Chapter 21: The Preliminary Examination

Chapter Twenty-One: The Preliminary Examination

Late at night, at the Hatake residence...

A painful groan echoed through the house, a sound so haunting it seemed capable of drawing out the very soul of any listener.

He opened his eyes to see the familiar ceiling above, a blanket covering him, his head still throbbing with pain. Shuster shook his head, trying to clear his mind.

"Shuster, why are you up? You're suffering from exhaustion. The medical team said you need three days of rest," Kakashi said, having heard movement in Shuster's room. Using the Body Flicker Technique, he appeared instantly to check on him, finding Shuster sitting up. He hurried to help him lie back down.

“How long was I unconscious, brother?” Shuster's head was indeed dizzy, and he could only resign himself to lying down.

“A whole day. You’ll need two more days to recover!” Kakashi calculated quickly, marveling at the terrifying speed of Shuster’s recovery. After running at top speed for an entire day, crossing a whole country, to only need one day to wake up!

“I’ll go make you something to eat. You need to nourish yourself.” Kakashi noticed Shuster hadn’t eaten in almost two days and quickly left to prepare food.

“Sigh... System, how long until I can leave this world?”

“Ding! Host must reach Tier 7 Intermediate to depart this world.”

“Uh... System, how many people at this world’s level must I defeat?”

“Ding! Estimated: eliminate three Pseudo-Shadow Tier 7 Primary level individuals and one Shadow Tier 7 Intermediate.”

“Sigh... Estimated, that must be the Immortal Duo and Orochimaru,” Shuster said quietly.

Far away, at the border of the Land of Fire, two figures standing before a public restroom both shuddered. One said, “Kakuzu, why do I feel a chill?”

The other, holding a sealing scroll, turned and spoke in a voice that could make a child cry, “Hidan, that’s a sign you’re about to die, idiot!”

“Haha! You’re just joking. I can’t die. Lord Jashin will revive me!” the first replied with a loud laugh.

“Hmph.” Kakuzu ignored him and walked directly into the restroom. Beneath it was the underground exchange, a place dedicated to trading bounties.

At the Wind Country diplomatic station in Konoha, the Kazekage shivered and muttered to himself, “Strange, I feel a bit cold. This plan must be making me excited!”

———Dividing line: The Next Day———

“Uh... Shuster, is your body okay now?” The next morning, Kakashi looked at the energetic Shuster in surprise. Such resilience—it was as if he’d completely recovered.

“I’m fine. Ready for today’s tasks. I need to report to the Hokage. I’ll head out first!” Shuster thought to himself, Should I tell you I drank a potion? I was just mentally exhausted.

He used the Body Flicker Technique to arrive at the Hokage building, greeted the guards, and came to the Third Hokage’s door.

*Knock knock knock* “Come in!” “Sandaime-sama, I’m here to report!” Shuster closed the door and addressed the Third Hokage.

“Oh! Shuster, are you feeling alright? The exams haven’t started yet, so there’s no hurry. You can rest a bit more!” The Third Hokage was surprised to see Shuster, considering how far he’d run and how quickly he had recovered.

“I’m fine, Sandaime-sama. I can handle it. Here are my investigation findings and the Sand Ninja’s cooperation plan.” Shuster handed over a scroll and a letter.

“Very good. Let’s proceed as planned. Make your preparations—this time, I must trouble you again!” The Third Hokage nodded repeatedly after reading.

“Hai, Sandaime-sama. I’ll take my leave. Please take care—this time, their target may be you.” Shuster finished speaking and disappeared with the Body Flicker Technique.

“Me, huh? I suppose it’s that useless apprentice of mine...” The Third Hokage pondered.

———Dividing line: Three Days Later———

The second stage of the Chunin Selection Exam was completed successfully five days later. In total, twenty-one participants—seven teams—passed this round. Although Anko had said half would be eliminated, her original intention was to leave only a handful for the third stage. Given the current situation, a preliminary exam was necessary.

Today, the twenty-one genin who passed the second stage gathered at the preliminary exam hall. Shuster, Kakashi, Guy, the Third Hokage, and the Sound Jonin disguised by Orochimaru were all present.

For the sake of the plan, Shuster did not expose Orochimaru’s disguise. Revealing him now would put the genin in danger.

“Congratulations on successfully completing the second stage of the Chunin Selection Exam within the expected timeframe,” Anko explained in the exam arena. Meanwhile, the genin were all wondering who their next opponent would be.

“Now, Hokage-sama will explain the third stage of the exam. Everyone, please listen carefully... Hokage-sama, if you will.” With that, Anko handed the floor to the Third Hokage.

“Congratulations to all for passing the second stage. Now, the third stage will begin. But first, let me explain its purpose. Why do allied nations hold the Chunin Exam together? On the surface, it’s to strengthen cooperation and increase prowess. In reality, it’s a miniature war between the allied nations. The daimyo and shinobi leaders will observe, then select the strongest among the victors to receive commissions, making the winning nation even stronger.” The Third Hokage’s words revealed the true purpose of the exam. He then handed the proceedings to the proctor of the preliminary round—Hayate Gekko.

Hayate Gekko, under the surprised gazes of all, explained the need for a preliminary exam before the third stage and outlined the rules.

Kabuto withdrew as in the original story, and Sasuke, holding the Kusanagi Sword Shuster had handed him, prepared for the first battle.

Uchiha Sasuke vs. Akadō Yoroi

“Now, except for the participants, everyone else please move to the observation area,” Hayate announced before the match.

Many used the Body Flicker Technique to reach the upper level, while those without sufficient chakra took the stairs.

“Let the match begin!” Hayate Gekko declared.

A flash of white light—a blade flew from Sasuke toward Shuster.

Shuster raised his hand and caught it. It was the Kusanagi Sword.

“I haven’t learned to use this yet, but after the exam, I’ll come to you for lessons, Hatake-sensei,” Sasuke called from below.

A hateful glare shot toward Shuster—none other than the sword’s previous owner, Orochimaru.

“Heh, this kid is interesting. I look forward to this battle,” Shuster thought to himself with a sly smile.

“Don’t underestimate me, kid. My abilities will make you suffer!” Akadō Yoroi warned Sasuke.

“Is that so? Take this—Demon Wind Shuriken: Shadow Windmill.” Sasuke opened with the same move he used against Zabuza on the bridge.

“Oh, that move again? Heh, I’m looking forward to it,” Zabuza commented from above. Don’t tell me you forgot him.

“Yes, Zabuza-sama,” Haku replied. Likewise.

“Tch, Demon Wind Shuriken? Just a bigger shuriken—I have one too.” Akadō Yoroi threw a similarly large shuriken.

Sparks flew as the two shuriken collided and spun away.

“Ha! Such noise—I expected more,” Akadō Yoroi laughed.

“Idiot,” Sasuke retorted.

“That idiot,” Zabuza echoed.

Another shuriken flew out, now only five meters from Akadō Yoroi.

“What the...?” Akadō Yoroi exclaimed in shock. It was too late to dodge—damn!

The shuriken drew ever closer...

———End of Chapter———

PS: The next few chapters are transitional, so whether you read them or not doesn’t matter, but the battles are quite exciting!

PS2: Here’s the book’s QQ group—everyone is welcome to join and chat!