The Third took a puff from his pipe, blew out a smoke ring, and started rambling on with endless motivational speeches that made everyone drowsy with boredom.
"Ahem! Hold on a second," Hayate Gekko cut in. "Before that, you all have to pick your match opponents by drawing lots. Since there are fifteen of you left after this round, one person's going to get a free pass—along with seven official matchups."
The Third's eyes darkened with irritation at Hayate cutting him off. If not for being in public, he might have struck Hayate down with his staff right then.
"Who's the lucky little cutie?" Mitarashi Anko stepped forward holding a small wooden box, flashing a grin that was both eerie and seductive. Her manner had become more and more like Orochimaru's.
"There are fifteen paper balls inside," she explained while placing the box before them. Licking her lips seductively like a second Orochimaru, she continued, "Fourteen contain different matching patterns—those who draw identical patterns will face each other during the official match. The last paper is blank, meaning whoever draws it gets a free pass."
"Alright, my cute contestants, come pick your fate!"
"Anko-sempai's been getting more twisted lately," muttered Sakura while rubbing her arm nervously. That tone of voice sent shivers down her spine.
"There's something off about Anko-san's chakra too," Naruto said as he activated his sensor abilities to analyze it. "There's an additional restless energy mixed with a chilling coldness—almost exactly like what we encountered from Orochimaru. This strange chakra seems concentrated around Anko-san's neck area."
"The Cursed Seal," realization dawned upon Sakura immediately after Naruto spoke. It was definitely Orochimaru's cursed seal. Had he failed to successfully plant his 'kiss' on Sasuke and instead transferred it directly onto Anko?
"Come on, don't be shy! Time to grab your fate!"
Responding to Anko's persistent urging, they exchanged glances and queued up to reach into the box.
"I actually got the bye?"
Temari gasped as she unfolded her paper ball. Hers was completely blank, confirming her as the unexpectedly fortunate one receiving a free pass.
"Sasuke vs Gaara, Naruto against Shino, me versus Xi Chuo, and Hinata facing Neji. What about the rest of you?"
After checking the papers of those nearby, Sakura turned toward Tenten, Lee, and others asking about their assignments.
"We're giving up!" Lee and his team members shouted in unison.
"You're sure about forfeiting?" Hokage asked again. After all, the main attractions of the official month-later competition wouldn't center around Tenten and her group anyway. If they genuinely wished to withdraw, he wouldn't force them to compete. Given Lee's team's abilities, they were certainly qualified for chunin promotions already.
"Absolutely!" They nodded furiously in unison. It didn't really matter—who they faced—it was just another match among teammates they'd already fought dozens of times.
"Well then, since you've all chosen to withdraw, only four teams will be competing in the third and final stage of the Chunin Exams one month from now!"
Hiruzen nodded as he spoke, "The participants can use this time to improve their strength and strive for good results in the third stage of the Chunin Exams!"
After casually offering a few more words of encouragement, Hiruzen left. Temari, Gaara, and the others followed suit, returning to their respective lodging places in different ninja villages.
"Everyone go back and rest for now. Meet at the bathhouse tomorrow to discuss our plans for the next month."
Sakura stretched lazily, completely relaxing her body. Ever since the Chunin Exam began, she hadn't had a moment's rest. Now finally there was some time to relax.
The next morning after breakfast, everyone gathered at the hot spring bathhouse, preparing to soak in the hot springs and unwind.
"Sakura, aren't you going to come down and take a dip?" Hinata asked Sakura, who was sitting by the edge of the hot spring pool.
"I was still suffering from the lingering effects of the battle last night, so I went to the hospital to find Haku and get my wounds wrapped. Then Haku gave me firm instructions not to get near water until my wounds heal, so I guess I'll just have to watch all of you enjoy the hot spring."
Sakura looked utterly miserable. She'd been looking forward to relaxing in the hot spring, but Haku had instantly sent her to hell.
"That really is too bad!" Hinata glanced at Sakura's right side, heavily bandaged. "But once your injuries are fully healed, we can come back and soak again as compensation!"
"I guess that's the only way." Sakura sat by the edge of the hot spring pool watching the others enjoying themselves in the water, feeling even more depressed.
When everyone finished bathing and came out to dress, Karin suddenly lifted her head with a puzzled expression.
"Why is there someone on top of the bathhouse roof? And this Chakra... it's so strong!"
"Huh?" Hinata was startled. Her Byakugan activated instantly. Sure enough, atop the bathhouse roof was a figure slowly crawling toward the room housing the hot spring. Fortunately they'd already finished bathing; otherwise they might have been seen by this lowlife peeping Tom!
"Tenten, grab the gear! Let's go catch that pervert!"
Sakura's expression darkened, her eyes glinting with fury. Her mood was already terrible, and now someone had dared approach recklessly. They couldn't expect mercy from her.
On the roof of the hot spring bathhouse, a middle-aged man with white hair was inching steadily toward the section over the hot spring. The determined look on his face made it seem as though he were undertaking some great mission.
When Sakura and the others quietly climbed up, this was exactly what they saw—this scene unfolding before them. When she recognized the person's familiar outfit, Sakura immediately knew exactly who this peeking tom was.
She signaled silently to the others, and five girls crouched low, tiptoeing forward to surround him.
"Good view?"
Just as the figure was about to peek down below, Sakura softly asked from directly behind him.
"I haven't actually seen anything yet."
Jiraiya, the man wearing the forehead protector with the character 'Abura' (Oil), instinctively responded. As soon as he realized something was off, he reflexively turned his head—only to see a baseball bat rapidly enlarging in his vision.
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