Chapter 313: The Fire Release That Shocked the Candidates

Mutsuki was unsure of what Hiruzen and Genji discussed in the end, but the outcome was pretty much as he had expected.

The Mist Ninja candidates continued the exam as usual, and those Mist Ninja who were captured were released immediately as if nothing had happened.

Five days later, Mutsuki announced the end of the second exam after looking at the clock. Teams that did not gather the scrolls and reach the Central Tower were all eliminated.

"Finally, it's over. Can we go outside now?" Obito complained.

They had only spent a few hours passing the exam but had been stuck in the Central Tower until now.

Inside the Central Tower, Obito even found it a bit uncomfortable to train, so he could only exercise in the large open space within the tower.

"Everyone quiet, now the third exam's proctor, Hiruko, will explain the details of the third exam." Mutsuki said with a smile.

Mutsuki also held a position for the third exam, but the explanation had to be done by the proctor.

A Ninja in a gray-yellow high-collar coat with white long hair walked over to Mutsuki's side.

"Next, it's up to you, Hiruko-san," Mutsuki said with a gentle smile.

Hiruko and Tsunade as well as Jiraiya were friends, so Mutsuki and Hiruko were considered friends of friends. They had gotten along well during the Chunin Exams.

Hiruko smiled slightly at Mutsuki and replied, "Yes, leave it to me."

As Mutsuki moved to the side, Hiruko faced the candidates and said with a smile, "First, I would like to congratulate everyone on passing the second exam."

"However, unfortunately, you cannot leave the Central Tower at the moment. Before the third exam begins, you must undergo a preliminary test. Only those who pass the preliminary test will be allowed to participate in the third exam."

"Why the extra trouble with another preliminary test?" Obito asked, puzzled.

"Yeah, we barely managed to get through the second exam, and we're already exhausted," some Ninja felt it was unreasonable.

"Because the third exam will be watched by many high-ranking officials and nobles, who are capable of offering a large number of high-quality commissions, the timing of the exam is a significant issue. Therefore, the number of slots for the third exam is limited," Hiruko explained calmly.

The reason for keeping all passing candidates in the Central Tower is to facilitate the preliminary test. If it were just about explaining the rules of the third exam, it wouldn't be necessary.

Hiruko had planned for around eighteen participants, but with forty-four teams in the preliminary round, even if more than half were eliminated, eleven small teams completed the exam. Each team had three members, so the total number of candidates far exceeded Hiruko's expectations, necessitating an additional test.

"The preliminary test will no longer be conducted in teams but will be one-on-one battles. There will be a single round, and if any candidates are physically unfit or lack confidence in their abilities, they can choose to withdraw in advance," Hiruko continued explaining the preliminary rules.

To make the third exam sufficiently challenging, the preliminary test rules will be the same as those of the third exam, focusing on individual combat abilities.

"Individual combat..." Rin showed a worried expression upon hearing this, as she was not very confident in her individual combat skills.

"Rin-chan, you'll be fine. Just be careful if you end up facing someone from the same village; we don't want you accidentally knocking them out with one punch," Obito encouraged with a grin.

"My strength isn't that great," Rin said, her small face slightly puffed up, looking a bit unhappy.

"Obito is right this time. Rin-chan, your strength is already above that of many candidates. As long as you don't face those particularly strong Mist Ninjas, you should be fine for the third exam," Kakashi nodded and said.

Even though Rin has a low profile among them, Kakashi, with his extensive experience since becoming a Ninja at age five, knew that Rin's level was already quite strong for a Genin, though she lacked long-range attack methods, which is common among Genin.

"Yeah, no matter who the opponent is, I'll do my best. Let's all make it to the third exam together," Rin said with a nod, feeling a bit reassured by Kakashi's words.

After all, Kakashi is indeed much more reliable in this regard.

"One-on-one battles, huh? Feels like it's going to be tough," Genma looked around at the other Genin and felt like a husky among wolves.

On the field, the Genin around his age that he knew were all monsters. Obito's entire team were monsters, and those from the Hidden Mist were also incredibly strong. Aside from these people, even the youngest Asuma's team was a year older than them, and many other Genin were several years older.

"If we lose, it can't be helped. After all, it's just because we're not strong enough," Ebisu said with a very calm expression.

At this point, he pretty much knew his own level. The only reason he could take the exam was because of Guy. Becoming a Chunin would be a bonus; if not, he could just consider it as gaining experience.

"Indeed, after all, we got this far thanks to Guy," Genma said with a smile as he placed his hand on Guy's back.

"Everyone contributed. From here on out, just give it your all and fight with no regrets," Guy said, giving them both a thumbs up.

Genma and Ebisu both nodded.

"If we run into Kakashi and Obito, we have to give them a big surprise," Asuma said confidently.

"Uh, I think you should forget about Kakashi," Raido advised Asuma not to overthink it, reminding him that Kakashi had already passed the Chunin exam years ago.

"I forfeit," a Mist Ninja completely wrapped in bandages raised his hand to forfeit. He was the Mist Ninja severely injured by Guy. Although he was lucky to survive, five days were not enough for him to recover, so he chose to forfeit.

Terumi Mei remained indifferent. At this point, she wouldn't concern herself with her teammates' decisions, as the next stage was a personal performance.

"Green spandex Taijutsu kid, the cool-guy white-haired masked Ninja, and Hoshigaki Kisame," Terumi Mei silently listed her competitors for the championship in her mind, preparing to focus on their battles.

Since Obito's strongest skill was Fire Release and she had already defeated him once, Terumi Mei did not include Obito in her list.

Hiruko nodded in agreement and then asked, "Is there anyone else who wants to forfeit? If no one else forfeits, the preliminary test will begin."

Hiruko's words went unanswered. Everyone had come this far, and unless it was truly unavoidable, no one would want to give up.

"Very well, next you can pay attention to the information on the large screen. After the draw is complete, it will display your preliminary opponents and the order," Hiruko said, pointing to the large display screen behind him.

About five minutes later, the previously black screen lit up, and the matchups appeared.

Mutsuki glanced at it briefly but soon lost interest, as Kakashi and Obito were guaranteed to advance.

It wasn't that they could defeat everyone, but the preliminary draw wasn't entirely random. The person arranging the draw would ensure that strong candidates didn't face each other in the preliminary rounds, to ensure the third exam was sufficiently challenging.

"First match, Uchiha Obito versus Kono Hideyoshi. Please prepare for battle," Hiruko announced a minute after the list appeared.

"I'm up first. Watch me become the first to succeed," Obito said with confidence.

Previously, they had obtained several data cards from a Konoha Ninja team, including one for Kono Hideyoshi.

Kono Hideyoshi graduated at age ten and participated in the Chunin Exams last year at age twelve, making it to the third stage but failing to become a Chunin.

To Obito, someone who hadn't become a Chunin by age thirteen surely couldn't be that strong, especially since he had already defeated Kakashi, who became a Chunin at six.

"Good luck!" Rin smiled and cheered for Obito.

"Be careful and don't lose to someone weaker than you," Kakashi reminded calmly.

With his teammates' blessings, Obito walked to the center of the large open space. Kono Hideyoshi, after exchanging a few words with his teammates, also walked over. The other candidates moved to the second floor to observe the match, guided by the proctors to avoid interfering with the battle.

"He looks very young, but since he made it through the Forest of Death, he shouldn't be underestimated," Kono Hideyoshi thought as he looked at Obito, who was clearly much younger than him.

"Begin the match!" Hiruko shouted as soon as both were ready, then retreated to the edge of the area.

"Flame Breathing, Total Concentration Breathing!" Obito immediately entered Total Concentration, rapidly enhancing his physical and Fire Release abilities.

"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"

Entering Total Concentration Breathing, Obito quickly formed hand signs and concentrated Chakra in his throat, releasing a large flame.

Flames, resembling a multitude of fire dragons, surged rapidly toward Kono Hideyoshi, instantly turning the ground within ten meters into a fiery world and encircling him.

Seeing the ferocious flames that seemed ready to engulf him completely, Kono Hideyoshi was stunned. This was a Genin—he had never seen a Genin using such advanced Fire Release techniques even after being a Genin for several years.

Even Hiruko, who was not far away, showed a look of surprise upon seeing Obito's Fire Release. Such a Fire Release was rare even among Chunin.

"Is he a genius like Orochimaru or Jiraiya?" Hiruko couldn't help but feel a bit envious of Obito.

Realizing he couldn't handle it, Kono Hideyoshi immediately dropped his Kunai and formally declared, "I surrender."

Unable to put up any fight, Kono Hideyoshi thought it was better to lose early and avoid further suffering.

"Uchiha Obito wins!" Hiruko announced Obito's victory decisively. The two opponents were simply not on the same level.

"Uchiha Obito? Wasn't he known as the underachiever? How did he become so strong?" Konoha Ninjas who graduated before Obito's rise were puzzled by the sudden change.

"Underachiever? That guy is a genuine monster," Nara Ensui, who had witnessed Obito single-handedly fight a Mist Jonin, remarked.

Obito's Fire Dragon Flame Bullet sparked a lot of discussion during the exam.

Although Obito had shed his underachiever label after his fourth-year practical exams, in this Chunin exam, only Guy and a few others from Obito's class were present. Most other Konoha Ninjas were from earlier graduating classes.

Those who had graduated long ago did not follow Academy news, so in their perception, Obito was still the Uchiha underachiever.

"No matter how strong your Fire Release is, it won't be a match for me," Terumi Mei said calmly.

"How did Obito's Fire Release become so strong? What kind of training did he do?" Asuma asked, puzzled.

He vaguely remembered that during training, Obito's Fire Release was not much stronger than his own, but after over half a year, it was like a completely different person.

Asuma instantly lost confidence in defeating Obito. This Fire Release looked too vicious.

"Maybe while we were working hard, they were working even harder," Raido Namiashi couldn't help but say.

Previously, Raido Namiashi was quite unhappy about losing to Obito and had hoped to win back in the Chunin Exams. After seeing Obito's Fire Release, he no longer wanted to face Obito.

Obito, with a bright smile, returned to the second floor and said with a grin, "So, how about that? I finished the fight in under a minute."

"Yeah, very impressive," Rin affirmed with a smile.

"Only decent. Starting with such a Chakra-intensive Ninjutsu isn't the wisest move," Kakashi began to nitpick.

"Kakashi, you're just jealous. But I'm generous; if you hadn't made it to the third round, I would definitely comfort you," Obito, boosted by Rin's praise, ignored Kakashi's criticism.

Of course, if Kakashi had lost, Obito would have laughed at him for a year. It would be too funny for a Chunin to not even make it to the third round.

"Second match, Shiranui Genma versus Terumi Mei," Hiruko soon announced the names for the second match.

"Such bad luck," Genma sighed.

The good news was that he knew his opponent's information; the bad news was that the opponent was too strong, and knowing the information only meant he would get thoroughly beaten.

"It's okay, since the previous person also surrendered immediately, you surrendering won't be too embarrassing," Ebisu said, adjusting his sunglasses.

"Go away, I at least want to exchange a few moves with her," Genma said, giving Ebisu's chest a light punch.

Although Genma knew he was unlikely to defeat Terumi Mei, he didn't want to end the match without even having a chance to fight, like Kono Hideyoshi.

Genma managed to exchange a few moves with Terumi Mei, but it was only a few. After throwing a single Senbon and landing a punch and kick, he was trapped in a Water Prison by Terumi Mei and couldn't escape, so he had to concede.

Even though he was mentally prepared, being so easily defeated still left Genma feeling a bit upset. He had been a dominant presence in his Academy class, and this gap was just too large.

Genma was already planning to seek out Chen-sensei for extra practice after this. As long as he didn't die from the training, he would push himself to the limit. He didn't want to experience such an embarrassing situation again.

The winners of the subsequent two matches were Kisame and Zabuza, both defeating their opponents with absolute superiority.

"Fifth match, Hatake Kakashi versus Mizumoto Koji."

"Good luck," Rin cheered for Kakashi, waving her little fist.

"Don't lose," Obito encouraged Kakashi in his usual style.

Kakashi nodded indifferently and jumped down directly from the second floor.

Since Mizumoto Koji was a Mist Ninja and Kakashi hadn't encountered him during the second exam, he didn't know his information. Therefore, Kakashi chose a probing attack in the first exchange.

Upon discovering that Mizumoto Koji was far weaker than him, Kakashi unleashed Thunder Breathing and swiftly executed a blade strike, ending the match by placing White Fang at Mizumoto Koji's neck.

"Sixth match, Nohara Rin versus Nakane Kaden."

"Believe in yourself, you'll be fine," Kakashi said after returning to the second floor.

Nakane Kaden was a Konoha Ninja they had information on, and was from the same team and year as Kono Hideyoshi, who was defeated by Obito.

"Rin-chan, you can definitely win," Obito offered his blessing.

Rin smiled and nodded as she walked down the stairs into the combat area.

Nakane Kaden watched Rin with caution. Although she appeared delicate and weak, both of her teammates had won decisively, making him wary of underestimating her.

"She looks so frail; she probably isn't strong in Taijutsu," Nakane Kaden thought, carefully observing Rin's physique and analyzing her information.

He believed that Rin, like Obito, was likely proficient in Ninjutsu. Therefore, Nakane Kaden quickly devised a combat plan: he would start with ninja tools to harass her and then engage in close combat, which was his specialty.

"Begin the match!"

Swish, swish, swish!!

As soon as Hiruko's voice fell, Nakane Kaden immediately threw Shuriken at Rin.

"Basic Breathing, Total Concentration!"

Rin instantly entered Basic Breathing to enhance her physical abilities.

Unexpectedly, while Rin was still thinking about how to approach Nakane Kaden, he charged directly toward her.

Since Nakane Kaden came charging at her, Rin didn't hold back. She directly gathered a large amount of Chakra in her arm and used Enhanced Strength Punch.

Bang!

With a loud crash, Nakane Kaden, who had punched with Rin, was sent flying like a cannonball, crashing to the ground and creating spiderweb-like cracks.

At this moment, the tower was silent. The other candidates stared in shock at Rin, who was still in a punching stance.

They found it incredibly strange that a seemingly delicate nine-year-old girl could send a bulky, muscular Nakane Kaden flying with a single punch.

"Hiss." Asuma gasped in disbelief, "When did Rin-chan become so violent? Oh, wait, how did her Taijutsu become so powerful?"

In Asuma's impression, Rin was an ordinary student with good theoretical knowledge and average skills, but her punch just now was extraordinarily impressive.

"I'll talk to her after the exam," Kurenai said, equally shocked. She had never seen such a scene before.

Raido Namiashi was already feeling numb. He thought that if Rin could handle Nakane Kaden so easily, she would have easily defeated him with that punch, and he would have had to beg her not to kill him.

"Nohara Rin wins." Seeing that Nakane Kaden was no longer able to continue, Hiruko announced Rin's victory.

Rin smiled, finding the preliminary match much easier than she had imagined. She thought that even if she won, it would involve a tough battle.

After all, compared to the excellent Obito and Kakashi, she felt she was significantly weaker.

"I told you Rin-chan would definitely make it," Obito congratulated her as soon as she reached the second floor.

"Thank you for your trust. Now, our whole team has passed," Rin said with a bright smile and hands clasped.

Kakashi nodded without speaking. He understood better than anyone the true strength of Rin among the Genin. Rin's lack of confidence was simply because she was surrounded by such strong teammates, leading her to have a distorted perception of her own abilities.

With the preliminary exam proceeding, more and more successful candidates appeared, many of whom were acquaintances of Obito and Kakashi.

Asuma, Nara Ensui, Inuzuka Midori—some were friends Kakashi knew from school, while others were comrades from the Forest of Death.

Kakashi also noted that, aside from their own team, all members of Hoshigaki Kisame's Mist Ninja team had successfully advanced to the third stage. Terumi Mei's team, except for the ninja who withdrew, also made it to the third stage.

Beyond that, there were no other successes. Nara Ensui's team saw Aburame Naoya lose, and in Asuma's team, only Asuma succeeded while Raido Namiashi and Kurenai lost, with Raido being the most unfortunate, as he faced Guy.

Guy's team had only him advancing, as Ebisu lost to Yamashiro Aoba.

"With the preliminaries concluded, a total of sixteen people advanced to the third stage: Uchiha Obito, Terumi Mei…" After announcing the list of those who advanced, Hiruko immediately explained the arrangements for the third stage.

"The rules for the third stage of the exam are essentially the same as the preliminary round you just completed. According to the results of the drawing, you will engage in one-on-one battles. Winners advance, losers are eliminated, until the final victor is determined.

In the third stage, you are required to use all your abilities without reservation in the battles. There will be designated ninjas scoring the performance. If your performance is good, even if you lose, you might still have a chance to become a Chunin. Conversely, if your performance is poor, you may not advance to Chunin even if you win all your battles."

The rules for the third stage are similar to the Academy's practical exams, with each round being scored based on the ninja's overall qualities.

"Next, I will call out the names of the participants to draw lots. The order of the third stage battles will be determined by this drawing," Hiruko said, taking out a box.

The drawing order is based on the results of the previous battles, with Obito being the first to draw.

Obito quickly reached in, drew a lot, and showed it to Hiruko.

"Uchiha Obito, number nine," Hiruko read out.

After everyone had drawn their lots, Hiruko announced each one, and once all had drawn, the previously dark screen lit up again. This time, it displayed the matchups for the third stage, arranged in the order of one versus two, three versus four, and so on.

Obito didn't rush to look at his own opponent but instead focused on the number four, since Rin was number three.

"It's Nara Ensui. He seems like he won't be easy to handle," Obito said, showing concern for Rin.

Obito had seen Nara Ensui's performance in the Forest of Death. He was a cunning and deceitful individual, much like Kakashi.

"Yeah, he seems like a very calm and perceptive person," Rin agreed, noting that Nara Ensui had almost helped Obito defeat a Jonin even though she was unable to perform basic actions. This had left a strong impression on her.

"But I will fight with all my strength. After all, the examiner said that even if you lose, you might still become a Chunin."

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