Chapter 20: New Mentors
"Lord Hokage, Lord Danzo's interference in the Chunin Exams is unfair to the other genin," an ANBU murmured from behind the Third Hokage, his voice low with concern.
Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a plume of smoke from his pipe, his expression weary but resolute. "It's not ideal, but it's not a grave offense. Let it slide for now. However, I won't let Danzō run unchecked moving forward."
The ANBU pressed, "Should we disqualify Renji from the third exam?"
Hiruzen shook his head, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "No. Despite being Danzō's protege, Renji's actions show he values his comrades and earns their trust. I'm intrigued to see the strength of the child Danzō has raised."
"Understood," the ANBU replied with a nod.
The genin who advanced to the third exam were announced: Gaara, Sasuke, Naruto, Neji Hyūga, Shikamaru Nara, Temari, Shino Aburame, Kankurō, and Renji.
"The official matches begin in one month," the Third Hokage declared. "This period is for your preparation and to allow us to notify the daimyō and ninja leaders from allied nations of the preliminaries' conclusion. You'll now draw lots to determine your opponents for the third exam, giving you time to train strategically."
Anko approached with the drawing box, stopping first at Renji. A faint blush colored her cheeks as she spoke in an uncharacteristically gentle tone. "Just take one, okay?" Renji drew a lot and offered a polite, "Thank you, Proctor."
So cute! Anko lingered for a full minute, her gaze soft, until the Hokage's pointed stare nudged her toward Naruto. Her tone shifted to a flat, "Hurry up."
Naruto frowned, his eyes narrowing. This lady's got shady intentions toward Renji! I'm watching you! He vowed to keep Renji safe from her.
"Based on your lots, here are the match-ups for the third exam," Anko announced. "First match: Uzumaki Naruto versus Hyūga Neji!"
Naruto's teeth clenched, his fists tightening. He burned to face Neji, the image of Hinata coughing up blood and being carried away still seared in his mind. I don't care why he did it—no one hurts a Konoha comrade and gets away with it, dattebayo!
"Second match: Nara Shikamaru versus Kankurō!" Shikamaru sighed, his shoulders slumping. Just my luck. He'd have to face Kankurō, one of Sunagakure's trio. Why me? All three Suna genin are a pain.
"Third match: Gaara versus Uchiha Sasuke!" Sasuke, absent due to medical treatment, was represented by the remaining lot.
"Fourth match: Renji versus Shino Aburame!" Renji glanced at Shino, whose sunglasses and high collar obscured most of his face. With a warm smile, Renji said, "Let's both do our best." Shino blinked, caught off guard—rarely did anyone acknowledge him so directly. He nodded. "Of course."
The Hokage continued, "The third exam isn't solely about winning or losing. Auditors, including myself, will evaluate your overall performance to decide chunin promotions. Even if you lose, you may still advance. Thank you for your efforts. See you in a month. Dismissed!"
Renji headed to ROOT headquarters first. Danzō awaited, his presence as imposing as ever. Cat Mask stepped forward, handing Renji a detailed dossier on Shino Aburame—so thorough it even noted a childhood tumble Shino took years ago.
"You'll become a chunin regardless," Danzō said, his tone laced with the arrogance of influence, "but losing to Shino Aburame would make you no better than an ordinary genin."
Renji nodded, his expression neutral. "Understood."
Back at his residence, Cat Mask followed. "Still got any pocket money?" she asked.
Renji raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Yeah, I've got some left from last time."
Cat Mask nodded, handing him a bulging money pouch. "You did well in the second exam—facing a ninja like Orochimaru takes guts! And your intel was invaluable."
Renji's smile was polite. "Thank you." As he approached the ROOT entrance, Cat Mask called out, "Good luck in the third stage!"
"Mhm!" Renji nodded with enthusiasm. Beneath her cat mask, Owl smiled. Lord Danzo will promote him no matter what, but I don't want to see him lose. I've watched him grow up, after all.
Renji stopped by a flower shop, picking up two bouquets of lilies. At the hospital, he inquired about Sasuke and Lee's room numbers and headed to Sasuke's first.
Kakashi was there, keeping watch as Sasuke lay unconscious. "Oh, Renji," Kakashi said, his eye crinkling as he turned. Renji placed the lilies on Sasuke's bedside table. "Kakashi-sensei, when will Sasuke wake up?"
"Soon," Kakashi replied, ruffling Renji's hair. "I'll be training him specially for the next month, so I'm counting on you to look after Naruto."
"Don't worry, Kakashi-sensei," Renji said with a nod. Kakashi sighed inwardly. Such a dependable kid—it almost hurts. He winked. "By the way, I've asked Might Guy to train you in taijutsu for the next month!"
Renji's eyes sparkled. "That's awesome! Thank you, sensei!" Kakashi had seen Renji's potential in their first battle—entrusting him to Guy could unlock something extraordinary.
"I'll take care of Sasuke now," Kakashi said. Renji bid farewell and headed to Lee's room.
Lee was fast asleep, his face pale. Might Guy, Tenten, and Neji were present. Renji knocked gently. "I'm here to visit Lee."
Guy's stern expression softened. "Come in." Renji set the lilies by Lee's bedside, his heart heavy as he looked at the unconscious genin. One forbidden move, and his career's at risk. The gap between talented geniuses and those who train tirelessly is brutal.
"Yosh, Renji!" Guy's hand clapped onto his head. "Kakashi's entrusted you to me!"
"Yes! Please guide me, Guy-sensei!" Renji bowed deeply. Guy flashed a dazzling thumbs-up. "Leave it to me! I won't let your youth be wasted!"
They agreed to start training tomorrow. Renji said goodbye to Guy's team and set off to find Naruto. Passing an izakaya, a sharp slap echoed from inside. Renji glanced over, freezing.
A tall, white-haired man with a red handprint on his cheek chased a woman out, muttering, "Come on, don't be like that, my proud-peaked lady!"
"Pervert! Drop dead!" she snapped, landing another slap before storming off.
Renji watched the scene unfold, locking eyes with the man. "What're you staring at, kid?" the man barked, flustered. "You scared her off! I oughta tan your hide!"
Renji raised an eyebrow. "…Pervert."
Jiraiya's jaw dropped. This brat! He stormed toward Renji, his towering frame intimidating.
"Ero-sennin! Leave Renji alone!" Naruto barreled into Jiraiya, only to be grabbed by the ankles and tossed aside. Renji caught him effortlessly. Dizzy, Naruto clung to him. "Renji, where's Kakashi-sensei? I wanna train, but he's gone!"
"Sasuke's condition is serious," Renji explained. "Kakashi-sensei's with him and might not have time to train you. But he asked me to look after you. I'll teach you the Rasengan—you've only half-mastered it."
A shadow loomed as Jiraiya leaned down, eyeing Renji. "You know the Rasengan?"
"Yeah, Kakashi-sensei taught me," Renji replied calmly.
Jiraiya stroked his chin, intrigued. Things have changed in Konoha.
Naruto hesitated, his voice softer. "Won't that mess with your training, Renji? You've got a match in a month too."
Renji shook his head, smiling. "It won't. Don't worry."
"Big talk for a kid!" Jiraiya scoffed, hands on his hips.
Renji shot him a look. Slander. My mouth's not big. He turned to Jiraiya, his smile strategic. "Can I entrust Naruto to you? I'd like to focus on training with Might Guy."
"No way!" Jiraiya snapped. Naruto blinked, confused. "Huh? Why does Renji want me to train with Ero-sennin?"
Renji grinned. "He's a pervert, sure, but he's seriously strong."
"Really?" Naruto squinted, skeptical.
Jiraiya's face darkened. This kid doubts the Toad Sage?! "I'm too busy gathering material!" he roared, grabbing Renji's shoulder.
Renji winced, covering his ears. He leaned toward Jiraiya, his voice teasing. "But Naruto's got a jutsu that can turn him into a super cute, sexy girl."
Jiraiya froze, his eyes gleaming.