The joint Chūnin Exams arrived as scheduled.
In addition to the residents of Konoha Village and nearby towns, lords and nobles from neighboring countries also gathered to watch. The stands surrounding the arena were packed with spectators, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
The scene was truly a sea of people, full of excitement.
Sitting on the highest stand was Hiruzen Sarutobi, with a plaque overhead that read "The World's Greatest," symbolizing his unparalleled status. Behind him stood Shigeo Aburame, carrying a massive insect gourd on his back, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Today is truly lively, Master. Konoha is becoming stronger by the day, all thanks to your wise leadership," Shigeo said with a subtle grin.
Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed heartily at the compliment.
"Hahaha! Shigeo, you're becoming better with words. What brings you here today as my bodyguard? Is it about the Security Force?"
"Something like that," Shigeo replied, adjusting his sunglasses with a sly smile. He then stuffed his hands into his pockets.
"I'm currently on suspension, so I've got nothing better to do. Thought I'd lend a hand and brush up on my presence while I'm at it."
"Hahaha, you sly devil..." Hiruzen chuckled, finding Shigeo increasingly agreeable. Just as he was about to say something more, Tokuma Mizuki, a senior jōnin, approached with a grim expression.
Hiruzen seemed to anticipate what he was about to hear and immediately asked, "Still no sign of Sasuke?"
"None," Tokuma replied with a shake of his head. "We've dispatched several teams from the ANBU, but there's no trace of him."
Hearing this, Hiruzen's expression darkened. At that moment, Shigeo Aburame, standing behind him, let out a chuckle.
"Don't worry too much. I saw Sasuke training with Kakashi recently. He's probably just running late."
"Is that so?" Hiruzen's expression eased slightly. He turned to Tokuma.
"Has Kakashi arrived yet?"
Caught off guard, Tokuma shook his head after a moment of reflection.
"I haven't seen him. He doesn't appear to be here yet."
"Alright..." Hiruzen sighed in relief and waved Tokuma away.
"I understand. You may go."
"Yes, sir!" Tokuma acknowledged and left promptly.
Moments after Tokuma departed, a man wearing a deep cyan Kazekage hat and a mask over his face appeared, flanked by two guards from the Hidden Sand Village.
Hiruzen, recognizing the visitor, immediately rose to greet him, surprise evident on his face.
"Ah, what a rare guest! Welcome, Lord Kazekage!"
The visitor was none other than the Fourth Kazekage himself.
As the Kazekage took his seat, Hiruzen followed, smiling warmly.
"After such a long journey, you must be tired. Are you feeling well?"
"Not at all. Luckily, the venue is here in Konoha," the Kazekage responded modestly, glancing at Hiruzen.
"Though you're still in your prime, such trips might be tiring for you. Perhaps it's time to decide on a successor?"
The pointed remark was not lost on Hiruzen, but he simply laughed it off.
"Hahaha, don't think of me as old just yet. I plan to continue for another five years. Now then... let's begin!"
Hiruzen stood, hands clasped behind his back, and walked to the front of the stand. He took a deep breath and addressed the crowd in a booming voice.
"Honored guests, thank you all for coming to Konoha to witness the Chūnin Selection Exams. Up next, the final selection round will commence, featuring eight contestants who have passed the preliminaries. Please enjoy the matches!"
Cheers erupted from the stands.
"Awesome!"
"Go, Lord Hokage!"
"Yeah!"
Amid the thunderous applause, the Chūnin Exams officially began.
The first match featured Naruto Uzumaki versus Neji Hyūga.
As the two stepped into the arena, murmurs spread throughout the crowd.
"Who'd have thought that kid would make it this far?"
"Yeah, if it's pure luck, his journey ends here... that Naruto guy!"
"His opponent is from the Hyūga Clan. No way he's winning."
Similar sentiments echoed across the stands, even reaching Hiruzen Sarutobi's ears. He turned to Shigeo with a smile.
"Seems like the odds are stacked against Naruto."
"Not my concern," Shigeo replied, pushing his sunglasses up the bridge of his nose.
"I've placed a hefty bet of several million ryō on that kid. If he loses, he'll be working off his debt for the rest of his life. I doubt even Minato would object."
"Hahaha! That's a bold claim. I can't pretend I didn't hear that!" Hiruzen chuckled heartily, then turned to the Fourth Kazekage.
"Forgive my impolite subordinate, Lord Kazekage. I hope you'll excuse his lack of decorum."
"Not at all," the Kazekage replied, casting an enigmatic glance at Shigeo.
"The name 'Black Demon' precedes him. I take it he's your chosen successor, Hokage? Your judgment is as sharp as ever."
"Hahaha, you flatter me!" Hiruzen responded politely, raising his hand to signal the start.
"The match is underway, Lord Kazekage. Let's witness Konoha's budding talent together!"
As the Kazekage turned his attention to the arena, the match began under the call of referee Genma Shiranui.
Naruto and Neji immediately clashed in a fierce taijutsu battle.
Neji's superior skills quickly became evident. Within a dozen moves, he struck Naruto's shoulder acupuncture point, knocking him to the ground.
Yet Naruto refused to give up, employing his signature **Shadow Clone Jutsu**.
The sight stunned many in the audience.
"What an interesting kid!"
"Shadow Clones? That's a jōnin-level technique. He can do that?"
"Looks like this fight could go either way!"
Naruto's clones swarmed Neji, briefly gaining the upper hand. However, the tide quickly turned.
"Eight Trigrams Palm Rotation!"
With a shout, Neji unleashed a spiraling chakra shield, deflecting all of Naruto's clones in a white haze.
He followed up with **Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms**, sealing Naruto's chakra points and leaving him unable to stand.
On the stands, Hiruzen turned to Shigeo, a smirk on his face.
"Looks like it's over, Shigeo. Shall I advance you next month's pay?"
"No need," Shigeo replied with a sly smile, once again adjusting his sunglasses. He glanced at the Fourth Kazekage.
"The world of shinobi is full of surprises. Nothing is certain until the final moment. Don't you agree, Lord Kazekage?"
"Indeed," the Kazekage replied with a smile.