Chapter 187 - The Third Round

**Chunin Exam.**

In many ways, it was the same as the original, but there were also notable differences.

Sasuke once again encountered Orochimaru.

Orochimaru also placed a curse mark on him.

Sasuke's desire for the Uchiha power nearly destroyed his sanity.

This mad scientist, the most unhinged in the ninja world at this point, acted decisively.

Of course...

Afterward...

Itachi definitely wouldn't let him go.

A hunt was inevitable.

When Sasuke fell unconscious, Rock Lee, who had gone scouting, was the first to find him and tried to help. He fought against the Sound ninjas but was severely injured by them.

Later, Naruto's team found and saved them.

Meanwhile, Neji and Tenten were locked in a standoff with the Sound Ninja team.

At this moment...

A large number of Genin began passing the second round of the exam.

However...

The Chunin in charge of receiving the teams was stunned as he looked at the scroll being handed over, "Wait, there are only two of you?"

Gaara remained expressionless, his eyes filled with malice.

Kankuro sighed beside him, "We got separated from our teammate."

Actually, she ran off.

They knew about Temari's mission, but wasn't that a bit too proactive?

One moment of distraction, and she was gone.

Was that really "forced"?

Proactiveness +1...

"Alright!" 

The Chunin thought for a moment, then nodded, "You two passed."

The Sand Village was an ally, and at such a crucial time, the Leaf Village ninjas didn't mind bending the rules a bit.

Technically, three people were required to pass, but an occasional exception wasn't a big deal.

But!

"You two are also missing a person?"

Iruka stared at Naruto in surprise, "Where's Sai?"

"Well..."

Naruto's eyes darted around.

"We got separated!"

"Separated?"

This answer left Iruka shocked.

With Naruto's personality, would he really leave the Forest of Death if he got separated from a teammate? He'd turn the whole forest upside down looking for them before he'd leave.

"Naruto, tell me the truth!"

Iruka's expression was serious and stern.

Sakura shrank back in fear.

"Alright."

Naruto quietly explained a few things.

Iruka started to get a headache.

For Sasuke?

Naruto's team had a fight?

Sai left on his own?

Was that even possible!

Sure, Iruka knew Naruto cared about Sasuke, but Sasuke was a rogue ninja now! Get your priorities straight!

However...

That's just like Naruto.

"Alright."

Iruka sighed helplessly. He exchanged a glance with the Chunin, who now looked pale.

Originally, they'd only bent the rules for the Sand ninjas, but now it was a trend. 

"Fine. You passed, but I'm reporting this to the Hokage immediately. Naruto, you better prepare yourself."

Naruto nodded calmly.

Iruka's face changed slightly.

So calm?

Is this really Naruto?

Where's all the shouting and excitement?

"You two as well?"

Another Chunin looked at Neji's group, exasperated, with visible frustration.

He turned to glare at the first Chunin, who looked like he was about to cry.

Three people!

You need three people to pass!

Didn't you listen to the rules during the exam briefing?

How many exceptions do you expect us to make?

Neji nodded coldly.

Beside him, Tenten smiled awkwardly, "Our teammate was injured and sent back early."

"Hmph!"

Neji scoffed.

All because of a rogue Uchiha, their teammate had gotten so badly injured that he had to withdraw for emergency treatment.

In Neji's view, this was idiotic.

If they failed to pass the exam, he wouldn't forgive that person.

"Alright."

By now, they'd already made several exceptions, and the Chunins had basically given up, allowing Neji's team to pass.

"You two are missing someone too?"

Another Chunin, looking at the group in front of him, couldn't help but laugh bitterly and shot a sharp look at the first Chunin.

That Chunin really wanted to cry.

Where's your teammate?

Did you sacrifice them?

Sasuke nodded, glancing briefly at Itsuki.

Just before leaving the Forest of Death, Itsuki had reappeared and joined him.

Damn it, do you even know how badly injured I was?

When it was dangerous, you didn't show up. Now that it's over, you come out?

Itsuki didn't even glance at Sasuke.

So what if you were hurt? Just because you're in the Chunin exam doesn't mean I'm supposed to babysit you.

I'm the Kage of the Wood Village! You think you're that important?

"Pass!"

The Chunin waved them through, too exhausted to argue.

He really had no more words.

When yet another two-man team appeared, the gathered Chunins went completely silent, all glaring at the first Chunin in unison.

That Chunin just hung his head, staying quiet.

I'm the village's sinner!

Two Leaf ninjas stood there silently.

Naruto couldn't help but shout, "Where's Kabuto-senpai?"

The two ninjas glanced at Naruto but didn't say a word.

"Pass!" 

The Chunin approved them once again.

At this point, who cared about the three-person rule?

This year's Chunin exam... what a joke.

The news soon reached the Hokage's office.

But...

Every time a messenger entered this office, they felt a bit strange.

...The Hokage didn't smoke anymore.

And...

There was a faint fragrance in the office!

No way, that's just an illusion!

There's no way the Hokage, a grumpy old man, would have a sweet smell around him!

"Oh, the Nine-Tails has changed as well?"

The Third Hokage's expression remained calm.

As for the two-person teams passing the exam instead of three, he didn't even ask about it.

It wasn't important.

"Yes," Iruka quickly responded, "His behavior has been unusually calm, very different from how he used to be."

The Third glanced at Danzo sitting nearby.

The two understood each other's thoughts.

"I see. You are dismissed."

The Third's calm voice filled the room.

Iruka took a step forward, "Lord Hokage..."

"Iruka, I understand!"

The Third cut him off, "You may leave."

"Yes, sir."

The group acknowledged the order and left.

"So, Hiruzen," Danzo looked at the Third, "have you made up your mind?"

The Third Hokage stared at his old companion, "Danzo, you should know what this means."

"I've thought it through!"

The Third Hokage was silent for a moment, then nodded, "Alright. If you can succeed... you'll be the Fifth Hokage."

A flash of joy crossed Danzo's eyes.

But the Third didn't share in that excitement. Instead, he spoke in a low voice, "You should also understand that if you fail, the consequences for both of us will be catastrophic."

"Don't worry, Hiruzen!" Danzo said with certainty, "I will succeed. Absolutely!"

"Hiruzen, trust me!"

The Third Hokage nodded slightly, worry etched in his eyes.

Danzo was his final option.

If he had a choice, he wouldn't choose him.

But unfortunately...

For the sake of the Sarutobi clan, there was no other choice.

Teacher, forgive me!

We've become the very thing you despised.

The things we're about to do will never earn your forgiveness.

If you're watching from above, please close your eyes and don't look!

(End of Chapter)