Five days passed in a flash.
The results of the survival trial were quickly released.
Exceeding expectations, a total of ten teams, or thirty people, passed the assessment!
Among them, Grass Hidden, Water Hidden, and Rain Hidden were completely wiped out, reflecting the cruelty of this exam and proving that the quality of ninjas trained by these small ninja villages was indeed lacking.
Among these thirty people, Konoha, as the host, only accounted for nine spots, which was truly astonishing.
In addition, three from Sound Hidden advanced, three from Mist Hidden advanced, and the rest were all Sand Hidden examinees, a staggering 15 people!
As soon as these results were announced, the leaders of each ninja village had various expressions, pondering their thoughts.
Even Konoha, which hosted this joint Chūnin Exam, probably never expected such a situation to occur.
After working hard for half a day, they ended up paving the way for others?
Fortunately, the exam wasn't over yet, and the final outcome was still unknown. Otherwise, Konoha would have lost face completely.
Additionally, according to unofficial sources, after the survival trial, the Kazekage had a private meeting with the Hokage. The specifics of their conversation were unknown to outsiders, but it was only known that the Kazekage's expression was very grim upon leaving, seemingly dissatisfied with the results?
Of course not!
Rasa went to see Hiruzen Sarutobi simply because the person he sent to meet Orochimaru had gone missing.
He didn't know what had happened, so he took this opportunity to probe whether the Hokage knew anything.
However, Hiruzen Sarutobi was already troubled by Orochimaru's affairs and basically suspected that the missing Sand Hidden deputy proctor was Orochimaru's doing. He would never tell him.
Wouldn't that be handing him a handle on a silver platter!
One demanded a person, the other prevaricated, resulting in a stalemate.
Thus, the two parted ways on bad terms.
....
Three days later, the preliminary rounds of the third and final stage of the exam officially began.
Shinji had no interest in the battles among a bunch of brats, so he didn't go.
He only heard from Sasuke later how decisively he had dealt with his opponents.
He didn't mention the Sand Hidden examinees who had shocked everyone.
The three Mist Hidden examinees and the three Sound Hidden examinees were all eliminated.
Among them, a Sound Hidden examinee named Toushi privately challenged Gaara and was instantly killed. Even if he was rescued, he would be crippled.
Of the 15 people who ultimately advanced to the main tournament, Konoha only secured 6 spots. The remaining 9 spots were all taken by Sand Hidden examinees.
As for the other ninja villages that participated in the Chūnin Exam, they were all eliminated, including Mist Hidden, which was on par with Konoha and Sand Hidden.
It was said that after the preliminary rounds, Mei Terumi was so angry that she almost melted the entire venue with one breath.
Even as a participant meant to lose, facing such results was too embarrassing.
If even one person could advance to the main tournament, it would look better.
Alas, Mist Hidden was truly in a period of decline, with a gap in talent. If there had been just one more examinee like Zabuza, Sand Hidden and Konoha wouldn't have been so arrogant.
But it was too late to say anything now. If you're not as skilled as others, you just have to endure it.
Besides Mei Terumi, the Mizukage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage, was naturally also very displeased.
After all, as the host of this Chūnin Exam, Konoha had the most examinees and the greater advantage.
However, the results of the two exams after the written test were both unsatisfactory, instead benefiting Sand Hidden, which left him somewhat helpless.
He could only place his hopes on the final main tournament, hoping that these examinees would show some spirit and achieve good results.
On this day, the day of the final main tournament of the Chūnin Exam finally arrived.
Not only was the venue spacious and grand, but the audience seats were also open, attracting many people to watch.
Among them were the three Kages sitting in the very center at the top!
The Hokage sat in the middle position without question, with the Kazekage to his right and the Mizukage to his left.
The gathering of the three Kages was a treatment that surpassed any previous Chūnin Exam.
It might even be the last chance.
The leaders of each ninja village and the eliminated examinees all came. A large number of Chūnin and Jonin from Konoha who were not on duty also came.
Shinji came alone.
He wasn't here because Sasuke had asked him to come, but because he knew that Sand Hidden's actions would likely take place today, so he had to be present.
Hidan and Tobi had been assigned other tasks by him as a precaution.
Another reason for not bringing those two idiots was that he was genuinely afraid that something uncontrollable might happen if Tobi met Kakashi.
Therefore, he had been intentionally and unintentionally avoiding letting Tobi appear in public.
"Big Brother Shinji!"
As soon as Shinji arrived at the venue, he exchanged a glance with Mei Terumi. Just as he was about to go over, he heard someone calling him.
In his helplessness, he had no choice but to give up going there and instead went to Sasuke.
"Big Brother?"
There were many people around Sasuke at this moment: Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi were all there.
Although Sakura had been eliminated, it didn't stop her from coming to cheer for Sasuke. Well, and to cheer for Naruto too.
"When did you get a Big Brother?" Naruto and Sakura were both surprised. As companions who were often together, they didn't even know.
Sasuke didn't want to explain and casually brushed it off.
Only Kakashi remained very vigilant.
"I heard you successfully advanced to the main tournament, so I came to see. How about it, do you have confidence in getting first place?"
Shinji continuously observed the surroundings while continuing to fool Sasuke.
But Sasuke fell for it, immediately clenched his fist, and said solemnly, "Whether I have confidence or not, I will definitely get first place. No one can stop me this time."
"Good, maintain this confidence. I've prepared an extra gift. It depends on whether you have the ability to take it."
Although he said this, Shinji didn't have much hope for Sasuke.
Putting aside other things, just facing either Lee Rock or Neji would be enough for Sasuke to struggle.
The former could already open the fifth of the Eight Inner Gates - the Gate of Limit - and besides Gaara, that monster who could defend with sand, anyone else who encountered Lee Rock would only be beaten.
Naruto would have the same result without the sufficient power of the Nine-Tails.
As for Neji, there was no need to even mention him. His exquisite Gentle Fist style would teach anyone a lesson. Once Sasuke was hit, there was basically no chance of a comeback.
After all, the current Sasuke couldn't break through his sealed acupoints by borrowing the Nine-Tails' chakra like Naruto could.
The remaining contenders, such as Temari, Kankuro, Shino Aburame, and Shikamaru Nara, were all formidable opponents.
Of course, the most terrifying was that gourd-shaped kid with the word "Love" carved on his forehead!
At this stage, Gaara was absolutely invincible among all examinees, no arguments accepted.
Sasuke's chances of winning... very low!
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