Chapter 32: End of Exam and Beginning of Qualifiers

"Kirito, do you know what happened with the curse seal and Orochimaru?" Sakura asked with a hint of embarrassment before leaving.

After thinking for a moment, Kirito replied, "Orochimaru is an S-rank rogue ninja who defected from Konoha Village. His strength rivals that of the current Hokage. Losing to him is nothing to be ashamed of; in fact, surviving an encounter with him is something to brag about."

"As for the curse seal, my guess is that it's a tool to draw out the latent potential of the body. While it grants immense power in a short time, prolonged use may cause the user to lose themselves to that power. It also seems like a means for Orochimaru to bind or control the user."

"That's... unsettling," Sakura said, glancing at Sasuke with worry.

"No matter what, I won't abandon power," Sasuke said firmly, clenching his fist. "I am an avenger."

"I'm just sharing my thoughts as a medical ninja," Kirito said calmly. "The choice is yours."

"Thank you..."

After parting ways with Sakura and the others, Kirito and Rock Lee headed back to the central tower to rest. Following the recent events, Lee decided to postpone his desire to challenge the strong until the third exam, believing that those worth challenging had already reached the tower.

Upon their return, TenTen informed them of an update from Anko: Konoha's leadership had decided that Karin could temporarily stay in the village, with her future arrangements to be determined after the Chunin exams.

They're surprisingly cautious. What exactly are they deliberating over? Kirito thought, displeased by the uncertainty but resigned to letting Karin stay in Konoha for now.

By the fifth day, Naruto and his team finally arrived at the tower with both scrolls in hand. Observing Sakura and Sasuke, Lee sighed with relief.

Once the exam ended, all the candidates who passed were brought to a spacious training room. Besides the 18 successful candidates, the room held the Third Hokage, the Jonin leaders, and the Chunin examiners.

"Well done," Guy said from the podium, addressing the candidates with his characteristic enthusiasm. Turning to Kakashi, he added, "But don't get comfortable. Our team will show you the true meaning of skill! Youth, Kakashi, is sometimes sour and sometimes severe."

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Kakashi asked, puzzled by Guy's intense expression.

Guy sighed dramatically. "Kakashi, you make even confusion look fashionable. Damn it!"

Watching this exchange, TenTen remarked, "From an outsider's perspective, Mr. Guy looks completely defeated."

"Not at all! Among all teachers, Teacher Guy shines the brightest!" Lee thought proudly, his eyes sparkling. I'll make you proud, Teacher Guy!

The room grew quiet as Anko stepped forward to introduce the Hokage. "The Third Hokage will now explain the significance of the Chunin exams and the upcoming third phase."

The Hokage addressed the room, explaining how the joint Chunin exams served to demonstrate a village's strength to others, promoting peace through controlled competition. He emphasized that these battles, though dangerous, were a vital substitute for war.

When the rules were to be explained, Gekko Hayate, the referee for the third exam, stepped forward. His pale face and frequent coughing drew murmurs from the crowd.

"Before the third phase begins, there is a preliminary round to reduce the number of participants," Hayate explained between coughs. "Anyone who feels unfit to continue can withdraw."

Though many candidates seemed nervous, only Kabuto chose to withdraw.

Sakura turned to Sasuke, who clutched his shoulder in pain. "You're still suffering. Let's talk to Kakashi-sensei—"

"Shut up. I didn't come this far to give up now," Sasuke said sharply. "I just need to get through one fight."

As the names for the first match appeared on the electronic display, everyone held their breath.

"Uchiha Sasuke vs. Yoroi Akado."

Sakura panicked. "There's no time to suppress the curse seal now!"

Sasuke frowned but soon smirked. "Good. The sooner I finish this, the sooner I can deal with the curse."

As the competitors prepared, Kirito approached Sasuke and patted his shoulder. "You've got this. It shouldn't take more than five minutes."

Sasuke was momentarily surprised but nodded confidently. "Of course."

The match began, and Sasuke, despite the lingering curse seal, displayed remarkable skill. Without using his Sharingan, he evaded Yoroi's attacks and countered with precision. Drawing inspiration from Rock Lee, Sasuke employed a series of Taijutsu moves, culminating in a modified version of Lee's Primary Lotus, defeating Yoroi with a powerful finishing blow.

"Winner: Uchiha Sasuke!" Hayate announced.

Sasuke, panting heavily, felt the curse seal flare up again. Kakashi quickly intervened, supporting him and promising to seal the curse properly.

Though reluctant to leave before the qualifiers ended, Sasuke finally agreed to let Kakashi take care of him.

With the first match concluded, the display lit up again, showing the names for the next fight: "Shino Aburame vs. Choji Akimichi."

(End of Chapter)

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