Chapter 37 – The Chunin Exam Finals, But Make It a Jinchuriki Deathmatch
"Mm, I believe you!"
Izumi gave a rare, genuine smile and nodded firmly.
Only in front of Aike and the crew did she ever let her real emotions show.
"Let's go. The matches are about to start. Perfect time to see how those two brats have grown."
......
Chunin Exam Arena.
The venue was built like a Roman coliseum: thick, reinforced walls about a dozen meters high surrounded the central stage, with spectator stands rising even higher.
By the time Aike's group arrived, the stands were already packed.
"How about over there?"
Nami pointed excitedly.
Aike and Izumi followed her finger and immediately twitched.
She was pointing at the VIP box reserved for the Hokage and Kazekage.
Great seat… if you don't mind kicking out the two village leaders.
Aike didn't want to start a war before the real show even began.
Conveniently, the Third Hokage and the (fake) Kazekage were just entering their box.
"As expected of the head of the Five Great Nations. Konoha truly is overflowing with talent."
The Kazekage (Orochimaru in disguise) commented, eyes sweeping over the participants.
"Not at all."
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved modestly, secretly pleased.
"The Sand team you brought is impressive as well. An entire squad promoted; your pass rate is higher than ours."
While the two Kage politely roasted each other, the crowd reached fever pitch.
The participants drew their lots.
Proctor Genma Shiranui stepped forward and announced the rules:
"Everyone has their number. Fights proceed in order.
There are no restrictions; victory is decided when one side is incapacitated or surrenders!"
First match: instant main event.
"Your first opponent is him, huh."
Sasuke walked up beside Naruto, staring at Gaara in the distance.
Out of everyone here, only two gave him real danger signals: his old rival Naruto, and this sand kid.
It felt like both had terrifying monsters sealed inside them.
"They're the same as me," Naruto muttered. "He's got a tailed beast too. Just can't control it."
Figures.
Sasuke's expression cleared.
Years around Naruto had taught him the basics: bloodlines, forbidden jutsu, and the walking natural disasters known as tailed beasts.
He just hadn't expected Suna to send their own jinchuriki to the exams.
"Looks like you can't hold back this time."
Sasuke smirked.
Naruto shrugged, glancing at his lot number.
"Doesn't matter. Not sure the old monkey will even survive today."
"You're saying Sunagakure is making a move?!"
Sasuke's blood roared in his ears.
"Why else do you think they brought their jinchuriki?"
The two exchanged a quick, meaningful look.
This was an opportunity.
In the stands.
Seeing the first match was Naruto vs Gaara, Aike's eyes lit up.
"Whoa! They skipped the filler and went straight to the blockbuster? Nice!"
He had assumed the timeline would stay mostly canon: Naruto vs Neji opener.
Instead they threw the two jinchuriki at each other from the start.
Now this was interesting.
Aike's senses had already picked up something different inside Naruto.
"Perfect jinchuriki vs uncontrolled jinchuriki…"
"Wonder if the kid's gonna flex sealing techniques or just go full tailed-beast brawl…"
Center of the arena.
"Then, without further ado; Chunin Selection Exam, first match: BEGIN!"
Genma leapt back the moment the words left his mouth.
Naruto vs Gaara.
Every eye in the stadium locked onto the sta
ge.
Civilians and lower-ranked shinobi watched in nervous fear, praying the Nine-Tails wouldn't break loose again.
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