Hey guys, here is the new chapter hope you will liked and read thru everything.
I read all the comment in the last chapter and i see everyone into the story and the spice on the comment.
thanks for the support like always I would keep going until I finish it
If we hit 100 PW I post a extra chapter.
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Enjoy the chapter!
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The sun of the fifth day was beginning to rise over the endless dunes of the Demon Desert, painting the horizon in shades of gold, crimson, and violet.
After four days of constant vigilance, ruthless ambushes, and bloody battles under the scorching afternoon heat and the sepulchral cold of the nights, the second phase of the Chūnin Exams had officially come to an end.
Of the dozens of teams that had crossed the desert gates with the hope of becoming chūnin for their respective nations, only a fraction managed to survive and claim the required pair of keys to gain access to the tower.
Team 7 of Konohagakure marched with firm steps down the main hallway leading to the interior of the building. Naruto Uzumaki carried both keys the gold and the silver firmly secured to his belt.
Beside him, Sasuke Uchiha walked with his head held high and an implacable composure after pushing his body past its limits the previous night.
Sakura Haruno marched between them, exhausted but keeping her gaze upright, conscious that her strategic role as a decoy and her medical chakra had been vital for the group's survival.
Upon crossing the heavy iron gates of the northern entrance, the three Leaf ninjas were not directed to a break room or a medical ward. Instead, a crystal tunnel led them directly to the heart of a subterranean combat arena.
The arena's architecture combined the majesty of sandstone cliffs with elevated observation terraces protected by high-density containment walls and crystal pillars.
There, scattered in the center of the combat floor, awaited the only other survivors of the Exam.
The air inside the arena felt so dense it could almost be cut with a kunai. The diplomatic hostility between the Great Villages floated like an invisible, impenetrable fog.
On one side of the ring stood the representatives of Kumogakure: Samui, with her serene, analytical, and distant attitude; Karui, who kept impatiently tapping the hilt of her katana against her thigh; and Omoi, chewing on a lollypop.
Nearby, Team Iwa from Iwagakure: Kurotsuchi, standing tall with arms crossed and a defiant smile; Sekka, maintaining a sober and defensive posture; and Deidara, who idly molded a piece of white clay in his mouth, keeping a bored and noticeably arrogant glare.
On the host nation's side, Sunagakure demonstrated its overwhelming tactical dominance in this phase by qualifying all three of its full lineups, missing only one team overall:
Suna Team B: Kimimaro, faultless and stoic with a serene gaze; Temari, leaning against her closed giant fan; and Kankurō, patiently waiting for what was to come.
Suna Team C: Gaara, standing in the middle with a serious expression and arms crossed; Haku Yuki, wearing the sober tactical gear of the Sand; and Asper Dokuhebi, casually sitting atop his Komodo dragon.
And finally, Suna Team A: Sunae, her pink eyes scanning everyone with curiosity; Karin, adjusting her glasses while scanning the chakra reserves of everyone in the room; and Daiku, observing everyone while calculating their strength.
As soon as Team 7 stepped into the arena, Karin opened her eyes with slight surprise. She adjusted the frame of her glasses and whispered to her teammates:
"I didn't think they'd make it after the beating Daiku gave that Uchiha."
Daiku slowly turned his head toward the entrance of the hallway. His gaze collided head-on with Sasuke Uchiha's.
For a whole second, time seemed to freeze between the two. Daiku remembered leaving the Uchiha on the brink of death, his body practically consumed by the devastating heat of his Scorch Release.
However, there stood Sasuke, on his feet, staring back with absolute seriousness. The three tomoe of the Sharingan spun briefly in Sasuke's eyes before deactivating, sending a clear and unmistakable message: you won't catch me off guard again.
Daiku cracked an almost imperceptible smirk, adjusting the bandages on his hands. So you didn't just survive my burns... your eye evolved too. Interesting.
"Attention everyone," echoed a firm, commanding voice from the top of the main staircase.
Malenia, one of the 7 espadas of the sand who had led the opening of the second phase, slowly descended with her arms crossed behind her back.
Her sheer presence and intensity instantly commanded silence from the group of genin.
"Congratulations to the eighteen survivors," Malenia declared, sweeping over the six teams with a critical glare.
"You have traversed the carnage of the Demon Desert and proven that you possess the strength, cunning, and ruthlessness required to represent your villages. However, the number of qualified participants is too high for the final public phase. Therefore, we will hold the Preliminary Rounds immediately."
A murmur of protest threatened to break out between Karui and Kurotsuchi, but Malenia raised a hand, silencing them instantly with a single icy glare.
"Make way and show respect," Malenia commanded with great solemnity.
"The Kazekage has arrived to witness your battles in person."
A murmur of genuine anticipation rippled through both the genin and the mentor jōnin observing from the upper balconies.
Suddenly, the air above the main balcony began to distort violently. A warm breeze brought thousands of tiny luminous glimmers with it.
Within seconds, a massive swirling vortex of pink crystals fell from above, spinning at a blinding speed and refracting the sunlight into thousands of multicolored beams.
With an echoing, crystalline snap, the vortex burst open, dispersing into a shower of brilliant dust that blanketed the stone floor.
At the center of the balcony appeared the imposing figure of Daigo, the Kazekage of Sunagakure.
He wore the official Kazekage robes patterned with wind motifs along the hem, his ceremonial hat resting to the side, revealing his serene gaze.
"That's... the Kazekage!" Omoi whispered, his eyes widening. "A vortex of crystals? So that's the famous bloodline... If he attacks us with that, we're all dead!"
"What an ostentatious entrance, hm," Deidara muttered from Iwa's sector, though his eyes couldn't hide his curiosity about Daigo. Old Ōnoki had talked more than enough trash about him.
"His chakra is overwhelming...", Sakura thought, feeling a physical tightness in her chest just looking at the Sand's leader from a distance.
On the mentors' balcony, the elite ninjas from Kumo and Iwa observed with extreme caution.
Daigo's display of absolute mastery over Crystal Release was a direct reminder of the incontestable military power Sunagakure held in this Era.
Daigo took a step toward the edge of the balcony, resting his hands on the stone railing and looking down at the eighteen contenders.
"Welcome to Sunagakure's Preliminary Arena," Daigo began, his voice amplified by chakra echoing powerfully throughout the entire facility.
"Many may wonder why we subject our young shinobi to such a peculiar process. The answer is simple: the Chūnin Exams are not a mere tournament of skills; they are a controlled substitute for war among the Great Nations. Here we demonstrate the balance of military power and the resolve of the next generation."
Daigo paused, scanning the faces of the ninjas from Konoha, Iwa, Kumo, and Suna.
"The battles you are about to witness will be harsh and uncompromising," Daigo continued.
"There are no team formations or tactical coverage here. You will stand alone against your opponent. The preliminary rounds will continue until only the best remain for the final phase before the Feudal Lords."
Malenia signaled toward the main wall of the arena. Behind the fighters, a massive mechanical screen made of metal and crystal began to groan.
On the panel, two rows of letters illuminated by chakra began to spin in a dizzying reel.
"The selection of matches will be conducted randomly through this mechanism," Malenia announced.
"Both contenders will step into the arena immediately after the draw. Matches end by death, total incapacitation, or surrender."
The eighteen genin began to retreat toward the staircases leading to the side balconies, leaving the central floor clear as the mechanical reels spun at full speed.
One by one, the chakra lights on the screen froze, revealing the nine official preliminary matchups:
Deidara (Iwa)vs. Kankurō (Suna)
Daiku (Suna) vs. Sakura Haruno (Konoha)
Samui (Kumo) vs. Karin (Suna)
Kurotsuchi (Iwa) vs. Temari (Suna)
Sasuke Uchiha (Konoha) vs. Sekka (Iwa)
Omoi (Kumo) vs. Kimimaro (Suna)
Naruto Uzumaki (Konoha) vs. Asper Dokuhebi (Suna)
Sunae (Suna) vs. Karui (Kumo)
Gaara (Suna) vs. Haku Yuki (Suna)
With the list displayed in golden letters across the sandstone wall, silence once again took hold of the arena. No one spoke for several seconds.
The eighteen participants fixed their eyes on the screen, and immediately, glares began to cross between the balconies. Physical tension gave way to a fierce psychological battle.
On the Iwagakure balcony, Deidara stared at his name at the top of the board while squeezing a piece of clay inside his vest pocket.
His blue eyes locked onto Kankurō, who was already walking toward the railing.
A puppet master from the Sand?, Deidara thought with a scowl, adjusting his blonde fringe over his left eye. Those wooden toys are so rigid... they lack dynamism. A true artist doesn't spend hours building a doll meant to last years. Art is fleeting.
It's the exact moment when something beautiful transforms into a sublime explosion. I'm going to blow that guy and his puppets into a thousand pieces before he can even twitch his fingers, hm.
A few meters away, on the balcony of Suna Team B, Kankurō adjusted the wooden straps of Karasu over his shoulders.
His eyes, painted with kabuki markings, observed the Stone ninja's arrogance.
That Iwa bastard thinks puppets are just wood, Kankurō analyzed internally, calculating the distance to the arena floor.
Iwa is famous for earth jutsus and solid mass, but their movements tend to be heavy. If he tries to throw that clay he's been molding, I'll use Karasu's poisoned blades to cut his movements or block his hands. I won't give him room to breathe.
In Konoha's Team 7 sector, Sakura Haruno gripped the stone railing so tightly her knuckles turned white. Looking at the second line of the screen, her heart took an involuntary leap.
Daiku..., Sakura thought, swallowing hard as she looked toward the gray-and-orange-haired boy from Suna Team A. He's the same monster who almost killed Sasuke with his Scorch Release.
My chakra reserves are barely recovering, and my physical combat skills are the lowest in the group. He knows it. Everyone in this arena knows it. But I can't just surrender or run away. If I wimp out here, everything I said about being a pillar for Naruto and Sasuke will be a lie. Even if I lose... I'm going to make him fight with everything he's got to take me out.
For his part, Daiku remained leaning against the wall of Suna Team A's balcony. He glanced at Sakura briefly, loosening his shoulders and adjusting his arm guard.
The pink-haired girl..., Daiku meditated.
Her chakra is weak, and it's obvious she's exhausted from healing the Uchiha in the desert. It would make sense for her to surrender to avoid injury, but her eyes say otherwise. If she steps into that arena to put up a fight, I can't be careless. Dad is watching from the balcony, and I'm not going to put on a pathetic show in front of him. I have to win this cleanly and quickly.
On the Kumogakure balcony,
Samui observed Karin with an analytical, measured gaze. She kept her arms crossed, noting every tiny detail in the red-haired Sand kunoichi's posture.
That girl is an Uzumaki..., Samui analyzed silently, observing the trademark hair color and the way she was scanning everyone. Her sensory ability is obvious, but being of that blood, she most likely hides some Sealing Jutsu (Fūinjutsu) in her arsenal. She looks extremely observant and attentive to every detail in the arena.
I can't afford a single tactical mistake against her; if she reads my movement pattern and sets up a seal, she'll take me out before I can react.
On the Suna Team A balcony, Karin adjusted the frame of her glasses with curiosity, returning Samui's glare.
That Kumo kunoichi can't take her eyes off me..., Karin thought, scanning the steady flow of Samui's chakra.
She's cold and very calculating, doesn't seem like the type to rush in blindly. She knows I'm an Uzumaki and is probably speculating about my techniques. Fine, let her think whatever she wants.
Uncle Daigo is watching our performance, and under no circumstances am I going to let Team A look foolish in front of the other villages.
A bit further down, Omoi looked toward the balcony where Kimimaro stood, scratching the back of his neck while chewing his lollypop.
Man, Kimimaro from Team B..., Omoi thought with a slight grimace. He looks pretty relaxed, but with a build like that, I wouldn't be surprised if he's fast. If I space out for a second, he'll close the distance before I can even set my katana.
I need to keep an eye on his first move and not get careless just because he seems laid-back.
Kimimaro, on his end, adjusted his clothes and stretched his neck slightly, looking over the battlefield with a light, unbothered smile a far cry from the extreme sternness he seemed to project at first glance.
The Kumo guy looks pretty deep in thought, Kimimaro considered casually. Even though I like taking things easy and not getting worked up, this is still an official exam. I'm not planning to lose in the first round, especially not with Dad watching from above. I have to show how strong I've become.
Further off, Kurotsuchi let out a defiant chuckle, resting her hands on her hips while eyeing Temari on the opposite balcony.
Temari of the Sand... giant fan user, Kurotsuchi reflected with a sly smirk.
The Sand's wind is sharp and has brutal range, but it's still just air. She relies too much on that huge weapon to kick up her gusts. If I control the terrain with my Earth Release or coat her fan in my Lava Release to destroy it, she'll be useless.
I'll show this Sand kunoichi that Iwa's rocks don't just blow away with a simple gust.
Temari didn't miss the Stone girl's smirk. She adjusted the strap of her fan on her back, maintaining a firm, stoic posture.
That girl from Iwa is the Tsuchikage's granddaughter, Temari analyzed with cold, calculating eyes. Her toolkit must include Earth Release combinations and probably something else.
She wants to close the distance to trap me in dense terrain or disable my fan. I'll show her that the desert wind breaks even the hardest rock.
In Konoha's area, Sasuke Uchiha stared intently at his opponent's name: Sekka of Iwagakure. Sasuke adjusted his forehead protector, feeling the surge of adrenaline.
A defensive ninja from Iwa..., Sasuke meditated coldly.
Iwagakure specializes in high-density stone walls, body hardening, and static frontal combat. He's the perfect guinea pig. My three-tomoe Sharingan is finally complete, and my visual perception has reached a higher level.
I'll test the absolute piercing power of Chidori against the toughest defense Iwa can build. I won't waste time in this match.
Sekka, standing beside Kurotsuchi, maintained a sober posture. He observed the cold glint in the Uchiha's eyes and crossed his metal-guarded arms.
The three-tomoe Sharingan and Fire Release..., Sekka thought, weighing the risks of the fight. Earth has a natural advantage over fire, and the Uchiha clan's speed is legendary.
If I block his attacks with walls, his fire will stop. I need to condense my earth chakra into mobile, high-density layers and force him into a physical war of attrition.
If I manage to drain his chakra, the Sharingan will become a burden to him. Besides, I have Explosion Release, so he won't see that coming.
A short distance away, Naruto Uzumaki tightened his forehead protector with a grin full of energy and determination, looking toward the balcony where Asper Dokuhebi observed him with snake-like eyes.
Asper from Suna Team C!, Naruto thought, slamming his fists together. Looks like he uses that Komodo dragon and poisons like the other Sand ninjas.
But I don't care what kind of help he's got. After what we went through in the desert against Team A, I'm not losing to anyone before reaching the finals. I'll show the whole Sand and the Kazekage the power of the future Hokage of Konoha!
Asper Dokuhebi gently patted his Komodo dragon, which responded to the touch. A refined smile formed on his lips.
The blonde looks tough..., Asper analyzed in his thoughts, observing Naruto.
His chakra reserve is impressive from what Karos picked up, but I'll do as much as I can. I have to elevate the status of my clan after coming so close to extinction.
On the Suna Team A balcony, Karui pointed her index finger at Sunae with an attitude-filled glare.
That Sand girl doesn't know what's coming for her!, Karui thought, gritting her teeth and adjusting her grip on her sword. Suna's been acting way too confident just because they're at home.
My Kumo swordsmanship is fast and direct. As soon as the match starts, I'm closing the distance so she can't do anything.
Sunae calmly adjusted the strap of her light armor, looking at Karui with a serene expression.
She's definitely fast when she fights, Sunae observed silently. She'll want to go for an immediate head-on clash using her Kenjutsu. I'll have to use my Scorch Release to keep my distance; Mom's taught me plenty about that.
Dad is watching us from the upper balcony, and I'm not going to stumble in this phase.
Finally, in the last match on the list, Gaara observed the screen with a calm but focused attitude, keeping his arms crossed over his chest while the sand rested quietly inside his gourd.
Haku..., Gaara thought with ninja professionalism. He's a competent teammate, and his mastery of ice is extremely precise.
In an official match, there's no room for concessions. His speed with the mirrors is high, so I'll have to use the density of my sand or crystal to cover all angles and maintain control of the field from the start.
Haku Yuki adjusted his senbon needles with a subtle smile of respect toward his teammate.
Gaara is flawless at what he does, Haku reflected. His automatic sand defense is one of the hardest techniques to flank. If I want any chance at bypassing it, I'll have to rely fully on my Ice Release and create an opening. This will be an excellent match to gauge our abilities.
From the main balcony, Daigo swept his gaze across the faces of the eighteen contenders, feeling the energy and resolve boiling in the arena air.
Daigo raised his right hand toward the sky above the arena. The thousands of pink crystal glimmers still floating in the air shone intensely under the sunlight.
"The fates have been drawn," the Daigo voice announced, resonating authoritatively through every stone pillar.
"May the eighteen contenders prove the worth of their villages. Let the Chūnin Exam Preliminary Rounds begin!"
Malenia stepped forward into the center of the ring, staring up at the observation balconies.
"First match!", Malenia proclaimed in a powerful voice.
"Deidara of Iwagakure versus Kankurō of Sunagakure! All other participants, remain on the observation platforms!"
End of chapter