Chapter Eighteen: The Third Preliminary Match Concludes!~

Soon, the third round of the exam concluded, and the list of those qualifying for the main tournament was as follows:

Sand: Gaara, Kankuro.
Leaf: Neji Hyuga, Sasuke Uchiha, Ino Yamanaka, Naruto Uzumaki, Shikamaru Nara, Kiba Inuzuka.

Originally, nine candidates were to be chosen, but considering that Choji Akimichi was somewhat weaker, only the above eight were selected in the end.

“Everyone, in a month, the lords of various nations and the Kazekage will come to watch the finals. I hope you use this month to further strengthen yourselves so you can showcase your abilities without regret before the leaders of the world.

Now, let’s draw lots for your official opponents!”

Hayate Gekko stepped forward with a box, which contained the match slots.

“There are eight slips in the box. One versus eight, two versus seven, and so on. The person you draw will be your opponent in the finals. You may spend this month investigating your opponent’s strengths and preferences, or you can use it to improve yourself.

As long as you display your full potential in battle, win or lose, you might still become a Chunin.”

“Now, begin the drawing!”

The eight candidates stepped forward one by one to draw their opponent.

Yet whether it was the ferocious Gaara or Neji Hyuga of the largest Leaf clan, neither wished to face the two members of Team Seven.

Although Naruto’s strength hadn’t been revealed, earning Sasuke’s recognition meant he couldn’t be weak.

In the eyes of the others, those two were no mere Genin; they were clearly disguised powerhouses of Kage-level taking the exam!

“Now, announce your numbers!”

Neji Hyuga: “One.”
Sasuke: “Seven.”
...

In the end, Neji would face Kankuro, Shikamaru would battle Kiba, Sasuke against Gaara, and Naruto against Ino.

“There, the preliminary matches are over. You may all go rest. See you in a month, and may victory favor you!”

...

After the drawing, before Hao Yun could return home to celebrate with his three disciples, the Third Hokage sent a ninja to bring him to the office.

“Hey, old man, what do you want?”

Hao Yun casually found a chair and sat down. The office was empty except for the Third; even those two annoying elders weren’t present.

The Third Hokage wore a kindly smile, which looked especially awkward in Hao Yun’s eyes.

“I wanted to discuss something with you. Didn’t you mention wanting to take on a few ninja as disciples? Are you free now?”

After witnessing Sasuke and Sakura’s strength, the Third couldn’t help wanting to bundle up Shikamaru and the others and deliver them to Hao Yun. Most of the legendary ‘Twelve Elite’ belonged to his side after all.

The thought of Sakura, a civilian ninja, reaching Kage-level made the Third dream of twelve Kage-level ninjas appearing in the village.

“Well... I’m quite free these days. Let them come over.”

Hao Yun stroked his chin. Shikamaru, Ino, and the others were indeed a bit weak and needed to be strengthened.

Especially Ino Yamanaka—just thinking about her marrying Sai annoyed him! In his eyes, Ino was the most beautiful girl in the village; how could she marry someone from Root?

No, he must upgrade Ino’s abilities—even if she ends up with Shino Aburame, it’d be better than Sai!

At worst, he’d teach Shino the art of southern gu poison, so he’d give up carrying bugs everywhere!

“Excellent! Tomorrow morning, I’ll send them to Training Ground Seven!”

The Third agreed eagerly, even assigning the training location.

He suspected Hao Yun might have ulterior motives, but after seeing Sasuke and Sakura’s Kage-level prowess, the temptation was simply too great!

Given the chance to become stronger, Shikamaru and the others wouldn’t refuse. The moment they heard they’d be taught by the mentor of Sakura and Sasuke, the Twelve Elite agreed immediately, fearing they’d fall too far behind.

By the time Hao Yun returned to the Uchiha clan’s residence, all twelve had agreed and were now under his tutelage.

...

That night, after the preliminaries, Hao Yun treated Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura to a proper celebration, then slept soundly until noon the next day.

Upon waking, Hao Yun left the trio to their self-training, and strolled leisurely toward Training Ground Seven.

At that moment, the new students, led by Shikamaru, were busily disparaging their soon-to-arrive mentor.

Shikamaru, chewing a blade of grass, lay sprawled on the field: “Our new teacher isn’t going to be like Kakashi, is he? I heard he’s always tripped up by black cats on the road of life.”

“It’s possible,” Ino chimed in, kicking while they were down: “Sakura’s complained about Kakashi—he’s a hopeless pervert, a sleazeball, and a lazy bum...”

“Uh... my teacher says Kakashi is a great guy.”

This was Lee, Might Guy’s disciple, attempting to defend Kakashi.

“Lee, you’re just too honest!”

Tenten couldn’t take it anymore—Might Guy always demanded she wear a green bodysuit and sport a bowl cut... She’s a girl, after all!

“Guy-sensei isn’t reliable at all. Can you trust him? Neji, am I right?”

“Uh...” Neji gazed at the sky, torn between the girl he secretly liked, and his squad leader Might Guy. Who could he help? It was too difficult!

“He’s Naruto’s mentor, and a very good one...”

This gentle, timid voice belonged to Hinata.

Ino spoke up again: “Hinata, you’re too softhearted. You blush so easily. After you marry Naruto, he’ll surely bully you!”

“Bullying... after marriage... oh...”

With a single remark, Ino sent Hinata’s mind racing all the way to wedding, children, and hiring tutors for them—she was completely flustered.

“Tsk, tsk, my disciples, you seem lively and fond of gossip. Not bad, not bad—worthy of being Hao Yun’s students!”

From afar, a mellow male voice drifted over.

Ino, who’d wanted to disparage the teacher a bit more, froze, turning stiffly to look... Oh no, caught badmouthing by the very person involved!

Hao Yun—the mentor who produced Kage-level ninja!

“Teacher... I...”

“Relax, it’s fine. I’m not fond of Kakashi or Guy either.”

Hao Yun walked over and vigorously ruffled Ino’s golden hair: “But before you speak ill of someone, always consider whether they’re a ninja you can actually defeat! Otherwise, you’ll end up just like now...”

He paused mischievously, watching as Ino’s eyes grew increasingly anxious and fearful, before announcing their punishment.

“Now, everyone, run ten laps around the village for me! If you fail, Kakashi and Guy will personally spar with you! And yes, it’ll be a full-power match—not just a beating!”

“Ah!” x9

Nine little ones howled and dashed off...