After resolving the issue regarding the Hashirama cells and the Uchiha clan, Hiruzen kept only Kizaru behind, letting both Danzo and Orochimaru leave. He wanted to discuss another important matter with Kizaru.
In a few days, the third round of the Chunin Exams would begin. This time, the matches would be open to the public as part of a promotional effort to showcase the younger generation's skills. Representatives from various countries, as well as wealthy and influential individuals, were invited to watch the matches. To ensure the safety of the spectators, Hiruzen and the other high-ranking officials made thorough preparations.
One of the most critical aspects of the preparations was the second match of the finals: the bout between Kumogakure's Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Blue B, and Might Guy's disciple, Duy.
Hiruzen had limited information about Blue B, only knowing that he had recently become a Jinchuriki and that his condition was stable. If Blue B were facing an ordinary lower-level ninja, Hiruzen wouldn't have been too concerned. However, fate had it that Blue B's opponent would be none other than Duy, whom Kizaru had recently taken under his wing.
Hiruzen had observed their training sessions and knew firsthand about Duy's formidable abilities. According to his assessment, Duy possessed elite Jonin-level skills, especially when he activated the Sixth Gate, coupled with the Rokushiki Taijutsu created by Kizaru. Pairing Duy's skill set with his fiery determination made him a formidable opponent.
The thought of Duy engaging in combat with the recently appointed Eight-Tails Jinchuriki worried Hiruzen greatly. He feared that the intense battle might push Blue B over the edge, triggering the Tailed Beast's rampage.
To address these concerns, Hiruzen specifically briefed Kizaru once again on the importance of exercising caution when dealing with Jinchuriki, especially those newly bonded with their Tailed Beasts.
"Understood, Sensei," Kizaru replied nonchalantly, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.
"Then I entrust this matter to you, Kizaru," Hiruzen said earnestly, watching Kizaru's departure from his office.
Having resolved the Uchiha clan and Tailed Beast issues, Kizaru had no immediate concerns to attend to. With Shikaku assisting in strategizing and Hiashi overseeing execution, Kizaru delegated most of the school's affairs to them. With the efficient administration already in place at the academy, Kizaru found himself with little to worry about.
He focused on preparing for the reforms and awaited the end of the semester and the beginning of the new school term.
Time passed quickly, and before he knew it, the day of the finals had arrived.
The venue for the finals was a vast arena within the village. Due to the event being open to the public, citizens of Konoha and even residents from other villages gathered to witness the matches. At nine o'clock in the morning, with everyone seated and the contestants ready, Kizaru, acting as the head proctor, announced the start of the first match.
It was a highly anticipated bout between Rasa and Ay.
The clash between the protégé of the Third Kazekage and the son of the Third Raikage attracted a lot of attention and anticipation.
"Begin!" Kizaru declared as he stepped back to the edge of the arena, watching the match unfold with keen interest.
Ay, fully recovered from his injuries, immediately activated his Lightning Release Chakra Mode at the start of the match. On the other hand, Rasa summoned his many sand constructs, ready to defend and attack.
Despite Rasa's proficient Magnet Release and the formidable threat posed by his sand, Ay's Lightning Release Chakra Mode provided him with enhanced speed and strength, allowing him to effectively counter Rasa's attacks.
The battle ensued, with Rasa putting up a valiant fight against Ay's relentless assault. However, unable to keep up with Ay's lightning-fast movements and lacking adequate defensive measures, Rasa eventually succumbed to Ay's onslaught.
As Rasa lay defeated on the ground, nursing his wounds, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration towards Ay's reckless fighting style.
"Damn lunatic," Rasa muttered under his breath, struggling to sit up as the medical team from Konoha rushed onto the arena to attend to both contestants.
"Third Raikage, your successor is truly remarkable!" Sitting next to him, Hiruzen sincerely complimented.
"Haha! That kid still needs a lot of training," the Third Raikage replied, delighted with the praise for his son.
"It's truly admirable!" Hearing the laughter of the Third Raikage, the Third Tsuchikage sighed.
"Kitsuchi is also very strong. I heard he fought my son to a draw in the second round of the exams," the Third Raikage praised Kizaru's son, adding to the conversation.
After the praise, the Third Raikage glanced at Ebizo, who was sitting on the other side of Hiruzen, and took the opportunity to add, "If it weren't for the sneak attack, Kitsuchi would surely be participating today."
Hearing the conversation between the Tsuchikage and the Raikage, Ebizo maintained a calm smile on his face, though he felt deeply troubled inside.
"To think that Sunagakure would come to this! How unpredictable life can be!"
Observing the performances of the three individuals beside him, Hiruzen, seated in the middle, maintained his composed smile.
After all, when it came to successors, Hiruzen had nothing to worry about.
First, there were the young Legendary Sannin, then the Golden Flash Kizaru. When it came to the success rate of his disciples, Hiruzen could proudly say he was unrivaled in the entire shinobi world.
"It's the children of the Raikage and the Tsuchikage who show promise. Unlike my own child, who's a disappointment!" Hiruzen paused for a moment before beginning to lament.
"I can only take in more disciples and pass on everything I've learned in my life. Alas! I can't compare to you two!"
With Hiruzen's words, both the Tsuchikage and the Raikage lost interest in their mutual praise game.
"You're powerful, and your disciple is outstanding. That's enough already!" The Tsuchikage and the Raikage could only quietly refocus their attention on the ongoing matches.
At this point, the second match had already begun.
Kumogakure's Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Blue B, versus Kizaru's disciple, Duy.
As the Third Raikage shifted his focus to the match and observed Duy's back-and-forth with Blue B, he couldn't help but furrow his brow.
That green-haired guy, wasn't he the shinobi he and Kizaru had made a bet on?
How had this low-level ninja made such significant progress in such a short time?
And with their five-year agreement with Kizaru in mind, the Third Raikage began to consider, for the first time, if he might lose this wager.
"Your strength is impressive! But my youth will not lose!" Landing gracefully after kicking away Blue B's ninja sword in mid-air, Duy shouted passionately.
"For the village, I won't lose to you!" Acknowledging Duy's strength, Blue B also spoke up.
"I'll give it my all, Konoha ninja!" Covering his ninja sword with Lightning Release chakra, Blue B kindly reminded Duy.
Hearing Blue B's words, Duy laughed excitedly, revealing his bright white teeth.
"I also have a reason that I must win!"
With that, Duy clenched his fists and activated the Eight Gates.
Considering the upcoming matches, Duy didn't immediately open the Sixth Gate, opting instead to stop at the Fifth Gate, the Gate of Limit.
With a sudden burst of chakra, Duy rushed forward, surprising Blue B. Duy utilized Shaving Jutsu, swiftly closing the distance between them.
Raising his right hand with his index finger extended, Duy, in coordination with the speed of Shave, executed a Finger Gun technique.
Caught off guard by Duy's sudden acceleration, Blue B was pierced in the chest.
"Ugh!" He grunted as blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
Without pausing his attack after severely injuring Blue B with the Finger Gun, Duy twisted his body and followed up with a Leaf Whirlwind strike.
With momentum in the air, Duy delivered a powerful side kick with his right leg, utilizing Leaf Whirlwind to send Blue B flying.
The heavy impact as Blue B crashed to the ground elicited gasps from the audience. Struggling, Blue B slowly rose to his feet.
Sustaining consecutive heavy blows, Blue B gazed at Duy with determination and declared, "I won't lose!"
As he spoke, Tailed Beast chakra surged from within Blue B's body, simultaneously healing his chest wounds and enveloping his body.
"A Tailed Beast cloak? This complicates things!"
Watching Blue B enveloped in Tailed Beast chakra, Kizaru became more serious, standing at the edge of the arena.
On the main stage, sensing the Tailed Beast chakra, Third Hokage Hiruzen's gaze sharpened.
"Third Raikage, your village's Jinchuriki..."
"Blue B is now able to control some of the Tailed Beast chakra. As long as he doesn't exceed two tails, he won't lose control."
Upon hearing the Third Raikage's explanation, Hiruzen breathed a sigh of relief.
"Roar!"
With a roar, Blue B, clad in a partially formed Tailed Beast cloak, charged towards Duy.
Having been warned by Kizaru about his opponent being the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Duy didn't underestimate Blue B and immediately activated the Sixth Gate.
As Blue B was about to attack, Duy utilized Body Flicker Technique to ascend into the sky.
"I will definitely win!" Duy shouted towards the airborne Blue B. In response, Blue B grew another tail and charged into the sky.
With a ninja sword in his right hand, Blue B viciously swung downwards towards Duy.