Naruto: Zanka No Tachi

Chapter 148: NZNT: Chapter 148

The day after the fireworks festival, Konoha’s largest fighting arena hosted the third round of the joint Chunin Exams: the individual match

The day after the fireworks festival, Konoha’s largest fighting arena hosted the third round of the joint Chunin Exams: the individual matches. All participating genin were assembled at the arena’s edge, awaiting the start of the competition. Spectators from various villages filled the stands, brimming with anticipation.

Under the spotlight, the Daimyō of the Land of Fire and the Daimyō of the Land of Wind took their seats in the best viewing positions. Below them sat the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa.

In the original Chunin Exams, the Fourth Kazekage was Orochimaru in disguise, his face hidden by a mask. Now, Rasa was present in person, his face unveiled. Both Daimyōs and Kage were heavily guarded by strong ninjas.

Yusuke, appointed as an advisor to the Land of Fire Daimyō, sat beside him, engaging in amiable conversation.

With about ninety contestants remaining, the arena was divided into four sections to complete all matches in one day. Until the eight strongest were determined, all four sections would hold simultaneous matches. Only after determining the eight strongest would matches proceed one by one. These final eight matches were the most anticipated.

The competition was a single-elimination tournament. Two genin were randomly selected to fight; one loss meant elimination, introducing an element of chance.

However, chūnin selection wasn’t solely based on final results. A genin who lost but demonstrated exceptional skill could still pass.

Izumi was the chief examiner, her powerful Body Flicker Technique ensuring the genin’s safety. Four deputy examiners oversaw the four arenas until the eight strongest were selected.

With everyone present, Minato, as host, gave an official speech, encouraging the contestants and wishing them success. Afterward, Izumi announced the start of the third round.

A large screen above the arena displayed randomly selected pairings. After each match, the results were shown. Many genin might fight multiple matches before the eight strongest were chosen.

To ensure fairness, the system prioritized those with the fewest matches.

Ninja battles are usually quick; victory often comes in an instant. Even in the Fourth Great Ninja War, Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi’s battle against the Ōtsutsuki took only one night. Battles like Hashirama and Madara’s three-day and three-night fight, or the Third Raikage’s three-day and three-night battle against ten thousand Iwagakure ninjas, are extremely rare.

With four arenas running simultaneously, four matches concluded roughly every ten minutes. Even with rest time, the morning session was enough to determine the eight strongest.

Many ninjas’ impressive performances captivated the audience: Yakumo Kurama’s overwhelming genjutsu, Gaara’s deadly sand, Yota’s weather manipulation, and Suigetsu’s powerful dual blades. These unique styles made the audience eager for the afternoon’s top eight matches.

As matches concluded and contestants were eliminated, the morning session ended near noon. The eight finalists were Yakumo Kurama, Gaara, Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, Ōmoï, Neji Hyūga, Kurotsuchi, and Fu.

Unfortunately, Yota forfeited against Yakumo Kurama, and Suigetsu lost to Kurotsuchi, illustrating the phrase ”water yields to earth.” Other strong ninjas, like Natsuhi, Atsui, Karui, and Rock Lee, also lost to stronger opponents.

In the afternoon, Izumi oversaw the final eight matches, one at a time. As names rotated on the screen, the audience and contestants were on edge.

”Sasuke Uchiha versus Naruto Uzumaki!”

Yusuke, beside the Land of Fire Daimyō, was amused. They were fated rivals.

Sasuke and Naruto, who had been sitting together, went to the arena. Izumi smiled and announced the start of the match.

Before announcing, Izumi winked at Sasuke. As a fellow Uchiha, she hoped he would win.

Itachi, in the outer stands, also watched Sasuke and Naruto.

”Sasuke, you’re my subordinate, but I won’t go easy!” Naruto shouted.

Sasuke, posing with his hands in his pockets, was furious, ”What are you talking about? When did I become your subordinate?!”

Naruto laughed, ”Remember, I was team captain when we registered. You’re my subordinate.”

”That was a coin toss! And you promised ramen after becoming captain!” Sasuke said, abandoning his pose and clenching his fists.

Their voices weren’t too loud, but many in the audience heard and laughed. Yota covered his face, embarrassed. Lee patted his shoulder.

Izumi coughed, giving Naruto and Sasuke a warning look. Sensing her killing intent, they stopped arguing and prepared to fight.

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