"Natsuki, how could this happen? Xiao Li he..." Tenten's eyes welled up, her face filled with disbelief.
Natsuki didn't speak, simply reaching out to pull Tenten into his embrace.
It took Neji a while to process the news as well, clenching his fist he said, "Xiao Li risked his life to embody his Ninjutsu way, he's fighting with his life to achieve his dream!"
Yes, precisely because it was a dream that required risking his life to achieve, Xiao Li's determined spirit was so shocking, but Xiao Li's current situation was even more regrettable, as if fate could never be defied.
Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, they all felt very upset for a moment.
Just before, they had all fought side-by-side in the Death Forest, and now, unexpectedly, Xiao Li had ended up like this.
It would probably be very lonely without Xiao Li as a companion in the future.
Seeing Tenten crying so sadly, Natsuki quickly connected their foreheads with Chakra threads, transmitting in Morse code: "Tenten, don't worry, did you forget what I gave you?"
Tenten was startled, then happily remembered: "You mean, senzu bean?!"
Natsuki nodded: "Keep it down, keep hugging me and crying, don't let others see. Senzu beans can indeed restore someone instantly. Xiao Li's situation isn't soul damage, so he'll be fine immediately after taking a senzu bean. But don't rush to give it to Xiao Li. This guy is too reckless. While it's right to risk your life for a dream, his reckless self-harm like this might cripple or even kill him before he even touches the edge of his dream.
This can be a lesson for him. Let him be sad for a while, let him understand the importance of protecting his body. He'll cherish it more after he recovers. Don't you think?"
Tenten nodded repeatedly: "I'll listen to you. He really was too reckless this time, and he scared us all!"
Natsuki continued: "The matter of the senzu bean must be kept secret, otherwise bad people will target you, target our dad, and it won't be good if they force me to hand over the senzu beans. So be careful. When the time comes, I'll secretly feed the senzu bean to Xiao Li without letting anyone notice. You should also act a bit down these days, don't let anyone see through it."
Tenten naturally listened. After knowing Xiao Li was saved, she was no longer sad, and she also understood the preciousness of the senzu bean, caring even more about her family's safety.
So, isn't it just acting? She can do it!
Natsuki also breathed a sigh of relief, finally having comforted his girlfriend.
He hadn't stopped Xiao Li before, nor interfered, precisely because he had the senzu bean as backup.
Moreover, with Xiao Li's temper, he wouldn't listen to advice and would still fight desperately if it came down to it. So Natsuki couldn't be bothered to waste his breath or interfere. He just wanted Xiao Li to learn his lesson from this experience and cherish himself in the future.
As for Kai, let him be sad for a few days first.
After all, Kai is partly responsible for Xiao Li's recklessness, so let him cry.
Speaking of the matches, only Ino Yamanaka remained, so she naturally got a bye, which made Ino very happy. Sometimes good luck is also a skill; otherwise, why would she get a bye and not someone else?
The preliminary results are out: Yamashiro Rinne, Sasuke Uchiha, Shino Aburame, Shikamaru Nara, Dosu Kinuta, Kankuro, Kato Megumi, Neji Hyuga, Tenten, Natsuki, Gaara, Ino Yamanaka.
A total of twelve people. The finals will have six groups fighting, then the top three will be decided, and finally, the top three will compete for first place.
In reality, the final ranking isn't the most important thing. What's important is to show off one's strength in the finals. Naturally, important figures will evaluate, and even if you lose in the end, you might still be promoted to Chunin.
Thus, the second stage of the exam was considered officially over.
However, before leaving, the candidates participating in the finals had to draw lots to determine the final match order.
After some arrangements, the results were:
First group, Shino Aburame vs. Kankuro.
Second group, Kato Megumi vs. Ino Yamanaka.
Third group, Yamashiro Rinne vs. Shikamaru Nara.
Fourth group, Tenten vs. Dosu Kinuta.
Fifth group, Neji Hyuga vs. Sasuke Uchiha.
Sixth group, Natsuki vs. Gaara.
Natsuki was a bit surprised, not expecting to face Gaara in the last match. This way, the other groups really got a chance to shine, as Gaara was part of the Konoha Crush plan. Once Gaara went berserk, the Konoha Crush would naturally begin. Fortunately, it was the last match, and everyone else had already shown their skills; otherwise, they'd probably cry their eyes out.
Feeling a murderous gaze, Natsuki turned his head to look and met Gaara's eyes.
This sleep-deprived red-haired kid, despite having seen Natsuki fight Orochimaru, still thought he had the strength to kill Natsuki. Perhaps he thought Orochimaru was very weak?
Fine, then I'll beat him until he doubts his life!
The drawing of lots ended, and everyone dispersed. The finals were scheduled for one month later, simply because the Kazekage and the Daimyo of the two countries needed time to arrive in Konoha, and there also needed to be a grand ceremony...
It was only a month, everyone could wait, and it was also a good opportunity to continue training and strive to become stronger.
Natsuki and Tenten held hands and hurried with their friends to Konoha Hospital. Looking at the still unconscious Xiao Li, everyone was speechless for a moment.
Originally, Choji had suggested gathering at Natsuki's place after the exam, but now no one was in the mood.
Kai was guarding Xiao Li by the bedside, tears still on his face. God knows how sad he was. After all, Xiao Li was the most like him, the disciple he had poured the most effort into, even like a son to him. Now that Xiao Li had ended up like this, how could he not be sad?
Tenten couldn't bear it in the end and squeezed Natsuki's palm.
Natsuki, however, shook his head. He couldn't be soft-hearted now, otherwise Xiao Li wouldn't learn his lesson. It was better to wait a few more days.
Kai also learned the match results and forced a smile: "Tenten, Neji, you did great. You must train hard for the next month and strive to shine in the finals. Xiao Li is being looked after by doctors and nurses, you don't need to worry. Go train hard and seize victory!"
"Yes! Teacher Kai!"
Tenten and Neji answered seriously, then quietly left the hospital.
Natsuki and Tenten first went back to the Ninjutsu Shop. After having dinner with the Ninjutsu Shop Owner, they went back to Natsuki's place together, which made the Ninjutsu Shop Owner's face red with anger, yet he couldn't stop them.
"Natsuki, will the senzu bean really work?" Tenten was still worried.
"Don't worry, it'll definitely work. Don't you believe me?" Natsuki helplessly ruffled the girl's twin buns.
"Of course I believe you, but I'm just worried. Sigh, Xiao Li's biggest dream is to prove himself. He gave his all, but the result is like this. How sad must he be?"
Natsuki didn't speak, just quietly listened to Tenten.
In fact, if not for Natsuki, Tenten would have doubted the meaning of effort because of Xiao Li's situation, doubting that the efforts of ordinary people could not defeat geniuses. Later, she even disliked Tsunade because of this, and it took a long time for her to recover.
It's really hard for ordinary people in this world!
If Natsuki didn't have his cheat, his fate would probably be the same as many ordinary people!