Chapter 282: Match-up

The second round of the Chunin Exam has concluded, determining the victors and selecting ten contestants who will compete in half a month in Konoha, where the Five Kage will gather.

The list of ten matchups for the third round has been announced:

Uchiha Sasuke VS Uzumaki Naruto.

Hyuga Neji VS Hozuki Suigetsu.

Kimimaro VS Gaara.

Uzumaki Karin VS Jugo.

Yamanaka Ino VS Nara Shikamaru.

The second round of the exam in Konoha saw official betting, leading to a significant profit. As soon as the third round matchups were announced, excitement erupted.

Many eagerly placed their bets on the first matchup: Uchiha Sasuke, son of the former Uchiha clan leader, versus Uzumaki Naruto, son of the Fourth Hokage.

It must be said, Konoha knows how to capture the public's interest.

The second match is Hyuga Neji VS Hozuki Suigetsu. A battle between the genius of Konoha's Hyuga clan and the genius of the Hozuki clan from Mist, drawing widespread attention.

The third match is Kimimaro VS Gaara, where the genius of Mist's Kaguya clan faces the strongest Genin from Sand.

The first three matches alone have created immense buzz and competition among bettors.

Not just civilians, but numerous ninjas are also actively analyzing each match's intelligence and placing their bets.

Rather than just a Chunin exam, the third round seems more like a battle of star ninjas.

Everyone knows that the ten contestants in the third round of the Chunin exam are almost guaranteed to become Chunin.

Especially with the news that the Tsuchikage of Rock, the Raikage of Cloud, and the Kazekage of Sand will be attending in person.

This has skyrocketed the anticipation for Konoha's Chunin Exam, creating immense excitement, even attracting covert bets from ninjas of other villages.

At a training ground of the Senju clan:

"Sister Haku, and Hinata."

Yamanaka Ino looked apologetically at her two teammates.

During the second round of the exam, her teammates Hyuga Hinata and Haku both forfeited, allowing her to advance. She understood their intentions.

Her opponent in the tenth arena was Nara Shikamaru.

"Ino, it's okay," said a shy Hinata.

Haku smiled warmly, "Ino, you should know, with our two's ratings, becoming Chunin this time shouldn't be a problem."

"Please do your best in the third round, we've bet quite a lot on it."

Seeing her teammates' support, Ino smiled brightly, always confident and optimistic.

"Thank you."

She silently vowed to repay them in the future, not just with words.

"But Ino," added Hinata, "Teacher Tsunade said you need special training this month, so do your best."

Ino, with a confident smile, gave a thumbs up, "Don't worry, Haku, and Hinata, we will be the strongest female ninja team."

Among the three, Ino might not be the strongest, but she is the team leader.

Ino's straightforward personality, coupled with her non-violent nature and her broad perspective gained from early independence, makes her the core leader of the trio.

In contrast, Haku's gentle nature and Hinata's similar demeanor make them less suited for the role of team leader, solidifying Ino as the backbone of their team.

…

On the rooftop of the Hakage Office Building.

"Teacher Yoru, please, I beg of you, train me."

Uchiha Sasuke, who had not experienced the Night of Genocide, had a much better temperament than in the original story, and his behavior was full of politeness. Even his eyes shone with determination.

"So, Sasuke, do you want special training just to defeat Uzumaki Naruto?"

Faced with Uchiha Yoru's question, Uchiha Sasuke revealed a firm smile.

"No! My goal is to become stronger and then to become the Sixth Hokage of Konoha. At that time, I will tell Uzumaki Naruto personally how naive his ideology is."

Seeing Uchiha Sasuke's firm conviction, Uchiha Yoru immediately smiled.

Things are getting more interesting. Uchiha Sasuke's ultimate dream is to be the Sixth Hokage. It's hard to imagine how he and Naruto will turn out in the future.

In Uchiha Sasuke's mind, there is only one god above the Kage, and that is his teacher, Uchiha Yoru.

"Okay, I will train you, but don't complain when it gets tough."

"Thank you, Teacher Yoru."

After Uchiha Sasuke respectfully left, Uchiha Yoru smiled and nodded, "Itachi, do you see this now?"

The head of the Anbu, Uchiha Itachi, slowly stepped out of the shadows, removed his mask, and revealed a mature face with a more gentle smile than in the anime.

"Teacher Yoru, I entrust Sasuke to you."

"Hehe, Itachi, I was talking about Sasuke's dream. It's not a simple one."

Uchiha Yoru shrugged and spoke with a relaxed smile, while Uchiha Itachi showed a happy smile after hearing this.

"I look forward to seeing Sasuke become the Sixth Hokage."

Indeed, as a brother-obsessed Uchiha, Itachi had blind confidence in his brother Sasuke.

Uchiha Yoru, seeing this, laughed lightly and waved his hand, "Then, as his brother, you should also train Sasuke well."

"Yes."

Uchiha Itachi, with a gentle smile, watched the shadow leaving the Hokage Building. For his brother's dream, he only had support.

…

In front of the waterfall on the other side.

"Pervy Sage, please train me. I'm going to battle Sasuke in half a month, please help me."

Uzumaki Naruto, for once, took the initiative to find Jiraiya and was determined to undergo special training.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya, disturbed from his work and sighing in resignation, sat in front of the waterfall, looking at the determined Naruto with curiosity.

"So Naruto, why do you have to defeat Uchiha Sasuke? Is it just to beat him?"

Seeing Jiraiya's question, Naruto showed a smile, making Jiraiya even more curious.

"Because! I have to defeat Uchiha Sasuke to prove my ninja way is right. I want to change Sasuke's thinking first, to make him realize that this world doesn't only need the deterrence of power for peace. That's not true peace."

"True peace is when people understand each other!" Naruto said with a look of firm belief, as if Sasuke had already become the first person he wanted to influence.

Jiraiya was stunned upon hearing this. Indeed! Naruto is still Naruto, stubborn as a mule and never changing.

But then!

Suddenly, a mischievous smile appeared on Jiraiya's face, as if Naruto having a goal was a good thing.

"Haha, Naruto, from now on, I'll start your special training. I support your dream, but don't let your teacher down. Let me see how you influence the first person with mutual understanding."

It was unprecedented; the Pervy Sage Jiraiya actually agreed with his philosophy, and Naruto showed an excited expression.

"Pervy Sage!"

"No! Naruto, don't get me wrong, I haven't agreed with your philosophy. It's just the first step you're taking in your philosophy."

At this moment, Jiraiya had a smile on his face, even a bit cunning.

"Naruto, the path of your philosophy is extremely difficult. As for right or wrong, I won't comment, but you have to prove yourself. First, influence Uchiha Sasuke, tell everyone that you are right, then join forces to influence more people."

"I'll calculate for you. After you influence Sasuke, in the future, the two of you who understand each other will continue to influence others. Two become four, four become eight, eight become sixteen…"

Eventually, Naruto was counting on his fingers, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"I understand, Pervy Sage. You want me to take the first step, then come the second step, and eventually, everyone will agree with me."

Well then, seeing Naruto hooked, Jiraiya smiled, as if he had found a good way to deal with Naruto.

"Right, so work hard. Let the teacher see whether your philosophy is correct, or whether the philosophy of Night God is correct. Your first step now is to make Uchiha Sasuke agree with you!"

"Oh yeah! I will definitely succeed."

Watching the enthusiastic and excited Uzumaki Naruto, Jiraiya smiled, feeling a sigh of relief in his heart.

Although he was unclear about Uchiha Sasuke, Sasuke, as a disciple of Uchiha Yoru, had great potential and might surpass the Hokage in the future.

Thus, as Uchiha Sasuke's disciple, Jiraiya had already begun to mourn for Sasuke agreeing with Naruto's philosophy.

But this was also good; at least Uchiha Sasuke could keep Naruto in check, preventing him from having unrealistic thoughts.

It must be said that Jiraiya's scheming was clever, and this was also the destiny between Sasuke and Naruto.

…

Hyuga Clan Training Ground.

Hyuga Neji continued to train with his father, Hyuga Hizashi.

"Neji, control your breathing, don't panic."

Hizashi, usually stoic, showed a rare smile of contentment. His son had grown up and was ready to soar into the vast sky.

"Neji, what is your dream?"

"To become the strongest shield under Lord Yoru's command."

From a young age, Neji knew that without Uchiha Yoru's help, he would have lost his father and his freedom.

Watching his father, a breathless Neji showed a hint of doubt.

"Father, Lord Yoru once said that one should live for themselves, not for others. He asked me to see the world with my own eyes, to find and correct its faults."

Uchiha Yoru's methods were highly skilled, never imposing his own beliefs on his students, friends, or the elite Jonin.

Instead, he often told everyone, as written on the last page of the book.

"Gods can make mistakes, so find and correct these mistakes, and tell God about them."

Hizashi, as a mature man, was well aware of Uchiha Yoru's methods. He respected such an existence, despite knowing the truth behind it.

Uchiha Yoru was revered as a god, not only for his power comparable to the once great God of Ninja Senju Hashirama, but more so for his magnanimity.

"Neji, your next opponent is Hozuki Suigetsu, a member of the Mist's bloodline clan. He has been taken as a disciple by Jonin Momochi Zabuza. The Hozuki clan's Hydrification Technique is almost immune to most physical attacks."

Hizashi was proud of his exceptional son, foreseeing the end of the division between the main and branch families in Neji's generation. Neji was also set to prove something significant.

Branch families are not inferior to the main family.

"Neji, though the Hozuki clan's Hydrification Technique is powerful, our Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist is formidable. Normal physical attacks may be ineffective, but our Gentle Fist can inject chakra into the opponent's body, even in water…"

Hizashi carefully imparted his experience to his son.

However, at that moment, a figure from the Anbu appeared, and Hizashi stopped training, while Neji, panting, listened.

"Lord Hizashi, Lord Yoru commands that from tomorrow, Genin Hyuga Neji will go to the Uchiha clan's training grounds for a half-month of special training."

Neji was once a disciple taken in by Uchiha Yoru to win over the branch families. Though not skilled in Gentle Fist, he could still offer guidance in other areas.

Upon hearing this, Hizashi immediately showed a respectful smile.

"Please thank Lord Yoru for me."

"Farewell!"

Since Uchiha Yoru took charge, the first commandment amended by the Anbu and Root was not to enter others' residences without permission.

In the past, under the Third Hokage, Anbu and Root ninjas would enter a target's home without hesitation, delivering orders in a condescending, cold tone.

They hadn't felt it before, but now, by comparison, they felt respected.

…

In the forest shrouded in dense fog, the sound of water echoed continuously.

"Damn it, kid, take this seriously. If you lose the match, don't even think about getting the Kubikiribōchō."

In the mist, the angry voice of Momochi Zabuza emerged, while the tormented Hozuki Suigetsu was filled with frustration.

"Hey, hey, Teacher, I heard that you were embarrassed in front of Senior Kakashi. Are you taking it out on me?"

"Shut up!"

Hozuki Suigetsu, although in pain from being thrown, continued to babble incessantly.

"I heard you and Might Guy were taking disciples, but Kakashi just ignored and forgot about it, haha."

The talkative Hozuki Suigetsu infuriated Momochi Zabuza. He never thought he would take such a disciple, who was really annoying with his words.

"Shut up! I've bet on you in this match. Even if it kills you, you have to last for five minutes."

"What!" Hozuki Suigetsu's eyes widened.

"What do you mean, are you looking down on me? Isn't the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist naturally suppressed by me?"

Watching the proud and arrogant Hozuki Suigetsu, Momochi Zabuza sneered.

"Indeed, the Hozuki clan's Hydrification Technique can almost immunize against most physical damage, but the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist is different. They can transform chakra into offensive energy through their palms and transmit it into the water, then, heh heh!"

"You mean the Hyuga clan can also counter the Hydrification Technique?"

Hozuki Suigetsu was shocked. Dammit, this time he faced a counter. How could he play?

"Not necessarily. It depends on who has better chakra control and who has more chakra."

Momochi Zabuza said with a cold smile. If it wasn't for the fact that this guy was his chosen disciple, he wouldn't care at all. Now, he could only train him specially, so he wouldn't lose too quickly and embarrass him.

"Now, I will teach you Mist Technique, it's a perfect method partner with your Bloodline limit. If you master it, you will have a chance to win."

No matter what, he was his disciple. Zabuza, unwilling to bet on his disciple's loss, and was also gambling secretly. If Suigetsu could learn this ninjutsu, he might just win.

~~~

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