"Huh… They failed?
The jōnin from the Kiri team exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief.
His eyes widened, his expression stunned. The Kiri team was not ordinary_ far from it. That group could even be said to include a pseudo-jōnin among its ranks. Though still inexperienced, her ability was far beyond that of her teammates.
Could it be that their chakra reserves were too low to eliminate the final team?
Or perhaps...
Considering the second option, the jōnin concluded that it was likely the case.
"Idiots," he muttered, irritation rising in his voice. "How could they fail like that? They must've gotten careless and been caught off guard."
As their instructor, he was more aware than anyone of their arrogance. When fully absorbed in battle, they had a bad habit of toying with their opponents and eventually, losing focus.
They had caused him trouble before because of that same recklessness.
The jōnin's expression darkened, his face tense. Then, with a slow exhale, a mocking smile returned to his lips.
"Well, in any case," he said with a smirk, "it doesn't change much."
Yes, even though they hadn't managed to wipe out Konoha's last team, the Kiri squad had exceeded expectations. They had more than proven themselves in this exam. With only one Konoha team surviving, that alone was enough to tarnish the village's reputation. Knowing Konoha, if the situation worsened, they'd likely interfere one way or another.
Still, the jōnin couldn't help but feel curious.
For a Konoha team to survive against his students... that couldn't just be luck. His Kiri team was known for its strength. The only girl among them had even been personally chosen by him to serve as the team leader in his absence, her power far surpassing that of an ordinary chūnin.
There had to be something... some reason that allowed this Konoha team to make it through alive.
"Another talent, perhaps?" he wondered aloud.
That wouldn't be surprising.
Konoha was famous for nurturing prodigies.
It had to be admitted when it came to producing gifted young ninjas, Konoha was far ahead of the other villages.
The jōnin straightened himself and started walking toward the rendezvous point.
After all, the casualties were part of the Chūnin Exams, and since Kiri's team had acted within the rules that didn't forbid killing they couldn't be punished or blamed for their actions.
No sooner had Shintoki's team entered the tower than a Konoha unit rushed forward to receive them.
"Quick! Call the medical unit!"
"They're injured!"
"We'll take care of them!"
The medics hurried over, swiftly assessing the situation as they lifted the wounded making sure not to worsen their condition.
After a brief check up, they transferred the injured to the treatment ward.
The medical agents examined each of them carefully.
"How are they doing? What's their condition?"
Asked a Konoha shinobi nearby, his tone grave.
"After evaluation, they'll recover. But their wounds need immediate attention or things could turn serious especially for that boy who arrived unconscious."
Hearing that, the Konoha ninja gave a silent nod. Even he hadn't truly expected this team to survive.
They were the youngest among the participants, and considering the bloodthirsty nature of the Kiri ninjas who had all but lost their sanity it wouldn't have been an exaggeration to say no one had believed this last Konoha team would make it out alive… At least, not without the Hokage's direct or indirect intervention.
Once the medics had treated the wounds and given the necessary injections, they carefully bandaged the patients. Shintoki was wrapped head to toe. Izumo had heavy bandages around his abdomen.
Only Kotetsu was less injured among them.
"There. With this, you'll all be as good as new in about a week," said the medic nin leader.
"That boy's lucky, if the blade had gone a little deeper, he'd have been dead. He's lost a lot of blood, though, so he needs the most rest."
During their journey to the tower, Shintoki had passed out from blood loss. Kotetsu and Izumo had to hurry to get him inside for treatment. Their jōnin sensei Tsume, had already been notified of their condition.
When Tsume first heard that several Konoha teams had been wiped out during the second phase, she had been deeply worried about her own squad. But because of the rules of the tournament, she couldn't intervene without the Hokage's permission. The moment her team arrived at the tower, Tsume rushed to the medical center to see them.
Just one glance at Shintoki's condition as he was carried in made her realize how close her students had come to death. Only when the doctor assured her they would all recover did she finally release the breath she'd been holding. If any of them had died… she would never have forgiven herself. After all, she was the one who had allowed them to participate so early.
She knew the Chūnin Exams were dangerous, but she had convinced herself that with Shintoki's strength, they'd be fine. Compared to other genin of his generation, Shintoki was exceptional strong enough to become a chūnin by the end of the exams.
But she had been wrong.
Terribly wrong.
She had almost lost all of them.
A part of Tsume hardened at that realization. She was determined to train her team even more intensely from now on.
Just then, a familiar voice called out behind her.
"Tsume, how are the kids?"
"Inoichi-san," she greeted, turning around. "They're doing well now. Thank you for coming, your concern means a lot."
They both fell silent for a moment, the air heavy with relief.
Then Tsume spoke again, her tone quieter this time.
"Inoichi… do you think I'm a bad sensei? After all, I almost lost my students today. If only I hadn't let them take part in this exam…"
"Come on, don't say that," Inoichi replied, while placing a hand on her shoulder as confort. "You did what you thought was right. Those kids are tough, they proved it. They fought bravely and survived the enemy. The fact that they're still alive after facing that Kiri team says enough."
At the mention of the Kiri team, Tsume's expression darkened, her killing intent flaring like a beast the fury buried deep within her coming out in waves.
"If they had killed my students, I would've taken their lives myself consequences be damned." She say codly.
Inoichi said nothing, letting her vent. He knew she was only releasing her frustration.
No words could ease that kind of anger. It was a justified reaction.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office…
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat quietly in his chair, his pipe resting on the desk beside a stack of reports. His wrinkled hands folded together, eyes fixed on the jōnin standing before him, delivering the latest updates on the Chūnin Exams.
"The last remaining Konoha team has passed the second trial," the jōnin reported.
"However, all three members are currently in the medical ward and unable to continue the exam."
"Hm…"
Sarutobi's expression softened slightly. He let out a deep sigh of relief, the tension in his shoulders easing. The weight pressing on his heart lightened, if only a little.
The jōnin continued, "There's more. The Kiri team that attacked them has been disqualified. They lost one member, another was severely injured, and even their captain didn't make it out unscathed."
"What?"
The exclamation came not only from Sarutobi but also from Koharu and Homura, the two senior advisors standing beside him.
"Are you sure?" Homura asked, seeking confirmation.
"Yes," the jōnin replied firmly. "Those boys from Konoha performed remarkably."
Sarutobi's eyes widened slightly, disbelief flickering across his features.
Even he hadn't expected such an outcome.
After a few moments of silence, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"To think that Konoha still has such promising young talent… it's heartening news indeed."
However, his tone soon grew heavier.
"That said, the fact remains that Konoha has no active team advancing to the third stage. It's still humiliating, a true embrassment.
This team… had they not been injured, they might've gone even further."
"How are they now?" he asked.
"They're under treatment, Lord Hokage. The medics say they'll make a full recovery."
"Good," Sarutobi nodded. "See to it that they receive the best care possible. Those young ones are promising."
"Yes, my lord."
"Very well, you may go. Continue monitoring the exam," the Hokage said.
Once the jōnin departed, Koharu turned to Sarutobi.
"These young ones truly surprised me. If we had more like them, Konoha's future would be in good hands."
Hiruzen nodded in agreement.
Homura nodded his head. "Indeed."
"Well," Koharu said, "it seems the situation has been settled. We should take our leave."
But as she turned, she suddenly paused. "However, Hiruzen, we still need to respond to Kiri."
Sarutobi's face grew stern again. "I know. Konoha will not forget Kiri's crime."
At his tone, Koharu's eyes lowered as if disappointed. she could already sense the hesitation from Sarutobi.
"But not yet," Sarutobi added after a pause. "For now, our focus is on finishing this exam."
"As for Kiri… I'll have the ANBU conduct an investigation."
Seeing the resigned looks on his advisors' faces, the Hokage continued,
"Don't forget, there are far greater problems we need to handle."
"Iwa and Suna are already stirring. We've even had minor skirmishes with Iwa. We considered proposing a truce, but so far, there's been no real progress. We simply don't have the time to deal with Kiri right now.
For the moment, the best we can do is ban Kiri from participating in our Chūnin Exams again"
Koharu and Homura exchanged glances, then nodded.
"Understood, Hiruzen. We'll take our leave."
And with that, the two elders departed the Hokage's tower.
Elsewhere, in the outskirt of Konoha underground…
A shadowy figure stood before five masked operatives.
"Are they in position?" the figure asked.
"Yes, sir. Once the second exams are officially concluded, the Kiri team will resume their journey" replied one of the masked men.
"Good. You'll wait until they've crossed beyond the borders of the Land of Fire," the man ordered coldly. "Only then will you move. Eliminate them all."
His gaze shifted toward one of the agents a Yamanaka.
"You," he said. "You'll keep them under surveillance. We must make sur this… lack of respect from Kiri doesn't go unanswered."
The agents bowed silently, acknowledging the command.
In the next instant, the operatives were gone.
At the same time somewhere in a konoha hotel, the Kiri jōnin was congratulating his remaining team members.
Though disappointed at having lost a member, he still considered the results satisfying.
"Well done," he told them. "The exam end here for you, but make no mistake the two of you'll be promoted once we return to Kiri."
They nodded quietly.
"We'll remain nearby until the second test officially conclude," the jōnin added. "After that, we head home."
Days later, after the exams ended, the team from Kiri consisting of Hatarume, Gaji, and their jōnin finally crossed the borders of the Land of Fire.
Their surounding grew quieter as they pressed forward.
But suddenly, their sensei halted, raising a hand.
"Stop," he whispered.
Both students immediately dropped into a defensive stance.
Whoosh!
Five figures appeared, surrounding them.
The Kiri jōnin's eyes narrowed.
"…As expected," he muttered. "Konoha has decided to make a move after all."
But as he looked closer, something was off.
The masks these attackers wore… they weren't the same as those of the Hokage's ANBU.
"Hmm?" he said quietly. "An elite unit? Different insignia… who are you people?"
None of the masked shinobi answered.
Instead, they instanty attacked in unison.
"Damn it!"
The Kiri jōnin drew his kunai ready for batle as the ground around them erupted with fire.
Hatarume, her eyes fierce, lunged forward with her sword, chakra glowing along the blade. Despite her strengh above that of a normal chūnin she was being overwhelmed by the masked operative before her.
No matter how she moved, her attacks were countered with precision.
"Impossible…" she gasped, blocking a blade just in time.
Nearby, her teammate Gaji was knocked backward, blood dripping from his nose and fingertips after a brutal beatdown.
Their jōnin sensei managed to hold his ground better even landing a solid hit that cut one enemy across the shoulder leaving him injured. But their coordination was simply too good. These operative were no joke.
Since he also had to watch over his team he cant fully focus in the batle.
Realizing thing wont end well if this continue, the jōnin broke away from the fight and regrouped with his students, who were battered.
"Stay close to me," he ordered, his chakra flaring violently.
The ground beneath them cracked as a wave of raw power surged outward.
He clapped his hands together in a rapid series of seals, then slammed one hand against the earth.
A massive shockwave tore through the clearing.
And then
BOOM!
From the explosion emerged a colossal figure of an Eel, its body Exploding wigh lightning.
"A summoning contract!?" one of the masked attackers shouted.
The creature let out a deafening roar, unleashing a surge of electricity that struck of the masked operative making him cry in pain.
The group's leader quickly formed his own hand signs and exhaled a powerful wind stream dispersing the lightning current.
But by then, the Kiri jōnin had already acted.
He leapt onto the Eel with his two surviving students, giving a mocking salute.
"Bye" he sneered.
The Eel glowed—and with a POOF, the summoning dispersed.
"Damn it!" the masked leader cursed. "Those Kiri dogs got away!"
The forest fell silent again, leaving behind only smoke and scorch marks evidence of the batle that just happened.
"…Stirrr…"
A faint voice broke the silence of the infirmary.
"He's waking up!" someone said.
Shintoki's eyes fluttered open, blinking at the light above him. His body felt heavy, his mind clouded, but the familiar voices around calmed him down.
"Finally awake, sleeping beauty?" Kotetsu teased, grinning as usual.
"Hnngh… Izumo, Kotetsu… so we actually made it out alive?" Shintoki murmured, his voice hoarse.
He didn't even bother reacting to Kotetsu's jab right now, he was too drained to care. Even though his body was bandaged and weak, the relief in his tone was unmistakable.
"Sensei," he whispered, looking around the room. "What happened after I passed out?"
Izumo leaned closer, his expression sobering. "You lost consciousness from blood loss on the way to the tower. Kotetsu and I rushed to get you medical help. The medics said you almost didn't make it."
Shintoki let out a quiet sigh of relief. "I see… I really thought it was over back there."
He stared at the ceiling, his onyx eyes distant. "If it hadn't been for all that hellish training before the exams… and you two keeping that girl distracted long enough for me to pull off that move… we'd be dead. Honestly, if I'd known that we will run into these lunatics in the Chūnin Exams, I wouldn't have even registered."
His expression exagerated. His lamentation and act evident.
Tsume, who had been quietly standing by the door, finally exhaled a sign of relief. "Well done".
Those simple two words were enough to make her studet fell content.
She stepped closer and said softly. " The Hokage wants to see all of you once you're discharged. But for now, just focus on resting and recovering."
Shintoki managed a tired grin, the corner of his mouth lifting with playful sarcasm.
"Damn… and here I was hoping to stay under the radar for at least another five years. What a drag."
His tone earned a small laugh from Tsume it reminded her of someone from the Nara clan.
Indeed, after everything that had happened with the Kiri team, Shintoki would have preferred to keep a low profile. But what choice did he have? That fight had forced him to reveal some of his hidden strength far earlier than planned.
He just hoped he wouldn't attract too many enemies…
Kotetsu and Izumo burst out laughing, their voices echoing through the room.
Tsume smiled too.
"Alright, you three," she said, her voice warm with pride. "Once we're done here and I've reported to the Hokage, I'm taking you all out to dinner. It's been far too long since we've spent time together."
Five days later…
Shintoki was now fully healed, He kickly made his way to the tower.
There he found his teamate arriving.
He, Tsume, Kotetsu, and Izumo had come together, Team 14, united again.
They then made their way toward the hokage office.
Knock, knock.
A calm yet commanding voice echoed from behind the door.
"Enter," said the Hokage.
Team 14 then stepped into the room.