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I'm back with the next chapter of Change in Winds.
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Without further ado, let's get started.
Enjoy the chapter.
Change in Winds
Chapter 21
The System
2 days later
Forest of Death
The announcement rang out across the Forest of Death, its clear and authoritative tone cutting through the dense trees and eerie silence that had settled after days of relentless survival.
"The second stage of the Chunin Exams has now concluded. All participating genin are to proceed to their nearest clearing for transportation. Those who have already reached the Central Tower may rest for the next four hours, after which further instructions will be provided."
The voice echoed through the forest, reaching every corner where exhausted genin lingered—some nursing injuries, others clutching their hard-won scrolls. Relief swept through the survivors as they realized their ordeal in this deadly arena was finally over. For some, it meant a moment to breathe; for others, it was a chance to reflect on what they had endured and what was still to come.
With Naruto
Naruto sat cross-legged on the tatami floor of one of the estate's smaller rooms, his back against a wooden beam and his arms resting on his knees. The soft glow of twilight filtered through sliding shoji doors left slightly ajar, casting long shadows across his face. His cerulean eyes stared into the middle distance, unfocused yet heavy with thought.
He sighed deeply, running a hand through his messy blond hair. "Man... everything just keeps getting more complicated," he muttered to himself.
The estate was quiet save for the occasional rustle of leaves outside or distant chirping of cicadas. Sasuke remained under his clone's watchful eye, while Sakura had taken it upon herself to organize supplies and keep herself busy. Naruto's usual energy seemed dulled in comparison; he felt restless of all the things happening but unsure how to get out of it.
In this silence, a familiar presence stirred within him. The System had remained dormant for nearly two days now, observing Naruto's mood and waiting for an appropriate moment to reestablish contact. This time, it resolved to approach differently: not with commands or overwhelming information but with humility and understanding.
"Uzumaki Naruto," the System's voice echoed softly in his mindscape, its tone measured and respectful. "May I have a moment of your time?"
Naruto blinked in surprise at the sudden intrusion but didn't immediately respond. Instead, he leaned back against the wooden beam and closed his eyes as if weighing whether or not to engage.
"I'm listening," he said finally, his voice neutral but not unkind.
The System felt a flicker of relief but remained cautious. "Thank you," it began. "I owe you an apology for my earlier actions. I was... overzealous and impatient in my attempts to assist you. In doing so, I failed to consider your feelings and your need for clarity."
Naruto's brow furrowed slightly as he listened. He hadn't expected such an earnest admission from what he had come to think of as an almost mechanical presence in his mind. "Yeah," he said after a moment, "you kinda did come on pretty strong."
"I understand," the System replied gently. "And I want you to know that I've learned from my mistakes. My purpose is to guide and support you—not to overwhelm or control you. If you'll allow me, I'd like to explain everything properly this time."
Naruto opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Alright," he said. "But keep it simple, okay? No crazy jargon or long-winded explanations."
"Of course," the System agreed readily. "The Rikudo Sennin lived during a time of endless conflict, an era where humanity was consumed by war and strife. He sought to bring peace to the world through Ninshu—the original creed meant to connect people through chakra. But his dream was never fully realized. Instead, his teachings were twisted into what you now know as ninjutsu, and the cycle of hatred persisted."
Naruto frowned deeply, his hands clenching into fists on his knees. "So... he failed? Even someone like him couldn't stop all the fighting?"
"It was not failure," the System corrected gently. "It was an incomplete effort. The Sage foresaw that peace could not be achieved in his lifetime or even in the generations that followed. And so, he created me—a tool that would awaken when one of his descendants possessed the qualities necessary to fulfill his vision: physical strength, immense chakra reserves, when one of his descendants holds Kur—" The word was abruptly cut off as Kurama sent another subtle wave of chakra through Naruto's body, clearly displeased with being mentioned so casually.
"Don't push your luck," Kurama's deep voice rumbled within Naruto's mindscape, though he remained distant and uninterested in fully engaging with either Naruto or the System.
The System recovered quickly and continued as if nothing had happened. "In essence, my purpose is to support you toward becoming what the Creator called his 'successor'—the one who will bring true peace to the shinobi world by uniting it under one banner."
Naruto tilted his head slightly at that. "Unite others? You mean like... making everyone friends or something?"
"More like allowing everyone to exist in harmony," it replied
Naruto snorted softly, shaking his head. "Yeah... no offense, but that sounds way too idealistic for me." He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back further. "I'm not some chosen one or whatever. I'm just me—a selfish guy who does what he thinks is best for me."
The Kyuubi, who was watching, laughed in a low chuckle that reverberated in the mindscape. Naruto's gaze flicked inward for a moment, observing Kyuubi as he lounging lazily in his cage, larger than he remembered.
'What are you laughing at?' Naruto thought. He turned his attention back to the System.
"This whole 'uniting everyone' thing..." Naruto continued aloud with a bitter edge in his voice. "You're talking about a village that killed my parents, mocked my dreams, and bullied me into becoming an attention-seeking idiot just so someone would notice me." His eyes hardened as he stared ahead. "Uniting them? That's a tall order—even for me."
The System paused as if processing Naruto's words carefully before responding. "I understand your skepticism," it said gently. "The path ahead is not easy—nor is it meant to be rushed. That is why the first step is designed to help you improve yourself first—to build trust between us and allow you to see what is possible when we work together."
Naruto raised an eyebrow at that and let out a dry laugh. "That sounds like something out of a salesman's pitch," he said with a smirk before shrugging lightly. "But whatever... I'll let you do what you want—for now."
"Thank you," the System replied sincerely.
For a moment, silence settled over the room as twilight deepened into night. Naruto glanced once more toward Kyuubi's cage in his mindscape before shaking off the lingering unease.
"Guess we'll see where this goes," he muttered under his breath before standing up and stretching lazily.
"Ninshu Seiwa: Chowa Ichi - Yugo—the Tranquil Harmony of Ninshu, Step 1: Initiation has been initiated." It spoke, finally beginning to fulfill its purpose.
"The 1st step is designed toward personal growth and self-discovery, a journey designed to help you understand yourself and your potential." It explained as Naruto felt a subtle warmth emanating from the necklace. The glow intensified as faint lines of light stretched outward from it, forming intricate patterns across his body. He watched in awe as an interface materialized before him, displaying information that seemed both foreign and familiar.
Name: Naruto Uzumaki
Title(s): Host of the System, Guardian of Uzushio, Uzukage, ...
Step: 1
Initiation Status: Initiated
Naruto stared at the display with wide eyes, feeling a strange yet comforting shift within him. His body felt lighter, his senses sharper as if something dormant had been awakened.
"Damn, that looks neat," he muttered with a grin, his usual curiosity and excitement bubbling to the surface. He flexed his fingers experimentally, feeling lighter, sharper, as if something deep within him had stirred awake.
But as Naruto marvelled at the changes, a low rumble echoed through his mind. Kyuubi stirred, his eyes narrowing as he observed the glowing lines and the interface hovering before Naruto.
He let out a derisive snort. "Hmph. Parlour tricks," he muttered to himself. The faint glow of the seal on the cage flickered slightly as he shifted, his massive tails curling lazily around him. Though outwardly dismissive, there was a sharp glint of suspicion in his eyes. "That thing," he growled softly, "is far too convenient for my taste."
The fox's lips curled into a toothy grin as he leaned forward slightly, resting his massive head on his paws. "But..." he rumbled with amusement, "if it ever tries anything funny, I can crush it like an insect." A pulse of his chakra rippled through the mindscape for emphasis—a subtle reminder of his overwhelming power.
Meanwhile
With Hiruzen
The Central Tower was steeped in an oppressive silence, the flickering torchlight casting restless shadows on the stone walls. The air was heavy with tension, a palpable weight that seemed to press down on everyone present. Hiruzen sat at the center of the room, his expression calm but unreadable as he listened to the report being delivered by an ANBU squad kneeling before him. Their cloaks were damp from the humidity of the Forest of Death, and their masks gleamed faintly in the dim light.
The leader of the squad, wearing an owl-shaped mask, spoke first. His voice was steady and composed despite the gravity of his words. "Hokage-sama, the recall orders have been issued to all active shinobi operating outside the village. They are returning as we speak."
Hiruzen nodded slightly, his gaze distant as he processed this information.
Before Hiruzen could comment further, a sharp voice broke through the stillness.
"Hiruzen," Koharu's tone was clipped and authoritative as she stepped forward. Her aged features were set in a stern frown, her eyes narrowing as she addressed him. "Surely you understand how this will be interpreted by other villages. With so many of our military forces concentrated here during the final stage—especially with foreign Kage in attendance—it could be seen as a provocation."
Standing beside her, Homura crossed his arms and gave a slow nod of agreement. "The presence of such a large force during an event meant to foster unity could easily be misconstrued as a show of power—or worse, preparation for conflict. We must address this before it becomes an issue. A council session is necessary."
Hiruzen's gaze shifted toward them, his expression remaining impassive. He had anticipated this confrontation from his former teammates and fellow Elders. Koharu and Homura had always been cautious to a fault, their focus often leaning toward political optics rather than practical realities.
"No," Hiruzen said simply.
The single word fell like a hammer, its finality echoing in the chamber. Koharu stiffened visibly at his response, her lips pressing into a thin line as her eyes narrowed further in displeasure. Homura exhaled quietly through his nose but refrained from pressing further.
Hiruzen's voice remained firm yet carried an undercurrent of weariness. "This is not the time for paranoia or second-guessing our actions. I will not put Konoha at risk because you are paranoid. Safety of the village comes first." His gaze hardened slightly as he continued, "This is not the first time blood has been spilled during these exams, nor will it be the last. End of discussion."
Koharu's displeasure was evident in her tightened posture, but Homura placed a hand on her shoulder—a silent gesture urging restraint. After a moment of tense silence, they both bowed slightly and exited without another word. Their objections had been noted but ultimately dismissed.
As the doors closed behind them, Hiruzen turned back to the Owl-masked ANBU operative and gestured for him to continue.
The ANBU dipped his head respectfully before resuming his report. "Eight teams have successfully passed the Second Stage of the Chunin Exams," he began.
A quiet murmur rippled through from the Jōnin stationed to oversee the 2nd stage.
The ANBU continued without pause:
Konoha Teams: Team 7 (Hatake Kakashi's team), Team 9 (Might Guy's team), Team 10 (Sarutobi Asuma's team), and Team 15 (Kirio Tokimaru's team).
Sunagakure Team 1: Led by Baki.
Kumogakure Team 69: Led by Yugito Nii.
Iwagakure Team 33: Led by Roshi.
Kirigakure Team 5: Led by Zabuza Momochi.
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened slightly at some of these names—particularly Roshi and Yugito. Both were Jinchuriki of their own villages and carried reputations that preceded them. Their presence was a surprise; what concerned him was how their presence might shift dynamics in the final stage.
The ANBU paused briefly before continuing with visible hesitation in his posture. "As for the remaining nine teams..."
The room grew heavier as everyone braced for what came next.
"All two Amegakure teams and two Kusagakure teams were completely wiped out during this stage," he reported grimly. "The Nami team was forced to withdraw due to severe injuries sustained early on. Two Otogakure teams were defeated and eliminated from contention." He hesitated slightly before adding, "Additionally... two Konoha teams voluntarily relinquished their scrolls and withdrew."
A tense silence followed as those present absorbed this information. Four entire teams—completely killed—and five others eliminated through various means. Even for an exam designed to push genin to their limits, these numbers were staggering.
Hiruzen exhaled slowly, his lined face betraying none of his inner thoughts as he processed what he'd just heard. The deaths of Amegakure and Kusagakure's teams would undoubtedly draw ire from those villages' leaders. But it can be handled.
Another ANBU operative stepped forward then, bowing slightly before adding an update: "The Tower has been secured, Hokage-sama. All teams that passed have been provided with designated rooms for rest and recovery until further instructions are issued."
Hiruzen nodded approvingly before issuing one final order: "Ensure our forces remain vigilant—I want no surprises before or during the final stage."
"Coming to the Chunin Exams, assemble all the Jōnin-senseis of the teams that have passed the 2nd stage in the briefing room." He ordered and the ANBU vanished with a nod.
Briefing Room
The tension in the briefing room was almost tangible, a heavy weight pressing down on the assembled Jōnin. Hiruzen sat at the center, his sharp gaze sweeping across some of the Shinobi World's finest. These were not just leaders but mentors who had trained and prepared their students for the trials they had just endured. Despite their calm exteriors, the air was thick with unspoken calculations and quiet deliberation.
Hiruzen leaned forward slightly, his voice carrying the weight of authority as he addressed them. "Now that the Second Stage has concluded, you should all be aware that your teams have successfully qualified for the final stage. Congratulations."
A murmur rippled through the room. Some Jōnin nodded in satisfaction—Kakashi's expression remained unreadable beneath his mask, while Guy flashed a subtle grin of pride for his students. Zabuza and Baki, stood silently, their faces betraying nothing as they processed the announcement. Yugito and Roshi exchanged brief glances, their jinchūriki instincts already assessing potential threats in the room. Asuma and Tokimaru remained still, their sharp eyes focused entirely on Hiruzen.
"With eight teams advancing," Hiruzen continued, "we have a total of twenty-four genin. This number is ideal for a final stage tournament—competitive enough to test their abilities while avoiding unnecessary delays."
The room remained quiet, though a few Jōnin exchanged knowing looks. A standard knockout tournament was expected to determine strength and skill, but everyone present knew that becoming a Chunin required more than raw power. Leadership, strategy, and adaptability would also be judged.
Hiruzen's gaze darkened slightly as he tapped a finger against the armrest of his chair. "That being said…" He paused deliberately, ensuring he had everyone's attention before continuing. "I am extending an opportunity: Any Jōnin present here may choose to challenge and eliminate a team they consider a direct threat to their own."
The atmosphere shifted immediately—a test within a test. The stakes were clear: this was an opportunity to tilt the odds in favor of their students or remove a dangerous competitor before the final stage began.
The Jōnin remained silent, their expressions carefully neutral as they absorbed Hiruzen's words. For some, this was a tactical advantage—a chance to clear obstacles early. For others, it was a risk too great to consider lightly; failure could turn their own team into prey for retaliation.
"The matches in the final stage will be one-on-one—a knockout-style tournament," Hiruzen elaborated. "However, this is your chance to secure a more favorable field… if you have the resolve to take it."
The tension thickened as he leaned forward slightly, his sharp eyes scanning the room. "Before you step forward," he added, his tone quiet but commanding, "understand this: should you choose to eliminate a team, their Jōnin sensei will be given the same opportunity against your team—regardless of whether you succeed or fail. These will be timed thirty-minute matches."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the room as the assembled Jōnin weighed their options.
Baki stood silently with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable as he considered the implications for his team. Zabuza's lips curled into a faint smirk—whether out of amusement or calculation was unclear. Kakashi glanced briefly at Asuma before returning his attention to Hiruzen; both men seemed deep in thought about what this could mean for their respective teams.
Yugito's eyes narrowed slightly as she folded her arms across her chest. She seemed more intrigued than concerned by Hiruzen's offer. Roshi stroked his beard thoughtfully, his fiery presence subdued but unmistakably watchful as he weighed whether this challenge aligned with his straightforward nature.
Kirio remained utterly still, his sharp gaze betraying no emotion as he analyzed every possible angle.
"So," Hiruzen asked evenly, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade through fog. "Who is willing to take this opportunity?"
The room fell into silence once more as every Jōnin weighed their choices carefully.
Eight Jōnin—each the leader of a team that had survived the brutal Second Stage—stood in measured silence, their expressions ranging from calm calculation to outright discomfort. This was not an offer to be taken lightly. Some saw it as an opportunity, others as a challenge, and a few as a trap.
Kakashi's single visible eye remained unreadable, his posture as relaxed as ever. If the announcement had rattled him, he gave no sign of it. Instead, he exhaled softly, fingers absently flipping the page of his ever-present Icha Icha novel, though he wasn't reading it. His mind worked rapidly beneath the surface.
Who among them would be foolish enough to step forward first?
Kakashi knew his team was strong—stronger than most would expect—but he wasn't arrogant. Sasuke's heritage made him a natural target, and after his performance in the Forest of Death, that likelihood had only increased. Naruto was an enigma. Kakashi had his suspicions about the boy's potential, but few truly understood how much he had grown.
His gaze flicked briefly toward Baki, standing stoically on the other side of the room. Gaara was undoubtedly the most dangerous unknown in this exam—a threat Kakashi would rather not face prematurely. But did he need to play his hand so early?
He let out a lazy sigh, tilting his head slightly. No. He would observe for now. If anyone decided to target his team… well, they'd regret it soon enough.
If Kakashi was the epitome of calm, Guy was a tightly coiled spring ready to explode. His normally boisterous energy was muted, his thick brows furrowed in rare seriousness.
Guy was a man of unshakable conviction—a shinobi who believed in hard work overcoming genius—but he wasn't blind. Neji's strength and reputation already drew attention; his prodigious abilities were undeniable. Lee was a wild card—someone most would underestimate until it was too late—and Tenten's precision made her invaluable in any fight.
Would someone try to eliminate his team early? His fist clenched at the thought. He didn't want to make an unnecessary move, but if anyone dared to step forward against them… they'd face the full force of his youthful resolve.
A sharp exhale left Asuma's lips as he took a slow drag from his cigarette, the ember glowing momentarily. He exhaled through his nose, his mind already calculating potential outcomes for Team 10.
His team wasn't weak—not by any stretch—but they weren't aggressive combatants either. Shikamaru's intellect could navigate them through almost any situation if given time to plan, but this wasn't just about tactics—it was about dominance and perception.
He flicked the cigarette ash onto the floor and glanced at some of the other Jōnin—especially Roshi and Baki—who stood like statues of stone. Would anyone dare come for my team? he wondered silently before shaking his head slightly. Probably not yet.
Zabuza's mouth twisted into a grin that revealed sharp teeth glinting in the dim light.
'Ah,' he thought with amusement, 'now things are getting interesting.'
His broad frame remained relaxed but exuded danger like a coiled predator waiting to strike. Zabuza had fought in wars and slain more men than he cared to count; this kind of posturing didn't faze him in the slightest.
Kirigakure wasn't soft like Konoha or these other villages. If this had been Kiri's Bloody Mist Exams, bodies from eliminated teams would already be floating downriver by now.
Still, Zabuza wasn't stupid. Haku could handle herself against most threats here; she didn't need him stepping in unless absolutely necessary. He let out a low chuckle that echoed faintly through the room.
"Well, well," he murmured under his breath. "Anyone feeling lucky?"
Yugito's eyes narrowed slightly as she folded her arms across her chest. Her posture exuded disinterest, but her muscles were tense beneath her calm exterior—a predator ready to pounce if provoked.
Unlike some of the others here, Yugito wasn't concerned about her team being targeted; she was concerned about herself. As a jinchūriki of Matatabi—the Two-Tails—she knew she carried a target on her back wherever she went.
If any Jōnin here had half a brain, they'd recognize that Kumogakure wouldn't send one of their jinchūriki without confidence in their abilities—or without contingencies in place for retaliation.
Her lips curled into a faint smirk as she thought coldly: 'Let them try.'
Baki stood with arms crossed over his chest and an expression carved from stone. His sharp eyes scanned the room with calculated precision but betrayed no emotion.
He already knew the answer: no one would dare target Gaara—not unless they wanted to die.
Instead of concern for potential threats against his team, Baki focused on observing everyone else in the room: their body language, their subtle shifts in stance or gaze—all clues that might reveal who would make the first move.
Rōshi exhaled slowly through his nose as he stood near the edge of the room with arms folded across his broad chest. He carried himself with quiet confidence; his muscular frame alone made him an imposing presence.
Like Yugito, Rōshi bore the burden of being a jinchūriki—in his case, host to Son Gokū, the Four-Tails—but unlike her, he felt no need to mask it behind false disinterest or bravado.
'Let them come,' he thought simply.
The pale man with slicked-back hair and unsettlingly sharp eyes—stood apart from the others with an air of detached amusement.
Kirio's lips curled into a faint smile as he observed the tension building around him like storm clouds gathering on the horizon.
"How fascinating," he murmured softly under his breath.
Unlike most others here who weighed their options carefully before acting—or refrained entirely—he seemed almost tempted to step forward just for the fun of it… but ultimately chose restraint—for now. After all, his team is most experienced out of all teams here. He can trust his disciple to do his part.
Hiruzen waited patiently at the center of it all like an immovable mountain amidst swirling winds. His sharp gaze swept across each Jōnin in turn as if daring them to act.
But no one moved—not yet.
"Well?" Hiruzen asked evenly after another long pause that stretched taut across every nerve in the room like a drawn bowstring ready to snap at any moment.
"No takers?"
The silence stretched unbearably, thick with unspoken calculations and rising tension. No one had moved. No one had dared to be the first to step forward, to make the first strike in this dangerous game.
Until Rōshi did.
The muscular veteran of Iwagakure, the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, took a single, deliberate step forward, his weathered features unreadable. His presence was like an immovable mountain—unyielding, solid, and filled with a quiet, burning fury, finally identifying a possible threat to his team. His deep voice broke the tension.
"I'll take on Might Guy's team."
The weight of the declaration hit the room like a boulder crashing into still water. All eyes snapped to him. A challenge had been issued, and now, there would be blood.
From across the room, Guy's thick brows furrowed. His usual energy was absent, replaced by something far more dangerous—focused intensity. He knew this wasn't just a fight. This was a statement.
Guy straightened, crossing his arms. "Very well. My team accepts." His voice carried no hesitation, only unshakable resolve.
And then, as if Rōshi's challenge had shattered whatever fragile restraint remained, the dam broke.
Before the tension could settle, Baki took his own step forward. His gaze was sharp and calculating as it landed on Zabuza, the only team that had an elemental advantage over Gaara.
"Kirigakure's Team Five," he declared.
A low chuckle rumbled through the air, followed by a sharp-toothed grin as Zabuza shifted in place, his massive blade resting against his shoulder. The room seemed to darken slightly with his presence.
"Oh? You think you can handle my little ice princess?" Zabuza taunted, his voice dripping with mock amusement. Despite his casual tone, his grip on Kubikiribōchō tightened ever so slightly. Haku was not an opponent to be underestimated, and if Baki thought otherwise, he'd soon learn how wrong he was.
Baki didn't reply verbally; his unreadable expression said enough—this wasn't just about elimination. This was a message.
The next movement came from Kirio. His unsettling smile widened as he stepped forward with an eerie calmness.
"I believe I will take on Asuma Sarutobi's Team 10," he announced smoothly.
Asuma let out a slow exhale, his fingers brushing against the hilt of his trench knives. The cigarette between his lips smouldered as he took a final drag before dropping it to the floor and crushing it underfoot. His expression didn't change much outwardly, but there was no mistaking the sharpness in his eyes as he sized up this new threat.
Shikamaru would already be analyzing every angle of this situation. Ino would be on edge but ready to act under pressure. Chōji… well, Asuma trusted him to protect his teammates when it mattered most.
"Huh." Asuma exhaled again as if unimpressed by the pale man's theatrics. "Didn't take you for the reckless type. Guess I should have seen this coming from Yakushi's Sensei"
Kirio smirked faintly as though entertained by Asuma's remark. "Oh, Asuma… you'll find I am full of surprises."
The moment felt heavier than ever as all eyes turned toward Yugito and Kakashi —the tension between them palpable even without words being exchanged.
Neither moved yet. Neither spoken yet.
But when Yugito finally lifted her gaze and locked her sharp eyes onto Kakashi's lone eye, it felt as though something far greater than a simple challenge was happening between them—a clash of wills before any blows were exchanged. 'Guess this is my chance to test him.' She thought as she smirked faintly before speaking in a low but confident tone that cut through the silence like a blade.
"I'll take on your team, Copy Ninja."
Kakashi didn't react immediately but then allowed his visible eye to curve into an easy smirk that carried just enough edge to match hers.
"What a coincidence," he replied casually, though there was nothing casual about the undertone in his voice. "I was thinking the same thing."
Yugito's smirk deepened slightly at that response—an unspoken acknowledgment of mutual respect and challenge—and with that silent agreement between them, final matchup was set.
Hiruzen allowed the moment to linger before speaking again, letting the weight of each challenge fully sink into everyone present. His sharp eyes moved across the room as if taking stock of each warrior who had stepped forward to fight for their teams' survival and dominance.
"Very well," he began in an authoritative tone that silenced even the faintest murmurs among those gathered. "Since challenges have been issued and accepted… The order of the matches will be the order of challenges issued." He declared.
Hiruzen stood from his seat slowly but with purpose; his expression narrowed slightly as he gave one last instruction:
"Make your way to the arena immediately."
As they began filing out toward the arena for match preparation or observation depending on their match ups, thick tension followed them.
Four Hours Later: Battle Arena
The battle arena buzzed with energy as all eight teams assembled once more under its vast dome-like structure lit by torches and natural light streaming through high windows. The stone walls seemed to hum with anticipation as genin stood side-by-side with their teammates while their Jōnin sensei observed silently from behind them.
At the center of it all stood Hiruzen once again—a commanding presence that silenced any whispers or murmurs among those gathered.
"Congratulations," he began solemnly but firmly, his voice carrying the authority of decades as Hokage, "to you all for making it this far in these exams. Surviving the Second Stage is no small feat—it is a testament to your strength and determination."
His gaze swept across the gathered genin, lingering on each team as though weighing their resolve. The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. Some stood tall, pride evident in their expressions, while others shifted nervously under the weight of his scrutiny.
"However," he continued, his tone deepening with gravity, "this next stage will test not only your abilities but also your resolve." He paused deliberately, letting the silence stretch just long enough to make his next words land with full impact. "Before the Finals, there will be a Preliminary Round."
Whispers rippled through the ranks at this unexpected announcement. The Exams were already grueling; the idea of an additional round sent waves of unease through some of them—particularly for Shikamaru's team, who visibly grimaced at the thought of more troublesome challenges ahead. Kabuto's team exchanged quick glances, their expressions carefully masked beneath a façade of concern and nervousness. Meanwhile, Samui's team stood rigidly, Omoi's eyes widening slightly as he began muttering quietly about all the disastrous ways this could possibly end.
"In this Preliminary Round," Hiruzen explained clearly and steadily, "you will face opponents who chose YOU—specifically, a sensei who believes your team poses a significant threat to their own students."
Gasps broke out among some teams as realization dawned. Hiruzen's words carried a weight that was impossible to ignore. He continued without pause, his tone unwavering.
"These matches," he said gravely but clearly, "will be timed knockout battles between your team… and an opposing Jōnin sensei."
The room erupted into murmurs and exclamations. Many teams stared at each other in shock and disbelief. While they were aspiring Chunin, they knew full well that facing a fully trained Jōnin was another matter entirely. These were shinobi at the pinnacle of skill and experience; some were legends in their own right, names whispered with awe and fear throughout the shinobi world.
Team 10 exchanged uneasy looks; Choji gulped audibly while Ino nervously twisted her fingers together, while Shikamaru narrowed his eyes at the wordplay. Kabuto and his teammates feigned anxiety convincingly enough to blend seamlessly into the crowd's reaction. Omoi began muttering even faster under his breath about how facing a Jōnin could end horribly—perhaps they'd be permanently injured or worse.
Though other teams stood resolute or excited; some even seemed eager for such a challenge, curious to know who chose them as their opponents.
Hiruzen allowed the murmurs to die down before delivering the final condition: "If you survive for thirty minutes against your chosen opponent… you will advance to the Finals."
The weight of his words settled over them like a storm cloud. Thirty minutes against a Jōnin felt like an eternity to most of them.
"But if you fail," Hiruzen added darkly yet firmly, "it means you did not meet your sensei's expectations—and your journey ends here."
The silence that followed was deafening. Several genin glanced toward their own Jōnin sensei for reassurance or explanation; others turned hopeful gazes back toward Hiruzen himself, silently pleading for some sort of handicap or concession.
But Hiruzen's expression remained resolute as stone; he continued without hesitation or leniency:
"Your Jōnin sensei have placed their trust in your abilities," he said firmly yet encouragingly as he swept his gaze across every team present once more—his eyes briefly meeting those of Asuma and Kirio maintained careful neutrality on his face, and Yugito's stoic expression masking any inner turmoil within her squad members.
"They believe that you are ready for this challenge—that you have what it takes to rise above adversity and prove yourselves worthy of advancing." His words carried undeniable weight now—no room left for argument or doubt remained within them.
"Do your best to uphold that trust," he concluded solemnly yet encouragingly: "This is not just a test of strength—it is a test of character and teamwork."
Everyone stood frozen momentarily absorbing what lay ahead—the enormity settling heavily upon each one differently depending upon their confidence levels or hidden agendas beneath facades carefully maintained throughout these exams thus far.
Finally Hiruzen gestured toward a large board where matchups were displayed for all to see:
Preliminary Matchups:
Rōshi vs. Konoha's Team 9
Might Guy vs. Iwagakure's Team 33
Baki vs. Kirigakure's Team 5
Momochi Zabuza vs. Sunagakure's Team 1
Tokimaru Kirio vs. Konoha's Team 10
Sarutobi Asuma vs. Konoha's Team 15
Nii Yugito vs. Konoha's Team 7
Finally, Hatake Kakashi vs. Kumogakure's Team 69.
Hiruzen straightened once more before delivering his final command: "Prepare yourselves—the first match begins now."
And Cut!
That's it for this chapter folks.
AN:
There you go people. Things have finally began to spiral out of cannon. Hope you are excited for the prelims ahead. What a maniac Hiruzen is to pit Genin against Jonin with no handicap, what do you think was the intention behind this? Whatever it was, it is going to be a fun and enjoyable one. Do you want to read them in 1 chapter or 2? Let me know.
Aside from that, we get to see what the system was all about and how it started. It is initiated now. What do you think will it lead to? Of course, the ever-meddling morons they are, Orochimaru and Danzo are working in the shadows to ensure everything goes as per their plans, who will win?
As always, let me know in your reviews and do share your feedback and suggestions!
I'm very delighted to share that you can now read next chapter on my patron. My user name is same BlackInfinity1289 on patron website.
Note: They are early access only, they will be eventually released here as well.
Also, if you want discuss about the story or the ideas, you can join my discord server. I go by Henry there, give me a ping to say hi.
link: discord. gg / SPsSwAcq4b
Hope to see you there!
Thank you for reading.
Good Day!
Black Infinity 1289,
Ja Ne.