"Which country is Xiang Renma from? I've never heard of it before..."
"Since the Third Hokage himself said so, it must be accurate!"
...
"But after all, everyone came to Konohagakure to watch this match. If it ends like this, wouldn't that be too anticlimactic..."
The calm and authoritative voice of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, echoed through the stadium, bringing the restless audience to silence.
"So," the old Hokage continued, his gaze sweeping across the crowded arena, "I have decided that Chen Xing of Hoshigakure will advance directly as the champion. After the other competitors recover, the remaining matches will continue to determine second and third place in the Chūnin Exams."
Hiruzen's words immediately reignited the crowd's excitement. Disappointed murmurs turned into cheers and applause.
After all, many had traveled long distances to see thrilling ninja battles in the Leaf Village. No one expected the final match to end before they could even blink. Though the overwhelming power of Chen Xing had shocked them, such an abrupt ending left a bitter taste.
Now that there would still be more fights, the spectators rejoiced.
"That's more like it!"
"At least we'll get to see some more action!"
"Did you see that lightning just now? Incredible!"
"Yeah! I still can't believe it ended that fast!"
Even though the champion had already been decided, the audience was eager to watch the remaining battles for the second and third spots. For most civilians, witnessing a shinobi battle was a rare opportunity — and dangerous clashes like these were almost never seen outside the Chūnin Exams.
Down in the arena, Chen Xing didn't object to the Hokage's decision. It was a wise move — not out of fairness, but necessity. After all, the other genin he had knocked out with his lightning technique wouldn't be able to recover anytime soon.
Even if he hadn't gone all out, it would take them days, perhaps weeks, before they could fight again.
Chen Xing brushed the dust off his clothes and glanced toward Kakashi, who was still standing nearby.
"Well, since that's settled, I'll be going," he said casually.
Kakashi Hatake — the proctor of the final stage — narrowed his single visible eye. He had instantly recognized the jutsu Chen Xing used.
Though it wasn't identical, the technique resembled his own signature move, the Chidori.
"Wait," Kakashi called out. "That jutsu you used... Why does it look like my Chidori? Who taught it to you?"
Chen Xing turned his head slightly, smiling faintly.
"You think that just because you created Chidori, no one else can develop a similar technique? Once someone masters lightning release chakra nature, creating a variation isn't so hard."
Before Kakashi could respond, Chen Xing's figure blurred and vanished from sight, leaving only a faint crackle of static in the air.
Kakashi exhaled, lowering his hand. "If it were really that easy... Chidori wouldn't be called my unique jutsu," he muttered. Still, he couldn't deny the truth — Chen Xing's strength had already reached a level where replicating or improving upon an A-rank technique was possible.
Perhaps seeing Kakashi's Chidori had simply inspired him to refine it further.
(In truth, Chen Xing had indeed developed his technique based on partial information about the Chidori. Without the Rasengan as a training reference, it was remarkable that he had mastered it to such a high level.)
...
Up in the stands, among the spectators, a small girl with pale lavender eyes watched him quietly until he disappeared from view.
Her white eyes — the Byakugan of the Hyūga clan — reflected admiration and determination.
"Chen Xing-nii..." whispered Hyūga Hinata, her voice barely audible as her small hands clenched together.
The memory of his overwhelming power burned in her heart. Remembering his earlier encouragement, she took a deep breath, a spark of resolve shining in her gentle eyes.
Not long after, a squad of Konoha medical-nin rushed into the arena to treat the unconscious participants. Thanks to their efforts, the matches resumed about half an hour later. The crowd roared once more as the remaining genin fought fiercely for the second and third places.
In the end, a genin from the Leaf Village secured second place, while a Sand Village shinobi took third — bringing the Chūnin Exams to a satisfying conclusion.
As Chen Xing had expected, his overwhelming display made him a legend overnight. The name of Hoshigakure — the Village Hidden Among Stars — spread rapidly across the Five Great Nations.
Among ninja circles, rumors about the "Peacock King" who defeated every opponent in an instant filled the taverns and intelligence reports alike.
...
Meanwhile, in the dark underground base beneath Konoha — the headquarters of Root — Danzo Shimura stood with his cane, his expression hidden behind shadows. Two Root operatives knelt before him.
"Are the preparations complete?" Danzo's voice was low and cold.
"Yes, Lord Danzo," one of the Root members replied. "Once they leave Konoha's borders, we'll strike."
Danzo nodded slowly. "They'll be cautious, no doubt. But even with that strange technique of his — the so-called 'Peacock Method' — his flight speed and chakra consumption will limit him. Track their route. Make sure to eliminate them before they leave the Land of Fire."
"With you leading us, Lord Danzo, even the 'Peacock King' won't escape alive," another Root ninja said coldly.
Danzo's one visible eye narrowed. "Once that boy from Hoshigakure is dead, the village will have one less variable to worry about."
...
At their inn, Chen Xing addressed Red Star and the others.
"I'm sure Root will ambush us once we leave the village. When we reach the outskirts, I'll use my Peacock Technique to take you near the border. From there, return to Hoshigakure as fast as you can. I'll handle the rest."
He knew Danzo well enough to predict his move. The elder wouldn't allow someone with such power to leave Konoha freely.
However, what Danzo didn't know was that Chen Xing's mastery of the Perfect Peacock Method no longer carried the crippling chakra cost of the original technique. It was his ultimate trump card.
"Then be careful," Red Star said solemnly. The others nodded — they knew they couldn't stop him.
Chen Xing gave a small smile. His eyes hardened as he looked toward the village.
"Danzo... You'll walk right into my trap. And when you do, even the Hokage won't be able to blame me for what happens next."
After packing their belongings, the group passed the final security checkpoint and departed Konoha.
Once deep within the forest outskirts, Chen Xing sensed no one nearby. His chakra surged — and behind him, a massive peacock-shaped construct of chakra unfolded its radiant wings. Grabbing his companions, the peacock soared into the sky and vanished into the horizon like a comet of light.
Behind them, Root trackers could only follow from a distance — unable to keep up with Chen Xing's speed.
Moments later, Chen Xing descended into a clearing. He dismissed the chakra construct, landing lightly on the grass.
"From here, you head back to Hoshigakure," he told them. "I'll recover some chakra... and wait for our guests."
"Be careful," Red Star repeated, looking back one last time.
Chen Xing smiled faintly. "Don't worry. They're the ones who should be afraid."
...
Soon, a dozen shadows flickered into the clearing. At their head stood Danzo Shimura, surrounded by elite Root operatives.
The tension in the air was suffocating.
"Lord Danzo, the trail ends here," one Root ninja reported, scanning the area. "It seems they didn't double back — they're heading straight toward Hoshigakure."
"Arrogant fool," another muttered. "He must think he's untouchable."
Danzo's cane pressed lightly into the earth. "Then let's show him what happens when a child defies Konoha."
The Root operatives leapt into motion, following the direction Chen Xing had flown.
Meanwhile, in the quiet forest clearing ahead, Chen Xing stood waiting — a faint, cold smile on his face.
"The hunt begins."
---