Kapitel 102: Chapter 102
An unexpected knockout in the arena!
The news that Mitarashi Anko had encountered Orochimaru surprised Sarutobi Hiruzen. He thought Orochimaru had already left, but seeing Anko alone raised questions. Was there still a connection between them?
Judging by the anger on Anko's face, it didn't seem like she was pretending. If they were secretly aligned, why would they be so open? Wouldn't it be better to keep it all hidden?
"Is Orochimaru still holding onto old feelings?" Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered, wondering how he could exploit the bond between Orochimaru and Mitarashi Anko.
. . . . . . .
Four days passed quickly. Orochimaru hadn't shown himself, and as the second exam neared its end, the Chunin observing ninja began to relax. Typically, their task was straightforward—just keeping the genin within the Death Forest and blocking outsiders. Who would dare breach the Chunin Exam?
But this time, an S-rank rogue ninja had invaded! Konoha's Kage-level shinobi! Due to Orochimaru's presence, the Chunin observing ninja had barely slept, and now, as the exam wrapped up, they could finally breathe a little easier.
Meanwhile, Kazuki and the others had been lounging in the central tower for the past four days, indulging in the simple pleasures of eating, drinking, and resting. Of course, not everyone was as relaxed as Kazuki. Haruno Sakura, Yamanaka Ino, and Sasuke all took the time to train rigorously.
Kazuki understood the ever-disciplined Sasuke, but the sudden intensity from Sakura and Ino puzzled him. Yet, he didn't feel the need to dig deeper—everyone had their own motivations at different points in their lives.
One day, Kazuki might wish for a quiet life surrounded by family, another day, he might long for adventure and far-off lands. Aspirations change, and even the self-disciplined Sasuke would shift his focus once his revenge was achieved. Kazuki chose not to burden Sasuke with the truth of the Uchiha massacre—he wasn't strong enough yet.
Sasuke's current skills—a mere two-tomoe Sharingan, basic Jonin-level taijutsu, and lacking S-rank ninjutsu—weren't enough for revenge. This world required realism, not just passion, to achieve one's goals. To keep Sasuke from reckless actions, Kazuki decided to hold back the truth until he was stronger and better prepared for the challenges ahead.
In the central tower's arena, all candidates who passed the exam gathered alongside the observing ninja, and the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"There were fourteen teams, totaling forty-two participants, in this second Chunin Exam. Six teams passed, leaving eighteen contenders," announced Hiruzen. The casualties were many, and only the toughest had made it through.
To cut down on participants, the Third Hokage introduced another elimination round: a ring-style battle where only ten would proceed to the final Chunin Exam in a month. The rules were straightforward: defend the ring once to advance, fail and be eliminated. Challengers could attempt multiple times, but defenders had just one shot to prove their strength.
"Who wants to step into the ring now?" asked Gekko Hayate, looking at the assembled candidates. Twelve were from Konoha, three from Sunagakure, and three from Amegakure.
Kazuki, standing at the forefront, had no desire to go first, he knew no one would dare challenge him, not even Gaara. He preferred to wait and target any unfortunate first taker.
Gaara, too, had considered stepping up, but Temari held him back. "Gaara, you can't go up if Kazuki hasn't moved yet. You have to be in the third exam!"
Gaara had a role to play after the Chunin Exam: to be interviewed by the Kage, then transform into a jinchuriki and ambush Sarutobi Hiruzen. This plan hinged on Gaara reaching the final round.
Gaara glared at Temari, warning, "Don't tell me what to do again, or I might kill you next time."
Temari, sweating, quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, Gaara. It's the teacher's order." Only Baki and Rasa in Sunagakure could truly manage Gaara's temper, and Temari's influence was only occasional and mood-dependent.
Kazuki observed the scene with a slight smile. He had no intention of blocking Gaara's path—Gaara was the challenge he'd set aside for Sasuke. Even if Gaara did step into the ring, Kazuki wouldn't be the one to challenge him.
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