章節 122: Chapter 122
After Kakashi heard what Kazuki said, he didn't say anything for a long time. Finally, after a long pause, he spoke:
"Kazuki, don't say such things in public again. If you do, the entire ninja world will not tolerate you."
"Hmm, interesting," Kazuki stretched out carelessly. "If I'm strong enough to kill everyone, then when I can't tolerate others, who would dare not tolerate me?"
"Kakashi, your view of the world is too narrow."
Kakashi: "..."
"Candidates Gekko Kazuki, Uchiha Sasuke, and Haruno Sakura, you may now enter!"
An ANBU member suddenly appeared, hurriedly delivering the message before vanishing.
Kazuki stood up and placed the juice back on the tray in Karin's hand. "Karin, stay here with Kakashi while I'm gone. Don't go anywhere."
"I understand, Kazuki-kun~"
"Good."
Giving his instructions, Kazuki headed towards the venue. Seeing this, Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura stood up as well, following half a step behind him.
The opening of the Chunin Exam required all candidates to appear together, akin to presenting the lineup of a show, letting the audience take a good look at each participant.
Meanwhile, the spectators gossiped among themselves, treating the candidates like a spectacle.
Strength, status, background, talent, reputation—these were the topics they endlessly discussed.
Kazuki couldn't comprehend how such weak individuals could sit comfortably and pass judgment on them, pointing fingers without any restraint, as if they had the right to do so.
As they arrived at the lower part of the venue, most of the candidates had already gathered. Kazuki noticed Gaara and Temari from Sunagakure Village, Shigure from Amegakure Village, and Shikamaru from Konoha.
After waiting a while, the remaining candidates arrived.
"Once Hokage-sama and Kazekage-sama are seated, you'll be called to step forward. Just walk out, circle back, and return to your seats. The examiners will call your names when it's time for your matches," a Chunin informed Kazuki and the others.
While Kazuki remained silent, Shikamaru nodded, indicating his understanding.
"Hokage-sama and Kazekage-sama are entering!"
At the highest level of the stands, Hiruzen Sarutobi wearing his traditional fire hat, and the Kazekage wearing his wind hat, entered and sat together.
"Kazekage-sama, your village has brought many talented children this year. Is there anyone you're particularly optimistic about?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked with a smile.
"For our village, I'm naturally most hopeful for Gaara. However, compared to the children of Konoha, he still has some catching up to do," the 'Fourth Kazekage' rasped.
"Haha, you're being modest. I believe Gaara is quite talented and strong. He even defeated one of our Hyuga geniuses in the preliminary round. I expect him to be among those who pass today," Hiruzen said cheerfully.
The 'Fourth Kazekage' remained non-committal, appearing slightly impatient. "Is the competition ready to begin?"
Hiruzen nodded, sensing the Kazekage's disinterest in further conversation. "Yes, of course."
"Let the candidates enter!"
At Hiruzen's command, Kazuki and the others formed a line and began walking out.
As the representative for this exam, Kazuki naturally took the lead.
"Is that handsome young man in front really a ninja? He's participating in a life-and-death test? How tragic!" a noble princess remarked regretfully.
"I saw him earlier with his maid, sitting alone in a corner. I thought he was some noble heir. Who would've guessed he's a genin candidate?"
"Haha, his clothes and demeanor certainly resemble those of nobility."
"Does anyone know his name? After the exam, I want to hire him as my bodyguard!"
"Bodyguard? More like you want him as a male companion! Haha."
"What of it? I have the money. What's it to you?"
"Girl, with that body of yours, even calling you 'aunt' would be generous!"
"What did you just say, you witch?"
"How dare you call me a witch? How many arrogant nobles think they're great just because they have money? I'm not afraid of you!"
…
"Does anyone know which one is the last surviving Uchiha? It's surprising someone from such a powerful clan is still alive. Whoever bets on him could stand to gain a fortune."
"What do you know? I've heard rumors. Uchiha Sasuke's opponent isn't just anyone—he's no easy match!"
"Oh? Tell me more!"
The crowd was buzzing, as loud as a marketplace.
Walking through the arena, step by step, Kazuki felt tormented. He felt like a performing monkey, or worse, a prostitute being auctioned off for his value.
The spectators above treated them like livestock, discussing their worth as if they were mere commodities.
Had Kazuki known the Chunin Exam was such a spectacle, he would have withdrawn. After all, becoming a Chunin held no real importance to him.
Before long, Kazuki and the others finished their lap and returned to the waiting area through a tunnel.
The examiner, Gekko Hayate, appeared next.
In the original timeline, Kabuto Yakushi, who was still a genin at the time, withdrew from the exam at this stage, raising Hiruzen Sarutobi's suspicions and leading to an investigation into Kabuto.
But in this version, due to Kazuki's influence, Kabuto Yakushi failed to pass the second test and wasn't present for the qualifiers, allowing Gekko Hayate to survive until the finals.
"Ahem, I am the examiner, Gekko Hayate, in charge of the third round of the Chunin Exam. This competition will be one-on-one. If either side... cough cough cough... loses combat effectiveness or surrenders, the match will end!"
Gekko Hayate's frail appearance and constant coughing made many in the audience whisper.
"Is this guy really a Jounin from Konoha? He looks like he's about to keel over."
"If this is who they have proctoring the exam, will he even survive it?"
"A sickly Jounin like him in charge? Does Konoha have no one better?"
From his seat, Hiruzen Sarutobi could hear the nobles' comments, his expression souring slightly.
It had indeed been a miscalculation on his part. He had chosen Gekko Hayate for his talent and youth, but hadn't considered his sickly appearance.
Such a figure presiding over the exam didn't reflect well on Konoha, especially in front of important patrons. Hiruzen could only hope the Daimyo wouldn't take note, or Konoha's funding might be cut once more.
With a sigh, Hiruzen Sarutobi worried about his village's future.
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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg
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