"Round 5: Aburame Shino wins!" Genma Shiranui announced, his voice carrying across the arena.
As the result settled in, whispers began to spread among those in the best viewing spots. Tatsuya followed their gaze, noticing their fascination with Konoha's new generation of shinobi. The Hyuga family, in particular, had been impressive, especially with their consecutive victories using the Hakkeshō Kaiten technique.
"It seems like there's going to be another profit," Tatsuya mused, a sly smile curling on his lips as his eyes narrowed.
Terumi Mei, ever perceptive, noticed the shift in Tatsuya's expression and couldn't help but ask, "Why are you laughing?"
Tatsuya simply shrugged, his smile never fading. As always, the dynamics of families—especially in the shinobi world—were complicated, but given the strength of the individuals involved, sometimes it was best to turn a blind eye.
With the Chūnin exam nearing its conclusion, only eleven finalists remained.
As Suigetsu stepped off the field, his shark-like grin widened as he approached Shiranui Genma, who chewed on his ever-present senbon with a neutral expression.
"Protector-san," Suigetsu said with a casual wave of his hand, "you sure about this? I mean, letting me pick my opponent? I could've just taken the easy route, you know."
Genma sighed, his tone calm but firm. "Rules are rules. Just don't turn this into a circus, Suigetsu."
As Suigetsu scanned the roster board, his grin faltered briefly when his eyes landed on Sasuke's name. He turned back toward Shiranui Genma with a questioning tilt of his head.
"Hey, what about Sasuke?" Suigetsu asked casually, though there was a glint of calculation in his gaze. "He'd be a good match."
Genma removed the senbon from his mouth, his expression firm. "Sasuke is out of the running. He was taken to the hospital after his match with Gaara. Completely out of chakra, and he's in no condition to fight."
Suigetsu clicked his tongue, disappointed. "Tch, what a shame. That would've been fun. Guess I'll have to pick someone else."
From the stands, Haku let out a snicker. "Wow, Suigetsu, are you disappointed you can't pick someone who's already unconscious? That's pretty low, even for you."
Suigetsu shot her a glare. "I just wanted a challenge, you trap. Not my fault Uchiha pushed himself too hard."
He turned his attention back to the list and lazily pointed at a name. "Alright then, I'll go with..." His smirk returned, sharp as ever. "Uzumaki Naruto."
In the stands, Naruto stood frozen as his name lit up on the board. "Wait, what? Me?!" His voice cracked as he pointed at himself in disbelief.
From the crowd, Kushina Uzumaki's fiery energy burst forth. "THAT'S RIGHT, NARUTO!" She stood, hands on her hips, a grin splitting her face. "This is your chance to show everyone what you're made of! Give it your all, dattebane!"
Naruto scratched the back of his head, and his cheeks flushed. "Mooom, not so loud! Everyone can hear you!" He grumbled, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward.
Suigetsu laughed as he leaned against the railing, looking up at Kushina. "Man, your mom's got more spirit than you, Naruto. Think she wants to take your place?"
Naruto glared at Suigetsu. "Shut it, fish-breath! You're gonna regret picking me, believe it!"
In the corner of the stands, Haku added with a smirk. "Suigetsu, if you lose to that loudmouth, I'm never letting you live it down."
"Like that's gonna happen," Suigetsu shot back, rolling his eyes. "Naruto doesn't stand a chance. This is just a formality."
Meanwhile, Kakashi leaned lazily against the railing, his book in hand. "Well, this should be interesting," he said, glancing over at Kushina. "You've been training him hard. Think he's ready for this?"
Kushina grinned, her confidence unshaken. "Ready or not, he'll give it his all. That's how an Uzumaki fights."
Naruto, now fully fired up, clenched his fists. "You're gonna eat those words, Suigetsu! Believe it!"
Suigetsu shrugged, already walking toward the field. "Alright, big shot. Let's see if you've got what it takes."
While the focus wasn't entirely on this final battle, the real attention was already shifting toward next year's Chūnin exam.
The unpredictability of fate was its most intriguing feature—something ordinary people could never foresee.
Before the battle between Sasuke and Gaara unfolded below, Uzumaki Naruto was already ready to spring into action. He subconsciously glanced toward Sakura's seat, only to find it empty. That's when it hit him—Sakura had gone with Sasuke.
Now that Sasuke was gravely injured, Sakura stayed by his side as a friend, naturally. Naruto's thoughts lingered there for a moment before he shook his head.
It was clear that Naruto had feelings for Sakura, but he hadn't realized that she harbored a special place in her heart for Sasuke. It was no wonder, then, that the original story seemed to spin into the familiar, complicated love triangles.
As Naruto left the field, he offered his thanks to Suigetsu, but the response he received wasn't what he expected. Suigetsu, uninterested in pleasantries, had no intention of sparing Naruto any favors. With his target—Sasuke—unable to participate, Suigetsu was determined to end this match quickly.
Without hesitation, Suigetsu charged forward, his Kubikiribōchō in hand, the speed of his approach matching the force of a thousand birds piercing Gaara's absolute defense earlier. It was clear—this battle would not be simple.
What intrigued Tatsuya most, however, was how Suigetsu had come into possession of the infamous Kubikiribōchō. In the original timeline, the blade had fallen into the hands of the Kiri missing-nin, Zabuza Momochi, who was eventually defeated. Suigetsu and Sasuke had broken into Haku and Zabuza's graves to claim it, but now, with Haku's involvement no longer in the picture, the origin of the weapon remained a mystery.
Despite not being as powerful as a Zanpakutō, the Kubikiribōchō carried an intimidating aura, its very presence radiating a sense of menace.
On the referee's bench, Namikaze Minato observed the match with sharp, unwavering focus. The sight of Suigetsu wielding the Kubikiribōchō sent a ripple of unease through him. The blade's reputation as one of the Seven Ninja Swords of the Mist was legendary, and in the hands of Suigetsu Hōzuki, a shinobi with a fluid, unpredictable fighting style, it was a weapon of devastating potential.
"Suigetsu's movements are calculated," Minato thought, his brows furrowing. "But Naruto's got spirit—and that might be the key to this fight."
Down on the battlefield, Suigetsu grinned, lazily resting the massive blade on his shoulder. "You've got guts, Naruto. Facing me with that level of confidence... not bad for the 'dead-last.' But guts alone won't save you when you're up against this."
He gestured to the Kubikiribōchō, its blade gleaming menacingly under the sun.
Naruto clenched his fists, his determination unwavering. "Tch, you think that oversized kitchen knife scares me? You're talking to the future Hokage! Bring it on, fish boy!"
Suigetsu's grin widened. "Heh, big talk. Let's see if you can back it up."
The fight began with Suigetsu charging forward, his movements fluid and serpentine. He swung the Kubikiribōchō in a wide arc, its sheer weight enough to cleave through boulders. Naruto leapt backward, narrowly avoiding the blade, the shockwave from its impact sending debris flying.
"Whoa! That thing's no joke!" Naruto muttered, darting to the side to evade another swing.
Suigetsu's voice carried over the clash of steel and wind. "You're quick on your feet, I'll give you that. But dodging won't win you this fight!"
Naruto formed a quick hand sign. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" In an instant, a dozen clones appeared, charging at Suigetsu from every direction.
Suigetsu smirked. "Clones, huh? You'll have to do better than that."
With a fluid motion, Suigetsu spun the Kubikiribōchō, its massive blade tearing through the clones like paper. Water exploded into the air, the clones vanishing in puffs of smoke.
Naruto grinned. "That's what I was hoping for!"
From above, Naruto descended with a kunai in hand, aiming for Suigetsu's blind spot. Suigetsu reacted instantly, his body turning into water as the kunai passed harmlessly through him.
"Nice try," Suigetsu taunted, reforming a few feet away. "But you're not landing a hit on me that easily. My Hydrification Technique makes me untouchable."
Naruto gritted his teeth. "So, you don't just look like a fish, you're all slippery too, huh? Fine. Let's see how you handle this!"
He began forming a Rasengan, the swirling sphere of chakra glowing brilliantly in his hand. Suigetsu's eyes narrowed.
"Oh? That looks fun," Suigetsu said, adjusting his grip on the Kubikiribōchō. "Let's see if your fancy ball of chakra can stand up to my blade!"
The two clashed in a high-stakes game of offense and defense. Suigetsu's swings were relentless, each strike of the Kubikiribōchō carving trenches into the ground. Naruto dodged and weaved, looking for an opening.
Finally, Suigetsu overextended, the massive blade lodging itself into the earth for a split second. Naruto seized the opportunity.
"Now's my chance!" Naruto yelled, charging forward with the Rasengan in hand.
Suigetsu smirked. "Not so fast!"
He released the Kubikiribōchō and turned his entire arm into water, aiming a powerful punch at Naruto. The punch connected, sending Naruto skidding backward, but not before Naruto's Rasengan grazed Suigetsu's side, disrupting his form.
"You're persistent," Suigetsu admitted, reforming his body. "But I'm not going down that easily."
Naruto stood, panting but resolute. "And neither am I! Believe it!"
As the battle reached its peak, Naruto's clones returned, working in perfect unison to keep Suigetsu off balance. Using their combined efforts, they distracted Suigetsu long enough for Naruto to land the decisive blow.
"Rasengan!" Naruto roared, driving the attack into Suigetsu's midsection.
The force of the Rasengan sent Suigetsu flying across the field, his body reverting to water before reforming on the ground. He groaned, clearly defeated but still alive, thanks to his unique physiology.
From the stands, Kushina leapt to her feet, cheering at the top of her lungs. "That's my boy! Way to go, Naruto!"
Minato allowed himself a small smile. "Well done, Naruto. You've grown stronger."
Suigetsu sat up, rubbing his head. "Heh... not bad, Naruto. Guess you're tougher than I thought."
Naruto grinned, offering Suigetsu a hand. "Thanks. That was a pretty cool sword you've got there. But next time, don't underestimate me!"
Suigetsu took Naruto's hand, a sly grin on his face. "Next time, huh? I'll hold you t
Tatsuya found the scene before him utterly fascinating. It was clear—Uzumaki Naruto was the child of prophecy, carrying the protagonist's halo.
Tatsuya couldn't help but wonder: Who was truly the stronger figure, the original protagonist or someone in this new world?
Kakuzu, the immortal shinobi, had already defied death countless times. Why not give him a taste of mortality once again?
Meanwhile, Uzumaki Naruto, still basking in the afterglow of his hard-fought victory, suddenly felt a chilling sensation wash over him. It was an ominous feeling emanating from the crowd of cheering spectators.
Although Terumi Mei had already chosen Haku as her direct successor, she couldn't help but recognize the formidable skills of the Suigetsu. But when she witnessed one of her village's genin being defeated by someone as unassuming as Naruto, her displeasure was palpable.
"Shady. Absolutely shady," Terumi Mei muttered under her breath, glaring at Tatsuya.
She had expected Tatsuya to defend the situation, but to her surprise, he simply smiled and said, "It's not shady. I'd say the kid's just lucky. But one day, I'll have to meet him properly."
Tatsuya's words didn't exactly support Terumi Mei's perspective, and they sent a shiver of unease through those standing nearby. The legendary Konoha Black Fang, known for his unparalleled abilities, seemed intrigued by a newcomer. The difference in their strength was undeniable, yet Tatsuya was not one to shy away from a challenge.
Fortunately, Kushina didn't hear the exchange, or she might've taken it upon herself to confront Tatsuya.
But with Tatsuya's eyes focused so intently on Naruto, it was clear that his words weren't empty.
Naruto had just gotten lucky, securing a victory from his female disciple. Much like Kushina, Tatsuya was well-known as a fierce guardian of his wife. However, unlike most men, Tatsuya's wives were not ones to be easily challenged, each of them among the most powerful in their own right.
After Naruto's victory, he couldn't wait to find Sakura and share his success with her.
Tatsuya, however, withdrew his gaze and turned his attention back to the proceedings. Shiranui Genma announced that the Chūnin promotion list had been finalized.
In this world, Naruto—who had always fought as a Genin—had just set a new record for his village. Maybe he will become a chunin soon.
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