"What a pity."
Hiashi Hyuga felt a trace of regret, though Neji had already performed quite well. After all, his opponent was Naruto—someone who possessed both Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and Rasengan.
Hiashi couldn't help but feel a subtle sensation when he thought about it.
Who would have expected Rasengan to appear in something as ordinary as a Student Council selection practical exam?
He remembered his own academy days. Back then, it was extremely rare to even see a classmate use Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique.
His gaze shifted to Hinata again. Sasuke Uchiha's performance had been dazzling, while Hinata and Neji had also shown solid strength.
Overall, the Hyuga Clan and the Uchiha Clan seemed evenly matched in this practical selection.
Even so, Hiashi was genuinely worried that Sasuke might defeat Naruto. If that happened, the Uchiha Clan would certainly gain a surge of prestige.
This current outcome, however, was far more favorable.
"Naruto!" Might Guy gave a bright thumbs up. "You haven't let youth down!"
"Guy-sensei!" Naruto stopped and shouted excitedly, "I feel the burning passion of youth!"
"Naruto, keep going!" Guy encouraged loudly. "Never stopping is what youth is all about!"
"Ahem." Kurenai quickly stepped in, her tone firm. "The next match is about to start. It's better if you let Naruto leave the field first."
The implication was clear—stop talking about youth.
"Indeed." Kakashi agreed, though rarely.
The main reason was simple: Naruto was the center of attention in the entire arena right now. Any prolonged interaction would only attract more focus… and inevitably, him.
Kakashi had once fought his way through mountains of corpses and seas of blood, but this kind of spotlight was still something he hadn't grown accustomed to.
"Kakashi." Might Guy turned to him and asked, "What's your assessment of Naruto now?"
Kakashi fell silent.
He had once said that Naruto only relied on having a massive amount of chakra… but now, that statement had been clearly disproven.
Looking back at these two matches, Naruto's use of Rasengan was clever and precise.
Although it was nothing compared to his own level, for a seven-year-old Naruto, this achievement was remarkable.
Kakashi thought of Minato Namikaze. If he were still alive, he would certainly be very satisfied with his son.
"...Very good." Kakashi finally said.
"Haha!" Guy laughed triumphantly at those words. Anyone watching might have thought he had just scored a victory against Kakashi himself.
"Third Round, Fifth Match: Nara Shikamaru versus Hana Inuzuka."
Kitazawa drew lots again.
A total of twelve students had advanced to the third round. Four matches had already taken place, leaving only two more. Which meant four students were yet to compete.
With Shikamaru versus Hana Inuzuka confirmed, the remaining match naturally fell into place: Ino versus Tenten.
"Why can't I just forfeit the Student Council selection practical exam?" Shikamaru's mouth twitched as he stared at the three large ninja dogs opposite him.
If nothing went wrong, he was definitely going to be chased all over the field. If forfeiting were allowed, he would have done so instantly.
After all, reaching the third round had already exceeded his personal expectations.
But unfortunately for him, Kitazawa had anticipated his exact mindset. Not only was forfeit forbidden, but deliberately playing passively was also unacceptable.
Kitazawa had warned of serious consequences. He never said what they were—but Shikamaru had no desire to find out.
"Please." Hana Inuzuka called out, going all out from the very start.
After all, Shikamaru's previous performance had been impressive—defeating Tenten through a sharp mix of strength and strategy.
"Fang Over Fang!"
Hana and Haimaru leapt high, spinning into a whirlwind, and charged directly at Shikamaru. The two other ninja dogs followed close behind.
Shikamaru dodged to the left without hesitation. Although he avoided Fang Over Fang, he ended up facing the two remaining ninja dogs head-on.
Meanwhile, Hana and Haimaru abruptly stopped mid-spin, turned sharply, and launched Fang Over Fang again.
Shikamaru jumped upward, clearing the two dogs in front of him.
"Shadow Sewing Technique!"
As his shadow overlapped with the two dogs below, it transformed into two tendrils, instantly wrapping around their necks and halting their attack.
"What?" Hana and Haimaru shifted targets from Shikamaru to their own restrained companions, quickly stopping their technique.
"Shadow Imitation Technique!"
Shikamaru landed and immediately extended his shadow, capturing one of the ninja dogs and sending it charging toward Hana and Haimaru.
"Haimaru!" Hana called without hesitation.
Haimaru reverted to its normal form and tackled the controlled dog.
"Four Legs Technique!" Hana channeled chakra into her limbs, launching herself at Shikamaru like a fierce tiger.
"I surrender."
Shikamaru promptly raised his hand. "My chakra is depleted. I can no longer fight."
"...?" Hana froze mid-strike, pulling back her claw. What's going on?
In her view, she was clearly at a disadvantage.
"Winner, Hana Inuzuka." Kitazawa declared, shaking his head.
If Shikamaru had truly wanted to win, he had the chance. With Shadow Imitation and Shadow Sewing, he could have turned the battle.
But as always, Shikamaru had no intention of trying. He simply went through the motions before surrendering outright.
From the stands, Shikaku frowned, suddenly recalling Ino's earlier words. Indeed… he would need to ask Kitazawa to properly deal with Shikamaru.
"Third Round, Sixth Match: Ino versus Tenten," Kitazawa announced as Shikamaru and Hana left the field.
"Shikamaru, did you go easy on my sister?" Kiba asked curiously.
"No." Shikamaru spread his hands. "You know how it is—secret techniques consume a lot of chakra."
"Your sister had three ninja dogs with her. Controlling four targets at once is basically impossible for Shikamaru." Ino interjected.
Both the Nara Clan and the Yamanaka Clan specialized in control techniques, and their arts shared many similarities.
If it were her in Shikamaru's place, she would have lost even faster. Her Mind Transfer Clone Technique could only control two targets at most.
"Ino is right." Shikamaru agreed readily.
"It's your turn, Ino." Sakura reminded her.
"Her ninja tools are troublesome." Shikamaru offered some advice. "If you find a chance to control her, do it. If not, don't force it—just surrender."
If the Nara Clan's secret techniques could still be effective for a single person, then the Yamanaka Clan's were far less suited for solo battles.
Casting them required time, landing a hit was difficult, and once the technique connected, the user was left immobile.
"Mm." Ino nodded, a bright smile on her face. "I'll do my best. If I lose, I'll just go ask Teacher Kitazawa for guidance."
At the mention of Kitazawa, Sasuke subconsciously glanced at him. Even with his Two-Tomoe Sharingan, he still couldn't defeat Naruto and Yakumo.
Should he… also ask Kitazawa for help?
The battle began.
Tenten, having learned from her defeat against Shikamaru, launched her ninja tools immediately, determined not to let Ino get close.
Ino was chased across the stage, completely unable to set up her secret technique, and eventually surrendered.
"The third round of matches concludes here. Next is the challenge round." Kitazawa announced after a brief pause. "All students who entered the third round are eligible to be challenged."
The audience, having already received flyers in advance, understood the rules of the practical exam. No one was surprised.
"I hope someone challenges me," Naruto said eagerly, his face glowing with excitement. Today's battles had truly made his blood boil.
"Who would challenge you?" Kiba scoffed. "Only someone blind would pick you."
"You never know." Shikamaru yawned. "Arrogant people are everywhere."
"Indeed." Shino adjusted his glasses. "Those who think they're strong but were placed into the general competition will certainly be unwilling to accept it."
"Then Sasuke has a higher chance of being challenged, right?" Ino reasoned. "Because Sasuke's reputation is bigger."
"Don't I have a reputation?" Naruto's eyes widened. "I just defeated Sasuke!"
"...?" Sasuke's mouth twitched. Why bring that up now?
"The students in the general matches didn't see our fight." Ino explained, then added, "But after today, your reputation will definitely skyrocket. Maybe it'll even surpass Sasuke's."
Sasuke's expression stiffened instantly.
Damn it! Would he be inferior to Naruto even in terms of reputation? Not this… anything but this!
The more he thought about it, the more unwilling he felt. Sasuke had never been weaker than anyone in his life. He was going to reclaim everything that belonged to him!
For some reason, although Yakumo had also defeated him, losing to Naruto weighed far heavily in his heart.
---
Time passed slowly.
Before long, Hisao Sarutobi led five students into the Training Ground. At a glance, these five appeared older than both Sasuke and Naruto—and indeed, they were.
Most of them were fifth and sixth-graders.
"Vice Principal Hisao-sama." Kitazawa greeted Hisao respectfully, then turned to the five students behind him. "You will enter the Training Ground in order."
After speaking, he handed over the roster. It listed the names of the twelve students who had advanced to the third round, along with their classes.
"I challenge Uchiha Sasuke!" A boy in white stepped forward and declared loudly.
Sasuke subconsciously clenched his fists. Do you think I'm easy to bully just because I lost two matches?
With a cold expression, Sasuke strode forward.
"Genjutsu: Unknown Fire!"
His Two-Tomoe Sharingan spun to life. A moment later, the boy was engulfed in flames within the illusion, screaming in terror.
"Winner, Uchiha Sasuke." Kitazawa raised an eyebrow and announced.
The advantage of the Two-Tomoe Sharingan against students who weren't even Genin was overwhelming. But finishing the match so quickly was unusual.
It revealed the depth of Sasuke's resentment.
The remaining four students exchanged glances. Each could see shock and confusion in the others' eyes.
Are first-year students really this terrifying? A sixth grader defeated so easily?
Even for a Uchiha, this was absurd. After a brief hesitation, the second challenger stepped forward.
"I—I challenge Yakumo Kurama."
This choice was based on ignorance. Names like Uchiha, Hyuga, Nara, Aburame, Yamanaka—these were all famous clans. But Kurama? He had never even heard of it.
Yakumo Kurama calmly walked forward. And then… there was no "then."
The challenger was instantly pulled into an illusion. From the outside, it looked as if he simply froze in place, then collapsed backward seconds later.
Yakumo hadn't even lifted a finger.
"???"
The challengers were left dumbfounded. Is this really the Ninja Academy? Did I walk into the wrong place?
Not only could they not defeat the first-years, but they didn't even understand how they had lost.
"It seems Kitazawa's decision to separate the competition into general and elite brackets was correct." Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head.
The gap between them was simply too vast. Sometimes, not knowing was a kind of mercy. Now, it only left the challengers with deep despair.
"There's nothing more to see, I—" Tsunade was interrupted before she could finish.
"Since you're already here, stay until the end. There should always be a proper beginning and end," Hiruzen said with a chuckle.
"What are you planning now?" Tsunade asked suspiciously.
"What can I plan?" Hiruzen retorted with a calm expression. "If you leave now, aren't you considering Kitazawa's feelings?"
"Then let's wait." Tsunade sat back down.
The challenge matches came and went quickly, with all five students losing at light speed without exception.
"Please wait a moment, students. The rankings for this practical exam will be announced shortly," Kitazawa said with a slight smile. "Considering the list is long, only the top thirty will be announced here. The remaining names will be posted."
"Senior Kitazawa." Iruka quickly stepped forward, handed over a roster, and said, "This is the practical exam ranking for the elite competition."
"Thank you." Kitazawa took the roster and found Hisao Sarutobi. The two immediately began discussing the specific rankings.
A moment later, Kitazawa, holding the rankings, walked in front of the students. Although some had already guessed their placements, they were still very much looking forward to it.
Except for Sasuke.
"First place, Naruto," Kitazawa announced directly, without any preamble.
"That's great!" Naruto jumped up and down.
He had first beaten Sasuke, then Hyuga Neji. No one would object to him getting first place.
Due to the limited rounds, he hadn't fought Yakumo Kurama, but they had already clashed before. With the help of the Nine-Tails, Naruto was not afraid of her Genjutsu. And Yakumo, as a pure Genjutsu Ninja, if her illusions failed, she could only be at the mercy of others.
"Second place, Yakumo Kurama," Kitazawa continued.
Yakumo Kurama was very calm when she heard this, standing up and bowing slightly.
"Third place, Uchiha Sasuke," Kitazawa said after glancing at the roster.
Although Sasuke had lost two matches, he had activated his Two-Tomoe Sharingan, so ranking third was not a problem.
Sasuke's face was full of unhappiness. His goal was first place; third was simply an insult to him!
"Fourth place, Hyuga Hinata. Fifth place, Hyuga Neji. Sixth place, Shino Aburame. Seventh place, Kiba Inuzuka," Kitazawa rattled off the names.
"Hahaha!" Kiba immediately burst into laughter. "I'm seventh!"
This result was a breakthrough for him. And this was a school-wide ranking, not just a class one. Excluding Hyuga Neji, he was sixth.
"But you're still lower than Naruto," Shikamaru said calmly.
Kiba's laughter abruptly stopped. Not surpassing Naruto meant he still had to treat him to Ichiraku Ramen.
"The top thirty have been announced," Kitazawa concluded. Then, shifting topics, he said, "Now, I will announce the Student Council executive list."
Sasuke's heart couldn't help but tremble. He had forgotten that the ranking of this practical exam was tied to the Student Council selection. Now that he was third, he had already lost the chance at the presidency.
"Since it's already the end of the semester, the Student Council handover will be moved to next semester," Kitazawa said unhurriedly.
He was worried that his task wouldn't be completed, so he had requested a small adjustment. However, the change was reasonable and fair, so no one objected.
In other words, he would temporarily serve as Student Council President until next semester.
"The official Student Council President will be Naruto," Kitazawa announced.
"Thank you all for your support!" Naruto clasped his hands together. "I will definitely make the Student Council full of youthful vigor!"
Sasuke and the others collectively fell silent.
"Vice Presidents, Yakumo Kurama and Uchiha Sasuke," Kitazawa continued.
"Yakumo, stopping Naruto's youthfulness, I'm counting on you!" Ino said with a serious expression.
"Huh?" Yakumo was a little confused.
"Indeed," Shikamaru agreed. "We absolutely cannot let youthfulness spread in the Student Council."
"That evil green spandex wack must be defeated!" Kiba clenched his fists.
Sasuke nodded in agreement.
"Study Committee member, Hyuga Hinata. Disciplinary Committee member, Hyuga Neji—" Kitazawa continued reading.
In a flash, all the Student Council executives had been announced.
"Everyone has worked hard these past two days. I hereby announce the successful conclusion of the Student Council selection practical exam and the final exams!" Kitazawa declared loudly. "Now, please enjoy your holidays!"
The students immediately burst into cheers upon hearing this.
"Let's go, let's meet Kitazawa," Hiruzen Sarutobi said as he stood up.
Uchiha Fugaku, Hiashi Hyuga, Shikaku Nara, and others who had originally intended to leave all followed. After all, if the Hokage didn't leave, it wouldn't be appropriate for them to do so either.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. He had to admit, this lineup was indeed grand. Aside from Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and Utatane Koharu, almost all of Konoha's high-ranking officials were present.
"Hokage-sama," Kitazawa greeted respectfully.
"Kitazawa, you've done very well." Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction and said with emotion, "Konoha's younger generation is impeccable. I can retire with peace of mind."
At these words, the Training Ground instantly fell silent.
Those present were all clan heads of major ninja families—veritable old foxes. They all caught the implications hidden in his statement.
Undoubtedly, Hiruzen Sarutobi intended to step down. Everyone looked at Tsunade for the next Hokage.
Only Tsunade clenched her fists. She had been set up again!