Third Hokage sat on a chair, looked at the candidates standing below, and nodded in satisfaction.
The strength of the remaining participants is impressive. It will showcase the prowess of Konoha to other individuals in the Ninja Village and allow the visiting daimyo of the Land of Fire to witness it firsthand. His efforts to ensure the continuation of the exam will not go in vain, as it promises to be a spectacle worth watching.
Although many accidents had happened in the middle, the result was good, so Third Hokage had nothing to ask for.
Despite the blow to his reputation and prestige this month, as long as he holds the position of Hokage, Naruto still maintains control over Konoha, allowing him to suppress public opinion. In any case, with the passage of time, people's attention will shift, and eventually, the incident will be forgotten.
"Hmph, want to create a storm in Konoha? You underestimate me, you damn mastermind lurking in the shadows!" Third Hokage thought proudly.
"It appears that the Third Hokage has some joyful news. Would you mind sharing it?"
"Haha, Kazekage, are you joking? Wouldn't you be delighted to see your juniors performing so exceptionally? It's only natural to feel happy in such a situation," Third Hokage stood up and smiled at Kazekage who came over.
"Haha, indeed. I must admit that Konoha possesses an abundance of talent. It makes me feel a sense of shame," Rasa responded with a smile and thought, "Old man, enjoy your happiness while you can."
"Please, don't be too modest. The young talents in Sugakure are also quite impressive. This time, we even have three individuals who may be promoted. Perhaps all of them can become Chūnin," The Third Hokage responded politely, however in his heart he said, "Old fox, you actually used Jinchūriki to compete! Fortunately, we have Nine Tails Jinchūriki there as well. "
"Please sit down. The exam is about to start."
Though wearing smiles on the surface, deep inside, both harbored a strong disdain for each other. Orochimaru, with his dark and twisted heart, felt a sinister excitement building up as he anticipated the moment to unveil the surprise he had prepared for the Third Hokage.
*****
On the practice field, the candidates stood in anticipation.
Thanks to Naruto's influence, Sasuke did not vanish to undergo Kakashi's tutelage this time. Being paired with Hinata as his opponent, Sasuke felt rather at ease.
Additionally, Hayate Gekko retained the role of the examiner for this round.
Meanwhile, Gaara observed Naruto with a fervent gaze. Ever since his arrival in Konoha, he had been captivated by this enigmatic Konoha Genin who eluded his ability to gauge strength. Finally, he had the chance to face Naruto in combat, and Gaara brimmed with excitement.
In the stands, Neji gazed at Hinata with a mixture of emotions. Despite being defeated by her with the aid of Naruto, the resentment he harbored had dissipated since he received the suicide note left by his father. He resolved to carry on his father's legacy, protecting the clan and safeguarding Hinata.
Moreover, Neji made a firm decision to fulfill his promise and follow Naruto's lead.
As he touched his eyes, Neji contemplated his unique Byakugan, a pure eye free from the confines of the Caged Bird seal, "This pure eye that is not restricted by the Caged Bird...Will it break the unchangeable fate?"
"Naruto, do your best!" Rock Lee looked at Naruto excitedly.
"Lee, this is youth! Although you didn't advance, you are still cheering for your comrade, isn't this Youth?!"
"Teacher Guy!"
"Woo woo woo~"
The two cried and hugged each other again, causing Tenten who saw them, to feel goosebumps. Even after being in the Team Guy for so long, she still couldn't get used to it.
"Naruto... Today may be the beginning of your stage," Kakashi looked at Naruto's back and said with emotion.
No matter what will happen next, Kakashi will support Naruto. He is also looking forward to Minato's next plan. He really wants to know how his teacher will tear the false face of the Third Hokage.
"Guests, thank you for gathering here to participate in the Chūnin selection exam held by Konoha!"
"Next, the eight contestants who have passed the preliminary selection will have a competition!"
"Please enjoy it, everyone!"
After the Third Hokage's speech concluded on the elevated platform, an announcement was made to officially commence the exam.
"These are your turns to engage in battle. Please verify it before proceeding," Hayate Gekko stated as he presented the battle table for them to review. There were no major issues.
Although, Hayate found it puzzling that Kabuto abstained.
"Listen up, this is the final exam. Although the terrain may be slightly different, the rules remain the same as in the preliminaries. The match will only conclude when one side is either defeated or surrenders. Of course, if I deem the result to be inconclusive, I will intervene," Hayate Gekko explained.
"Alright, for the first round, it's Uchiha Sasuke versus Hyūga Hinata," Hayate Gekko announced. As he finished, the others cleared the stage, leaving room for the two competitors.
"Don't kill," Naruto whispered to Sasuke as he left. He was really worried about Sasuke because Hinata is from the Hyūga family. He was worried that Sasuke willn't stop and kill her accidentally.
Sasuke looked at Naruto strangely and nodded slightly.
"I didn't expect the first duel to be between two Konoha families with Dōjutsu. Come on, Hinata!!" Kiba loudly cheered for his teammate.
"However, Hinata's chances against Uchiha's genius Sasuke are not great," Shino calmly analyzed.
"Hinata..." Hyūga Hiashi, who was also sitting in the stands, was a little worried.
This month, their family has been studying Hinata's suddenly upgraded Pure Eyes, and they have come to the conclusion that Pure Eyes is an upgraded version of White Eyes because there were no other abilities, so everyone doesn't pay much attention to it.
Even Third Hokage was a little relieved after talking with Hiashi and understanding the situation, at least there would be no more ambitious Uchiha clan in the village.
In the practice field.
"Hyūga Hinata..." Hinata said to Sasuke.
"Uchiha Sasuke," Sasuke looked at Hinata coldly.
Since Sasuke's journey to Ryūchi Cave with Naruto and his mastery of Sage Art, he had developed a profound confidence in his abilities. Sasuke believed that besides Naruto, there were no other Genin this year who could pose a significant challenge to him. Even Rock Lee, who had previously pushed Sasuke to his limits, no longer instilled fear within him.
In addition, Sasuke also mastered the Raikiri through the notes given to him by Naruto. He had also learned Chidori, which made him even more proud.
"Just use the white eye you used to beat Neji, I'm afraid that you won't have a chance to make a move later."
"Alright, Sasuke-san...." Hinata nodded nonchalantly, then concentrated Chakra on her eyes, activating Pure Eyes. At this moment, the Chakra on Sasuke's body flow which could not escape Hinata's eyes anymore.
"Then to show my respect... Sharingan!" Sasuke was not polite and used the Sharingan directly.
He also wanted to know which was stronger, between his eyes and the eyes of the Hyūga clan. Although Sasuke thought that the Sharingan was invincible!
However, Hinata's upgraded white eyes still made him cautious. After all, Hinata defeated Neji, who was recognized as the strongest rookie, and her strength must not be bad.
"That's... three tomoe Sharigan? When did it evolve?" The Third Hokage gazed at the three tomoe Sharingan in Sasuke's eyes with astonishment. He recalled that just a month ago, Sasuke's Sharingan had only two tomoe, and before that, it had only one. The rapid growth of Sasuke's Sharingan within a mere month left the Third Hokage pleasantly surprised.
"Really! As expected of a genius of the Uchiha clan. Don't you think so, Hokage Sama?" Kazekage said in admiration.