Chapter 119: The Meaning of the Third Exam, and the Matchups

Standing behind the Hokage, Might Guy turned to Kakashi and said,

"I heard that in the Forest of Death, your team didn’t avoid the other teams at all. You openly held a barbecue and camped there for five whole days?"

Might Guy then excitedly raised a half-clenched fist.

"This is youth!"

Then, he lowered his head dejectedly.

"Our team is far behind yours. We struggled to obtain the scrolls and barely made it through those five days.

"Sometimes youth is like this. Sometimes it’s bitter, and sometimes it’s harsh."

As he spoke, Might Guy suddenly raised his head and stared firmly at his team.

"But it doesn’t matter. Youth always comes with mistakes.

"Next time, I believe my team won’t lose again!

"Because youth doesn’t allow us to give up easily! No matter how great the difficulties ahead may be, we will never fear them!"

Might Guy gave a thumbs-up and flashed a dazzling smile.

Kakashi seemed to have just come back to his senses. He turned his head in confusion.

"Huh? What did you just say?"

Might Guy instantly turned to stone.

Below the stage.

"Is this the eternal rival of Guy-sensei?"

Tenten stared curiously at Kakashi.

Then she covered her mouth and giggled.

"Judging by appearances, Guy-sensei has completely lost."

Not long after.

Iruka led Team 10 into the hall.

Anko Mitarashi stepped forward and said,

"All the teams that passed the second stage of the Chūnin Selection Exams have arrived. Next, the Hokage will explain the third exam."

Hiruzen Sarutobi, standing in the center, nodded slightly.

"Ahem."

He took a step forward and cleared his throat.

"Before I introduce the third exam, there is one thing I must make clear to you.

"The purpose of this exam is to promote friendly coexistence between allied nations and improve the level of their shinobi. At the same time, it serves as a miniature representation of warfare between allied nations."

Hiruzen paused, took a puff from his pipe, and continued,

"Looking back through history, the nations that are now allies were once neighboring countries that constantly waged war against one another.

"To reduce casualties and avoid both sides suffering heavy losses, the various countries deliberately chose another form of battle.

"That is how the joint Chūnin Exams between the allied nations came into existence.

"The third exam is a battlefield where you fight with your lives on the line while carrying the prestige of your respective countries on your shoulders.

"At that time, feudal lords from various nations, renowned figures, and the senior officials of the villages will all come to watch your battles.

"Your performance will affect the missions that the various countries commission in the future.

"If the difference in strength between countries is too great, the stronger country will receive more mission requests.

"Conversely, weaker countries will receive fewer missions.

"A country’s strength is the strength of its village, and the strength of its village is ultimately the strength of its shinobi.

"You will become the backbone of your villages in the future.

"Through the battles between the younger generation, the various countries will assess the future combat strength of each village.

"This exam is the stage where each country displays the strength of its shinobi to the rest of the world."

After speaking, Hiruzen swept his gaze across everyone.

Everyone remained calm, and Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction.

From below, Gaara spoke.

"Those are merely matters for the higher-ups of your village to consider.

"Instead of wasting time talking about them, why don’t you hurry up and explain the content of the next exam?"

Hiruzen nodded.

"Yes. Because feudal lords from various countries and senior officials from the villages will come to watch your battles, the third exam needs preparation time.

"We need to notify the various feudal lords and village leaders, send out invitations, and give them enough time to arrive.

"More importantly, this also gives you examinees time to prepare."

’This old man always talks in circles.’

Kankurō looked impatient and immediately asked,

"I still don’t understand! What exactly do you mean?"

Hiruzen calmly explained,

"In other words, we’re giving you time to prepare yourselves by knowing your enemies.

"Analyze the information about your opponents obtained during the preliminary matches, formulate battle strategies, and increase your chances of victory."

Hearing this, the examinees’ hearts stirred.

They each glanced at the opponents they considered worthy of attention.

Seeing this, Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction and continued,

"The personnel coming from the various countries will need time to reach Konoha.

"So, in the interest of fairness, the third exam will begin one month from now.

"Alright. Before the official matches begin, there is one more thing you need to do. Each of you will draw a number from the box in Anko’s hands."

Anko Mitarashi walked to the front of the Genin line holding a box.

One Genin after another drew a number from left to right.

The first was Suigetsu of the Sound Village, who had arrived earliest and was standing at the front of the first row on the left.

Then came Neji of Konoha’s Team 9.

Gaara of the Sand Village.

Naruto of Konoha’s Team 7.

Shikamaru of Konoha’s Team 10.

Then they returned to Jūgo of the Sound Village...

All ten examinees from the five teams had drawn their numbers.

Ibiki, holding a clipboard, said,

"Everyone has drawn a number. Now, from left to right, announce the numbers you drew."

Suigetsu turned over the number in his hand.

"I’m number eight."

Gaara of the Sand Village said,

"I’m number four."

Neji of Konoha’s Team 9 said,

"I’m number seven."

Naruto of Konoha’s Team 7 said,

"I’m number nine."

Hearing this, Suigetsu, who had drawn number seven, turned toward Naruto.

The two exchanged a smile.

Shikamaru of Konoha’s Team 10 had a dark expression.

"I’m number fifteen."

The examinees who had already guessed what the next exam would involve couldn’t help looking toward Shikamaru.

Number fifteen.

Who knew whether it was lucky or unlucky?

If he was lucky, he would receive a bye and advance directly.

If he was unlucky, he would be inserted into one of the groups and have to participate in a three-way round-robin, meaning he would have to fight one additional match.

Next, Jūgo of the Sound Village said,

"I’m number eleven."

Kankurō of the Sand Village said,

"I’m number fourteen."

Sasuke of Konoha’s Team 7 looked toward Gaara.

"I’m number three."

’The second match.’

Naruto, Suigetsu, Jūgo, and Karin, who knew about the plan, all had their hearts stirred.

One after another, the remaining examinees announced their numbers.

Once everyone had finished, Hiruzen said,

"Alright, Ibiki. Come down and announce the matchups for the next exam."

Ibiki nodded and announced the matchups for the third exam.

First Match: Karin vs. Rock Lee

Second Match: Gaara vs. Sasuke Uchiha

The matches that followed were no longer important.

The entire matchup list was announced.

Unfortunately, Shikamaru was placed in the final group, where he would participate in a three-way round-robin.

At this moment, Shikamaru raised his hand.

"Hokage-sama, I have a question.

"If this is an elimination tournament, then there will only be one winner in the end, right?

"In other words, will only one person be promoted to Chūnin in this Chūnin Exam?"

Hiruzen shook his head.

"This exam will be watched by the examiners, including myself, as well as the Kazekage and senior officials from the other villages.

"We will evaluate your performances throughout the tournament.

"Anyone who is deemed to possess the potential of a Chūnin can be promoted to Chūnin even if they lose their first match."

Temari asked,

"In other words, as long as we perform well during the matches, all of us have a chance to become Chūnin?"

The corners of Hiruzen’s mouth curved upward.

"That is indeed the case.

"However, it is also possible that none of you will be promoted.

"Winning an elimination match simply gives you an additional opportunity to demonstrate your abilities."

Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help looking at Shikamaru, who had originally been considered unlucky for being placed into the final group.

A three-way round-robin meant he was guaranteed at least two opportunities to demonstrate his abilities.

His misfortune had once again turned into good luck.

Noticing everyone’s gazes, Shikamaru couldn’t help muttering,

"What a drag."

Seeing that no one had any more questions, Hiruzen said,

"Alright. After going through the second exam and spending five days surviving in the wilderness, you’ve all worked hard.

"Now, dismissed!"

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