Li Shang took a deep breath, a smile hidden on his lips as he observed the changes in his body.
'After mastering the seal, all excess energy was purified... I reached the fifth level of Body Refining.'
He could feel it clearly. His muscles were denser, his bones stronger, and even his skin exuded a subtle vitality. His features, already refined by the Hyuga bloodline, became even more striking, every movement exuding natural confidence.
"Byakugan."
The veins in his temples bulged, and the world around him opened up in minute detail. The scope of his vision was so vast he could hardly believe it.
'Wow... my vision now extends for almost two miles.'
He didn't realize it, but his previously white and serene eyes now carried a slight bluish tint.
'I need to find a place to wash.'
Moving unhurriedly, he found a crystal-clear lake surrounded by tall trees. The sound of running water was almost inviting. Without hesitation, he removed his clothes, stained with sweat and the impurities expelled by refinement, and dove in headfirst, feeling the cool water envelop his body.
The silence lasted only a few moments.
"Aaaah!"
A feminine scream echoed, and Li Shang lifted his head, turning calmly. His eyes met a familiar figure: blond hair tied back in a ponytail, wide blue eyes, and a face flushed like fire.
'This...'
She was motionless, staring at him as if she had been hit by a paralyzing jutsu.
"Do you like what you see?"
His voice was firm, without any embarrassment, just the calm of someone who saw no point in hiding.
Ino shivered, pulling her arms up to cover herself.
"I... I'm just... going to wash up quickly..."
Li Shang didn't respond immediately. He simply sank back into the water, letting the current wash away the last of the impurities in his body. When he surfaced, he swam to shore and, unhurriedly, left the lake.
Naked, he walked as if this were just another part of his routine. With a natural gesture, he removed a change of clothes from his space ring. The light robe and silver-edged cloak were folded, ready for use.
"You... aren't you embarrassed to walk like that in front of a girl?!"
Ino's voice was sharp but fragile, as if she couldn't believe what she was saying. Her face burned, and despite her attempt to look away, her eyes kept returning to him.
Li Shang remained calm, taking his time dressing. His new style of clothing made the process easier: the robe was open in the front, held together only by a belt, and the elegant cloak draped over his shoulders. The most time-consuming part was tying his long hair into a high ponytail that reached down to his waist.
As she watched him silently, Ino swallowed hard.
'What a perfect body... when did Hinata's cousin get so handsome? And that... is it normal for it to be so... big?'
She shivered, her heart pounding.
Li Shang finished tidying himself, adjusting the Konoha shield on his forehead. Then, finally, he turned his gaze to the girl who still seemed mesmerized.
"See you later. See you at the last stage."
His voice sounded firm, almost indifferent, as if this were all just a minor setback. Without waiting for a response, he turned and headed into the forest, disappearing into the shadows of the trees.
Ino stood still, her eyes fixed on the space where he had been, her breathing quickening. Try as she might, she couldn't shake the image from her mind.
The air was heavy inside the large arena. Li Shang stood silently, shoulders straight and gaze steady, among the twenty other gennin who had survived the Forest of Death. Low murmurs echoed through the hall, each voice carrying nervousness and anticipation. Some in attendance were breathing heavily, still scarred from recent battles. Others smiled arrogantly, confident in their own strength.
Above, the Third Hokage stood with the imposing calm he always carried. When he opened his mouth, absolute silence fell over the arena.
"Congratulations to all of you who made it this far." His voice boomed, reaching every corner of the room. "The second stage of the chuunin exams has concluded. You've faced the forest, your enemies... and yourselves. Getting this far is proof of your talent, strength, and, above all, determination."
The words echoed. Many raised their chins proudly, others simply clenched their fists. Li Shang remained serene, observing every detail around him, missing nothing.
"However," the Hokage continued, "the exam doesn't end here. The next stage will be attended by important figures from various villages. In order for us to fairly display their abilities, before the third stage there will be an elimination battle."
A murmur ran through the group. Everyone understood the immediate meaning: not everyone would get the chance to fight in front of the guests.
"Therefore," the Hokage raised a hand, and a ninja beside him brought out a wooden box, "each of you must draw a number. The draw will determine the pairs that will face each other. Only the winners will move forward."
Li Shang narrowed his eyes.
'So it's like this... a sieve to display only the strongest. It makes sense, there's no room for weakness in a presentation like this.'
Before anyone could take the first step toward the box, a hand shot up into the air.
"Excuse me, Hokage-sama."
All eyes turned to the calm, polite voice. Kabuto took a step forward, adjusting his glasses with his index finger, a polite smile on his lips.
"I'd like to give up here."
The silence that followed was heavier than any words.
"Give up?" One of the gennins muttered in disbelief.
Kabuto tilted his head slightly.
"Yes. The second stage... has finished me off. Even though I've passed, my body is in no condition to fight. Forcing a battle now would be foolish."
A murmur spread, some in disdain, some in surprise.
Li Shang, for his part, was genuinely intrigued.
'He's good. He faked it very well. Not a scratch, not a tremor when we crossed after the second leg. The serenity on his face was impeccable. And now, he acts as if he's weakened... perfect. If I didn't know how to look beyond the obvious, I'd believe it too.'
He kept his gaze fixed on Kabuto, assessing every gesture. The way his shoulders slumped slightly, his rhythmic but deliberately heavy breathing, his gentle smile that exuded confidence. It was all meticulously staged.
'What are you really planning?'
The Hokage, however, didn't seem surprised. He simply nodded slowly, with the gravity of someone accepting a decision he'd already expected.
"Okay. You have that right. Exams like these require more than just strength... they require wisdom. Knowing how to retreat is also a virtue."
Kabuto bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
With calm steps, he walked away from the formation, disappearing into the shadows of the side exit. Many still watched him, some chuckling softly, others shaking their heads in disapproval.
Li Shang sighed softly.
'This act... is almost too convincing. This man is hiding something dangerous. He shouldn't be underestimated.'
An uncomfortable feeling came over him, as if he were watching a play whose script only he didn't know.
The silence was broken again by the Hokage's firm voice.
"Now, we will continue. Everyone come forward and take a number."
The gennin began to move, one by one. The tension was palpable, as if each number's choice determined fate and survival.
When his turn came, Li Shang strode forward. As he approached the box, he felt eyes following him. Among them, he recognized Naruto's, eager and full of energy, and Sasuke's, cold and introspective, still marked by the strange darkness that had manifested in the forest.
He dipped his hand into the box, feeling the cool wood and the folded papers inside. He removed one of them and opened it calmly, without showing any emotion.
'The number doesn't matter. Whoever it is, they'll just be another obstacle in my path.'
Putting away the paper, he returned to formation. The Hokage's voice echoed through the arena again, announcing that in moments everyone would know their opponents.
[Author's Note:This story was originally written in Portuguese, so there may be some translation errors. If you notice any, please let me know so I can fix them. Thank you for reading!]