CHAPTER 67

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As the sun climbed higher over the Hidden Leaf Village, the anticipation for the next round of the Chūnin Exams was palpable.

The morning air was crisp, and the sky clear, promising an eventful day for the contestants and spectators alike.

The arena was bustling with activity, the stands filled with villagers, ninja, and dignitaries from every corner of the village.

Among them, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat alongside the clan heads and senior jonin, his gaze fixed on the battlefield below with a quiet intensity.

The proctor stepped forward, his flame-patterned ANBU mask glinting in the sunlight. His voice carried across the arena, silencing the hum of the crowd.

"Today, we move to the second stage of the third phase of the Chūnin Exams. These matches will determine the top 8 contestants who will advance further. Contestants, be prepared. First match: Sarutobi Hisaka versus Ueno Ryota."

Sarutobi Hisaki, a young kunoichi with sharp features and fiery determination, stepped forward confidently.

Her long black hair was tied back, her forehead protector gleaming under the sun.

Across from her, Ueno Ryota, a wiry genin with a confident smirk, adjusted his gloves and readied himself. 

The proctor's hand sliced through the air. "Begin!"

Ryota dashed forward, his hands already weaving seals. "Earth Style: Rock Spikes!"

The ground beneath Hisaka erupted as jagged spikes shot upward, aiming to pin her in place. Hisaka leapt into the air, her hands moving in a blur. 

"Fire Style: Fire Dragon Flame!" she shouted, releasing a torrent of blue fire that twisted and danced like a serpent, heading straight for Ryota.

His eyes widened as he dove out of the way, the intense heat scorching the ground where he had stood.

The crowd gasped at the brilliance of the azure flames, an uncommon display even among seasoned shinobi.

Ryota barely had time to recover before Hisaka was upon him, her movements fluid and precise.

She delivered a spinning kick that connected with his ribs, sending him skidding across the battlefield.

"You're too predictable," she said, her voice calm yet edged with confidence. 

Ryota gritted his teeth, struggling to his feet.

"Not done yet!" He slammed his palms onto the ground. "Earth Style: Mud Wave!"

A surge of mud rushed toward Hisaka, aiming to trap her. But Hisaka stood her ground, her hands moving swiftly.

"Fire Style: Dragon's Breath!" she called, unleashing another wave of blue fire that evaporated the mud in an instant.

The intense heat created a steam cloud that obscured her movements.

Ryota tried to pinpoint her location, but by the time he realized where she was, it was too late. Hisaka's kunai was at his throat.

"Winner: Sarutobi Hisaka!" the proctor announced as the crowd erupted into cheers.

Hisaka withdrew her kunai and walked off the field, her expression calm and composed.

The subsequent matches followed in rapid succession. The second match saw Sakumo Hatake facing off against a member of the Haruno clan, a tall boy named Kazuto.

Kazuto relied heavily on long-range wind techniques, attempting to keep Sakumo at bay.

However, Sakumo's swift movements and expert swordsmanship allowed him to close the distance.

With a series of well-executed taijutsu strikes, Sakumo disarmed Kazuto and forced his surrender, advancing to the top 8.

The third match featured Tsunade against a civilian ninja named Arata.

Arata's strategy revolved around speed and relentless attacks, but Tsunade's incredible chakra control and brute strength quickly turned the tide.

She deflected his strikes with ease and landed a decisive blow that left him incapacitated.

The proctor declared her the victor, and the crowd cheered as she walked off the field, her head held high.

Orochimaru's match followed, pitting him against an Akimichi genin named Kenta.

Kenta used his clan's Partial Expansion Jutsu to dominate the battlefield, but Orochimaru's cunning and adaptability proved superior.

Employing Water Style techniques to create slippery surfaces and clever feints to outmaneuver Kenta, Orochimaru secured his place in the top 8.

The next match introduced Hyuga Uzuki, a quiet yet fiercely skilled kunoichi, against a civilian genin named Riku.

Uzuki's Byakugan gave her a significant advantage, allowing her to see and counter every move Riku made.

Her mastery of the Gentle Fist technique left Riku unable to continue, solidifying her spot among the top 8 contenders.

Nara Kaito faced off against a Yamanaka named Haruto in a battle of wits and strategy.

The two used their clan techniques to outthink and outmaneuver each other, but Kaito's ability to manipulate shadows in unexpected ways gave him the edge.

With a perfectly executed Shadow Neck Bind, Kaito forced Haruto to concede.

The final match of the day saw Aoi Todo, a genin from a lesser-known clan specializing in water techniques, against a civilian ninja named Hiroshi.

Aoi's control over Water Style jutsu was exceptional, allowing him to dominate the battlefield with a combination of offensive and defensive techniques.

Hiroshi fought valiantly but ultimately fell to Aoi's relentless assaults.

As the dust settled, the proctor stepped forward, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd.

"The contestants advancing to the top 8 are: Sarutobi Hisaka, Sakumo Hatake, Tsunade Senju, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Hyuga Uzuki, Nara Kaito, and Aoi Todo. Matches for the top 8 will begin tomorrow."

The announcement was met with thunderous applause as the top 8 contestants stood together in the arena, their determination evident.

Among them, Team Hiruzen's four members exchanged confident glances, their camaraderie and competitive spirits driving them forward. 

From the stands, Hiruzen Sarutobi observed his students with a mixture of pride and expectation.

The battles ahead would only grow more challenging, but he was confident in their potential.

The day ended with the sun casting long shadows over the arena, a promise of the intense matches to come.

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