As for Takeru's group, their days were spent following a strict training regimen. Though Ritsu often slacked off, Takeru and Ui were highly disciplined. Their routine even inspired Karin to join in.
Over the past few days, Karin had developed a deep infatuation with Takeru. Through their daily interactions, Takeru sensed her growing affection. He chose not to address it directly, planning to ask her properly at the end.
If she was willing to leave the Ninja World, he could take her with him.
Meanwhile, in the upper levels of the tower, the Third Hokage, Anko, Kotetsu, and Izumo gathered in a room.
"So, does the Cursed Seal still hurt?" Hiruzen asked, observing Anko.
"No, thanks to you, it's almost better now," Anko replied quickly.
"Either way, Orochimaru is one of Konoha's legendary Sannin. Even the Anbu aren't his match. He's an S-Rank on the bingo book. To force him to unleash such a terrifying attack... what exactly happened?" Kotetsu frowned, voicing his confusion.
"And why did he appear here now?" Izumo added, equally puzzled.
Hearing them, Anko recalled Orochimaru's words: he had his eyes on a youth who inherited the Uchiha Clan's abilities.
"It's Sasuke, isn't it?" Hiruzen stated, seeing Anko's expression.
Anko was surprised Hiruzen knew.
"Anko-sama, in the second stage, 24 confirmed passes. According to Chunin Exams' regulations, the third exam will use a test not used in five years. The second exam is now concluded!" A person on a monitor reported before Anko could say more.
"For now, let the exams proceed. We'll observe that man's movements while continuing," Hiruzen said calmly to Anko's troubled look.
Following the Hokage's order, Anko nodded.
Soon, Takeru's group was assembled.
The Third Hokage, surrounded by numerous Chunin and Jonin, stood in the most prominent position, while the examinees stood orderly below.
Takeru quickly noticed Orochimaru disguised among the Otogakure's Ninja. He offered a meaningful, inscrutable smile.
Looking at the large number of examinees, Anko felt a bit helpless. Ideally, she wanted the number reduced to single digits to expedite the third exam.
"Your team is not bad. But with our team here, don't get any ideas. The next round is about true skill. Well, youth is sometimes bitter, sometimes severe, right, Kakashi?" Guy scanned the crowd, addressing Kakashi.
"Hmm? Did you say something?"
Kakashi looked utterly blank, causing Guy to momentarily deflate before reigniting with renewed vigor.
"Next, the Third Hokage-sama will explain the third stage. Please listen carefully. Hokage-sama, I leave it to you," Anko said before turning to Hiruzen.
"Ahem. We will now begin the third stage. But before explaining, I must clarify something… the true purpose of these exams. Why do allied nations hold them together?"
Hiruzen then explained the real significance of the Allied Chunin Exams: while promoting friendship between allied nations, they were essentially a microcosm of conflict between these nations.
The exams originated because the so-called allied nations were once warring neighbors. To avoid mutual destruction, they designated the Chunin Exams as their battlefield.
Takeru wasn't particularly interested in this but listened politely without interrupting.
The frequent wars in the Ninja World stemmed from backward thinking and issues with productivity, leading to constant conflict over resources. If Ninjutsu were applied to production, resources wouldn't be so scarce.
In this skewed world, Ninja only mechanically completed missions, never considering production themselves. Perhaps it was a vicious cycle: if you engaged in production, others would attack and plunder you.
In Takeru's view, the chaos in the Ninja World resulted from the limited thinking and perspective of the majority. Changing this wasn't something one or two people could easily accomplish.
It would require someone with power to suppress the entire Ninja World and lead a revolution.
However, that wasn't Takeru's concern. While achieving such a feat would likely earn an S+ rating, time constraints made it currently impossible for him.
Moreover, the Ninja World was filled with individuals and organizations plotting major events: Black Zetsu, trying to resurrect his mother, Madara and Obito, aiming to resurrect the Ten-Tails and cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi, trapping the world in a dream for so-called permanent peace.
Besides these troublemakers, the Five Great Ninja Villages and countless smaller villages presented significant obstacles. Reforming the world was too difficult for Takeru at his current level.
These individuals weren't like those in Akame ga Kill. There, Takeru could use control methods, but here, his Nen Needles were ineffective against such powerful figures.
After Hiruzen explained the true purpose of the selection, the sickly Gekko Hayate emerged from the shadows.
"My apologies, Hokage-sama. Allow me, Gekko Hayate, as the proctor, to explain the rest," Hayate said, kneeling on one knee.
"I leave it to you," the Third replied calmly.
"Cough... cough... Before the third stage begins, there is something everyone must complete... cough..." Hayate looked pallid as he addressed the crowd.
"That is the preliminary selection to determine who qualifies for the third exam."
"Preliminary selection? What does that mean?" Shikamaru asked, already sensing the trouble.
"Perhaps the first two exams this session were too easy. Too many remain. Therefore, according to Chunin Exam regulations, we will hold a preliminary selection to reduce numbers for the third exam," Hayate explained seriously.
"Therefore, those feeling unwell or who wish to withdraw may do so. The preliminaries will begin immediately."
His words caused a minor stir among Kiba, Ino, and others. Hayate ignored their complaints.
"Oh, I forgot to mention. The upcoming fights will be individual. You may decide for yourselves whether to raise your hand and withdraw," Hayate stated, looking at them.
Sasuke assumed no one would quit. Even tormented by pain, he refused to give up, silencing Sakura's persuasion.
Anko also insisted Sasuke withdraw, but Kakashi, knowing him better, stated Sasuke would never quit.
After a moment of silence, Kabuto raised his hand and withdrew, just like in the original story, shocking everyone, especially Naruto.
Kabuto claimed the injuries from the Otogakure's Ninja still affected him, but the truth was he feared his passion would expose his true strength. As a spy, standing out was highly imprudent.
"Now, is there anyone else who wishes to withdraw?" After Kabuto left, no one else spoke.
"Then the preliminaries begin. They will consist of one-on-one individual matches, conducted as real combat. There are 23 participants, so there will be 11 matches," Hayate announced.
"Wait, sensei! What about the extra person?" Sakura raised her hand to ask.
"The remaining person will receive a bye and advance directly," Hayate replied.
"Huh?" The examinees were surprised.
"Luck is also a form of strength. The upcoming matches have no rules. They continue until one side dies, falls, or concedes. So, if you don't want to die, surrender quickly," Hayate stated calmly, looking at their puzzled expressions.