The streets of the Hidden Leaf were already bustling with activity when Naruto, Tsunade, and Shizune stepped through the gates of the Senju Compound. The Chunin Exam finals were scheduled to begin later that morning, and judging by the number of people heading towards the stadium, everyone seemed eager for the event to get underway.
Jiraiya had left them shortly before they departed, explaining that he needed to check on the village's preparations one final time. With Orochimaru's planned invasion hanging over their heads, the Toad Sage wanted to make sure the shinobi assigned to the various defensive positions were ready. He had promised to join them at the stadium once he was satisfied that everything was proceeding as planned.
Naruto walked between his grandmother and Shizune, occasionally glancing at the people passing them. Merchants called out to potential customers from stalls set up along the main road, selling everything from food and drinks to small flags bearing the symbols of the participating villages. Groups of villagers discussed the upcoming matches, while excited children ran ahead of their parents before being called back.
Visiting merchants and foreign dignitaries could also be seen among the crowds, accompanied by attendants or guards. Most were heading towards the newly renovated stadium, where the occasional roar of the spectators could already be heard.
"Sounds like they're having a good time already," Naruto commented as another cheer echoed through the village.
"Of course they are," Tsunade replied. "It's not every day the village hosts the Chunin Exam finals. Especially with all the important people attending this year."
"I just hope they don't expect me to put on too much of a show," Naruto said with a grin.
"Knowing you, brat, you'll probably end up showing off whether you mean to or not," Tsunade answered.
"I have no idea what you're talking about, Grandma," Naruto replied innocently.
Shizune chuckled at their exchange before noticing several villagers turning to look at them. It didn't take long for others to recognize the trio, and word of their presence quickly spread through the crowd.
"Hey, isn't that Naruto Senju?" one of the villagers asked, pointing towards them.
"You're right! That's the Senju heir!" another exclaimed.
"And is that Lady Tsunade with him?" a woman asked in surprise.
Within moments, more people began turning towards them. Some stopped walking entirely, while others moved aside to give them room to pass. A few villagers tried approaching Naruto to wish him luck, although most simply called out from wherever they were standing.
"Good luck today, Lord Senju!" an elderly shopkeeper shouted from beside his stall.
"Thank you!" Naruto called back with a wave.
"Show that Hyuga what the Senju Clan can do!" another man shouted, earning several laughs from the surrounding villagers.
"I'll do my best!" Naruto answered.
"Make the Leaf proud, Lord Senju!" a woman called out as he passed.
"That's the plan!" Naruto replied.
Naruto continued acknowledging the villagers as they walked, occasionally stopping when someone approached him. Several children wearing makeshift forehead protectors had gathered near the front of the crowd, excitedly pointing towards him while their parents attempted to keep them from running into the street.
One young boy managed to slip past his mother and approached Naruto with a wide smile.
"Lord Senju!" the boy exclaimed. "Are you really going to fight Neji Hyuga today?"
"That's right," Naruto answered as he stopped in front of him. "First match of the day."
"Are you gonna win?" the boy asked excitedly.
"Well, I certainly don't plan on losing," Naruto replied with a grin.
The boy laughed before running back towards his mother, who gave Naruto an apologetic smile. Naruto waved off her concern before continuing down the street.
"You're certainly popular with the children," Shizune commented.
"What can I say, Big Sis? I've got a way with people," Naruto replied.
"Or maybe they just like watching you make a fool of yourself," Tsunade suggested.
"You're supposed to be supporting me today, Grandma," Naruto complained.
"I am supporting you," Tsunade answered with a smirk. "That doesn't mean I can't have a little fun."
Naruto shook his head while Shizune laughed at their exchange.
Tsunade was receiving plenty of attention herself, although the reactions towards her were somewhat different.
"Lady Tsunade!" an older woman exclaimed as she stepped forward. "It's wonderful to see you back in the village!"
"Thank you," Tsunade replied with a smile. "It's good to be back."
"I remember when you were still a young kunoichi!" an elderly man called out. "Your grandfather would be proud to see you walking through the village with his great-grandson!"
Tsunade's expression softened at the mention of Hashirama.
"Thank you," Tsunade answered. "I'm sure he would've enjoyed seeing this."
Several other villagers welcomed her home as they passed, expressing their happiness that one of the Legendary Sannin had finally returned to the Hidden Leaf. Some of the older villagers even stopped to share brief memories of her grandfather, much to Tsunade's amusement.
"Looks like I'm not the only popular one today," Naruto teased as they continued walking.
"Keep talking, brat," Tsunade warned. "I can still make you regret it."
"Wouldn't dream of it, Grandma," Naruto replied innocently.
"Can you two at least wait until after the finals before you start arguing?" Shizune asked with a sigh.
"We're not arguing, Big Sis," Naruto answered. "We're having a perfectly normal family conversation."
"That's what worries me," Shizune replied.
Their conversation continued as they approached the stadium, where the crowds had grown considerably larger. Long lines stretched from the entrances towards the nearby intersections, with Leaf chunin directing spectators towards their assigned seating sections while checking admission tickets.
Several merchants had established additional stalls along the surrounding streets, taking advantage of the thousands of people gathering for the event. The smell of freshly prepared food drifted through the air, and Naruto noticed more than a few spectators stopping to purchase something before entering.
He looked up at the stadium, taking a moment to admire the completed renovations. Tazuna and his workers had certainly done an impressive job, and seeing the structure surrounded by so many spectators made Naruto feel that the investment had been worthwhile.
"Well, this is where we separate," Tsunade commented as they approached one of the entrances.
Naruto nodded. As a participant, he was required to enter through the competitors' entrance, while his grandmother and Shizune would be heading towards their assigned seating areas.
The private viewing box overlooking the arena had been reserved for the Kage, with each permitted to bring two personal bodyguards. Tsunade and Jiraiya would be accompanying Hiruzen, allowing them to remain close to the Hokage should Orochimaru attempt anything during the finals.
Shizune, meanwhile, would be sitting in one of the VIP sections reserved for members of the Leaf Village council. As Naruto would be competing, she would be occupying the seat reserved for the Senju Clan, with Tonton accompanying her.
"Alright, brat," Tsunade said as she stepped closer. "Remember everything we worked on this month. Don't get careless just because you're confident you can win."
"I know, Grandma," Naruto replied. "You've only reminded me about a hundred times."
"And I'll remind you another hundred if I have to," Tsunade answered before pulling him into a hug.
Naruto returned the embrace as his grandmother leaned forward and kissed him on the forehead.
"Good luck, Naruto," Tsunade said as she released him. "Make me proud."
"Always," Naruto replied confidently.
Shizune stepped forward next, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.
"Be careful out there, Naruto," Shizune said before kissing his forehead. "I know you're strong, but don't underestimate your opponent."
"Don't worry, Big Sis," Naruto answered as he returned the hug. "I'll be fine."
"You'd better be," Shizune replied. "I'd rather not spend the afternoon healing you again."
"That was one time," Naruto protested.
"One time too many," Shizune answered.
Naruto chuckled before stepping back.
"Guess I'll see you both after the match," Naruto said.
"We'll be watching," Tsunade replied.
With one final wave, Naruto turned and made his way towards the competitors' entrance. Several villagers recognized him as he passed, offering more encouragement and wishing him luck. He acknowledged them with a wave, although he avoided stopping again since he didn't want to risk arriving late.
The competitors' entrance was located along the eastern side of the stadium, away from the main crowds. A female Leaf chunin stood guard beside the gate, checking the credentials of anyone attempting to enter.
Upon seeing Naruto approaching, she immediately straightened.
"Lord Senju," the chunin greeted with a respectful nod. "We've been expecting you."
"Morning," Naruto replied. "Everyone else already inside?"
"Most of the competitors have arrived," the chunin answered as she opened the gate. "They're waiting in the preparation room. Just follow the corridor and take the second passage on your right."
"Thanks," Naruto replied before stepping through the entrance.
The noise from the crowd became muffled as Naruto made his way through the stone corridors beneath the stadium. After following the chunin's directions, he arrived at a large waiting room where several familiar faces had already gathered.
Nearly every competitor was present, along with a handful of Leaf chunin stationed around the room to ensure that no fighting broke out before the finals began.
Naruto's arrival immediately drew everyone's attention.
Temari stood near one of the walls with her arms crossed, while Kankuro leaned against the wall beside her. Gaara stood a short distance away, his usual expressionless gaze turning towards Naruto the moment he entered.
Shino was standing quietly near the entrance to the arena, while Shikamaru and Choji occupied a bench along the opposite wall. Neji stood by himself, his pale eyes narrowing when he noticed Naruto.
Naruto glanced around the room before realizing that one competitor was missing.
"Still no Sasuke," Naruto thought.
He wasn't particularly surprised. Considering the Uchiha's reputation, Naruto wouldn't have been shocked if Sasuke decided to make a dramatic entrance shortly before his match.
His attention returned to Neji, who was still glaring at him from across the room.
Naruto simply smiled at the Hyuga before making his way towards Shikamaru and Choji.
"Morning, you two," Naruto greeted as he approached.
"Hey, Naruto," Choji replied between bites of potato chips. "Nice outfit."
"Thanks," Naruto answered. "Figured I'd wear something special for the finals."
"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered as he examined the coat. "You're going to draw even more attention to yourself wearing that."
"That's kind of the point," Naruto replied.
"Of course it is," Shikamaru answered with a sigh.
Naruto took a seat beside them, noticing Shikamaru glancing towards Neji.
"Looks like someone's been waiting for you," Shikamaru commented.
"Yeah, I noticed," Naruto replied casually.
"He's been standing there looking annoyed since he arrived," Choji added as he reached into his bag for another handful of chips.
"Can't imagine why," Naruto answered.
"Probably has something to do with you humiliating his cousin during the preliminaries," Shikamaru suggested.
"I wouldn't call it humiliating," Naruto replied.
"Pretty sure Neji would disagree," Shikamaru answered.
Naruto shrugged before glancing towards the entrance.
"Any idea where Sasuke is?" Naruto asked.
"Haven't seen him," Shikamaru replied. "Knowing him, he's probably going to show up at the last possible second."
"Wouldn't surprise me," Naruto answered.
The three continued chatting for several minutes, occasionally discussing the upcoming matches. Choji seemed particularly interested in whether the stadium vendors would still be selling food by the time his match came around, while Shikamaru complained about having to participate in front of so many people.
Their conversation was interrupted when the door opened, and a Leaf jonin entered the room.
The man had brown hair, wore his forehead protector backward, and held a senbon between his lips. He glanced around at the gathered competitors before speaking.
"Alright, everyone," the jonin announced. "My name is Genma Shiranui, and I'll be serving as the proctor for the final stage of the Chunin Exams."
Several of the genin exchanged surprised looks.
"What happened to the other proctor?" Kankuro asked. "Wasn't that sick-looking guy supposed to be running the finals?"
"Hayate Gekko won't be joining us today," Genma replied simply. "I'll be taking over his duties."
Naruto remained silent. Unlike most of the competitors, he knew exactly why Hayate had been replaced.
During the month-long break, Hayate had been killed while investigating Kabuto's suspicious activities. His body had been discovered sometime afterward, but whatever information he had uncovered died with him. Naruto and the others suspected that his death was connected to Orochimaru's plans, although they had no way of knowing exactly what Hayate had discovered before he was killed.
"Now, if everyone's ready, follow me," Genma instructed as he turned towards the door. "It's time to get started."
The competitors began making their way towards the entrance, with Naruto walking alongside Shikamaru and Choji.
"Wait a minute," Choji called out. "What about Sasuke? He's not here yet."
"He has until the start of his match to arrive," Genma answered without stopping. "If he isn't here when his match is called, he'll be disqualified."
"Sounds about right," Shikamaru muttered.
The group continued through a long tunnel leading towards the arena. As they approached the exit, the noise coming from outside grew steadily louder until Naruto could barely hear the footsteps of the competitors walking beside him.
A moment later, Genma stepped into the sunlight, followed closely by the eight genin.
The moment they entered the arena, a tremendous roar erupted from the surrounding stands.
Naruto looked up as thousands of spectators cheered, waved flags, and shouted encouragement towards the competitors below.
The newly renovated stadium was an impressive sight. Large pavilions surrounded the entire fighting area, each containing multiple levels of seating that were already packed with spectators. Additional sections had been constructed to accommodate the thousands of visitors attending the finals, while several VIP areas occupied the upper levels of the stadium.
Naruto could see wealthy merchants, visiting dignitaries, and members of the Leaf Village council taking their seats in the reserved sections. A separate pavilion stood above the northern section, containing the private viewing box reserved for the Kage and their bodyguards.
Large advertising banners decorated the walls surrounding the arena, displaying the names and symbols of several prominent businesses operating within the Hidden Leaf. Naruto immediately recognized several banners belonging to Senju Shipping, positioned where they would be clearly visible to the spectators.
Other banners advertised local restaurants, clothing merchants, weapon shops, and several of the village's larger trading companies.
Naruto was particularly pleased with the placement of the Senju Shipping banners. With so many merchants and foreign dignitaries attending the finals, there was a good chance the company would attract some new business.
The arena itself had also undergone considerable improvements. The fighting grounds were larger than before, providing the competitors with additional space to maneuver. The surrounding walls had been reinforced, and Naruto could make out the locations where his barrier seals had been installed.
Tazuna and his workers had done everything Naruto had asked of them.
"Whoa," Choji muttered as he stared up at the stands. "That's a lot of people."
"Troublesome," Shikamaru complained as he looked around. "Why couldn't they just hold the matches somewhere smaller?"
"Because then nobody would get to watch you embarrass yourself," Naruto replied.
"Very funny," Shikamaru answered dryly.
Temari glanced around the stadium with an impressed expression, clearly taking note of the renovations. Kankuro seemed somewhat uncomfortable with the number of spectators, although he attempted to hide it behind his usual confident attitude.
Shino remained as composed as ever, quietly observing the crowd from behind his dark glasses. Neji barely acknowledged the spectators, keeping his attention focused on the arena and occasionally glancing towards Naruto.
Gaara, meanwhile, appeared completely uninterested in the cheering crowd. His expression remained unchanged as he stared towards the center of the arena.
Genma led the competitors towards the center of the fighting grounds before instructing them to form a line.
The eight genin took their positions, standing shoulder to shoulder while Genma moved several steps ahead of them. The Leaf jonin casually glanced around the stadium, his senbon shifting slightly between his lips as he waited for the crowd to settle.
His attention eventually turned towards the private viewing box overlooking the arena.
At that moment, a brief hush fell over the stadium as four men dressed in the distinctive attire of the Kage entered the pavilion, followed closely by their personal bodyguards.
The spectators immediately began murmuring among themselves, several pointing towards the elevated box as the leaders approached their seats.
Naruto glanced upwards, recognizing Hiruzen among the arriving Kage. His grandmother and Jiraiya stood behind the Hokage, both wearing serious expressions as they examined the stadium.
Once the Kage had taken their seats, Genma stepped forward and raised his voice.
"Alright, everyone!" Genma announced, drawing the attention of the spectators. "My name is Genma Shiranui, and I'll be serving as the proctor for the final stage of this year's Chunin Exams!"
The crowd responded with another round of cheers before gradually quieting down.
"Before we begin, I'll explain the rules," Genma continued. "The matches will be conducted in the same manner as the preliminary rounds. Each fight will continue until one competitor is unable to continue, admits defeat, or I determine that the match is over."
Genma glanced back towards the waiting genin.
"As the proctor, I have the authority to stop a match whenever I believe a clear winner has been decided. If I tell you to stop fighting, you stop. Understood?"
The competitors nodded, although Naruto noticed that Gaara barely reacted to the instructions.
"Good," Genma replied before turning back towards the crowd. "Now, without further delay, let's get the first match underway!"
The spectators erupted into cheers as Genma looked towards the competitors.
"Naruto Senju!" Genma called out.
Naruto stepped forward, adjusting the cuffs of his coat as he did so.
"Neji Hyuga!" Genma announced.
Neji stepped forward as well, his pale eyes immediately settling on Naruto.
"The remaining competitors will make their way to the viewing pavilion until their matches are called," Genma instructed.
The other genin began heading towards the designated exit, although Shikamaru paused beside Naruto before leaving.
"Good luck," Shikamaru said with a lazy wave. "Try not to make too much of a mess."
"No promises," Naruto replied.
"You've got this, Naruto!" Choji added.
"Thanks, Choji," Naruto answered.
Shino approached next, stopping briefly beside him.
"Good luck, Naruto," Shino stated calmly. "Neji is a formidable opponent. Do not underestimate him."
"Don't worry, Shino," Naruto replied with a nod. "I won't."
With that, the remaining competitors continued towards the viewing pavilion, leaving Naruto and Neji standing alone in the center of the arena.
The two genin moved several paces apart before turning to face each other.
Neji's expression remained cold as he stared at the Senju heir. Naruto, on the other hand, appeared completely relaxed, casually resting one hand near the storage seal on his wrist.
Around them, the crowd continued cheering in anticipation of the first match.
**Inside the Kage Box**
The four Kage entered the private viewing box overlooking the arena, followed closely by their respective bodyguards. The room had been prepared for the occasion, with comfortable chairs positioned along the open balcony and several attendants standing near the entrance. From their seats, the village leaders had an unobstructed view of the entire arena, including the competitors who were currently gathering below.
Hiruzen Sarutobi took his seat near the center of the balcony, with the Kazekage settling into the chair to his left. The Tsuchikage and Raikage occupied the remaining seats, while their bodyguards moved into position behind them.
The Kazekage was accompanied by two Sand jonin, both wearing the traditional attire of their village. One was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a cloth covering the lower half of his face, while the other was a leaner shinobi whose sharp eyes occasionally surveyed the room. Neither spoke as they took their positions behind their leader.
Behind the Tsuchikage stood two Stone shinobi, Kitsuchi and Akatsuchi. Kitsuchi was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a stern expression, his imposing presence making him stand out among the gathered bodyguards. As the Tsuchikage's son and one of the Hidden Stone's most accomplished jonin, he had been entrusted with his father's protection during the visit to the Leaf. Beside him stood Akatsuchi, an equally large shinobi whose more relaxed demeanor contrasted with Kitsuchi's seriousness. Despite his friendly appearance, Akatsuchi remained attentive to his surroundings, occasionally glancing towards the other delegations.
The Raikage's guards were equally distinctive. Darui, a dark-skinned Cloud jonin with white hair and a large sword strapped across his back, stood to one side of his leader. Beside him was C, a fair-haired shinobi whose attention remained focused on the other occupants of the box. Both had been instructed to remain alert throughout the proceedings, particularly with so many foreign shinobi gathered in one location.
Tsunade and Jiraiya entered shortly afterward, taking their places behind their former teacher. However, the moment they stepped into the box, both Sannin immediately glanced towards the Kazekage.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes as she sensed the familiar chakra signature coming from the man. Beside her, Jiraiya's usual carefree expression disappeared.
"Orochimaru," Tsunade thought.
The man sitting beside Hiruzen wore the traditional robes and headpiece of the Fourth Kazekage, with his face partially concealed beneath the white cloth hanging from his hat. To anyone else, he appeared to be the leader of the Hidden Sand, but neither Tsunade nor Jiraiya could mistake the chakra of someone they had spent years training and fighting alongside.
They had expected Orochimaru to make an appearance during the finals, but neither had anticipated finding him sitting directly beside their teacher. Tsunade glanced towards Hiruzen, who was calmly examining the arena below. He gave no indication that anything was wrong, although she had little doubt he had recognized their former teammate as well.
Before either of them could say anything, an elderly voice interrupted their thoughts.
"Well, well. If it isn't Princess Tsunade," Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, greeted with an amused expression. "I must admit, I wasn't expecting to see you here."
"Lord Tsuchikage," Tsunade replied with a respectful nod as she turned towards the elderly Kage. "It's been quite some time."
"Indeed it has," Onoki answered as he examined her. "And I see you haven't changed much. Still looking as young as ever, despite all these years."
"Careful, old man," Tsunade warned with a smirk. "I might take that as an insult."
"Still have that temper, I see," Onoki remarked with a chuckle before glancing towards Jiraiya. "And Jiraiya as well. I'm surprised to see both of you back in the Hidden Leaf. Last I heard, neither of you had much interest in staying in the village."
"Things change," Jiraiya replied with a grin. "Besides, it's always nice to come home every once in a while."
"And I certainly wasn't going to miss my grandson competing in the finals," Tsunade added.
"Ah, yes. Naruto Senju," Onoki replied, turning his attention towards the arena. "Quite the surprise, that boy."
"Surprise is putting it mildly," A, the Fourth Raikage, stated. The large, muscular man had been listening quietly until now, but the mention of Naruto had caught his interest. "The Leaf did a damn good job hiding the fact that there was another Senju walking around. Especially one who inherited the First Hokage's Wood Release."
The Raikage turned towards Hiruzen.
"Something like that doesn't stay hidden easily, Hokage," A continued. "Yet none of our intelligence reports mentioned the boy until he appeared in your village."
"Well, Lord Raikage, I'm sure you understand that every village has its secrets," Hiruzen replied with a chuckle as he brought his pipe towards his mouth. "Some are simply better kept than others."
As he spoke, Hiruzen briefly glanced towards the Kazekage sitting beside him.
Like his former students, the Third Hokage had immediately recognized Orochimaru's chakra signature beneath the disguise. He had expected his former student to attempt something during the finals, but replacing the Kazekage was certainly a bold move, even by Orochimaru's standards.
Hiruzen took a slow puff from his pipe before returning his attention towards the arena. Whatever Orochimaru had planned, he would have to make his move with Tsunade and Jiraiya standing directly behind him.
The Kazekage, meanwhile, remained silent. Orochimaru continued watching the arena, although his attention remained on the conversation around him. He had anticipated the presence of the other Kage, but their attendance had already forced him to make several adjustments to his original plans. The appearance of Tsunade and Jiraiya only made matters worse.
"What an unpleasant surprise," Orochimaru thought.
He had known Jiraiya was in the village, but Tsunade's arrival was unexpected. The last he had heard, she was still traveling with Shizune. Now both of his former teammates were standing directly behind Hiruzen, close enough to intervene the moment he made his move.
Orochimaru resisted the urge to glance over his shoulder. Both had looked directly at him when they entered, and he had little doubt they recognized his chakra. Whether they intended to act on that knowledge was another matter.
"Have they already figured out my plans?" Orochimaru wondered.
If they had, their decision to remain silent was rather interesting. Perhaps Hiruzen intended to deal with him personally, or perhaps the old man had something else prepared. Either way, Orochimaru would have to be careful.
"Still, I must admit, I'm rather looking forward to seeing the boy fight," Onoki commented, drawing everyone's attention back towards him.
The elderly Tsuchikage leaned forward slightly, examining Naruto as the young Senju stood among the other competitors.
"I never thought I'd live long enough to see the famed Wood Release again," Onoki continued. "The last time I witnessed it was when I was still a young man, standing before Lord Hashirama himself."
"That man was something else entirely," Onoki remarked as he recalled the memory. "Even after all these years, I haven't forgotten what it was like standing in his presence. When I heard his great-grandson had inherited the same bloodline, I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see it for myself."
Standing behind his father, Kitsuchi followed the Tsuchikage's gaze towards the arena. He had grown up hearing stories about the First Hokage and the extraordinary power he possessed, although he had never expected to encounter another shinobi capable of using Wood Release. The appearance of Hashirama's great-grandson was certainly a development the Hidden Stone couldn't afford to overlook.
Akatsuchi also examined Naruto with interest, occasionally glancing towards Onoki as the elderly Kage spoke. He was familiar with his leader's stories about Hashirama, but seeing the Tsuchikage express such open interest in another village's shinobi was unusual.
Hiruzen couldn't help finding the Tsuchikage's enthusiasm rather ironic. After all, this was the same man who had sent a team of Stone shinobi into the Chunin Exams with orders to eliminate Naruto.
The boy had survived the attempt, of course, but Hiruzen hadn't forgotten the incident. Nor had he forgotten that the Tsuchikage had yet to provide a satisfactory explanation for the actions of his shinobi. Hiruzen took another puff from his pipe, deciding to leave the matter alone for now. There would be plenty of time to discuss it once the exams were over.
"Well, my grandson certainly inherited his great-grandfather's talent," Tsunade replied, a hint of pride entering her voice. "Although he still has quite a bit to learn."
"Is that so?" Onoki asked with interest. "Then I suppose we'll have to see just how much of Lord Hashirama's power the boy has managed to master."
"The old man's right," A stated, crossing his arms as he examined Naruto from above. "I've heard enough stories about Hashirama Senju. I want to see what the boy can actually do."
Darui glanced towards the arena as his leader spoke. He had heard reports about the Senju heir, although he hadn't given them much thought until the Raikage decided to attend the finals. The prospect of seeing Wood Release firsthand was interesting enough, especially considering the reputation of the man who had originally possessed it.
Beside him, C studied Naruto with considerably more attention. He was particularly interested in the young Senju's chakra, although he remained mindful of his responsibilities as one of the Raikage's bodyguards.
The Raikage studied Naruto for another moment before continuing.
"Although I have to admit, he doesn't look particularly intimidating," A added. "Not compared to what I've heard about the First Hokage."
"Trust me, Lord Raikage, appearances can be deceiving," Jiraiya replied with a grin. "Knowing my godson, I doubt any of you will be disappointed."
"Your godson?" A repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"That's right," Jiraiya answered proudly. "I've known the brat since he was little. Helped with his training, too."
"Then I suppose we'll see whether your student can live up to his reputation," Onoki remarked.
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that," Jiraiya replied with a chuckle. "The brat has a habit of surprising people. Sometimes even me."
Tsunade shook her head at Jiraiya's boasting, although she couldn't help agreeing with him. Naruto had improved considerably over the past month, and she was looking forward to seeing how he handled his first opponent.
Orochimaru was also interested in seeing how Naruto performed. Kabuto had provided him with reports concerning the boy's abilities during the earlier stages of the exams, including his use of Wood Release. However, those reports had been incomplete, and Naruto had already demonstrated considerably more skill than Orochimaru had originally anticipated.
The opportunity to observe Hashirama's Wood Release in action was something Orochimaru had been interested in for years. He was especially curious about how much Naruto had improved under Tsunade's guidance.
"Looks like they're getting started," Hiruzen commented as Genma called Naruto and Neji forward.
The four Kage turned their attention towards the arena, where the remaining competitors were making their way towards the viewing pavilion.
Naruto stood near the center of the fighting grounds, casually adjusting the cuffs of his burnt-orange coat as Neji took his position opposite him.
For a moment, everything appeared normal.
Then a faint pulse of chakra spread through the arena.
A shimmering barrier suddenly came to life along the reinforced walls, rising several dozen feet into the air before extending across the top of the fighting grounds. Within seconds, the entire arena had been enclosed beneath a transparent dome of chakra.
The unexpected development immediately caught the attention of the spectators. Murmurs spread through the stands as people pointed towards the barrier, some standing from their seats to get a better look. Even the visiting shinobi appeared surprised, several examining the shimmering surface with obvious interest.
Inside the Kage Box, the reaction was much the same.
The sudden appearance of the barrier immediately caught the attention of the assembled bodyguards. Kitsuchi stepped closer to the balcony, examining the enormous dome surrounding the arena, while Akatsuchi looked towards the seals embedded along the walls. Darui raised an eyebrow at the display, and C narrowed his eyes as he studied the chakra flowing through the formation. Even the two Sand shinobi exchanged brief glances before returning their attention to the arena below.
"What the hell is that?" A demanded as he leaned forward.
"Some kind of barrier ninjutsu," Onoki muttered, narrowing his eyes as he studied the barrier. "But I don't recall seeing anything like this when I arrived."
Orochimaru was equally surprised. Kabuto had mentioned the stadium renovations, but there had been nothing in his reports about a barrier surrounding the fighting grounds.
"What exactly is the purpose of that barrier, Lord Hokage?" the disguised Kazekage asked.
Behind Hiruzen, Tsunade and Jiraiya exchanged brief glances. Apparently, their former teammate hadn't learned about every improvement Naruto had made to the stadium.
"Ah, that," Hiruzen replied with a small chuckle. "It's a protective barrier installed around the arena to prevent anything happening inside the fighting grounds from endangering the spectators."
"A protective barrier?" Onoki repeated, leaning forward for a better look.
"Indeed," Hiruzen answered. "With the level of competition expected during the finals, we decided it would be wise to take additional precautions."
"Smart," A remarked with an approving nod. "The last thing you want is some overexcited genin sending a powerful jutsu into the stands."
"Quite right," Hiruzen agreed.
"And who developed the barrier?" Onoki asked curiously. "Your village's barrier team?"
"Actually, my grandson was responsible for it," Tsunade answered proudly.
"The boy?" A asked in surprise.
"That's right," Tsunade replied. "He designed the seals and installed them around the arena himself."
"A Wood Release user who also specializes in sealing techniques," Onoki remarked, raising his eyebrows. "Interesting."
"He's a Senju," Tsunade answered with a shrug. "We tend to be rather talented."
"Don't let her fool you," Jiraiya added with a grin. "She's been bragging about the brat ever since she got back."
"Keep talking, Jiraiya, and I'll show you just how talented I am," Tsunade threatened, cracking her knuckles.
"I think I'll pass," Jiraiya replied, wisely taking a small step away from her.
Hiruzen chuckled at the familiar exchange, while the Raikage appeared rather amused. Onoki merely shook his head, having been reminded of just how troublesome the Sannin could be.
Orochimaru, however, was more interested in the barrier. He examined the shimmering dome surrounding the arena, attempting to determine how it had been constructed. A barrier powerful enough to contain the attacks of competing shinobi could present a problem once the invasion began, especially if it prevented his forces from entering the fighting grounds.
"I'll have to look into that," Orochimaru thought.
He would need to speak with Kabuto before the signal was given.
Onoki continued studying the barrier for several moments before returning his attention to Naruto. The young Senju was standing calmly across from Neji, apparently unconcerned by the thousands of people watching him.
The elderly Tsuchikage tilted his head slightly as he examined the boy's features.
"You know," Onoki commented, stroking his beard, "he kind of looks like Minato."
**Down in the Arena**
Naruto and Neji stood approximately fifteen feet apart near the center of the arena, with Genma positioned a short distance away from them. The thousands of spectators filling the stands gradually quieted down as they waited for the opening match of the Chunin Exam finals to begin.
Naruto stood casually with his arms resting at his sides, examining the Hyuga prodigy standing opposite him. Neji had already settled into a fighting stance, his pale eyes fixed on Naruto. Neither had said much to the other since entering the arena, although Naruto had noticed the occasional look of contempt directed his way.
"First match, Naruto Senju versus Neji Hyuga," Genma announced, looking between the two competitors. "Begin!"
"Byakugan!" Neji exclaimed as the veins around his eyes bulged.
The Hyuga immediately leaped backward, putting more distance between himself and Naruto. He landed several yards away and lowered himself into the Gentle Fist stance, keeping his eyes trained on the Senju heir.
Naruto made no attempt to follow him. Instead, he remained where he was, watching Neji with a small smile. The Hyuga Clan's fighting style relied heavily on close-quarters combat, with the Gentle Fist allowing its practitioners to damage an opponent's chakra network through precise strikes. Neji was undoubtedly talented with the technique, but from that distance, there was very little he could do to threaten Naruto.
"You really don't understand, do you?" Neji asked, his expression hardening. "Someone like you could never understand what it means to have your destiny decided before you were even born."
Naruto raised an eyebrow but remained silent.
"You were born into the Senju Clan, the descendant of the First Hokage himself," Neji continued. "You inherited his bloodline, his abilities, and the respect that comes with your name. From the moment you were born, you were destined for greatness."
"People like you have everything handed to them," Neji stated, his voice growing more bitter. "You never have to struggle against the circumstances of your birth because your place in the world was decided long before you could even understand it. Meanwhile, others are forced to accept the roles they were born into, no matter how talented they might be."
Naruto's smile gradually disappeared.
"Your destiny was decided the moment you were born, Senju," Neji declared. "Just as mine was. The difference is that you were fortunate enough to be born into a position where greatness was already waiting for you."
Neji was preparing to continue when Naruto suddenly disappeared from his position.
Even with his Byakugan activated, Neji barely registered the movement before Naruto appeared beside him, one leg already raised towards his face. He brought both arms up to protect his head, but the kick connected before he could properly brace himself.
The force sent Neji flying across the arena. He crashed into the reinforced wall, cracking the stone and throwing a cloud of dust into the air.
For several seconds, the entire stadium fell silent.
Naruto lowered his leg and looked towards the cloud of dust.
"Did you seriously expect me to stand there and listen to your entire speech?" Naruto asked coldly.
Up in the stands, spectators stared at the arena in disbelief. Most hadn't even seen Naruto move. One moment he had been standing near the center of the fighting grounds, and the next Neji had been sent flying into the wall.
As the dust began to settle, the crowd caught sight of Neji slowly pulling himself free from the damaged stone, prompting a tremendous cheer throughout the stadium.
Neji stumbled forward, coughing as a small amount of blood escaped his mouth. His arms throbbed from the impact, and he could already feel bruises forming beneath his sleeves. He wiped the blood from his lips before looking towards Naruto.
"You're going to regret that," Neji stated angrily.
Naruto said nothing. Neji had known Naruto was fast, but experiencing that speed firsthand was entirely different. His forearms still ached from blocking the kick, and the distance he had been thrown made it clear how much strength the Senju possessed. Neji flexed his fingers, testing his arms before settling back into his stance.
He rushed forward, his Byakugan following Naruto as he closed the distance. The moment he entered striking range, he thrust his right palm towards Naruto's chest, aiming for one of the tenketsu near his heart.
Naruto shifted to the side, allowing the strike to pass beside him. Neji followed with another palm, then a third, adjusting his footing as he attempted to cut off Naruto's escape.
The Hyuga increased his pace, sending a rapid series of Gentle Fist strikes towards Naruto's torso and shoulders. His movements were precise, each attack flowing naturally into the next as he tried to force the Senju into a position where he could land a clean hit.
Naruto gave ground for several steps, watching Neji's hands. When the Hyuga attempted to strike his shoulder, Naruto caught his wrist and twisted it outward, pulling him off balance. A knee to the stomach doubled Neji over, and a backhand across the face sent him stumbling away.
Neji recovered quickly and came forward again. This time, he aimed his first strike towards Naruto's left shoulder before changing direction at the last moment, attempting to catch him as he moved aside.
Naruto ducked beneath the palm and stepped behind him. A kick to the back of Neji's knee forced him down onto one leg, leaving his jaw exposed to the punch that followed.
Neji tumbled across the arena floor, rolling twice before managing to stop himself.
Naruto watched Neji struggle to his feet, remembering how the Hyuga had treated Hinata during the preliminaries. He wasn't particularly inclined to end the match quickly.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Neji demanded as he wiped another trickle of blood from his mouth.
"About as much as you enjoyed fighting Hinata," Naruto answered.
Neji's expression darkened.
"That was none of your concern!" Neji snapped.
Naruto offered no response. Neji advanced again, but Naruto formed a familiar hand seal before he could reach him.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto exclaimed.
Four identical copies appeared around Naruto in puffs of smoke. Neji stopped short, his Byakugan moving between the five figures. Each possessed a functioning chakra network, leaving him unable to distinguish the original from the copies.
The first clone attacked from the front, throwing a punch towards Neji's face. Neji ducked and struck it in the chest with an open palm, dispersing it immediately. A second came from his left, aiming a kick towards his ribs, but Neji caught the leg against his forearm and drove two fingers into the clone's shoulder.
The remaining two clones attacked together. Neji stepped between their strikes, deflecting a punch with his left hand while turning his right palm towards the other clone's chest.
"Eight Trigrams: Sixteen Palms!" Neji declared.
His hands blurred as he delivered a rapid succession of strikes, targeting the chakra points of the first clone before turning to the second. Both disappeared in clouds of smoke, leaving Neji standing alone near the center of the arena.
The spectators cheered at the display. Naruto watched from several yards away, his arms crossed over his chest. Neji's Gentle Fist was impressive, and the speed with which he had struck the clones showed why he was considered the strongest genin of his graduating class.
"Your clones won't save you, Senju," Neji stated as he returned to his stance. "Once I close your chakra points, this fight will be over."
Naruto formed the same hand seal again.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto exclaimed.
Eight clones appeared around him, immediately spreading out to surround Neji.
"More clones?" Neji questioned, looking between them. "Do you really believe increasing their numbers will make a difference?"
Naruto remained silent.
The clones charged, with three attacking from the front while the others approached from the sides and rear. Neji's Byakugan tracked their movements, allowing him to defend against attacks that would have caught most shinobi unaware.
He deflected the first punch, struck another clone in the chest, and ducked beneath a kick aimed at his head. Two clones disappeared, but the remaining six continued pressing him, forcing him to turn repeatedly as they attacked from different directions.
One clone caught his sleeve, only to receive a palm strike to the chest. Another attempted to sweep his legs, forcing Neji to leap over the attack. He landed between three approaching clones and immediately recognized the opening they had created.
Neji planted his feet and began releasing chakra from his tenketsu.
"Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation!" Neji shouted.
Chakra erupted around him as he began spinning, forming a rapidly rotating sphere that struck the approaching clones and threw them backward. The remaining copies were caught by the expanding defense, disappearing in clouds of smoke as the rotation swept across the surrounding ground.
Within seconds, all eight clones had been destroyed.
Neji slowed to a stop, breathing harder as the remaining chakra dissipated around him. The crowd erupted into applause, impressed by the defensive technique.
Naruto examined the shallow circular markings left on the arena floor. He had heard about the Hyuga Clan's Rotation before, but seeing it performed up close was considerably more interesting. The technique required impressive chakra control, especially considering how much chakra Neji had released from his tenketsu.
"There's no defense stronger than the Hyuga Clan's Rotation," Neji declared proudly.
Naruto raised an eyebrow but otherwise remained silent.
Neji focused his Byakugan on Naruto's chakra network once more. Despite the number of clones he had created, the Senju's chakra reserves remained enormous. Neji had already expended a considerable amount of chakra defending against the clones, yet Naruto appeared completely unaffected.
"Just how much chakra does he have?" Neji wondered.
His fingers curled into fists.
"You see?" Neji demanded. "Even your chakra reserves prove my point. You were born with advantages that others could never hope to possess!"
"Still blaming everything on destiny?" Naruto asked.
"It's the truth!" Neji snapped. "A person's place in the world is determined at birth. No matter how hard they struggle, they cannot escape what fate has already decided for them."
"Then why bother training?" Naruto asked.
Neji frowned.
"What?"
"If everything's already decided, why work so hard to become stronger?" Naruto questioned.
"Because I was born with talent!" Neji answered sharply. "Talent that allows me to stand above those who were destined to remain weak!"
Naruto shook his head.
"So when you're better than someone, it's talent. When someone's better than you, it's destiny?" Naruto asked.
"Don't pretend you understand!" Neji shouted.
"Sounds like an excuse to me," Naruto replied with a shrug.
"Enough!" Neji shouted as he rushed forward.
Neji crossed the distance with his right palm extended, aiming for Naruto's chest. When Naruto moved aside, Neji immediately twisted his body to follow, throwing another strike before his leading foot had properly settled. Naruto caught the extended arm, stepped across Neji's path, and drove a punch beneath his ribs.
Neji staggered but forced himself to continue. He swung his left palm towards Naruto's face, leaving his lower body exposed. Naruto stepped inside the attack and drove his knee into Neji's stomach, then struck him across the jaw with his elbow.
The Hyuga stumbled backward, blood dripping from his nose. He tried to regain his stance, but Naruto was already moving. A powerful kick struck him in the chest and sent him sliding across the arena floor.
Neji stopped himself with one hand, his breathing noticeably heavier. His arms shook as he pushed himself upright, and his ribs ached whenever he drew a breath. Across from him, Naruto stood with his hands resting at his sides, waiting.
Neji stared at him, his Byakugan still active. He could see the chakra circulating through Naruto's body, the steady flow through his tenketsu, and the enormous reserves that remained untouched despite everything that had happened.
"I can't lose like this," Neji thought.
He straightened himself and returned to his Gentle Fist stance.
"You're strong, Senju," Neji admitted through clenched teeth. "But this fight isn't over."
Naruto regarded him silently.
Neji rushed forward once more, determined to land a decisive blow. His right palm shot towards Naruto's chest, aiming directly for one of the tenketsu near his heart.
This time, Naruto made no attempt to evade.
As Neji entered striking range, Naruto caught his extended wrist with one hand and drove his other fist directly into the Hyuga's stomach. The impact lifted Neji several inches off the ground, leaving him gasping for air.
Naruto maintained his grip, preventing Neji from being thrown backward. He pulled the Hyuga towards him and struck him across the face with a powerful punch, sending blood spraying from his mouth.
Neji's legs nearly gave out beneath him, but Naruto caught him by the front of his shirt before he could collapse.
For a moment, the two stood facing each other, with Neji struggling to remain conscious.
"Not so enjoyable when you're the one getting beaten, is it?" Naruto asked coldly.
Neji attempted to raise his arm, but Naruto caught his wrist before he could complete the movement.
With a quick twist, Naruto turned and threw Neji over his shoulder, sending him crashing into the arena floor. The impact knocked the remaining air from Neji's lungs, leaving him momentarily unable to move.
Naruto released his grip and stepped back. Neji rolled onto his side, coughing as he tried to draw a proper breath. His arms trembled beneath him, and blood dripped from his nose onto the damaged stone. After several attempts, he managed to push himself upright.
He remained on one knee for several seconds before forcing himself to stand.
Naruto watched him, then settled into a fighting stance of his own.
Neji's eyes narrowed as he recognized the change.
"He's finally going to attack seriously," Neji thought.
The Hyuga lowered himself into his Gentle Fist stance, gathering what remained of his chakra as he prepared to defend against the coming attack.
Naruto disappeared.
Neji's Byakugan caught movement to his left. He turned sharply, bringing his right palm around to intercept the approaching figure, but Naruto changed direction before the strike could connect.
A hand closed around Neji's wrist.
Naruto stepped inside his guard and drove his fist into the Hyuga's stomach. The force lifted Neji off his feet, but Naruto maintained his grip, preventing him from being thrown backward.
Neji barely had time to register the impact before Naruto released his wrist and delivered a powerful kick directly into his chest.
The Hyuga flew across the arena and slammed into the reinforced wall with tremendous force. Stone cracked around him, and several loose fragments broke away as he slid towards the ground.
A thick cloud of dust spread across the damaged section of the arena. Naruto lowered his leg and waited. When the dust finally cleared, Neji could be seen lying among the broken stone at the base of the wall. He attempted to push himself upright, but his arms gave out beneath him, and he collapsed back onto the ground.
Genma moved towards the fallen Hyuga, examining his condition before looking back towards Naruto. Neji was conscious, but he was in no condition to continue fighting.
"Winner of the first match, Naruto Senju!" Genma announced, raising his arm towards Naruto.
The entire stadium erupted.
Thousands of spectators rose from their seats, cheering and applauding as Naruto's victory was announced. The sound echoed throughout the arena, with many of the Leaf villagers shouting their congratulations to the young Senju heir.
Naruto looked towards the stands, his cold expression disappearing as a wide grin spread across his face. He raised his arm and began waving towards the spectators, earning another enthusiastic response from the crowd.
The cheers only grew louder.
Naruto continued waving towards the cheering spectators as he made his way towards the stairs leading up to the competitors' box. His victory over Neji had certainly given the crowd plenty to talk about. Many had expected a close match between the Senju heir and the Hyuga prodigy, especially considering Neji's reputation as one of the strongest genin in the Hidden Leaf. Instead, Naruto had dominated the fight without using any of the abilities that had made him famous.
Among the spectators were several of his fellow Leaf genin, although their reactions were considerably more varied than those of the surrounding villagers.
"That was amazing!" Ino exclaimed, rising from her seat as she watched Naruto wave towards the crowd. "I knew he'd win, but I didn't think he'd beat Neji that easily!"
"Yeah, he was pretty impressive," Sakura admitted. She had expected Naruto to win after hearing about his performance during the earlier stages of the exams, but watching him overwhelm Neji had still been surprising. Her attention soon shifted towards the entrance leading into the stadium. Sasuke's match was supposed to be next, yet she hadn't seen any sign of him or Kakashi.
"Where are you, Sasuke?" Sakura wondered.
"Seriously? He made Neji look like a rookie," Kiba complained, folding his arms across his chest. Akamaru barked from his position beside him, earning an absent scratch behind the ears. "Just how strong has that guy gotten?"
"Strong enough that Neji couldn't do much against him," Tenten replied, watching the medical team approach her fallen teammate. "I've trained with Neji for years. His Gentle Fist is incredibly difficult to deal with, especially once he gets close enough to attack."
"I never imagined Neji would be defeated so decisively!" Lee admitted, watching the medical team approach his teammate. "Naruto's taijutsu was magnificent, but I had hoped Neji would put up a greater fight!"
Lee fell silent as the medical team gathered around Neji. For years, he had trained with the goal of surpassing his teammate, and seeing him defeated so thoroughly was difficult to accept.
"Do you think he'll be alright?" Tenten asked, glancing towards Lee.
"Neji is strong," Lee answered confidently. "I have faith that he will recover."
"I hope so," Tenten replied quietly.
Hinata was also watching the medical team prepare to carry her cousin away. She was happy Naruto had won, especially after everything Neji had said and done during their preliminary match, but seeing him lying unconscious in the arena left her feeling uneasy.
"Are you alright, Hinata?" Ino asked, noticing her silence.
"Y-yes," Hinata answered softly. "I'm happy Naruto won. I just hope Neji will be alright."
"I'm sure he'll be fine," Ino replied with a reassuring smile. "The medical team will take good care of him."
Hinata nodded gratefully before returning her attention towards the arena.
"Great job, Naruto!" Ino shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth.
Naruto glanced towards the familiar voice and spotted Ino waving enthusiastically from the stands. He smiled and raised his hand in acknowledgment before disappearing into the passageway. Ino grinned as she settled back into her seat, earning an amused look from Kiba.
"You're going to lose your voice before the finals are over," Kiba remarked.
"Then I guess I'll just have to save my voice for his next match," Ino replied with a grin.
Not far from the younger shinobi, Asuma and Kurenai were discussing the match themselves.
"That was a pretty one-sided fight," Asuma remarked, leaning against the railing overlooking the arena. "I knew the kid was strong, but I wasn't expecting Neji to get beaten that badly."
"His speed was impressive," Kurenai replied. "Even with the Byakugan, Neji couldn't react quickly enough to defend himself."
"And Naruto wasn't even moving at full speed," Asuma added. "That's the scary part."
Kurenai nodded thoughtfully. What interested her was Naruto's decision to fight Neji almost entirely through taijutsu. Most shinobi would have avoided getting within striking distance of a Gentle Fist practitioner, yet Naruto had deliberately fought him at close range and maintained control throughout the match.
"He didn't use his Wood Release either," Kurenai pointed out.
"Or that staff of his," Asuma added.
Several nearby chunin were discussing the same thing. Some questioned the wisdom of engaging a Hyuga in close combat, while others were more interested in Naruto's ability to anticipate Neji's attacks. A few visiting shinobi had also taken notice of how easily he created shadow clones, particularly since he had shown no signs of exhaustion by the end of the match.
Inside the Kage Box, the four village leaders were conducting their own assessment.
"Well, that was disappointing," A remarked as he leaned back in his chair. "I was hoping to see the boy's Wood Release."
"You're not the only one," Onoki replied, stroking his beard. "Although I must admit, his taijutsu was rather impressive."
"Impressive is putting it mildly," Jiraiya stated with a grin. "Neji never stood a chance."
"The Hyuga was completely outclassed," A stated, folding his arms. "The boy's fast. I'll give him that. But I came here to see Wood Release, not a taijutsu exhibition."
"Speed alone wouldn't have been enough," Onoki replied. "The boy knew exactly when to attack and when to withdraw. He never gave the Hyuga an opportunity to establish his Gentle Fist."
"Perhaps you should be grateful he didn't need anything else," Tsunade replied with a smirk.
"Hmph. I was hoping to see whether the boy truly inherited Hashirama's abilities," Onoki remarked. "Instead, all he's shown us is some fancy footwork and a few shadow clones."
"Then I suppose you'll have to keep watching," Tsunade answered.
"That was always my intention," Onoki replied.
Hiruzen smiled faintly at the exchange. Naruto had accomplished exactly what he needed to during the opening match, securing his victory without revealing much of his arsenal. Considering the number of foreign shinobi attending the finals, keeping his more powerful techniques in reserve was a sensible decision.
The disguised Kazekage remained silent throughout the discussion. Unlike the other visiting Kage, Orochimaru had already witnessed Naruto's Wood Release firsthand during their encounter in the Forest of Death. He knew the boy possessed considerably more dangerous techniques than anything he had demonstrated against Neji.
"Not a single Wood Release technique," Orochimaru thought.
It wasn't particularly surprising. Neji had never posed enough of a threat to force Naruto into using his bloodline, and Orochimaru doubted the boy had any intention of revealing his stronger techniques unnecessarily. His attention shifted towards Gaara, who remained standing among the competitors above the arena. The Sand jinchuriki was a different matter entirely, and Orochimaru knew their upcoming match could prove troublesome if either boy became too carried away before the invasion began.
"Perhaps his next opponent will provide a better demonstration," Onoki remarked.
"We'll see," Hiruzen answered.
By the time Naruto reached the competitors' box, the medical team had begun carrying Neji towards the infirmary. He glanced around the viewing area and noticed that Sasuke Uchiha had still not arrived. Considering the Uchiha was scheduled to fight Gaara next, his absence was becoming rather noticeable.
"Still not here?" Naruto wondered. He spotted Shikamaru, Shino, and Choji standing near the balcony and made his way towards them.
"Nice fight, Naruto," Choji congratulated him between bites of his chips. "You really gave Neji a beating."
"That was an impressive victory," Shino added. "Fighting a Gentle Fist practitioner at close range is dangerous, yet you managed it without taking any significant damage."
"Yeah, congratulations," Shikamaru said with a lazy wave. "Although you made the rest of us look bad. Troublesome."
"Thanks, guys," Naruto replied with a grin as he joined them by the railing.
Down in the arena, Genma remained near the center of the fighting grounds while the medical team finished attending to Neji. Once the injured Hyuga had been carried through the entrance leading towards the infirmary, Genma stepped forward to announce the next match.
"Second match, Sasuke Uchiha versus Gaara of the Sand!" Genma announced.
The crowd cheered as Gaara disappeared from the competitors' box in a swirling mass of sand, reappearing moments later near the center of the arena. The sand gradually settled around his feet as he stood with his arms crossed, his pale green eyes fixed on the opposite entrance. However, as the seconds passed without Sasuke appearing, the cheers gradually faded into confused murmurs.
"Where's Sasuke?" Choji asked, looking towards the entrance.
"Apparently, he's still not here," Shikamaru replied.
Naruto glanced towards Gaara, whose patience was clearly wearing thin. The Sand shinobi had been looking forward to fighting Sasuke, and Naruto could already sense his growing irritation.
"Sasuke Uchiha!" Genma called again, looking towards the competitors' entrance. "Report to the arena!"
There was no response. Several more moments passed before Genma looked towards the Kage Box. Hiruzen rose from his chair, his expression serious as he addressed the stadium.
"Due to his failure to appear for his scheduled match, Sasuke Uchiha is hereby disqualified from the Chunin Exam finals," Hiruzen announced, his voice carrying throughout the arena.
The announcement caused an immediate uproar. Many spectators had traveled considerable distances specifically to witness the last surviving Uchiha compete, and they were hardly pleased to learn that his match wouldn't be taking place.
"Winner of the second match, Gaara of the Sand!" Genma declared.
The announcement was met with loud boos from the disappointed crowd. Gaara remained standing in the arena, staring towards the empty entrance. His fingers twitched at his sides as sand began crawling across the ground around him. A thin crack appeared in the stone beneath his feet, but he made no attempt to move.
A moment later, he disappeared in another swirl of sand, returning to the competitors' box. Naruto felt the bloodlust radiating from him almost immediately. Gaara's expression remained relatively calm, but the murderous intent surrounding him was unmistakable.
"That guy's seriously creepy," Shikamaru muttered, glancing towards Naruto.
Naruto merely nodded.
"Third match, Kankuro of the Sand versus Shino Aburame!" Genma announced.
Shino straightened at the announcement, preparing to make his way towards the arena. A short distance away, Kankuro glanced towards the fighting grounds before looking at the large object wrapped in bandages strapped across his back. He had been looking forward to testing his abilities against the Leaf genin, particularly after witnessing some of Shino's techniques during the preliminary matches.
However, fighting now presented an unnecessary risk. Revealing his puppet techniques in front of hundreds of Leaf shinobi was the last thing he wanted with the invasion approaching. There was also the possibility of damaging Karasu before the real fighting even began.
"Damn it. I wanted to see what that bug user could do," Kankuro thought irritably. He glanced towards Gaara, who stood silently near the back of the competitors' box. His younger brother was already in a foul mood after Sasuke's disqualification, and Kankuro had no intention of making matters worse by doing something reckless. "Not worth it," Kankuro decided.
He approached the balcony and looked down towards Genma.
"I forfeit!" Kankuro shouted. For a moment, the stadium fell silent before the spectators began booing.
Angry shouts erupted from the stands as spectators complained about another match ending without a fight. Several began directing insults towards Kankuro, demanding that he return to the arena. The puppet user ignored them, turning away from the railing with an irritated expression.
Naruto narrowed his eyes as Kankuro returned to his siblings. With the invasion approaching, the puppet user's sudden withdrawal was hardly surprising. Beside him, Shikamaru and Shino appeared equally suspicious.
"That's strange," Shikamaru muttered. "He went through all the trouble of reaching the finals just to forfeit without fighting?"
"He forfeited without even attempting to assess my abilities," Shino observed, adjusting his glasses. "An unusual decision for someone who made it this far."
"Winner of the third match, Shino Aburame!" Genma announced.
Shino remained at the railing, clearly disappointed that he wouldn't have the opportunity to fight.
"Fourth match, Temari of the Sand versus Shikamaru Nara!" Genma continued.
Temari pushed past Kankuro and approached the balcony. With a practiced movement, she opened her enormous fan and leaped over the railing, using it to glide gracefully towards the arena below. Shikamaru watched her descend with a tired expression.
"What a drag," Shikamaru complained. "You know, forfeiting doesn't sound like such a bad idea."
"Don't even think about it," Naruto warned.
"Seriously, Naruto, I don't see why I should bother fighting when that Sand guy just got away with-" Shikamaru began.
Naruto slapped him firmly on the back before he could finish, sending the unsuspecting Nara heir stumbling forward and tumbling over the balcony.
"WHAT THE HELL, NARUTO?!" Shikamaru shouted as he fell.
"Good luck!" Naruto called cheerfully, leaning over the railing as Shikamaru landed awkwardly in the arena below.
Choji nearly choked on his chips as he burst into laughter, while Shino quietly adjusted his glasses. Down in the arena, Shikamaru slowly climbed to his feet, glaring up towards Naruto.
"I'm going to get him back for that," Shikamaru thought.
"Are you finished?" Temari asked impatiently, resting her enormous fan against her shoulder.
"Yeah, yeah," Shikamaru muttered, brushing the dust from his clothes. "Let's get this over with."
The match proceeded much as Naruto expected. Temari immediately took advantage of the open arena, using powerful gusts of wind to keep Shikamaru at a distance. The Nara heir spent much of the fight avoiding her attacks while carefully examining the terrain, eventually using the shadows cast across the arena to extend the reach of his Shadow Possession Jutsu.
To the surprise of many spectators, Shikamaru managed to catch Temari in his technique, leaving her completely immobilized. However, just as everyone expected him to finish the match, Shikamaru raised his hand.
"I forfeit," Shikamaru announced.
The spectators erupted into angry shouts once more, while Temari stared at him in disbelief.
"What?" Temari demanded.
"I'm out of chakra," Shikamaru explained with a shrug. "Besides, this is way too troublesome."
Genma stared at the Nara heir for several seconds before sighing.
"Winner of the fourth match, Temari of the Sand!" Genma announced.
Temari released an irritated sigh before returning to the competitors' box, while Shikamaru made his way towards the stairs at a leisurely pace. By the time he returned, Choji was still laughing at his unexpected surrender.
"That's Shikamaru for you," Choji remarked.
"At least he actually fought," Naruto replied, shaking his head in amusement.
With the fourth match concluded, Genma stepped towards the center of the arena once more.
"That concludes the first round of the Chunin Exam finals!" Genma announced. "We will now proceed to the second round!"
The spectators gradually quieted down as they waited for the next announcement.
"First match of the second round, Naruto Senju versus Gaara of the Sand!" Genma declared.
The stadium erupted into thunderous cheers. In the competitors' box, Gaara slowly turned towards Naruto. His pale green eyes narrowed, and a small smile appeared on his face as sand began swirling around his feet.
Without a word, Gaara disappeared in a swirling mass of sand, reappearing near the center of the arena. Naruto watched him for a moment before stepping away from the balcony. A gentle breeze swept through the competitors' box as a swirl of cherry blossom leaves surrounded him, concealing his figure from view.
Moments later, the leaves scattered across the arena floor as Naruto appeared opposite Gaara, his burnt-orange coat settling around him. The spectators cheered as the two competitors faced each other, many rising from their seats in anticipation of the next match.
"Finally," Naruto said with a smile as he stared at Gaara.
**Chapter End**
Another Chapter in the books. Next chapter, we go Wood Style crazy!
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