Returning to the preliminary matches, the Third Hokage quickly explained the tournament situation to Takeru and the others. He hoped that as representatives of their respective nations, they would fight without regret, giving their all. Furthermore, the official matches would be held one month later.
"Huh? They're not starting now?" Hearing Hiruzen's words, Naruto asked in confusion.
"This is what you would call the corresponding preparation period," Hiruzen stated plainly.
"How does that work?" The group was still somewhat unclear.
"This is the preparation time needed to notify the Daimyo and Ninja Leaders of the various nations that the preliminaries have concluded and to formally invite them as observers. Moreover, this is also preparation time for you, the examinees!" Seeing that everyone still didn't understand, Hiruzen had to spell it out.
During this one month, everyone could analyze their opponents. After all, many contestants' abilities had been exposed during the preliminaries. The next step was to diligently study how to fight against specific opponents. The month could also be used for further training to increase one's chances of victory.
As for Takeru, seeing that another month's wait was required, he showed no particular reaction. During this time, aside from training, Takeru could also properly collect Ninjutsu scrolls and do some planning.
After Hiruzen finished explaining the rules, he had everyone draw lots. Takeru drew number 4.
The results were: Naruto (1), Neji (2), Gaara (3), Takeru (4), Shino (6), Temari (7), Ui (8), Shikamaru (9), Ritsu (10), Dosu (11), Ino (12). Sasuke, who was absent, was defaulted to number 5.
Following the draw, Hiruzen let everyone view the tournament bracket.
It displayed the match pairings: 1 vs. 2, 3 vs. 4, and so on in a cycle. Winners would advance to fight the next opponent. When only three contestants remained, the person with the later number would receive a bye to advance, and would finally face the winner of the other match.
"I have a question. If this is a single-elimination tournament, only one person can ultimately win, right? Meaning, only one person can become a Chunin?" Shikamaru promptly raised the question.
Ui and Ritsu also looked intently at Hiruzen. If that were truly the case, they might as well give up, as there was absolutely no way they could defeat Takeru.
Just recalling Takeru's previous battle with Orochimaru was enough to understand the terrifying extent of his combat power, not to mention he was their team leader...
"No, that's not correct. For this exam, there will be examiners present, including myself, the Kazekage, the Daimyo who commissioned us, and the Ninja Leaders from various nations. By observing the elimination matches, the examiners will evaluate you. Those deemed to possess sufficient qualities of a Chunin can be promoted, even if they are defeated in the first round."
Because promotion in this exam was not solely based on final victory but also on overall performance, receiving a bye was not necessarily advantageous.
On the contrary, consistently demonstrating one's abilities made promotion more likely. In other words, the more matches one fought, the greater the opportunity for improvement.
"So, does that mean everyone here has the potential to become a Chunin?" Hearing his explanation, Temari asked directly.
"Yes. Conversely, it's also possible that none of you will," the Third Hokage stated plainly.
'Seriously, what a drag.' Shikamaru felt deeply exasperated.
Takeru's eyes also narrowed slightly. So, merely displaying combat prowess did not guarantee a promotion spot. However, since their mission did not explicitly require becoming Chunin, he wasn't overly concerned.
After all, while a Chunin's strength wasn't necessarily paramount, demonstrating strategic capability was its own trouble.
"Alright then, you've all worked hard. We will reconvene in one month. Dismissed!" After the explanations were complete, Hiruzen announced.
Upon the dismissal order, Takeru immediately left with Ui and Ritsu.
"Takeru-nii, this exam seems so troublesome, even more unpredictable than the Hunter Exam!" After leaving the examination hall, Ui said to Takeru.
"Don't worry. When the time comes, just focus on properly defeating your opponent. Your opponent is Temari. Is that manageable?" Takeru looked at Ui and said with a slight smile.
"Mhm. Although her strength seems decent, if it's only at the level she displayed, defeating her shouldn't be too difficult!" Hearing Takeru's words, Ui replied with a confident smile.
"That's good. As for you, Ritsu, your match is trickier. Compared to someone like Temari, Shikamaru's intellect is considerable. Furthermore, the arena conditions will be uncertain, offering many elements he could exploit. Stay alert to the situation. But remember one thing: Shikamaru will absolutely not resort to lethal force. Also, your basic attributes are slightly superior to his."
"As for Dosu later on, although his soundwave attack is somewhat peculiar, using Observation Haki combined with long-range magic should be sufficient to defeat him." After hearing Ui's confident statement, Takeru turned to Ritsu with a light smile.
"I understand. I'll work hard, strive to use Observation Haki more fluidly. I will diligently improve!" Hearing Takeru's words, Ritsu nodded earnestly.
Subsequently, Takeru and the two found Karin, who had been waiting outside for a considerable time, and brought her back to their lodgings.
Since Karin was currently affiliated with Kusagakure, keeping her here involved certain difficulties that Takeru needed to resolve.
...
Apart from Takeru's group, after leaving, Naruto ran straight to the hospital, only to be informed that visits to Sasuke were currently prohibited.
The reason was that while Takeru and the others were receiving Hiruzen's briefing, Sasuke's room had been infiltrated by Kabuto.
Kabuto easily subdued the three Anbu guarding Sasuke and, upon Kakashi's arrival, demonstrated formidable skills.
He even managed to retreat safely from Kakashi's presence without raising an alarm...
Consequently, Kakashi had no choice but to personally guard Sasuke. He understood that Orochimaru's target was Sasuke.
With him present, even if Orochimaru were to appear, he could hold his own long enough for reinforcements to arrive.
"What?! Hey, hey, why?!" Hearing the receptionist's words, Naruto couldn't help but shout.
"You're asking me..." The receptionist showed an awkward expression. She didn't know either, and she was simply following orders.
"Miss, why?!" Naruto persisted, refusing to let it go.
"Naruto, maintain quiet in the hospital!" At that moment, Kakashi emerged and reprimanded Naruto.
"Oh, Kakashi-sensei! That, that!" Seeing it was Kakashi, Naruto excitedly rushed over.
"No need to explain. Alright, I knew you'd come. I've already arranged for someone to instruct you." Seeing Naruto's eagerness, Kakashi said directly.
"Why? I want Kakashi-sensei to teach me!" Hearing Kakashi, Naruto exclaimed excitedly.
"I have pressing matters to attend to. No time to look after you." Seeing Naruto's reaction, Kakashi felt somewhat helpless. He was now responsible for Sasuke, and furthermore, his own skills weren't particularly suited for Naruto...
"Oh, so you're going to teach Sasuke instead, right?" Catching his meaning, Naruto reacted with agitation.
"Ah, don't say it like that. The instructor I found for you is far more capable than I am." Hearing Naruto, Kakashi could only reply evasively.
"Who is it?" Only then did Naruto ask curiously.
"It is I!" At that moment, Ebisu, wearing sunglasses, stepped forward.
"Ah, it's you, you big pervert!" Seeing Ebisu, Naruto exclaimed.
"That is terribly rude!"
"I can't accept this! I don't care if he's an elite instructor. How am I supposed to get stronger with this pervert who's weaker than me teaching me?!" Naruto loudly protested.
However, under the circumstances, Naruto had no choice but to accept Kakashi's arrangement and leave with Ebisu. Naruto insisted on a sparring match first, agreeing to be taught only if he won. Kakashi paid no further attention and simply let the two depart.
While Naruto was sparring and training with Ebisu, he coincidentally encountered Jiraiya.
Because Ebisu interfered with Jiraiya's peeping activities, he was knocked unconscious. Naruto seized this opportunity to pester Jiraiya, demanding that he become his master.
Finally, worn down by Naruto's persistence, Jiraiya agreed to instruct him. In truth, Jiraiya only consented because he was aware of Naruto's identity and circumstances...