Phase 3… Start!

The last days leading up to the Chūnin exams final went by quickly; Everyone was training to get ahead of the competition. I also used the time to train my new Jutsu… Although I don't think I'll need it, better safe than sorry.

Feeling the wind on my skin, I watched over Konohagakure from the summit of the Hokage monument. Considering its size, I doubted that it really was a 'hidden' village. From where I stood, Konoha extended onwards in a semi-circular form, its diameter reaching two-hundred to three-hundred kilometers at most.

'What about that is 'hidden'?'

Anyway... In less than an hour, the third phase would officially begin. I came here to take in the view and relish in my memories one last time.

I used to be the emotional sort… Never got into fights, always kept out of trouble… In fact, I was so reclusive that I ended up throwing my life away without realizing it. After coming here, something about me definitely changed. It could have been because I became a Jinchuriki, but it probably wasn't that simple.

Nothing ever was.

Four days ago, I killed fifty ninja in their sleep. Some of these people probably had families… But I took them away.

It wasn't like I felt remorse or anything. Killing has become something that I must do in order to survive… Even so, I knew that there was something wrong with my actions.

I'm not a hero like Naruto. I'm not an avenger like Sasuke. I'm me. And I'll continue doing what I think is right, no matter what anyone says. My aim is to be the strongest, to guarantee my survival. I do not want to die a second time… Death changed my perception of life really meant. It was a gift that one shouldn't throw away.

"To enjoy my life, I have to be stronger than everyone… I'll crush anyone that comes in my way… Blonde or red-eyed."

Saying this, turned around to leave. When I raised my head, my old self was standing there, watching me.

"You!"

Smiling, it faded away into the air.

"Wait!"

Running, I tried to catch him but failed.

"Who the hell are you talking to? Have you gone mad?"

Hearing Shukaku's voice, I snapped back into reality. What was that?

"You didn't see it?"

"See what?"

"Nothing…"

What was the meaning behind this encounter… Was it my former self saying goodbye? It makes no sense at all.

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On my way to the stadium, I met Shira and Kiyo, who were going in the same direction. Shira had an unusual serious attitude, not speaking much.

"What's wrong, cat got your tongue?"

I was used to him annoying the hell out of me, so now that he was this calm it was a little unsettling.

"I'm fine."

His face remained serious all the way until we finally reached the event. Even from outside, the cheers were loud enough for us to hear. Clearly influential people were making their way in left and right.

Not saying much, we entered and headed straight for the participant's area. Apparently, we weren't the first ones to arrive, and a few familiar faces were already standing there.

"Yo! What's up Gaara, haven't seen you in a month!"

"Yeah, how have you been?"

Kankuro and Temari had some kind of relaxing vibe to them that clearly claimed Shira down somewhat. I just shrugged in response to their questions.

"I was just trying to get as far away from you two as possible. Especially you, paint-face."

"What did you just say! You piece of-"

Before he could finish his sentence, Temari hit him right in the stomach, making him go down on his knees.

"Don't be like that, Gaara. Your big sister was worried about you. by the way, Kiyo-chan, have you learned that technique I taught you?"

"Yes, Temari-San! It'll be very handy during the tournament, thank you!"

Temari training Kiyo? What have I missed while I was away…

—-----------------------------------------—

Once everyone was here, apart from Sasuke, we were all taken to the center of the arena by the proctor. Once outside, the crowd's cheering was deafening.

Concentrating, I felt out the entire area with my sensor abilities and found out something interesting.

'The third Hokage and Rasa are not here… Not many Jonin either…'

It must have started already. Sarutobi must be fighting Orochimaru right now… Also, Otogakure's hidden troops are probably being taken care of. If everything goes well, the exams should proceed smoothly.

Next to me, Naruto was looking around, clearly looking for someone. The proctor, Genma, immediately had him stop.

"Hey kid, stop looking around and face the public. In this main event, you guys are the stars."

Taking a deep breath, he shouted so that the crowd could hear.

"Everyone, thank you for coming to watch the hidden leaf's Chūnin selection exam! We shall now start the matches between the eleven contestants who made it past the second round!"

"Please stay and watch until the end!"

Turning around, Genma faced us and spoke in a calm tone.

"Alright guys, this is the final test. The arena is different, but the rules are the same as in the preliminaries."

"Now, for the first fight, Akimichi Choji and Gaara, please remain here. Everyone else, please go up those stairs over there."

As everyone apart from me and Choji left, I observed the round fellow. He looked extremely uncomfortable as if he was forced to do this.

If I had to guess, Asuma was probably behind all of this.

(Choji's POV: 'Asuma-san promised that if I tried, he would invite me to a barbeque! I don't want to die, but food is food!')

Choji and I stared at each other. I had my arms crossed, and he was sweating all over. The tension began to increase and the crowd only got louder.

"First fight, Begin!"