Who would win and who would lose? That was the amusing question lingering in the air.
"That child carries the scent of someone I despise."
Kaguya had also sensed the aura clinging to Sasuke. Different from Hagoromo, yet holding a fragment of his power.
"He is Indra's reincarnation, Hagoromo's eldest son. Funny, isn't it? After Hagoromo sealed you on the moon with overwhelming power, he went on to have two sons. The elder was strong, talented, and loved, yet Hagoromo favored the weaker, cowardly younger one.
"And when it came to choosing a successor, he openly leaned toward his younger son. That's why the Ninshu he founded fell apart in less than a century, splintering into clans. Honestly, I sometimes wonder if Hagoromo did it on purpose."
Kaede smirked as he spoke.
Because back then, in terms of strength, ability, and character, Indra was far more suited to inherit. But Hagoromo chose the failure instead. Truly, it was the decision of a fool.
"That was always Hagoromo's nature," Kaguya recalled, her voice tinged with disdain. "Even as a boy, I could see it—he adored the weak, because it made his own strength shine brighter. He never wanted to venture out with Hamura, never wanted to be compared. Hamura's abilities weren't inferior to his, but that comparison would have lessened Hagoromo's glow.
"I saw it, but I didn't stop it. Now I know—it was a grave mistake."
Kaede didn't respond. He only shifted his gaze, first at Sasuke, then at Naruto.
Then, with a simple order, he arranged it so Naruto and Sasuke would be placed in the same group.
After all, if they had gone to such lengths to bring Sasuke here, Kaede wasn't about to let their plan go to waste. Sasuke had to make it to the final stage.
He wasn't entirely sure of Sasuke's current strength, but without Naruto or Gaara as teammates, it was unlikely he'd survive to the end.
Once Kaede gave the command, his subordinates carried it out without hesitation.
Satisfied, Kaede turned away with Kaguya. Watching three thousand children draw lots wasn't something that interested him.
When it was Naruto's turn, Kaede subtly locked the number he would draw.
The drawing continued slowly, thousands of names filling the screens. Two hours later, it was finally complete.
Naruto's eyes darted to the board, searching eagerly.
"I found it! Uzumaki Naruto, Gaara, and… Zojirō?"
Naruto tilted his head, confused by the last name. But the fact that he was grouped with Gaara filled him with joy.
"Heh, Gaara, what did I tell you? We ended up together! Now we'll definitely pass this round. Of course, I'm taking first place, so you can settle for second!"
Naruto laughed and patted Gaara's chest proudly.
Gaara only folded his arms and gave no reply.
Meanwhile, Sasuke's pupils narrowed when he saw his alias, "Zojirō," listed beside Naruto and Gaara. He quickly masked his reaction.
"Be careful," whispered one of the Root agents disguised as his teammates. "That's the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki and the One-Tail Jinchūriki. They're strong. If they find out who you really are, our plan is finished."
The men had originally hoped to be placed with Sasuke. But the draw had scattered them.
There was nothing to do now but trust in his disguise.
Sasuke gave a small nod and walked toward Naruto and Gaara.
"You're Zojirō, right? I'm Uzumaki Naruto, this is Gaara. We're teammates now, so let's work together!"
Naruto's bright smile matched his outstretched hand.
Sasuke stared at him—and said nothing. He ignored the hand completely.
Naruto froze in embarrassment, scratching his head before turning back to Gaara with a forced laugh.
"Gaara, this Zojirō guy seems pretty hard to get along with. Think he'll drag us down?"
"Don't worry," Gaara replied calmly. "He won't."
After all, they were Jinchūriki. If they couldn't even pass an exam like this, they might as well die in shame.
…
The other groups soon fell into place.
Izumi was paired with two other Uchiha girls.
Shikamaru, Ino, and Chōji were reunited, forming the classic Ino–Shika–Chō trio.
Neji, Hinata, and Shino were grouped together.
Lee, Tenten, and Kiba ended up in the same team.
Lee's heart sank when he realized he wouldn't be paired with his goddess Sakura.
As for Sakura, her name appeared beside two complete strangers. She sighed and walked to join them.
One by one, the groups solidified.
Finally, Uchiha Shinichi stepped forward and addressed the crowd.
"Now that everyone has drawn lots and found their teammates, the first round will begin immediately."
As his words fell, a wide underground passage suddenly opened beneath the plaza, stretching into the shadows.
(End of Chapter)
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