“Congratulations on passing the second round of Chūnin selection exams,” Anko announced to the Genins in front of her.

“Of all the teams that participated in the Chūnin selection exams, only you, six teams have made it this far.” Anko stepped forward and looked towards the participants.

Looking at the line of Konoha Genins, Hiruzen nodded slightly. His gaze stopping briefly at the rookies then at his favorites. The lack of participants from the other villages was concerning but… this is what the shinobi world is.

‘It would never happen like this and… most of them are rookies.’ Turning back to look at the Jōnin, Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai, Hiruzen smiled in his mind, ‘No wonder they fought so hard to recommend.’

“Alright now pay attention. Lord Hokage is going to explain the third phase of the exam to you.”

She gave each and everyone a death glare, and said, “You better listen carefully, you brats.”

Then turning to Hiruzen, she bowed her head. “Lord Hokage.”

“Hm.” Hiruzen nodded then stepped forward, looking at the Genins. The air of seriousness, he brought, pressurized the Genins. With the robes and the hat that came with his seat, represented who he really was. The one controlling the whole of the village, the one highest on the food chain… or so many had in mind.

Removing his pipe, Hiruzen cleared his throat and let out a breath, “Before proceeding any further, I am going to tell you about this Chūnin exams… more specifically, the true purpose of these exams.”

“Why do suppose we hold these exams in conjunction with our allies?”

No one in the age group really thought why the Chūnin exams were really held. It was a long-standing thing that had been happening for quite a time. The first generations of the examinee may have had some ideas about the reason but as time passed by, the reason faded and, everyone believed that it was there and we were to follow that.

The Genins from Konoha looked at one another in confusion. And while the Suna Genins had not much idea about it, it didn’t affect that much. Except for Gaara who was feeling slightly impatient.

Hiruzen waited for anyone to speak up but seeing that no one did, he spoke up, “To raise the ability of the shinobi and increase friendship between the allied nations… is what we say”

“Huh?”

“But it is important that you understand its true meaning. The exams are so to speak… they are the representation of the war between the nations.”

“War between the allied nations?” Shikamaru looked at the Suna-shinobis.

Letting the words sink in, Hiruzen waited for a while before continuing, “If we look at the history, all the countries that we are currently allied with, were once neighboring nations that continuously fought with each other for power.”

“But these fights caused more harm than they wanted. So, to avoid destroying each other’s strength meaninglessly, those nations mutually selected a place to battle. That is how Chūnin exams originally began.”

“Aren’t we doing this to select Chūnins?” Naruto raised his question.

“It is no doubt that part of these exams is to select shinobi worthy of becoming ‘Chūnins’. But on the other hand, this place also allows for a venue for shinobi, who can carry their nation’s pride on their back and fight with their lives on the line.”

“Life?” Raito frowned.

“Many feudal lords and those of prominence form various nations, who request shinobi for work are invited to this third exam as guests. Everyone will watch your battles and take note of the strength of each ninja and how each hidden village is developing.”

“These strong villages are inundated with job requests but on the other hand, the nation deemed weak… will have fewer requests.”

“In simple words, it is a battle for resources.”

Genins looked at each other in confusion. The job requests from simple D-Rank to the most difficult S-Rank were directly or indirectly related to the feudal lords and those prominent power or groups. An increase in the number of missions means an increase in the funds the village receives. But who to give the mission? Is it a hidden village A or is it B? Those are decided by the display of power;, ‘Who is the strongest of these following nations?’ or ‘Who is the strongest in this group of people.’

Flashy destructive power, silent assassination skills, bloodline powers or tactical and strategic manipulation. There are many skills that mesmerize people. Except for the mission itself and rumors by ear and eyes, the bi-annually held Chūnin selection exams is the most lucrative area to showcase the talents.

“Genins! Even though it is battle for resources, you must never forget that we are shinobi.”

Waving his hand grandly, Hiruzen stepped forward. “And this place is to see the strength of shinobi and a place to display it as well.”

“Step ahead, with your life on the line. Understand that, the true strength of shinobi will only develop when they fight for one’s life.”

Raito rolled his eyes as he looked at Hiruzen. ‘I already have something like that.’

Tenten had her brows furrowed, “Then why use the-”

“Excuse me, but can we move on? ” Raito asked in a loud voice overthrowing Tenten.

“Raito!!” Tenten gnashed her teeth as she summoned a giant shuriken and plunged it in front of her.

Several members from Jōnin and Chūnin gave Raito an eye roll and Kakashi couldn’t help but cover the last part of the uncovered part of his covered face.

“He needs to learn manners.” Iruka sighed, face-palming.

Hiruzen coughed, giving Raito a quick glare. “Alright then.”

Baki who was along with the Konoha Jōnin commanders looked at Raito then at the Chūnins and Jōnins from Konoha. It seemed like this Genin was not going to be punished for interrupting the Hokage of the village.

A man with short brown hair, dark-colored eyes and dark markings under his eyes appeared in front of the Hokage. Wearing a standard Konoha shinobi outfit and forehead protector as a bandanna, he bowed towards Hiruzen then turned to face the Genins. “Nice to meet you, everyone…”

After finishing one sentence, he began coughing. Many of the Genin had weird gazes, looking at the coughing man, in front of them.

“… Ahem, my name is Gekkō Hayate, the proctor for the final phase of Chūnin selection exams.”

“Finally! I was getting bored.” Naruto shouted.

The coughing stopped Naruto as Hayate continued, “There is something… I would like you all to do… before the third exams.”

“Huh?” Genins began looking to one another and started making noise.

*Cough*

The cough again suppressed the Genins letting Hayate continue, “And that is preliminary rounds to the third exam, with participation in the main battle on the line.”

“Preliminary?”

“Tch… Why preliminary? Can’t we just go on to the next exam with the remaining participants?” Kankurō shouted in confusion and irritation.

Hayate looked at the shouting Genins with the deadpan look and continued, “This time around, perhaps because the first and second exams were relatively easy, there are a few too many people left, you see.”

“In accordance with Chūnin exams rules, a preliminary will be held to reduce numbers advancing.”

“As lord Hokage said before, many guests are coming in the third part of the exams. So, we can’t have long pointless matches and our time is limited.”

“Are you taking us as extras!?”

“Such a pain.”

“If you understand… then, those of you who wish to drop out, please speak now. We are going to start the preliminary immediately.”

“Immediately?” Ino looked like she was ready to give up.

“But what about our meal?” Chōji cried out, patting his relatively empty shoulder.

“Let’s do this.” Ami punched her fist, with a grin on her face.

‘Weren’t there a lot of matches last time?’ Raito questioned himself.

Amid all the chitter-chatter, Shino raised his hand and announced, “I’ll quit.”

“Shino?” Sasuke looked back, a little bit stunned to see one of his teammates quitting.

Kurenai frowned as she looked at Shino raising his hand.

“Clans.” Kakashi sighed.

“Aburame Shino from Konoha… you may leave.” Hayate looked through the list and nodded.

Shino nodded bud didn’t walk away, instead, he looked at Kiba, who had his hands clenched. “Kiba.”

“What’s going on?” Sasuke looked at his teammates and questioned in a low voice.

“Argh! I am quitting too!” Kiba closed his eyes and raised his hands. His face was full of anger but he could only curse in his heart. “Damn it.”

“Inuzuka Kiba from Konoha… you may leave.”

With two leaving and that… even happened to a single team, made Hayate a bit dazed. So, Hayate did the best thing he could do. He looked back at Hiruzen and communicated with eyes.

Hiruzen nodded then looked at Anko.

Pushing the button on her communicator, Anko commanded. “Bring it out.”

Thud.

The board behind lifted, allowing an electronic board to appear.

“Do it,” Anko commanded and walked in front.

[Uzumaki Naruto vs. Akimichi Chōji]

“Uzumaki Naruto, Akimichi Chōji, stay. Everyone, please leave the stage.” Hayate raised his hands, signaling everyone to leave.

In response to the signal, everyone left the stage moving to the viewing gallery above.

Everyone stood together with teammates and Jōnin leader.

While Kakashi stood behind Raito and Hinata, his eyes were going towards Sasuke. ‘I should try to fulfill my promises.’

Placing his hands on Raito’s and Hinata’s head, Kakashi smiled, “Try your best.”

“Hm.” Hinata nodded with a faint blush.

“I know.” Raito tapped the hand on his head.

“Ou, Kakashi, you are bonding well.” Asuma walked over with the same cherry brand cigarette dangling on his lips.

Looking at Asuma’s Genin then, he turned towards Kurenai, who was a few meters away, saying things to Sasuke. Kakashi smiled and said, “Kurenai, got it tough this time.”

“From what I know, he will be your problem, from now on.” Asuma grinned.

“I just have to teach him about Sharingan. It shouldn’t take much of my time.” Kakashi shrugged, looking at Raito and Hinata.

“More time for you, Asuma-sensei. Now you can spend more time with Kurenai-sensei.” Ino teased with her tongue sticking out.

“W-What are you talking about? I, I…” Asuma hurriedly denied but Ino just rolled her eyes and turned to look at Chōji and Naruto at the stage.

“It’s starting.” Raito smiled.

“Chōji! Today, I am gonna win, believe it.” Naruto punched his hand and smiled.

Chōji immediately weaved a couple of hand seal and glared at Naruto. “Naruto… you stupid. [Rock Fist]”

“Tch… [Shadow Clone].” With a cloud of smoke, four clones appeared around Naruto.

“Haa!!” Naruto straightforwardly charged towards Chōji.

“You don’t learn, Naruto. Take this. [Partial Expansion]” Chōji’s hand turned big. With rocks covering his hand, Chōji swiped towards Naruto and his clones.

One of the clones got destroyed but others dodged the left hand, by jumping into the air. But soon the right hand passed and destroyed the clones and sent Naruto flying.

“Ow!” Naruto stood up with a kunai in his hand as he called a clone by his side.

“Take this.” Naruto threw the kunai straight towards Chōji.

Seeing the kunai coming towards him, Chōji blocked it with his hands.

“It’s not over yet. [Gale Palm]” With the help of [Gale Palm] from his clone, Naruto rocketed, instantly reaching, Chōji and tackling him.

Unguarded, Chōji took the tackle head on but it only managed to push him a couple of steps back. Instead, Chōji’s hand slipped under Naruto’s belly and with a huge force threw Naruto up.

“Wah!!” Naruto flew high.

“That was one nasty throw.” Asuma looked in surprise at Chōji.

‘[Partial Expansion – Human Bullet].’ Reversing the transformation in his hand, Chōji expanded like a balloon into a round-ish shape. His head, arm, and even legs retracted and visible chakra leaked out.

“He still can’t do a full transformation,” Shikamaru commented.

“If he could then it would be over in an instant,” Raito added.

Kakashi and Asuma chuckled and shook their head.

Like a thrown rubber, Chōji bounced a couple of times before bouncing with full force towards Naruto. “[Human Bullet Tank].”

“Like hell I am giving up! [Multi Shadow Clone].” In a blink of an eye couple of dozen, Naruto clones appeared at the sky.

“[Shadow Clone Style – Multi Gale Palm]”

Everyone aimed at Chōji as the wind gathered at their hands. The winds surrounded Naruto and his clone's hand and traveled to his palm.

“Ready… Go!!”

“Haa!!” Pushing his hand forward, the wind made a beeline towards Chōji and pushed him down.

“We got him!” Naruto and his clones celebrated, seeing Chōji losing momentum and falling back.

“Haa!!” Chōji shouted as visible chakra surrounded him.

“Wah!” Naruto and his clones were pushed back as the pressure started increasing.

“He is pushing forward!” The clones shouted.

Chōji started rolling mid-air and started rushing towards Naruto. The wind generated from [Gale Palm] hit Chōji but it was not as effective as before. “Meat!!!”

“Meat?” Ino looked at Chōji in confusion then turned towards Asuma.

Asuma laughed in awkwardness as he replied, “I did say I will take him to barbeque.”

“Ichiraku!!!” Naruto shouted as he burst forth with more chakra, which added to [Gale Palm].

“Kakashi-sensei.” Raito looked weirdly at the smiling Kakashi.

“I may have promised him, too,” Kakashi replied with a smile.

“Meat!!”

“Ichiraku!!”

“Haa!!”

Boom!!

With a big bang, Naruto and Chōji were thrown back. Two columns of dust rose, signaling how powerful the fall was.

“Double knockout?” Raito guessed as both Naruto and Chōji had eyes closed and their HP was depleted similarly.

“It’s Naruto-kun’s win,” Hinata replied answering Raito’s question.

“How?” Raito asked but suddenly a new word appeared under status, on Chōji’s.

“Oh.” Raito nodded then looked at crawling and standing Naruto.

Hayate walked over to Chōji’s side and waited for a few seconds before tapping his shoulder.

Hayate coughed a few times as he stood up and announced, “Winner, Uzumaki Naruto.”

“I won?” Naruto looked at Hayate for confirmation and only after seeing that Hayate nodded, he smiled in joy. “Yatta! I won.”

Chōji sat on the ground and removed the debris from his hair. Looking at the shadow in front, he saw Naruto extend his hand, which Chōji grabbed happily.

As they walked towards the viewing gallery, some ninja, wearing Chūnin jackets walked in and started repairing the grounds.

Teet!

[Ueda Ami vs. Uchiha Sasuke]

“Next participants, please come to the stage,” Hayate announced then stepped back.

“Argh! It’s Sasuke.” Ami stamped her feet in anger.

“So?” Gennai looked weirdly at Ami and patted her shoulder, “After he beats the heck out of you, we will definitely come to get you.”

“You… what did you say?” Ami grabbed Gennai’s collar then shook him vigorously.

“Ami, you have to be careful. He is from Uchiha clan.” Karu warned.

“So what? I have half a year more experience than him.” Karu punched her hand and looked towards Sasuke, who was walking downstairs.

“You don’t understand… He has already unlocked Sharingan.” Karu added in a low voice. Sharingan was one dangerous Dojutsu with many abilities and the one using them was of Uchiha clan who were one of the founding fathers of Konoha. “He must be very strong.”

“Karu, Gennai, I have already waited for this chance. I am not going to let this go.”

“Ha!” Ami jumped down appearing right in front of Sasuke.

Sasuke immediately lowered his center of gravity as Hayate raised his hand. Ami also reached her hand towards the pouch.

“Fight!”

“Hah!” Sasuke immediately dashed forward reaching Ami.

Ami stood still on her spot as she brought her hand forward. Her hands were clenched hard so it was difficult to see what it really was.

“Hmph.” Ignoring her tactics, whatever that was, Sasuke directly went for Taijutsu throwing out punches and kicks.

And Ami was dodging all of them easily, without counters, in a round manner, so, she wouldn’t hit the sidewalls anytime soon.

‘What the hell is she thinking?’ As time passed on, Sasuke grew confused as his opponent was not retaliating, not even a bit.

“Gotcha.” With a grin, Ami shifted forward breaking through Sasuke’s weak defense.

BAM

A strong kick landed on Sasuke and he was pushed a couple of steps backward.

While Sasuke was pushed backward he had already weaved through a fire jutsu.

‘[Fire Release – Great Fireball]’

In such a close distance, the fireball zeroed on Ami.

“You look like, you were quite used to that.” Sasuke heard Ami’s voice from behind. So, he quickly jumped back, creating some distance. But by the time this action took place, Ami was in close contact with Sasuke with her right-hand open, revealing a handful of black dust.

“Foo~!” With a blow, the black dust covered Sasuke. But Sasuke also reacted immediately and closed his mouth and eyes, and jumped back.

Bam

“Argh!” Sasuke was hit in the back once again as he was once again thrown forward.

“How?” Quickly recovering himself, Sasuke created some distance.

“You are wondering ‘How?’ right?” Ami smiled brightly as she looked at Sasuke.

Sasuke frowned as he activated his chakra. “[Sharingan].”

“Man, you are no fair.” Ami frowned as she made a unique hand seal.

“What is that seal?” Sasuke immediately activated his chakra, ready to react to anything.

“[Explode]”

“… Huh?” Sasuke frowned as his eyes remained at Ami.

For a couple of seconds, nothing happened, and just when Sasuke was going for an attack, an explosion occurred.

“Fuu…” Ami sighed in relief then looked toward Hayate from the corners of her eye. Seeing that the referee was not announcing Ami sighed, ‘I knew it wasn’t going to be this easy.’

Taking a deep breath in, she weaved through a couple of hand seals, preparing for a jutsu. But surprising her, Sasuke appeared right under her and a kick to her guts.

*cough

The kick was so deep, it made Ami lean down and cough, air escaped through her mouth, along with some gastric juices. Shifting his posture, Sasuke gave Ami a fierce kick, imbedded with chakra, to her chin, making her fly a step or two from the ground.

Bang

“I also know Genjutsu,” Sasuke said and plopped on his butt. He was breathing hard and looking at the logs that were present at the stage.

Ami stood weakly clutching her stomach and wobbling towards Sasuke. “It’s my chance.”

Ami clenched her fist and punched Sasuke. But Sasuke who had already activated his Sharingan, saw the punch coming at a slow pace.

With a snort, he deflected the punch then guarded the fierce knee with his own knee. Then Sasuke jumped and made a turn, his leg, landing on Ami, sending her flying.

“That’s…” Raito frowned the looked towards Lee, who was also looking at Sasuke with mixed feelings.

“That’s leaf hurricane, Gai-sensei.”

“Hm.”

“Winner, Uchiha Sasuke,” Hayate announced after checking Ami.

“So she did Genjutsu with those logs making them disappear. But where did those logs came from?” Naruto went into thinking mode with his hand on his chin.

“Bakanaru.” Raito boinked Naruto’s head and answered, “She used sealing tags.”

“She is basically a Genjutsu user with good Taijutsu.” Raito murmured looking at her status page.

Teet!

[Temari vs. Tenten]