Shiki didn't mind. He had also noticed that the proctor of this extra exam was no longer Hayate Gekko as in the original story. It seemed that after becoming their assigned jonin instructor, Hayate could no longer serve as a proctor.
"If that's the case," Shiki thought, "then Hayate-sensei probably won't run into that elite Sand jonin either."
He felt a little relieved. Though he respected Hayate-sensei, he knew the instructor was still young and had a lot more to learn.
"Alright," the proctor announced, "the match-ups for the upcoming battles will now be displayed on the screen. Before that, I'd like to ask if anyone wants to withdraw from the exam. From this point onward, it will proceed individually."
Of course, no one would consider withdrawing—everyone exchanged knowing smiles.
But suddenly, someone raised his hand: "I withdraw."
A boy with silver-gray hair wore a soft smile.
The new Konoha genin taking the exam were all surprised—it was Kabuto Yakushi.
Because Kabuto had previously analyzed their enemies' strengths for them, many of them had grown fond of him.
Especially for Team 7, they realized they wouldn't have made it through the Forest of Death without Kabuto's help.
At that time, Sasuke's cursed seal had affected his fighting ability. By the fourth day, finding opponents had already been extremely difficult.
Naruto blurted out, "What are you doing, Kabuto?! Didn't we say we'd see this through together?"
"I'm sorry, Naruto," Kabuto said gently, as if truly worn out. "In my last match, I got badly hurt and used up most of my chakra. I just don't have the strength to keep going."
Naruto looked down but quickly turned to Shiki. "Shiki, aren't you close with Kabuto? You should talk to him too!"
"No need. I've shared thoughts with Kabuto before, and he's even entrusted me with certain tasks. I know he's mature—I respect every decision he makes."
"Haha, still as understanding as ever, Shiki! Come to think of it, I really look forward to fighting you someday. But let's save it for another time—we'll get another chance later."
Kabuto smiled brightly, and Shiki responded with equal warmth.
Yet inwardly, Kabuto thought: Yes, I truly look forward to battling you, Shiki. However, if Orochimaru-sama's plan to destroy Konoha succeeds, there may not be any future chances left.
Meanwhile, Shiki mused silently: If I didn't know what was coming, I might actually believe you were a true friend.
Then both stepped forward at once, tapping fists before clapping each other on the shoulder.
"Well then, see you next time," Shiki said while locking eyes with Kabuto, showing nothing but sincerity.
"See you again, Shiki. Be sure to give it your best!" Kabuto replied with an equally warm smile.
"What great friends! This guy Kabuto sounds like a total legend—how come I've never heard of him before?"
Choji munched loudly on potato chips as he watched Shiki and Kabuto part ways, enviously commenting.
Ino immediately smacked Choji and said, "Shiki has so many friends, do you really know each one?"
"Still, you didn't have to hit me like that, Ino."
"Sorry, I'm just used to it," Ino pulled her hand back with a sly smile.
Sakura, covered in wounds, looked at Sasuke with deep concern. The black Mangekyō-like mark on his neck still stood out prominently.
Like an indelible scar.
"Sasuke, maybe you should quit too," Sakura placed both hands over her chest and whispered gently.
As if even speaking a bit louder could hurt Sasuke's pride.
Sasuke also felt a pang of guilt. Although he regarded himself as an avenger, he still couldn't completely sever his feelings for his companions.
Even though he knew he'd need to make a decision soon.
"Sakura, I've told you before—I'm an avenger," Sasuke looked at Sakura without any particular expression. His tone was ordinary, but this was actually showing more warmth than usual.
Shiki couldn't tear his eyes away from the two of them. "At this moment, even Sasuke seems somewhat hesitant. He's been influenced by Naruto, not as cold as he once was during childhood. Yet he still deeply believes that he must pursue vengeance. Trapped between strength and friendship."
This was Shiki's assessment. Actually, he had an uncanny ability to read people—often picking up a lot from just small gestures.
However, whether this was merely baseless speculation or genuine reality, he couldn't be certain.
"Actually, I don't care that much about becoming a Chunin," a sharpness flashed briefly through Sasuke's eyes. "What matters to me is fighting strong opponents here to test my own strength."
"Alright then, no one else wants to quit?" Ryuunosuke Sekaya showed no interest in these Genin interactions.
Seeing that no one else stepped forward, he nodded. "Then everyone head upstairs to the viewing platforms."
"Oh right, I almost forgot to announce the first match opponents. Everyone, look at the display screen."
As soon as Ryuunosuke finished speaking, names already appeared on the monitor.
Shiki Uzumaki vs Akado Yoroi
"Isn't the hero supposed to enter last?" Shiki muttered while touching his nose.
"You wish, big bro. You're being conceited again," Yuuma replied with a slight pout, clearly not convinced.
"Then I guess I'll be the guinea pig going first," Shiki smiled nonchalantly and walked forward directly.
Since Team 9 arrived at the tower on the third day, he had time to properly freshen up.
The scorched hair and clothes from his previous fight against Sasuke were now completely renewed. Naturally, along with this came shorter hair.
It gave him a rugged look. He wore a simple white outfit. Shiki always preferred wearing black and white clothing, as if clearly distinguishing opposites.
"Cannon fodder? Looks like you understand your place, brat," Akado Yoroi heard Shiki's words and assumed he feared him.
He couldn't help but laugh happily, "Fine, I'll even let you back down."
"Oh, you're from Kabuto Yakushi's team?" Shiki finally recognized that Akado Yoroi was actually a member of Kabuto Yakushi's squad.
He'd completely forgotten about this guy and couldn't even remember if he was in the original story at all.
"You don't know me," Akado Yoroi seemed to feel disrespected.
"That's right. But remembering a defeated opponent's name is also a form of respect. You're called Akado Yoroi? What an awkward name. However, considering we're both Konoha ninjas, don't worry, I'll be sure to remember it."
Shiki looked at him with an exaggerated expression of trying hard to remember. Of course, it was obvious to everyone that Shiki was just mocking him.
Then again, Akado Yoroi kind of asked for it. Who did he think he was, strutting in like that and demanding opponents surrender?
Akado Yoroi spat angrily, "Damn brat, just wait until the battle starts. I'll see how you beg for mercy from me."
[Chakra Drain]
Shiki Uzumaki, huh?
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