A month flew by in the blink of an eye. Konoha Village was now packed with crowds, filled with many social elites and foreign officials, and among them, the Third Kazekage from the allied nation received the most attention.
Inside a massive circular battlefield, the winning participants were already standing before the audience. The stands were packed with cheering fans as far as the eye could see.
Naruto Uzumaki arrived late and asked curiously, "Where's Sasuke?"
Shikamaru replied, "Well, not just Sasuke—the Sound Village's genin are missing too."
Examiner Genma interrupted, "Enough chit-chatting. Stand tall and face the audience properly. Today, you're the stars."
Beneath the plaque labeled "World's Strongest," the Third Kazekage finally arrived. Dressed in full Kage regalia and wearing his mask, he made quite an entrance. Hiruzen Sarutobi warmly welcomed him by saying, "What an honored guest. You must be exhausted after your long journey."
The Kazekage's tone remained blunt. "I'm fine. Fortunately, the venue is in Konoha. If you had to travel specially to Sunagakure for this meeting, I imagine you really would be tired. I suggest you decide on your successor soon."
Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled. "Don't treat me like an old man. I plan to work another five years at least."
"In that case, let's begin then."
Anya observed the two chatting from afar with her soul vision, feeling deeply moved. Since she had come into this world, Hiruzen Sarutobi had been Hokage, holding the position for so many years. Today, finally marked the end of his stage.
Back then, you coldly watched your Master's death. Today, I will do exactly the same. Dying at the hands of your most beloved student will be the perfect ending for you—as if completing the Will of Fire you always talked about.
Anya got lost in her memories, her thoughts racing without end, completely unaware that the first match had officially begun—and her opponent was none other than Naruto Uzumaki.
After the other competitors exited the arena, Naruto Uzumaki saw the stunned Anya and couldn't help shouting, "Hey! The match has begun! Are you ready? I'm already fired up and can't wait!"
Naruto Uzumaki's fiery voice snapped Anya out of her thoughts. She raised her right hand and clearly declared, "I forfeit."
Before she could respond, Naruto mumbled, "Hmm? What did you say?"
For a moment, the audience fell silent. Then loud boos filled the stadium, some screaming furiously, "Refund! Give us our money back!"
Watching the withdrawal, Shikamaru—who had previously felt bored—suddenly lit up as if he had found a kindred spirit. But moments later, he hesitated again. Sighing, he muttered, "Well, someone already quit first. If I were the second one to withdraw, the audience might literally kill me."
Kurenai Yuhi, who had eagerly anticipated this fight, showed deep disappointment in her eyes. Softly whispering to herself, she said, "Looks like I really was mistaken. You're definitely not him. He never feared any battle nor would he ever give up easily."
As Genma prepared to announce the winner, Naruto Uzumaki finally understood what had happened and shouted, "Wait a minute!"
Genma paused as instructed.
"Why did you give up? We haven't even started fighting yet," Naruto Uzumaki urgently demanded an answer.
Anya smiled slightly and replied, "I know I can't defeat you. Naturally, I choose to forfeit."
Naruto Uzumaki firmly replied, "How can a ninja give up so easily? Why not at least give it a try? Look at me—I've climbed all the way from the lowest of the low to where I stand today, right here on the Chunin main stage. I don't want to win this way, so please take back what you just said."
"Way with words already mastered at your age? Impressive," Anya said indifferently. "If defeat is inevitable, why waste effort pointlessly? Charging recklessly at an opponent you can't possibly beat—that's just idiotic."
Naruto fiercely disagreed, shouting furiously, "Aaaaargh! If that's what being an idiot means, then fine! I'm a big idiot who never gives up once I've set my mind to something! People like you have no right to even call yourself a ninja!"
"You're actually right about one thing—being a ninja was never my goal to begin with. This ninja world won't exist much longer." After speaking those meaningful words, Anya turned to Genma and asked, "Examiner, aren't you going to announce the result already?"
Genma sighed helplessly and called out, "Winner by forfeit: Naruto Uzumaki."
Clenching his fists tightly, Naruto Uzumaki watched Anya leave the arena with an indifferent expression, his teeth nearly grinding to pieces.
Watching from above, Kazekage chuckled, "What a dramatic first match that was."
"That's right. I didn't expect him to forfeit." Sarutobi muttered, his expression darkening as he tried to decipher Anya's intent. "This happening so early into the tournament was undeniably humiliating."
"The next match will be far more interesting for our daimyo clients," Kazekage continued as he looked at the lineup for the upcoming match. "However, he wasn't present during the opening ceremony. Has he arrived already?"
Next match: Sasuke vs. Gaara.
One of Sarutobi's guards stepped forward quietly and said, "We still haven't received any news about Sasuke or Orochimaru. It would be best to disqualify him before doubts arise among everyone."
The crowd upstairs had already grown impatient. They had eagerly anticipated the first match, only for it to end quickly, and now the second match hadn't started yet. Had they come all this way just to be treated like circus monkeys?
"What's going on! Get the match started already!"
"You can't keep us waiting forever!"
"It's almost nightfall already!"
After a moment's contemplation, Sarutobi reluctantly declared, "I suppose there's no other way. Sasuke has been disqualified."
Kazekage objected, saying, "Please reconsider regarding Sasuke's disqualification."
The guard countered, "No matter how gifted a ninja may be, failing to show up without justification disqualifies him from becoming a chunin. Without sufficient reason to convince others, he must be disqualified."
"Reason, you say?" Kazekage calmly responded. "Actually, we do have one. As the sole survivor of the Uchiha Clan, most of our top officials came here specifically for this match. Please allow him to face off against Gaara of the Land of Wind."
Sarutobi stared deeply at Kazekage before declaring, "I understand. We'll postpone this match for now."
Hearing the news, Genma announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, due to the absence of one of the participants in the next match, we hereby announce the postponement of this particular battle."
"So it's already my turn? Why did my match get moved up?" Shikamaru said helplessly.
Shikamaru, who had absolutely no desire to fight, was stuck in a tough inner struggle. Should he sneak off secretly or just forfeit right here? It was such a tough choice.
"Great! It's your turn now, Shikamaru! Good luck!" Naruto shouted excitedly as he rushed over and gave Shikamaru an unexpected [Push].
Before he could react, Shikamaru tumbled right into the Battlefield.
Facing him stood Tenten, who'd been rigorously trained by Sasori for a whole month and now looked sharp and full of energy.
"That idiot, Naruto," Shikamaru muttered weakly.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
Want to read the subsequent content in advance?
Please follow my Patreon:patreon/Tansnovel
Tans Novel - The Fastest-Updating Naruto Fanfiction Account
Read 100+ chapters in advance, with at least 3 new chapters updated every day! More free chapters! 20+ Naruto fanfictions!
Just three steps:
1. Download and open the "Patreon" app
2. Search for "Tans Novel"
3. Click on the collection and enjoy to your heart's content
<><><><><><><><>