Before the examiner could respond to the Third Kazekage, Sakumo raised his hand.
Though reluctant, Sakumo saw the vast gap in strength.
Continuing would yield no victory.
"I lose," Sakumo declared to the examiner.
"Wise choice." The Third Kazekage smirked, releasing control over Sakumo's chakra short blade.
The examiner officially announced the result.
The Third Kazekage from Sunagakure won.
Sakumo felt a bit dejected. He knew the chunin exam drew elite genin from every village.
Naturally, some outclassed him.
But falling here still stung.
"You did great," Kazuku approached, consoling Sakumo. "You're only eight. You're young—try again next year."
Sakumo opened his mouth, then stopped.
He didn't want to hear this from Kazuku.
You're a year younger than me!
And…
Coming over so fast, so calm.
You must've one-shot your opponent and advanced.
Though Sakumo lacked raw strength, his analysis was sharp.
"Congrats, Kazuku."
Sakumo wasn't petty.
As Kazuku's teammate, he was genuinely happy.
Though he'd predicted this.
With Kazuku's strength, Sakumo couldn't imagine him losing.
"Let's grab food. After all those fights, we need energy," Kazuku patted Sakumo's shoulder, suggesting.
Speaking of…
In the Second Ninja War, Sakumo killed Scorpion's parents.
That drove Scorpion's puppet obsession.
Leading him to kill the Third Kazekage and make him a puppet.
Kazuku glanced at the Third Kazekage.
"Not done yet, Kazuku," Sarutobi interjected as Kazuku moved to take Sakumo for barbecue. "There's a draw soon to decide your main exam opponent."
"Is that so?" Kazuku murmured, fuzzy on the exam's process.
Since Sarutobi said so, barbecue could wait.
When all matches ended…
The sixteen genin advancing to the main exam gathered in Arena 6, as instructed.
Kazuku scanned the group.
Besides the Third Kazekage, no one looked familiar.
Judging by headbands, nine were Konohagakure ninja, three Iwagakure, two Sunagakure, one Takigakure, one Kusagakure.
"No wonder the chunin exam is held twice a year."
Even if all main exam genin passed, Konohagakure would gain only nine chunin.
And that was near impossible.
"In Naruto's exam, only Shikamaru became chunin."
"In a way, the chunin exam is brutal."
In other words, Konohagakure's chunin were one-in-a-hundred.
"But… how did someone like Iruka pass…?"
As Kazuku mused…
Tobirama, on the viewing platform, spoke.
As he did, the arena fell silent.
Examiners straightened, looking at Tobirama with respect.
Though not officially appointed, he was already the Second Hokage to them.
"First, congratulations on advancing to the chunin exam's main exam!"
Tobirama had Sarutobi bring a box and approach Kazuku's group.
Unlike the preliminaries, the main exam judged performance, not victory.
No need for rigging.
"Each of you draw a slip from this box. Start with you, Kazuku."
Sarutobi held a wooden box before Kazuku.
"Mm." Kazuku nodded, grabbing a slip.
Others followed until the box was empty.
"All done? From left to right, announce your numbers," Tobirama said as Sarutobi returned.
"I'm number one," Kazuku declared, followed by others.
"I'm seven."
"Eight."
"Eleven's mine."
"I got thirteen."
…
After everyone reported, Tobirama announced the main exam matchups!
The numbers were their opponents.
One versus two.
Three versus four.
And so on.
"So, my main exam opponent is…"
Kazuku's gaze sharpened, recalling the numbers.
Number two…
Was…
The Third Kazekage, who just beat Sakumo!
"Him." Kazuku glanced at his opponent, noticing him sizing Kazuku up.
Seeing Kazuku's youthful face, the Third Kazekage recalled Kazuku watching his match with Sakumo. "That kid."
"Didn't expect my main exam opponent to be him," Kazuku muttered.
His goal was to replace Sarutobi Hiruzen as Third Hokage.
His opponent? The future Third Kazekage.
"Third Hokage versus Third Kazekage?"
Kazuku kept this to himself.
No one would believe it.
Then…
Tobirama continued.
"The main exam is in a week. The Kazekage, Tsuchikage, Fire Country's daimyo, and I will attend as judges."
"We'll evaluate your performance. Those deemed chunin-worthy will pass, even if they lose."
"And vice versa."
"The main exam's true purpose is to test your judgment and tactics against overwhelming foes."
"Missions can bring any situation!"
"Remember this and improve in the coming time!"
Tobirama, arms crossed, addressed the genin loudly!
(End of Chapter)