In the stands, the Third Hokage and the Council of Elders watched quietly.
"That little fellow from the Sound Village probably won't even be able to force out Naruto's Kyoka Suigetsu," the Third Hokage said with a gentle smile. To him, Naruto was the most perfect inheritor of the Will of Fire; Naruto's growth had been entirely tailored by him. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call Naruto the Third's masterpiece.
Seeing the Third Hokage looking so smug his nose practically touched the sky, Danzo felt an inexplicable surge of displeasure and snorted coldly. His eyes were dark and shadowed.
He would obtain Naruto sooner or later. Sooner or later.
At that time, he would declare triumphantly to the Third: "Don't forget, Naruto is my disciple."
Thinking of this wonderful scene, Danzo couldn't hide the smile tugging at his lips. Nevertheless, he still snorted. "Naruto's growth rate is acceptable, but if he were under my guidance, it would certainly be faster."
After saying this, Danzo saw the Third and the others looking at him as if he were an idiot. Seething with resentment, he snorted coldly again, his heart filled with bitterness.
Ever since Naruto's Kekkei Genkai had been revealed and he had demonstrated the Will of Fire, the elders had clearly leaned more towards the Third. Danzo and the Third had complemented each other for decades, and under their cooperation, Konoha had been governed in an orderly fashion. Danzo, it seemed, had grown accustomed to lurking in the shadows.
But Naruto… Naruto ignited a fervent desire within Danzo. He had never wanted to possess someone so badly.
Just you watch. I will obtain Naruto, and then I will prove to all of you that I am the most suitable teacher for him, Danzo vowed inwardly.
As the first match was about to begin, the Third Hokage glanced around but didn't see Jiraiya. He asked in confusion, "Where's Jiraiya?"
"Lord Jiraiya went to the hot springs," an ANBU operative replied.
"That fellow…" The Third was momentarily speechless. Jiraiya was excellent in every way, except he was far too lecherous. It's said that the desires for food and sex are natural, but a Kage-level powerhouse like Jiraiya who enjoyed peeping was truly rare—no, to be precise, Jiraiya was the only one. Our Kage-level powerhouses in Konoha are all respectable people, after all.
"Let him be. It seems he has a lot of confidence in Naruto," the Third chuckled to himself, shaking his head.
Naruto's match order had naturally been carefully considered by Konoha's higher-ups. They had deliberately arranged for him to face a less formidable opponent, allowing him to showcase his strength while securing a stable advancement. Later, in the arena before the entire village, Naruto would compete against powerful adversaries, display his exceptional potential, earn the villagers' respect and recognition, and ultimately become a Chunin.
This was the performance meticulously designed by the Third Hokage to push Naruto into the limelight.
"Naruto will deliver a perfect performance, just as I expect," the Third Hokage smiled, eagerly anticipating the final stage of the Chunin Exams.
While Konoha's higher-ups chatted idly, the jonin, led by Kakashi, were also discussing matters.
"Naruto's talent is too astonishing. I heard he also received guidance from Lord Jiraiya. I wonder what level his strength has reached now," Might Guy said with a wide grin, flashing his pearly white teeth.
"You'll all find out soon enough. Naruto will definitely shine brilliantly in these Chunin Exams," Kakashi's eyes were filled with pride. After all, Naruto was his student. Though, as a teacher, he hadn't exactly taught him many ninjutsu.
"By the way, Kakashi, I heard you've been training Sasuke recently. How's that little guy's strength coming along?"
"Sasuke, huh…" Kakashi mused, an image of Sasuke training diligently appearing in his mind, a smile in his eyes. "His progress is good. I think he'll surprise everyone too." Sasuke was the most talented ninja in Lightning Release Kakashi had ever seen, and he was greatly looking forward to Sasuke demonstrating strength on par with Naruto's in the Chunin Exams.
"Still, that genin from Sunagakure is quite unsettling," Kurenai said, looking worriedly towards Hinata and the others. Hinata and her teammates weren't as gifted as Naruto and Sasuke, so their progress was naturally a bit slower. If they faced Gaara, victory was far from certain.
"Don't worry, it'll be fine," Kakashi reassured her. "I've seen that Hyuga Hinata has made tremendous progress."
"Yes, Kiba and Shino can no longer keep up with her," Kurenai nodded proudly. "Hinata has a spirit that won't lose to anyone!"
The first match began.
Uzumaki Naruto versus Dosu Kinuta.
Dosu stood in the center of the arena with a cruel smirk. His face was wrapped in bandages, revealing only a single eye. His hands were equipped with bulky, defensive gauntlets covered in tiny holes. As a genin of Otogakure, Dosu yearned to display his potential, to be seen by Lord Orochimaru, and to be entrusted with greater responsibilities. Children like them, who had no home, had been given a new one by Lord Orochimaru!
Lord Orochimaru, I will prove myself!! I will become your most capable subordinate!
Dosu's resolve was firm. He focused his gaze towards Naruto's position and saw him approaching with a smile, clad in a white robe and wearing black-framed glasses, looking like a friendly older brother from next door.
"This Dosu guy looks so scary. Uzumaki Naruto is so handsome, though," scattered comments arose from the stands.
"Don't underestimate this Dosu. Although he's from a small village like Otogakure, his ninjutsu is extremely tricky."
"Hiss—how would you know, sir?"
"Naturally, because I've fought him. I consider myself outstanding among the genin in these Chunin Exams, even possessing Chunin-level strength, but I still had a tough time against this Dosu," a ninja in the stands discussed with others.
"Hiss—Brother, you actually have Chunin-level strength?"
"Mm, it's alright. I'm aiming for first place this time."
"Then, may I ask, Brother, what's so special about this Dosu's ninjutsu?"
"Look at the gauntlets on his arms. Those are tools that complement his ninjutsu, capable of amplifying his Sound Release to a new level. If that Uzumaki Naruto isn't careful, he could get injured. However, while this Dosu is strong, he's still much weaker than me. I hear this Uzumaki Naruto is a Konoha genius. Hmph, I hope he doesn't disappoint me."
"As expected of you, Brother! Truly amazing."
Dosu narrowed his eye, looking warily at the slowly approaching Naruto, his forehead already beaded with fine sweat. From Naruto, he could sense an extremely terrifying invasiveness and oppressive aura. He understood that this man was definitely not as gentle and refined as he appeared.
This would be a fierce battle!
"Uzumaki Naruto…" Dosu muttered Naruto's name under his breath. This was the person Lord Orochimaru had taken an interest in. Before coming here, all the Sound-nin had received a message from Orochimaru: without his direct order, they were not to approach Uzumaki Naruto or Uchiha Sasuke.
We're all around the same age, so why does Lord Orochimaru value this Uzumaki Naruto so much?
Looking at Naruto's smile, an emotion called jealousy spontaneously arose in Dosu's heart.
I will prove that I am more outstanding than Uzumaki Naruto!!