Konoha Village.
The third stage of the Chunin Exams arrived as scheduled.
A month after the additional match of the Chunin Exams, this final stage was like a grand ceremony that everyone had been eagerly anticipating.
Whether it was the candidates fortunate enough to enter the third stage, the noble lords of the ninja world, the ordinary citizens of Konoha Village, or the schemers hidden in the shadows, all had been longing for this exam to begin.
This time...
Uchiha Sasuke was not late.
For the young man, there was always a sense of regret in his heart.
In the real world, due to Akihara Kagura's interference, Sasuke did not participate in the Chunin Exams, which was both a regret and perhaps a blessing.
Uchiha Sasuke was well aware of the opponent he would face: Gaara, the killing machine of the Sand Village, who was also the Jinchuriki of the One-Tail. Sasuke believed Akihara Kagura had prevented him from participating in the Chunin Exams because he feared he would die in the arena.
No matter.
This time, he would not lose.
No matter what power Gaara might unleash, it made no difference to Uchiha Sasuke. The more savage Gaara's rampage in the Chunin Exams, the better...
Ideally, Gaara would be like a beast that only knew destruction, allowing Sasuke to become a hero by stopping a Tailed Beast in this Chunin Exam, making a grand entrance as a hero!
Being a hero...
Has so many benefits!
In the real world, Akihara Kagura became a respected hero by stopping Uchiha Itachi's manipulation of the Three-Tails in Konoha.
Unfortunately...
Only eight genin candidates remained in this exam.
However, the spectators watching these eight candidates filled the arena, from the most distinguished nobles of the Land of Fire to the ordinary villagers of Konoha.
"The drawing results..."
The examiner of the third stage, Shiranui Genma, with a senbon in his mouth, announced the opponents for each candidate as he read from the paper in his hand: "Hyuga Neji vs. Uzumaki Naruto, Kankuro vs. Aburame Shino, Temari vs. Nara Shikamaru... Uchiha Sasuke vs. Gaara!"
"!!!"
A fighting spirit appeared in Uzumaki Naruto's eyes.
Having witnessed the battle between Hyuga Neji and Hyuga Hinata in the additional match a month ago, he was determined to defeat Hyuga Neji to prove him wrong!
"....."
Hyuga Neji's gaze was calm, not even sparing a glance at Uzumaki Naruto. His eyes were fixed on Uchiha Sasuke.
Nothing else.
Uchiha Sasuke was the strongest here.
Even Temari, who knew very well the strength of her younger brother Gaara, was a bit worried about him after hearing from Baki, the Jonin of the Sand Village, about Uchiha Sasuke after the second stage.
"Gaara."
Temari's eyes were filled with concern, as she knew her brother's nature well: "Baki-sensei mentioned that the little black-haired guy is very strong and has mastered many powerful techniques. You might want to be a bit cautious..."
"I know."
Gaara didn't even lift his eyes.
No matter how strong the opponent was, it didn't matter. He hadn't seen the power of Susanoo with his own eyes, only hearing from Baki about Uchiha Sasuke's mastery of many extremely powerful techniques, making him a terrifying kid who couldn't be judged by age.
Terrifying?
Could there be anyone more terrifying than himself in the ninja world?
Gaara, with dark circles under his eyes, could clearly feel the beast sealed within him. As long as he unleashed the beast's power, everyone would understand who the most terrifying existence was!
(TL: This Emo kid haha)
Just as well...
The higher-ups of the Sand Village had permitted him to use the beast's power during this exam, to create unprecedented chaos in Konoha!
Just as well...
To kill a Konoha genius with that beast!
To let everyone here know who was the most feared person in the exam arena!
"Hmm?"
Uchiha Sasuke seemed to have noticed Gaara's gaze and smiled slightly, casually speaking first: "Congratulations..."
"Hmm?"
Gaara looked at the black-haired boy in front of him in surprise.
"You've drawn the worst lot..."
Uchiha Sasuke, with a mocking smile on his face, turned and walked towards the preparation area, leaving Gaara with a throbbing forehead.
"Bastard..."
Gaara's forehead pulsed with a cross, yellow sand floating around him, itching to kill Uchiha Sasuke on the spot!
Unfortunately.
The examiner, Shiranui Genma, refused him.
Luckily, Gaara didn't have to wait long, as the previous exams ended quickly. In the first match, Uzumaki Naruto declared that he never believed in the so-called fate Hyuga Neji spoke of, defeating last year's top candidate as an underdog!
Defeated Hyuga Neji...
Was completely convinced by Uzumaki Naruto's indomitable spirit.
As a branch member of the Hyuga clan, Neji believed his father was a scapegoat who died for the main family, thinking he was just a weak branch member. However, in his defeat to Uzumaki Naruto, he saw the hope of breaking fate...
"Idiot..."
"You really believed that..."
Uchiha Sasuke felt like he was seeing two idiots, occasionally glancing at the Hyuga clan's head, Hyuga Hiashi, on the platform. Counting on Uzumaki Naruto to change the Hyuga clan's situation was less reliable than counting on himself...
"What's wrong?"
Nara Shikamaru looked curiously at Uchiha Sasuke and asked: "Didn't Naruto perform well?"
"Hmph..."
Uchiha Sasuke snorted in dissatisfaction and responded: "I heard that idiot trained with one of the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya, for a month, but it seems he's still only at that level..."
"..."
A black line appeared on Nara Shikamaru's forehead.
Just a month of training...
Could it be that this guy expected Uzumaki Naruto to be able to fight a Jonin? At least beating last year's top candidate Hyuga Neji was already quite impressive!
"My turn to go up."
Aburame Shino walked past them.
"Huh?"
Uzumaki Naruto, returning to the preparation area with a dejected face, looked curiously at Aburame Shino: "Did Shino make it to the third stage too?"
"..."
Aburame Shino paused.
However...
Before Aburame Shino could showcase his brilliant combat skills under the watchful eyes of all Konoha, he quickly received the news that Kankuro had forfeited, allowing him to advance to the next round without a fight!
"Your turn, Shikamaru!"
Uzumaki Naruto waved his fists enthusiastically, cheering for Nara Shikamaru.
"Got it, got it..."
Nara Shikamaru, nonchalantly, dug in his ears and stood on the stage, looking completely uninterested in the exam.
But...
He demonstrated superior combat skills.
Using all the factors, including weather, terrain, and his family secret techniques, this twelve-year-old heir of the Nara clan turned every element in the field to his advantage, showcasing his talents...
However...
In the end, after securing victory, he chose to forfeit, leaving his opponent Temari puzzled.
"I surrender."
Nara Shikamaru dispelled his technique and nonchalantly said: "For me, it's enough to fight a battle that can earn the examiners' approval for promotion to Chunin. I'm not interested in the subsequent fights..."
"Moreover, I've worked hard to build my image..."
Nara Shikamaru glanced at Uchiha Sasuke in the preparation area and spoke his true thoughts: "If I advance, I'll have to fight Sasuke. It's better to not let everyone see me being beaten up by Sasuke in the arena..."
"Hmph!"
Temari also looked in Uchiha Sasuke's direction and loudly said: "Don't forget his opponent is Gaara! Do you think he can defeat Gaara?"
"It seems you have great confidence in your brother..."
Nara Shikamaru responded slowly while stepping off the stage: "I hope your brother won't cry in front of his sister later..."
"Fourth match!"
"Uchiha Sasuke vs. Gaara!"
Shiranui Genma's voice echoed in the arena.
Amid the grand cheers of the audience, Uchiha Sasuke and Gaara stepped onto the stage, with everyone eagerly discussing the match.
Especially...
The higher-ups officials of the village.
At the highest point of the arena.
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, looked down at the two youngsters in the arena, discussing the strongest two genin in this exam.
"Rasa-sama, who do you think will be the victor?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen held his pipe and leisurely blew a smoke ring. "I heard that the little fellow named Gaara is Rasa-sama's son. He performed exceptionally well in this Chūnin Exam, his strength being on a completely different level compared to other candidates..."
"What do you think?"
Fourth Kazekage Rasa, wearing his Kazekage hat and a face-covering veil, replied with a light laugh, "Barring any surprises, the winner should be your village's Uchiha Sasuke, right?"
"..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen was momentarily stunned but then smiled modestly, "That may not be the case. I have high hopes for the young one from the Sand Village."
"Hokage-sama, there's no need for such pleasantries..."
Rasa coldly exposed Sarutobi Hiruzen's insincerity, "Even you and I might not be a match for the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan. That boy might just be the next Uchiha Madara in the ninja world."
"..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression darkened.
Uchiha Madara...
The first rogue ninja of Konoha...
Even with his usual calm demeanor, Sarutobi Hiruzen could sense Rasa's provocation, clearly trying to incite him to deal with Uchiha Sasuke. However...
How could he deal with him?
Considering both Sasuke's identity and power, Sarutobi Hiruzen could not possibly handle him directly. He could only hope that Hatake Kakashi, Sasuke's teacher, could guide him onto the right path. After all, Sasuke seemed to be very receptive to advice and valued his companions highly. With strong bonds, he could become an excellent ninja who carries on the Will of Fire...
In the arena.
Gaara's eyes were filled with killing intent.
This red-haired boy did not conceal his murderous intent towards Sasuke at all. He was still fuming over Sasuke's previous provocation!
"I'll give those words back to you..."
Gaara raised his hand, and a mass of yellow sand floated under his control. His voice was icy, "You... drew the worst lot!"
The next moment!
The sand suddenly flew towards Sasuke!
"Just this?"
However, Sasuke nonchalantly raised his arm and easily scattered the sand, as if dispersing a wisp of dust!
"I'll kill you!"
Gaara's face contorted with rage. In an instant, half of his face transformed into a monstrous visage, and his chakra surged!
"Sand Coffin!"
Gaara controlled the sand to instantly envelop Sasuke's body, wrapping him tightly like a sealed cocoon!
"Sand Burial!"
Gaara lifted his hand, ready to crush Sasuke with the sand!
However, as the sand tried to compress, a glow of lightning shone through!
In the Lightning Release Chakra Mode, Sasuke's defense was astonishing. He stood calmly, as if nothing had happened!
"How is this possible!"
Kankuro in the Sand Village's preparation area was shocked.
"That move..."
Temari was also stunned, looking at the unharmed Sasuke, recalling the terrifying nature of that move, "It's Gaara's most ruthless killing move..."
However...
The battle in the arena had already shifted.
Sasuke's Lightning Release Chakra surged out, wrapping around his body. He dashed towards Gaara with lightning speed!
"Die!"
The sand surged!
Gaara controlled the sand to try and block Sasuke, but it was shattered like a shoddy construction!
Bang!
A punch landed on Gaara's chin!
The always proud red-haired boy was sent flying, his sand armor shattering, making him look like a broken porcelain doll!
The battle between the two...
It was clear they were not on the same level!
Fear appeared in Gaara's eyes. He had never faced such a fast and powerful opponent, even his protective sand couldn't keep up with the opponent's speed!
Gaara raised his hands, gathering sand to form a solid spherical shield around him, hoping to block Sasuke's attack!
However...
The sand sphere shattered instantly!
Sasuke's figure tore through the sturdy sand sphere like paper, with lightning crackling between his fingers!
"It seems it can't protect you..."
Sasuke's fingers crackled with lightning, his gaze cold and disdainful, "Is this all you've got? Did you think our battle would be like playing house with others?"
The blue lightning suddenly became dazzling!
Gaara's defensive sand cocoon disintegrated completely, and the red-haired boy screamed in pain under the lightning's radiance!
Just as the third exam examiner, Shiranui Genma, was about to step in to prevent Gaara from being killed by Sasuke, the situation changed again!
A giant claw reached out!
The claw moved swiftly, grabbing at Sasuke as if to crush the black-haired boy!
"I've finally come out!"
A boisterous voice echoed in the exam hall!
With the appearance of the voice, a colossal beast resembling a fat raccoon but with a ferocious physique appeared in the arena!
"That's... Shukaku the One-Tail!"
The ninja present were shocked at the sight of the enormous tailed beast!
Having experienced the tragic night of the Nine-Tails attack, nothing terrified Konoha more than the appearance of another tailed beast. Everyone was filled with fear, as if reliving the night of sorrow years ago!
Shukaku the One-Tail!
The Sand Village's war weapon!
Even though this tailed beast's chakra was the weakest among the tailed beasts, its terror was deeply ingrained in people's hearts. Not everyone could remain calm when facing such a ferocious beast!
However...
The situation became even more chaotic as someone launched a surprise attack!
The ninjas from the Sound Village and the Sand Village started attacking the Konoha ninjas the moment Shukaku appeared, plunging both sides into immediate combat!
At the highest platform of the arena.
Sarutobi Hiruzen remained seated, calmly blowing a smoke ring, seemingly unbothered by the kunai at his neck.
While everyone was shocked by Shukaku's appearance in Konoha, the Fourth Kazekage Rasa had appeared behind Sarutobi Hiruzen, holding a kunai to his neck.
"Kazekage-sama..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression remained calm, as always, as if everything was still under his control, "If you abandon all your plans now and put down your kunai, I can choose to overlook today's events. The power of the One-Tail can't change anything..."
"You don't even recognize me, do you, teacher."
Rasa removed his veil, revealing a cold, handsome face. He extended his long tongue like a snake, licking his lips, "Of course, the One-Tail can't change anything, not even the outcome of the battle..."
"Orochimaru!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen's face slowly turned cold.
He had anticipated Orochimaru's appearance!
But he had not expected Orochimaru to appear in this manner!
"Teacher..."
"I experienced the Nine-Tails' rampage..."
Orochimaru smirked wickedly, "If my prediction is correct, the One-Tail will just be a toy for that Uchiha kid..."
"But..."
"I have some interesting things in my hands..."
Orochimaru raised the kunai, piercing his own hand, laughing, "Whether to destroy Konoha or deal with that Uchiha genius, they are more than capable..."
"After all..."
"They specialize in dealing with the Uchiha..."
"And..."
"They know Konoha the best…"