(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Seeing Guy like that, Colt understood that the Chūnin Exams were about to begin, marking the start of a momentous era in the ninja world.
But for now, that had little to do with him.
After a moment's thought, Colt decided to visit Tenten's ninja tool shop. His custom-made weapons should be ready by now. It was a new order.
Due to his ample funds, Colt had ordered 2,200 'feathers' at a cost of 150 million ryō.
That was equivalent to five Asuma, with each feather costing around 70,000 ryō – a sky-high price. (each Asuma is 35million)
Impressed by his generosity, Tenten had specially invited Colt for two meals.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage wore his hat with a serious expression.
The usually empty room was now crowded with numerous ninjas, all wearing green vests signifying their Jōnin rank.
"I'm sure you all know why you've been called here," the Third began in a deep voice.
The ninjas looked at each other, realizing they were all instructors of Genin teams.
"It's the Chūnin Exams, old man," Asuma drawled, a cigarette still dangling from his mouth.
His slovenly appearance made Kurenai unconsciously take a few steps away.
She wondered how she hadn't noticed before that Asuma, a handsome man in his twenties, now resembled a middle-aged, sleazy uncle.
The Third Hokage nodded slightly.
"That's correct. In three days, the multinational joint Chūnin Exams will be held. Any Genin team that has completed eight D-rank missions and one C-rank mission is eligible to participate."
Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma exchanged glances, understanding each other's decisions. They stepped forward one by one.
"I, Kakashi Hatake, recommend Kamiyo Colt, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, and Haruno Sakura for this Chūnin Exam."
Kurenai and Asuma followed suit.
"I, Kurenai Yuhi, recommend Hyūga Hinata, Inuzuka Kiba, and Aburame Shino for this Chūnin Exam."
"I, Sarutobi Asuma, recommend Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, and Akimichi Chōji for this Chūnin Exam."
The Third Hokage was a bit surprised. All the Genin squads he favored were participating?
"Wait a minute! I object!" a hurried voice came from the crowd. It was Iruka.
"Isn't the Chūnin Exam too early for Naruto and the others? They're still children!" Iruka protested. "Wouldn't it be better to let them gain more experience and wait for the next exam?"
Kakashi turned his head and replied in a nonchalant tone, "I became a Chūnin when I was only six years old."
The other ninjas were speechless. Was Kakashi refuting Iruka or just bragging?
"But... you're a genius, Kakashi-san!" Iruka retorted.
He knew all too well the cruelty of the Chūnin Exams, which could even result in death.
"Iruka, I understand how you feel..." Kakashi looked directly at Iruka, his voice suddenly harsh.
"But they are no longer your students. They're my subordinates now!"
The difference in status between Chūnin and Jōnin left Iruka with no choice but to back down.
Seeing the dispute end, the Third Hokage said, "If that's the case, let them try. If you're still worried, Iruka, you can test them yourself."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Iruka bowed respectfully, deciding to set up trials for Naruto and the others later.
"Let me warn you," Kakashi suddenly interjected, "You don't need to worry about Colt's strength, nor do you need to test him. I'm afraid he might accidentally kill you."
He genuinely feared that Colt might not carefully identify an enemy and go straight for the kill. With that kid's personality, it was entirely possible.
Iruka was a good teacher; it would be a shame for him to die so needlessly.
"That's right!" Might Guy, who had been silent until now, chimed in. "That boy burns with the flames of youth!"
Kurenai found it strange that Colt seemed to have a close relationship with Guy.
Hearing Kakashi's warning, Iruka was stunned and immediately abandoned any plans to test Colt.
Meanwhile, Colt emerged from Tenten's shop with a backpack. After depleting all their inventory and urgently purchasing chakra metal from the Land of Iron, the shop had finally produced all the flying feathers he needed.
Walking down the street, no one would have guessed that the unassuming backpack contained ninja tools worth hundreds of millions of ryō.
Suddenly, there was a commotion. Colt looked towards the sound and saw Naruto and Sakura confronting a guy with face paint.
Colt quickly approached the scene.
Kankuro picked up Konohamaru disdainfully. "I hate brats like you the most!"
As he spoke, he raised his fist to strike.
Naruto, who had fallen to the ground, couldn't bear it any longer and rushed at Kankuro.
However, Kankuro was just using Konohamaru as bait; his real target was Naruto!
Seeing the fist approaching, Naruto closed his eyes and raised his hands to protect himself.
"Boom!"
Instead of the expected impact, Naruto heard a painful groan. Opening his eyes, he saw the previously arrogant Kankuro being grabbed by the head and slammed into a wall.
"Colt!" Naruto exclaimed joyfully.
Colt nodded slightly to him, then turned his attention to Kankuro, gripping his face with one hand.
An overwhelming fear arose in Kankuro's heart. He knew that with the slightest increase in pressure, his head would be crushed like a watermelon.
This feeling of having his life in someone else's hands was excruciating.
"Hasn't anyone taught you to be polite when visiting another village?" Colt's voice carried a hint of cold anger.
"Big bro Naruto, this guy is so cool!" Konohamaru and his friends had stars in their eyes.
"Kankuro!" Temari cried out, shocked by the sudden turn of events.
Seeing her younger brother in danger, she could no longer remain calm. She raised her hand, and her giant fan unfurled.
A violent gust of wind rushed towards Colt, attempting to force him to release Kankuro.
But Colt didn't even look at it. He simply swung his fist to the side, and the force of his hand alone shattered Temari's attack.
"Let me show you how to use wind properly!" Colt declared.
Although Temari was beautiful, Colt had no intention of going easy on her. He formed a seal with one hand.
"[Wind Style: Vacuum Blade]!"
Sharp blades of wind spewed from his mouth, surrounding Temari.
Such a powerful wind-style technique would surely leave bloody holes if it connected.
Fortunately for her, she managed to dodge at the last second. But not because she used her own abilities.
Just then, a shield made of sand bought Temari some time and altered the trajectory of the wind blades.
This was the only way to evade Colt's attack.
"Temari!" The pinned Kankuro struggled hard.
Colt snorted coldly, threw him aside, and then looked up at a large tree.
There, Gaara with his thick dark circles hung upside down on a branch, staring at Colt.
"Control your people," Colt said before turning away and started walking.
"Tch." Sasuke, who had also been hiding and preparing to intervene, clicked his tongue in annoyance. His moment to shine had been stolen again.
"What's your name?" Gaara called out to Colt's retreating form.
"Kamiyo Colt!" Colt replied without looking back.
Although Gaara was strong, even if he released Shukaku, he was no match for him.
"Kamiyo Colt..." A bloodthirsty smile spread across Gaara's face, his eyes becoming terrifyingly intense.
"Killing you will surely prove my existence!"