Unexpected decision

Chapter 60: Unexpected Decision

"I surrender."

The words hung in the air the moment after Namikaze Minato announced the start of the competition. Shiga Taketake raised his hand, conceding immediately.

A slight astonishment appeared on Hirohiko's face, his hand just reaching into his ninja bag.

This Shiga Taketake also watched Hirohiko's first test. His shuriken and body skills were outstanding, far behind Kiba but remarkable nonetheless. Hirohiko had anticipated a tough fight but was taken aback by the sudden concession.

With the opponent conceding, Hirohiko relaxed and withdrew his hand.

Namikaze Minato scrutinized Shiga Taketake, noting the calm and mature clarity in the boy's eyes, despite his ordinary appearance.

This kid...

"Uchiha Hirohiko wins the second trial of the Chunin Exam!"

Outside the arena, participants looked at each other in disbelief. Shiga Taketake's swift concession surprised everyone.

Even Kiba and Yukina were taken aback.

According to the rules, two wins were enough. But conceding the first match wasn't easy. A single victory could boost confidence and ease future battles, allowing for bolder strategies.

A defeat, on the other hand, would push one into desperation, making subsequent battles cautious and likely leading to more losses.

This rule subtly tested the mentality of the participants. A single victory could stabilize their mindset.

Not everyone had the strong mentality to thrive under adversity. Those who did often became exceptional ninjas with unique qualities.

Most ninjas, though well-trained, were still human, facing stress during crucial moments like the Chunin Exam.

Shiga Taketake's calm demeanor suggested he didn't lack confidence against Hirohiko. Instead, he strategically chose to conserve energy for more winnable battles.

Kiba frowned.

This Chunin Exam is really full of surprises!

In the arena, Shiga Taketake calmly exited and walked toward the spectators, with Hirohiko following.

Along the way, Shiga Taketake's gaze scanned the participants.

After witnessing the fight with Mito Kiko, I know I stand little chance against Uchiha Hirohiko. Even with full effort, my chances are less than 10%, draining all my energy in a prolonged battle. There are two more matches ahead. It's not worth the risk.

Among those present, only the Hyuga family geniuses, Taki Kiba, and Uchiha Hirohiko are real threats. I can handle the others with at least an 80% chance of victory.

With this random system, encountering these four is just over 10%. Better to face winnable opponents in peak condition.

If I face another of these four in the next match, it's just bad luck.

Shiga Taketake rejoined his team, which included two others from the same class, led by an unknown Jonin. One teammate was already eliminated.

"It's too embarrassing, Shiga," remarked his stern-faced teammate, a 13-year-old boy with a sword on his back.

"This is my strategy," Shiga Taketake replied calmly.

"Hmph! Scared by the name of a genius? He's just a seven-year-old kid. You're scared of a kid? Don't call yourself my teammate in the future," the boy retorted angrily.

Shiga Taketake paid no mind, focusing on the field.

Hirohiko, passing by them, overheard their conversation but maintained his poker face.

When Hirohiko reached Kiba and Yukina, Kiba was about to speak but heard Hirohiko say, "Kiba, Yukina, the Chunin Exam really attracts all sorts."

Rare for Hirohiko to speak at length, Kiba glanced at the distant Shiga Taketake and nodded. "Yes, indeed."

On the other side, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru turned in surprise, blurting out, "Lord Sarutobi, why are you here?"

Behind them stood the Third Hokage. He bypassed the central stand to join the Sannin.

The Third Hokage exhaled a puff of smoke from his pipe. "What's the situation?"

"The second round just ended," Jiraiya replied.

"Already? It hasn't been long since it started," the Third Hokage remarked, glancing at the field in surprise. "Minato is the test proctor?"

"The second match, just about to start, had one side concede," Orochimaru added.

"Concede? Whose match made the opponent concede at the start?" The Third Hokage, familiar with all the participants, didn't expect anyone to force such an early concession.

"Uchiha Hirohiko," Tsunade replied.

That kid!

The Third Hokage nodded, "Come with me to the high platform and tell me about the competition in detail."

"Yes!" the Sannin responded in unison.

At that moment, the big screen began to jump again, signaling the next competition.

"Next up," Yukina said.

"Yeah," Kiba and Hirohiko nodded, standing side by side.

The first row of names stopped.

Hyuga Yukina.

Kiba frowned. "Isn't this a coincidence? First me, then Hirohiko, and now Yukina. It feels like someone is orchestrating this, opening with the three of us."

Hirohiko nodded in agreement.

Yukina stared at the big screen, frowning slightly.

Who will my opponent be?

The names in the second row jumped and finally stopped.

Taketo Kiuchi!