Standing beside Hiruzen Sarutobi, Chen Xing ignored the many gazes directed at him.
However, he noticed two particularly hostile stares.
One came from Gaara, filled with killing intent.
The other—
Chen Xing glanced over and saw a pair of sharp, furious eyes.
It was Kurenai Yuhi.
Their eyes met briefly before Chen Xing calmly looked away.
Kurenai clenched her fists, clearly angered by his indifference.
---
The Third Exam Preliminaries
At that moment, a pale jonin stepped forward, coughing lightly.
It was Hayate Gekko.
"Before the third exam begins… we will conduct preliminaries," he said.
The candidates were confused.
Shikamaru Nara frowned. "Why?"
Hayate explained calmly:
"There are too many remaining candidates. The third exam requires one-on-one battles in front of important spectators. We must reduce the number first."
The hall quieted.
"If you are unable or unwilling to continue, you may withdraw now."
No one moved.
Only Kabuto Yakushi raised his hand and stepped back, forfeiting his participation.
Hayate nodded.
"Very well. The preliminaries will now begin."
---
Rules
Hayate gestured to the electronic board on the wall.
"The matches will be one-on-one. There are no restrictions."
He coughed again before continuing.
"You may fight until your opponent is unable to continue, surrenders… or dies."
The tension in the room rose instantly.
"Now, the first match will be decided."
---
First Match
The names on the screen rapidly shuffled before stopping.
Smeir vs Jianmei Cheng
"Those selected, step forward," Hayate ordered.
The other candidates moved to the upper balcony to watch.
---
The Battle Begins
Smeir stepped into the arena, excitement clear on his face.
"I didn't expect to go first," he said with a grin.
Across from him, Jianmei Cheng remained expressionless.
"Don't get overconfident," Jianmei Cheng replied coldly.
Without warning, he threw several kunai toward Smeir and rushed forward.
Smeir dodged easily and countered, closing the distance in an instant.
The fight began at full speed.
---
Observation
From above, Naruto Uzumaki watched closely.
"Who do you think will win?" he asked.
Beside him, Kakashi Hatake sighed.
"Just watch."
Chen Xing, however, remained calm.
"Smeir will win," he said confidently.
His eyes stayed fixed on the battlefield.
—