Naruto: From Novice to Grave

Chapter 84 - The Third Chunin Exam (Part 084)

At 9:00 AM sharp, the third session of the Chunin Exams officially began.

The first to warm up the atmosphere were two unfamiliar teams of genin.

Higashino had never heard of any of the names in these two teams, which was perfectly normal. There were tens of thousands of ninjas in Konoha, and he only remembered a handful of them from both his past and present lives.

However, none of these six were weak. They were skilled in taijutsu, accurate in throwing ninja tools, and each of them even possessed one or two C-rank ninjutsu.

Compared to those low-ranking ninjas who, aside from the Three Body Technique, probably don't even know a single ninjutsu above C-rank, they possess true Chunin strength.

This is also the general level of most Konoha Chunin.

Both teams had clearly made tactical arrangements in the five days leading up to the match, and their offense and defense were quite organized and orderly, showing no signs of panic and demonstrating a strong sense of combat awareness.

The two teams first exchanged ninja tools as usual, but when that proved ineffective, they immediately engaged in close combat, wielding kunai and fighting each other.

As a result, everyone used the same tactics: one teammate who was proficient in physical combat would be the main attacker, while two other team members would assist in the attack.

The two sides are evenly matched and neither can break the other's formation and coordination.

The two sides then exchanged another round of ninjutsu attacks, all of which were low-level, commonly used ninjutsu. They were not quick enough to activate and not powerful enough. Although they made everyone a little embarrassed, they all managed to dodge the attacks and no one could be determined to win.

Since explosive tags cannot be used in this kind of competition, if they continue fighting like this, the only way to determine a winner is to wait until one side runs out of chakra.

But ninjas aren't martial arts fanatics; they don't pursue the thrill of battle, but rather focus on quickly defeating their opponents and achieving victory.

After the two sides separated again, someone from the all-male team threw a few smoke bombs at the other side. As the opponent jumped away to dodge, another person used a low-level wind jutsu to blow the smoke over.

Their opponents were immediately enveloped in smoke and coughed violently. It turned out that the smoke bomb was specially made, not only to obscure their vision, but also to contain additives.

The all-male squad immediately seized the opportunity to throw a handful of ninja tools into the smoke, causing their opponents to cry out in pain.

Just as they thought they were about to win and relaxed, the female ninja in their hands burst out of the smoke and used all her strength to cast a simple illusion on them.

This is my last bit of chakra. Go! My most prized ninjutsu, success or failure hinges on this!

【Magic: The Art of Seeing Naraku】

A simple D-rank illusion technique that allows the victim to see their inner fears; it is widely known and many ninjas possess it.

Although the all-male squad quickly broke free, it was too late; kunai were already at their necks. That's how ninja battles are—a single mistake can decide the outcome.

High speed, high attack, relatively low defense, and extremely low margin for error.

Furthermore, the two male ninjas in the opposing force were wearing simple gas masks on their heads, and the female ninjas certainly had them too, but they removed them beforehand to maximize the effect of the genjutsu.

The battles between low-level ninjas are essentially battles of intelligence. Clearly, their intelligence was leaked when they bought the special smoke bombs, and their opponents were already on guard.

Meanwhile, one member of the other team possesses illusion magic, a fact unknown to the all-male squad.

Then the opponent took advantage of these two intelligence gaps and turned the tide of the battle.

Minato Namikaze instantly appeared between the two sides, separating them, and loudly announced: "The battle is over. The victors are the team consisting of Yuko Kobayashi, Sugishi, and Toru Ishihara."

The winners cheered loudly, while the losers hung their heads in dejection.

Minato Namikaze smiled and quietly comforted them, saying, "Don't be discouraged. Your tactical arrangements were good, and the battle was exciting. You are very capable, but you should be careful to protect your intelligence in the future."

"We will continue to work hard, Lord Minato."

The three of them went from worry to joy and immediately cheered up. Minato Namikaze simply infected them with his sunny smile and a few words of comfort, and successfully drove away the shadow of defeat in the hearts of his juniors.

He truly deserves to be called the Little Sun of Konoha.

Aside from the ninjas, the ordinary civilians of Konoha knew nothing about tactics or ninjutsu. The ninjas were fighting very hard, and the civilians were thoroughly enjoying themselves. That was enough for them.

As Minato Namikaze announced the winner, a thunderous cheer erupted in the arena.

Even if the next two matches are all show and no substance, it doesn't matter. This first match alone is worth the ticket price.

What? The competition is free? Is my time worthless?

The ninjas mixed in with the crowd didn't show much expression; this was just a common Chunin-level battle, something they'd seen many times before.

On one of the stands, the ninja academy students, who had been brought there by their teachers to broaden their horizons, were filled with excitement. They wished they could jump down and kick away the two sides in the competition so that they could have a legendary showdown with their class's destined rival.

But they had the desire, not the guts.

On the main stand, a man wearing a strange headdress and with heavy foundation to conceal his age covered his mouth with an exquisite fan and said, "Oh my, what a wonderful match! It's making my heart race."

The Third Hokage, who was sitting with him, nodded in agreement: "Indeed, it's quite good. However, the most exciting part is yet to come. Daimyo, you must keep a calm mind and not get too excited."

The eldest son of the emperor, who was by the emperor's side, wished that his father's heart would jump out of his mouth and that he would die on the spot.

That old bastard lives too long, how come he's still alive? I've been a prince for forty years already.

His filial piety is truly commendable.

Soon, with the first battle over, the participants for the second match arrived at the center of the arena at Minato Namikaze's signal.

By comparing the names in the files, Higashino Makoto could recognize half of the members of both teams.

One of the teams consisted entirely of male ninjas, all wearing ninja hats. The leader, though seemingly underage, looked fierce and menacing.

This guy's name is Ibiki Morino, and he will later become the captain of the Konoha Torture Squad.

His teammate went even further, covering not only his head but also his eyes, and was named Flying Bamboo Dragonfly, which suggests he was very confident in his sensory abilities.

I don't recognize the last team member, Higashino.

In the other team, a handsome young man with green hair caught the eye. Although he was also wearing a ninja hat, his hair color was too striking. His name was Green Aoi. Higashino had a vague impression of him, but couldn't recall any information about him later.

His teammates were a man and a woman, complete strangers. What was outstanding about this team was their looks; they were all handsome men and beautiful women, which drew whistles from the audience.

Judging from this situation, even if they can't become Chunin, they can still form a group and debut right here.

With Minato Namikaze's command, the second battle of the third Chunin Exam began.

As usual, both sides launched a quick attack with ninja tools. Although they did not achieve any results, any skilled ninja could tell that these two teams were stronger than the previous ones.

In the ensuing close-quarters combat, the six fought fiercely, maintaining their formation and demonstrating solid fundamental skills.

After separating again, everyone used ninjutsu to force each other to move and create openings, but Green Blue Aoi's ninjutsu skills were clearly superior.

He was skilled in Water Release techniques, using several low-level Water Release ninjutsu with great proficiency, demonstrating excellent power and timing, which made Ibiki's team very uncomfortable.

It seems that if they don't have a better way to deal with it, defeat is only a matter of time.

Green Sunflower was an extremely proud and arrogant person; he had even begun to savor the taste of victory in his mind.

I haven't even put in any effort and you've already collapsed.

But at that moment, Ibiki Morino, hiding behind his teammates, quietly completed the hand seals.

[Spiritual Spell: Six Pillars of Ghost Silk Prison]

This is a ninja tool summoning technique. The ninja tool is prepared in advance and then summoned during battle to catch the enemy off guard.

Suddenly, six metal pillars rose up around the Green Sunflower Squad. From each pillar shot out several thin steel wires that connected with each other, forming a spider web that trapped people.

The three members of the Green Sunflower Squad were instantly trapped in the middle, their hands, feet, and bodies bound by thin steel wires. With the slightest force, the wires embedded themselves into their flesh, causing excruciating pain.

The three members of the Ibiki squad jumped onto the metal pillar, each holding a kunai and a shuriken in their hands. If they were enemies, being trapped like that would mean being riddled with bullets.

The outcome is decided.

Minato Namikaze promptly announced the results.

Upon hearing this, Morino Ibiki laughed happily, but the laugh was more like a grimace; she didn't have the same cold, aloof demeanor as when she had the deadpan expression she had at the beginning.

He formed a hand seal to release the summoning, and the three—Green Sunflower, Green Sunflower, and Green Sunflower—gave him their freedom. However, this guy looked at Ibiki's self-glow with great hostility. He always felt that his own strength was greater, but he had been tricked by this guy.

In the waiting room, Higashino Makoto finally remembered the information about Midori Aoi: it seemed that she would become a rogue ninja and run off to Amegakure to become a Jonin.

Before leaving, he also stole the Second Hokage's Thunder God Sword and, incidentally, tricked his own student.

That student's name is Morino Ita, Morino Ibiki's younger brother.

Goodness, the case is solved. Now this feud is officially established.

>