Bab 112: Chapter 112
Sakura advanced to the finals, leaving three spots still open!
For the last three places, ninjas from the Amegakure Village stepped forward to compete.
However, one was defeated by Hyuga Hinata using her Gentle Fist technique, while another fell to Nara Shikamaru's cunning strategies.
With only one spot left, the match came down to Akimichi Choji and Inuzuka Kiba!
Both were considered among the weaker candidates, so their battle was less remarkable.
Kiba utilized his beast-transformation clone and fought alongside his Summoning Beast, Akamaru, using the powerful Fang Over Fang technique.
Choji countered with the Multi-Size Technique, transforming into his signature Human Bullet Tank!
The battle between these two taijutsu specialists ended with Choji being bitten on the foot by Akamaru, forcing him to surrender in tears.
Gekko Hayate stepped forward, announcing,
"The second round of the Chunin Exams is over! The successful candidates are Gekko Kazuki, Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura, Temari, Gaara, Nara Shikamaru, Inuzuka Kiba, Hyuga Hinata, Aburame Shino, and Shigure."
"The third and final round of the Chunin Exams will take place in one month. The matches will be one-on-one, and your opponents will be randomly selected!"
As Hayate finished speaking, the machine above the central tower began spinning, eventually revealing the ten matchups:
Inuzuka Kiba vs. Hyuga Hinata
Nara Shikamaru vs. Shigure
Gekko Kazuki vs. Uchiha Sasuke
Temari vs. Haruno Sakura
Gaara vs. Aburame Shino
The matchups surprised everyone, including Kazuki.
He had expected to face Gaara, but instead, he was paired with Sasuke. And Gaara? Facing Shino?
What kind of twisted logic had come up with this lineup? Letting Gaara cruise to an easy win was a recipe for disaster—he'd surely erupt in rage during the finals!
Kazuki silently cursed Sarutobi Hiruzen. This was supposed to be a random selection, but it seemed as though the old Hokage was targeting him, pitting him against Sasuke.
Though Kazuki was dissatisfied with the match, Uchiha Sasuke seemed pleased.
He had initially been excited about facing Gaara, but after watching Gaara's battle against Hyuga Neji, he found the Sand shinobi less intimidating.
Gaara wouldn't even force him to use his full power.
Compared to Gaara, Gekko Kazuki was a far more exciting challenge for Sasuke!
While he knew that Kazuki's strength surpassed his own, Sasuke was eager to face him head-on. A full-powered battle against Kazuki would be a true test of his abilities!
…
After the second round of the Chunin Exams, Kazuki resumed his laid-back routine.
With a month until the finals, Team 7 had no more missions to complete, so Kazuki found himself with ample free time. Apart from occasionally watching Naruto practice, there wasn't much on his plate.
Three days later…
At Konoha Park, Kazuki lay back on a wooden bench, watching Haruno Sakura and Uzumaki Naruto sparring fiercely. He couldn't help but marvel at Naruto's progress. In just a few months, Naruto had caught up to Sakura, who had trained alongside him for years.
It reminded Kazuki of how, in the original timeline, Sakura had believed she'd caught up with Naruto and Sasuke. Was it because Naruto had a Summoning Beast?
"Brother Kazuki, I've learned how to walk on trees! Look!"
Across the park, Konohamaru stood proudly atop a tall tree, beaming with accomplishment.
Kazuki took a bite of his apple, glancing lazily at the boy. "Oh? Well, once you're done, dig a pool over there, fill it with water, and practice walking on that."
"Yes, Brother Kazuki!"
Konohamaru and his two friends had been following Naruto everywhere. Wherever Naruto went, they were close behind.
Kazuki, annoyed by their constant presence, had reluctantly taught them a few ninjutsu moves. In response, Konohamaru, who once barely paid him any attention, now called him "big brother."
Those who understand the way of the world are indeed wise.
First, they learned the basic Clone Technique, then how to walk on trees, and soon they'd be learning how to walk on water. Teaching them the basics of being a ninja was no different from when he first taught Naruto.
But if only Sasuke were around—Kazuki wouldn't even have to lift a finger.
Sasuke had gone off for solo training in preparation for their upcoming battle, but Kazuki worried he might unleash his S-class lightning jutsu during the match and destroy the entire arena!
"Argh!"
"Ouch!"
Udon and Moegi weren't as skilled as Konohamaru and had fallen while practicing their chakra control.
This time, Moegi tumbled out of the park, crashing into someone.
"Konohamaru, stop digging and go check who Moegi ran into. If it's some old guy who looks like he's about to kick the bucket, tell him your grandpa's the Hokage and to get lost."
"…."
"What's that look for? You still wanna learn ninjutsu, right?"
"Oh, okay! I'll go right away!"
"Hey, you! Let her go, old man!"
"Old man? Me? How dare you! "I am Jiraiya the great toad sage of Mount Myoboku! If you address me as Sage, I'll teach you some powerful ninjutsu!"
"Sage? You don't look like one. Are you a ninja too?"
"A ninja? Well, I suppose you could say that…"
Jiraiya's words trailed off as he suddenly felt a powerful presence. Looking up, he saw a black-haired boy sitting atop a wall, calmly munching on an apple.
How strange. When had such a handsome, strong-looking youth appeared in the village?
"Jiraiya?" Kazuki's voice cut through the air.
"Oh? You know me?" Jiraiya grinned, assuming the boy was a fan.
With a graceful leap, the Toad Sage landed before Kazuki, the clogs on his feet clicking against the stone wall.
Looking closely at Kazuki, Jiraiya's eyes widened in surprise. "Young man, I see great potential in you. Your sharp eyes and fierce demeanor… You must be a prodigy in ninjutsu. How about becoming my student?"
-----------
+86 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone