The seven Genin who passed the qualifiers gathered in the hall as Third Hokage began explaining the details of the third exam.
"During the next official matches, you'll showcase your abilities to the audience. Represent your respective villages and give it your all!"
Naruto and the others exchanged glances, eager yet wary. (In reality, only Genin from Konoha and Sunagakure remained.)
"The official matches will take place in one month. Use this time to prepare thoroughly, as we'll invite dignitaries and notable figures from various lands to observe your battles."
Following the announcement, the matchups for the third exam were determined through a draw. As expected:
Naruto vs. Neji
Sasuke vs. Gaara
Shikamaru vs. Temari
Shino vs. Kankuro
Naruto smirked at Neji provocatively, to which Neji responded with a disdainful scoff.
Shikamaru, ever the strategist, raised a hand. "So, only four of us can become Chūnin?"
Third Hokage shook his head. "Not necessarily. Promotions aren't limited to victors alone. We'll evaluate each of your performances. A winner might fail to be promoted, and a loser might still prove worthy of the title. It's about how you demonstrate the qualities of a Chūnin."
Shikamaru sighed, while Temari followed up. "So theoretically, everyone here could become Chūnin?"
"Or none of you," Third Hokage replied sternly.
With that, the briefing concluded, and Third Hokage's gaze lingered briefly on Naruto before he left.
As the group dispersed, Naruto approached Might Guy. "Sensei Might Guy!" he called earnestly. "Please teach me! I want to master taijutsu!"
Might Guy, Neji, and Lee turned toward him.
Neji smirked mockingly. "You think learning taijutsu in a month will help you defeat me? Pathetic."
Ignoring Neji, Naruto looked at Might Guy with determination. "Kakashi-sensei is busy focusing on Sasuke, so I can't rely on him. I believe you're the best in Konoha when it comes to taijutsu. Please teach me!"
Might Guy stroked his chin thoughtfully. Remembering how Naruto had saved Lee earlier, he smiled and gave him a thumbs-up. "Very well! You'll experience the power of youth firsthand!"
"Naruto, you've made the right choice!" Lee exclaimed, mirroring Guy's gesture. "Under Guy-sensei, you'll become an amazing ninja!"
That same day, Naruto joined Might Guy and Lee at the training grounds, beginning his journey into taijutsu.
Guy first had Naruto start with rigorous physical conditioning. He handed Naruto a pair of weighted leg weights, half as heavy as Lee's, to begin his training. When he tried to offer Naruto a green jumpsuit, the latter politely declined, citing personal taste.
Naruto's natural resilience as an Uzumaki allowed him to push harder and recover faster. He could double the endurance of an average ninja, making him an ideal candidate for intensive training. Even so, by ten o'clock that night, Naruto collapsed in exhaustion, while Lee continued his regimen with ease.
Might Guy was impressed. "Naruto," he said, "you have immense potential. I'll guide you well." At Naruto's insistence, Guy also began teaching him foundational taijutsu techniques, which Naruto practiced using his Shadow Clones for accelerated learning.
Kakashi visited the training grounds briefly to check on Naruto and saw him training fervently. He left without disturbing them, sighing softly.
The following morning, Naruto returned to the training ground, only to notice a white-haired man lounging on a tree branch nearby.
It was Jiraiya, who had returned to Konoha after receiving both Toad Sage's prophecy and a summons from Third Hokage. He intended to introduce himself to Naruto dramatically and recruit him as a student.
However, Naruto completely ignored him, focusing entirely on his training regimen.
Might Guy and Lee soon arrived, their cheerful energy filling the space. They didn't pay any attention to Jiraiya either, declaring loudly their dedication to the "power of youth."
Annoyed at being overlooked, Jiraiya pretended to wake up with a yawn. "What is this nonsense you're doing?"
Might Guy turned to him with a grin and thumbs-up. "Good morning! Have you come to radiate your youth alongside us, uncle?"
Jiraiya scoffed. "Me? Join you in this mess? As if!"
"Guy-sensei's taijutsu is unmatched in Konoha!" Lee defended earnestly.
Jiraiya chuckled dismissively. "Kakashi? Guy? They're nowhere near my level." Then, with a sly smile, he added, "How about this? Let me show you what real strength looks like. If I win, you all leave so I can nap in peace."
With that, Jiraiya engaged Might Guy in a friendly spar. Though Might Guy was the unrivaled master of taijutsu in Konoha, Jiraiya's decades of experience balanced the scales.
The fight was intense, with Guy's energy and stamina pushing Jiraiya to his limits. Realizing he might embarrass himself, Jiraiya summoned a large toad to halt the fight.
Might Guy paused, finally recognizing him. "You're Lord Jiraiya, one of the Sannin!"
Jiraiya nodded smugly, brushing himself off.
Lee's eyes sparkled with admiration. "One of the legendary Sannin? That's incredible!"
Guy beamed at his student. "Lee, train hard, and one day, you too will surpass the Sannin!"
Lee clenched his fists. "Yes, Sensei!"
Jiraiya, however, had his sights set on Naruto. Seeing the boy so absorbed in his training, he called out, "Hey, you with the yellow hair over there!"
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