The Preliminary part of the Chunin exams were about to go under way. I labored next to my three man squad, my exhaustion written on my face. My body was at its limit, I managed to get past the second part of the exam by using my prior knowledge of the anime, only targeting the weakest squads.
The Preliminary part of the exams won't be so easy. Successfully advancing is dependent on who you get matched up against. If I get put against someone like Gara or Neji (two of the three individuals I made sure to steer clear of during the second exams) there's only a slim chance I'll be able to pass in my weakened condition. Even at full strength I wouldn't stand much of a chance against them. I haven't had the opportunity to train since I've come to this world as I've had to deal with one problem after another. I envied the carefree Rock Lee who stood next to me itching at the opportunity to showcase his strength.
Anko signaled for our attention as the third hokage gave a speech about the true meaning of the Chunin exams. I mostly ignored the old man's rambling as I had already listened to his speech in the anime. My mind's primary focus was on who'd I'd get matched up against. I truly hope it's one of the weaker genin like Tenten or Ino.
Hayate Gekko The Proctor for the third exam suddenly appeared before the Hokage. He began to announce the Preliminary part of the exam. Out of the corner of my eye I watched Sasuke attempt to stop Sakura from forcing him out of the exam. Just like in the anime Kabuto withdrew from the exams before Sakura could report Sasuke. I entertained the idea of reporting him myself but decided against it. It'd be one less person to worry about but it would change the story too much, making an already dangerous world more unpredictable.
Shortly after, the Preliminary exams started. Just like in the anime the first match was rigged for Sasuke to fight Yoroi. The fight followed the plot with Sasuke defeating Yoroi just before his curse mark activated. After the fight Kakashi hurriedly took Sasuke out of the arena. Sakura looked at the two of them with deep concern as the two abruptly left. She and I were the only genin to know the real reason for their quick departure, though my source of knowledge differed from her first hand experience.
The next match was announced and the competitors made their way to the floor.
Standing in the middle of the arena was a skinny white haired boy who was covered in bruises. The frail boy looked like he could collapse at any moment. Across from him stood a boy around a similar age. He wore a grey fur coat and had a small white dog that stood on all fours next to him.
(Toros POV)
I let out a sigh of frustration as I listened to the onlookers complaints about my frail appearance. I could hear some of the other participants, mainly Naruto, complain about how Kiba got an easy opponent. I couldn't blame them, I probably did look as pathetic as I felt but it doesn't matter. I've resolved myself to do whatever's necessary to win. From what I can remember Kiba at this point in the story only had one good jutsu and I'm not stupid enough to let him take those food pellets so easily. If I can avoid that I might have a shot at defeating him in my weakened state. The one thing I can't do is let this battle prolong. I don't think my body can handle more than five minutes.
Hayate signaled for the match to begin. I braced for a quick attack from Kiba but he showed no signs of attacking.
"Why don't you save us all some time and forfeit. I'd feel kinda bad if I killed ya." Kiba said. He made no effort to hide his arrogant smirk.
"Kiba you got the easiest matchup out of all us you better not lose!" Naruto yelled from the stands.
"Shut it Naruto, as if I'd lose to-
Kiba suddenly went silent as he narrowly evaded the Kunai aimed at his head.
I clicked my tounge in annoyance, that was the perfect opportunity to end the match swiftly and I blew it. Still, I'm satisfied I wiped that condescending smirk off Kiba's face.
Regaining his footing Kiba scowled at me. "What are you doing you idiot I'm trying to give you a break!"
I could see Kiba's face become slightly embarrassed as he only narrowly avoided my attack. If memory serves me correctly, Kiba, at least in the first part of the series, was a bit of a hot head. I may be able to use that to my advantage.
"I won't be so merciful on the next attack." I said arrogantly.
Kiba snarled at me. "Fine, have it your way, don't say I didn't warn you!"
Kiba charged at me with a barrage of attacks while holding Akumaru back. I guess he thought he wouldn't need his help. I'll make sure he regrets that decision. Surprisingly I was able to keep track of his movements, maybe I did get a little stronger in the forest of death. Sadly my body wasn't able to move at the speed I wanted it to in my weakened state. In the end I only delayed the inevitable as one of Kibas kicks landed in my mid section. I tumbled backwards until my momentum was stopped by the wall I crashed into.
It hurt like hell and I think he might've broken a rib or two but now was not the time to show weakness. I lifted myself off the ground albeit somewhat unbalanced. I looked at Kiba who once again flashed a smirk my way.
"Is this the extent of your strength?" I asked. "One lucky attack connecting is all it takes for you to be satisfied? It's no wonder you've been passed up by so many of your classmates." I said, partially giving him a glance of his fate to be regulated as nothing more than a side character.
"What are you talking about? I'm the strongest one in the exams!" Kiba proclaimed as he pointed at himself arrogantly.
I let out a loud laugh at his bold proclamation emphasizing the clutching of my stomach. I masked it as me being unable to control my laughter but in reality I was clutching my stomach in pain as each movement required a great deal of willpower.
Steeling myself I continued. "Hahahaha I hate to be the one to break it to you kid but you're not even the strongest one on your team.That Hyuga girl will surpass you soon enough by her bloodline alone." I said pointing towards Hinata. " Blame your ancestors for being worthless shinobi." I mocked. I made sure to do the whole hand on my forehead while laughing maniacally gimmick.
Hey, this villain thing is kinda fun!