his sunglasses, his expression unreadable. He didn't rise to Zaku's provocation; he merely walked forward with his hands in his pockets, his eerie calmness enough to send a ripple of unease through the other genin.
"Zaku Abumi of the Sound Village versus Shino Aburame of the Leaf Village," Hayate announced, stepping back after confirming both were ready. "Begin!"
Zaku smirked as soon as the command was given, raising his arms in an instant. "I'll finish this quick," he declared, preparing to unleash his signature technique.
But Shino, as always, remained motionless, as though waiting for Zaku to make the first move.
The match between Shino and Zaku began with an intense focus. Zaku Abumi, glaring at Shino, clenched his single usable arm, his right arm still hanging limp from a previous injury. Without hesitation, Zaku dashed forward, swinging his left arm wildly at Shino's face. Shino stepped back, narrowly avoiding the blow but keeping his calm, analytical expression.
Zaku wasn't done yet. "Got you!" he yelled, aiming his left hand directly at Shino and unleashing a powerful sound wave from the vents embedded in his palm. A violent blast of compressed sound energy hit Shino square in the chest, sending him flying backward across the room and crashing into the ground with a heavy thud.
The impact kicked up a cloud of dust as Shino lay on the floor, unmoving for a moment. Zaku smirked triumphantly. "That's what you get for standing around like a loser."
But as the dust settled, Shino slowly rose to his feet, adjusting his glasses. He calmly wiped his face, revealing a trail of bugs crawling over his skin. Zaku's expression shifted from triumph to confusion as he noticed the insects beginning to swarm around Shino's body.
"That's enough," Shino said, his voice cold and steady. "You will lose this fight."
Zaku's eyes narrowed, the weight of Shino's words grating on his pride. "Hah! I'm still standing, and you're barely holding on. What makes you think you've already won?"
Shino turned slightly, gesturing toward the swarm of kikaichū that gathered behind him. "Your choice is simple. You can attack me… or the bugs. But not both. Either way, you'll be left defenseless."
Zaku grit his teeth, growing furious. "You think I'm weak, huh?" He grinned wickedly as he raised his limp right arm. "You're wrong. I still have another trick up my sleeve."
With a sudden movement, Zaku swung up his seemingly useless right arm. To everyone's shock, his vents opened. "I'm not done yet!" Zaku screamed as he prepared to blast Shino and his bugs from both directions.
Shino's gaze remained steady as he watched the scene unfold. "You shouldn't have done that," he said, his voice soft but filled with certainty.
Zaku unleashed his sound wave in both directions—one toward Shino, the other toward the swarm of insects. But before the compressed air could fully escape, both vents on Zaku's hands suddenly jammed. The kikaichū bugs had already infiltrated his arms and blocked the pathways, clogging the vents completely.
Zaku's eyes widened in horror. "No—" he barely had time to react before both of his arms were consumed by the full force of his own sound wave, creating a massive internal explosion. The technique backfired, and his arms were ravaged by the blast. Blood splattered as his body was thrown violently to the ground, his arms now mangled and destroyed.
The crowd stood in silence, shocked by the brutal counterattack.
Zaku groaned in pain, trying to move, but his body wouldn't respond. Shino quietly approached him from behind, his bugs swarming back into his sleeves. In one swift, precise movement, Shino delivered a sharp chop to the back of Zaku's neck, knocking him out cold. The sound ninja collapsed, completely unconscious.
Hayate, watching from the sidelines, stepped forward and raised his hand. "Winner: Shino Aburame."
Shino walked away methodically, as though the battle had been nothing more than an inevitable outcome. Zaku's broken body lay on the floor, defeated and humiliated by Shino's calculated victory.
- Meanwhile, with Kakashi and Sasuke -
As Kakashi finished weaving the final hand signs, he pressed his palm against the curse mark on Sasuke's neck. The seal flared with a glowing light, surrounding the mark with complex symbols that restrained its sinister power. Sasuke's body stiffened as the sealing process began to take effect. The mark pulsed violently under Kakashi's hand, as if resisting, but eventually, the power was subdued.
Sasuke gasped sharply, his eyes widening in shock. He felt a surge of intense pressure, and then his body gave out. The strain from the curse mark, combined with the seal, overwhelmed him. He collapsed, falling unconscious in Kakashi's arms.
Kakashi gently lowered Sasuke to the ground, his expression calm but thoughtful as he looked at the unconscious boy. He sighed, muttering to himself, "At least this should hold it off for now…"
As he was about to lift Sasuke to carry him out, a chilling presence suddenly filled the room. Kakashi's eyes narrowed, his senses immediately alert. Emerging from the shadows, Orochimaru stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with twisted amusement.
"Orochimaru..." Kakashi muttered, his voice cold.
The serpentine Sannin smiled darkly. "You're quite the persistent one, Kakashi. But no matter how many seals you place, you cannot stop the inevitable. Sasuke will come to me of his own free will. The allure of power is far too tempting for someone like him."
Kakashi remained silent, his gaze locked onto Orochimaru, unwavering.
"That boy..." Orochimaru continued, his voice dripping with malice, "He thirsts for strength. Strength to kill his brother. Strength to avenge his clan. No seal can restrain such a desire forever."
Kakashi clenched his fists, but his composure didn't falter. "As long as I'm his teacher, I'll make sure he doesn't fall into your hands."
Orochimaru's smile widened, his tone laced with mockery. "We'll see. It's only a matter of time before he seeks me out." With that, Orochimaru turned and vanished into the shadows just as quickly as he had appeared, leaving behind an unsettling silence.
Kakashi knelt beside Sasuke, his eyes softening. "I won't let him have you," he whispered before lifting the unconscious boy onto his back. "Not if I can help it."
- Back to the preliminaries -
As the preliminary rounds continued, the atmosphere in the arena remained charged with anticipation, punctuated by the dramatic and varied outcomes of the matches.
First up was the bout between Kankuro and Misumi Tsurugi. The match began with Tsurugi confidently closing in on Kankuro, seemingly having him trapped. However, just when it appeared Tsurugi had the upper hand, the situation took an unexpected turn. The so-called "Kankuro" was revealed to be a mere puppet, expertly controlled by the real Kankuro hidden behind the scenes. With a swift maneuver, Kankuro's puppet ensnared Tsurugi, rendering him unable to escape. Tsurugi's defeat was sealed as Kankuro's puppet delivered the final blow, showcasing Kankuro's clever use of his puppet mastery.
Next was Sakura Haruno versus Ino Yamanaka. The fight was a fierce showcase of both kunoichi's skills and their deep-rooted rivalry. The match was intense, with both girls demonstrating impressive tactics and abilities. Ino attempted to use her Mind Transfer Jutsu to gain control over Sakura, but Sakura's resilience kept her in the fight. Despite a valiant effort from both sides, the match ended in a dramatic double knockout, with both fighters collapsing to the ground simultaneously. The medics rushed in to attend to both competitors as the crowd erupted in mixed cheers and concern.
Following that was the match between Tenten and Temari. Tenten's expertise with weapons was severely undermined by Temari's large fan. As the match began, Temari unleashed a powerful gust of wind that scattered all of Tenten's weapons, leaving her defenseless. With her arsenal neutralized, Tenten had little chance against Temari's relentless wind-based attacks. The match concluded quickly with Temari's overwhelming victory, demonstrating the formidable power of her wind techniques.
Finally, Shikamaru Nara faced off against Kin Tsuchi. Shikamaru, known for his strategic brilliance, employed his Shadow Possession Jutsu to outmaneuver Kin. Using his shadows to control her movements, Shikamaru forced Kin into a precarious position. Kin, unable to escape Shikamaru's well-executed strategy, ended up being knocked out by her own actions. Shikamaru's clever tactics and strategic foresight earned him a well-deserved victory, further showcasing his tactical genius.
The preliminary rounds had seen a variety of combat styles and strategies, with each match adding to the excitement and tension of the Chunin Exams. As the final matches approached, the remaining Genin waited with bated breath for their chance to prove themselves in the arena.
Uzumaki Naruto Vs Inuzuka Kiba
He was itching to get into the ring and show everyone just how much he had improved since his days as the so-called "dead last."
Kiba's name flashed up next to his, and the Inuzuka's usual cocky grin widened. Kiba was certain that he had drawn the easiest opponent. "Looks like I'm up against the dead last," he said with a smirk, his voice carrying across the room. "Guess I lucked out."
Naruto stepped forward with a grin. "Don't be so sure, Kiba. I've been training hard, and I'm not the same Naruto you remember. You're in for a surprise."
Kiba scoffed, dismissing Naruto's claim as bravado. "Whatever. Just don't hold me up. I've got better things to do than waste time with you."
The two fighters took their places in the center of the arena.
Naruto, brimming with excitement and confidence, made a show of exasperation, waving his hands dramatically towards Kiba and his loyal companion, Akamaru. "Come on, Kiba! Get that puppy out of the arena so we can start this already!" he called out, his voice carrying a mix of impatience and challenge.
Kiba, not one to be easily intimidated, shot Naruto a defiant glare. "No way! Akamaru is fighting with me, like always. We're a team," he retorted, his tone full of stubborn pride.
Naruto turned to Hayate, who was standing at the edge of the arena, seeking clarification. "Is that even allowed?" he asked curiously.
Hayate, with his characteristic calm demeanor, nodded in confirmation. "Any animals a ninja uses as part of their skills are considered the same as any weapons or tools. They are allowed in the match," he explained, his voice steady and authoritative.
Naruto, not one to be easily deterred, turned back to Kiba with a determined glint in his eye. "Whatever! I could beat you even if you had a pack of wolves with you," he declared boldly, his tone brimming with self-assuredness.
Kiba smirked, his confidence only growing. "Big talk from the dead last".
Naruto's excitement was palpable as Hayate turned to the Genin and asked if they were ready. Both Naruto and Kiba nodded eagerly, their faces set with determination. Hayate signaled the beginning of the match.
As soon as the signal was given, Naruto's mind raced. Right, use your head, Naruto. Show everyone you've grown. He reminded himself, trying to recall what little he knew about Kiba's fighting style. I haven't seen him in action with Akamaru before. I need to figure out how he fights. Use your clones.
Naruto promptly summoned several Shadow Clones. He watched as Kiba, having dismissed Naruto as a mere threat, immediately took action. Kiba dropped to all fours, activating his Beast Mimicry jutsu. With a burst of speed, Kiba launched himself at Naruto.
Naruto's clones intercepted the attack, but one was swiftly taken out by Kiba's surprise assault. The remaining two clones managed to hold Kiba at bay, though Kiba's ferocity and skill left him momentarily taken aback. Naruto's improvement in Taijutsu was evident, but Kiba, unphased, declared, "You'll need more than better Taijutsu and a few clones to beat me!"
Kiba once more charged at Naruto, this time with Akamaru by his side. As Kiba neared, he tossed a smoke bomb onto the field. Naruto's eyes widened as the smoke began to envelop him. He quickly tried to escape, but as he neared the edge of the smoke, Akamaru ambushed him. When the smoke cleared, Naruto was revealed lying unconscious beside a jubilant Akamaru. Kiba grinned triumphantly. "Haha, well done, Akamaru!" he cheered, reaching out to hug his dog.
But before the hug could be completed, Akamaru transformed into Naruto, who swiftly delivered a powerful punch to Kiba's face. Kiba staggered back, stunned by the unexpected counterattack.
As Kiba struggled to his feet, he saw Naruto grinning from across the arena. Next to Naruto stood another Naruto—one of his Shadow Clones—holding Akamaru firmly by the paws. Kiba shook his head in disbelief. "You've gotten stronger, Naruto, but I'm still going to kick your ass!"
With a determined look, Kiba reached into his pocket and threw something towards Akamaru. The dog caught it in his mouth, and moments later, his size increased and his fur turned a vibrant red. Naruto's clone released the now-enlarged Akamaru, who quickly joined Kiba.
Kiba shouted, "It's time to end this!" and with Akamaru barking atop his head, Kiba performed his "Man-Beast Clone" technique. Akamaru transformed into a more feral version of Kiba, and together, they charged Naruto with a wild, animal-like aggression.
Naruto, unimpressed by the display, muttered to himself, "This guy's gotta be on drugs or something." Hayate's voice cut through the arena, "It's a military ration pill. They're permitted in the matches," much to Naruto's irritation.
As the pair of Kiba and Akamaru bore down on him with furious speed, Naruto used his Shadow Clones to keep up the pressure. The clones and Kiba's attacks caused a chaotic melee, but Naruto finally managed to spot the real Kiba when he called out to Akamaru to stop attacking.
Naruto quickly had his clones throw kunai to separate Kiba and Akamaru. With the two now apart, Naruto directed his clones to engage Akamaru, while he himself charged at Kiba. The ensuing Taijutsu bout was intense, with Naruto demonstrating that he was not just on par with Kiba's Taijutsu skills but superior. He countered, dodged, and blocked Kiba's attacks with impressive agility.
Naruto's grin widened as he shouted, "Now it's time to end this, Kiba!" He launched a powerful combo that sent Kiba sprawling to the ground.
As Kiba struggled to rise, Hayate declared Naruto the winner. Naruto's face beamed with satisfaction as he strolled up the staircase, elated by his decisive victory. Throughout the match, he had never been under any serious threat, and that realization filled him with immense pride and happiness.
Thank you all for the reviews and due to the majority saying it'd be best to skip the forest of death and just have a recap, I did so. I might have been better off skipping the preliminaries too though as I feel I may have gotten carried away writing the fight scenes.
Please let me know what you thought of Naruto Vs Kiba. I feel that the fight went sort of similarly to Canon with the main difference being Naruto's improvement in the basics.
I understand if you are getting impatient with the lack of changes as of yet, but please be patient. Remember that Naruto has only been practicing the basics as of right now.
And what's due to come? A MONTH of TRAINING, WITH JIRAIYA, WITH CLONES.
Honestly, think about it, let's say Naruto still only uses 20 clones for training. That's 20 days of training in a day, or 21 if you include Naruto himself. Now if we were to say Naruto did this training everyday, which really isn't too unlikely. That's 21 x 30, 630 days of training! That's roughly 20 months of training!
It genuinely feels a little overboard, but I'm writing this story how I genuinely think this change would affect the story should it actually of happened. Thus, there's not really any way for me to change the story to nerf Naruto's training. After the preliminaries are completed, Naruto will begin training. And by the end of it, the boy WILL BE A BEAST.
I'd also like to respond to a few reviews,
WilsorBR - Thank you for the review! Whilst I do agree that one of Naruto's clones meeting Karin would be cool, you called it in saying that I didn't really plan having her in the story, whilst I think her powers are cool and her being technically Naruto's family. I honestly don't consider that scene canon, and whilst I know that it's said it is, Sasuke literally never leaves the group, so it's all a bit weird to me. Thank you for the suggestion anyway though, and I apologise for not being able to incorporate it.
Dark Bolt - Thanks for the review! I hope you liked that Naruto wasn't eaten by the snake like you predicted! Unfortunately, Naruto's not insanely powerful yet, and I do not think him being a little stronger than in Canon could stop him from being slapped around by a member of the Sanin, thus he still got the seal placed on him. This also means Naruto would not be conscious to help Sakura unfortunately, though I feel like she needs this arc, so in my opinion it's better this way. And you might just be right about Naruto's training hehe.
Juicy Fruit - The review is much appreciated! I'll be honest, I'm not entirely sure what you mean by there being hidden areas, from what I'm aware, canonically, there is nothing like this? Though it would be cool to have something like this happen, like I mentioned in a previous response, I'm really trying to keep this to how I think the story would go, I'm not a Naruto encyclopedia like some people so I may get things wrong, so please correct me if I'm wrong, and I apologise if I am.