Ōnoki arrived in a hurry and left in a hurry.
Yuuki, feeling great after resolving the matter, actively invited Ōnoki to stay and watch the Chunin Exams, but Ōnoki declined.
Only Kitsuchi had some suspicions after learning of Ōnoki's departure.
Everyone else, including those from Konoha, had no idea why the Tsuchikage came to Konoha or why he left so abruptly.
However, it was certain that there was something important behind it; this was a major event, and today's report would have substantial content to write about.
Not long after Ōnoki left, the results of the Chunin Exams were announced.
Konoha had three teams pass: the teams of Kabuto, Neji, and Natsuri.
Natsuri's team, on the last afternoon, still chose to travel at full speed and successfully reached outside the tower, but they were stopped because they didn't have a scroll.
Kabuto, inside the tower, saw the three and threw out a scroll; the three happily picked it up and passed the exam.
This was also a task arranged by Yuuki, for Kabuto to look after the three slightly without affecting his own ranking.
Kabuto had tried to find the three on the first day, but unfortunately, the three felt the exam area was too dangerous and kept to the periphery, unwilling to venture deep into the Death Forest.
Sunagakure had one team pass, Gaara's team.
Hidden Mist had one team pass, Utakata's team.
Kumogakure had one team pass.
Iwagakure had two teams pass.
Kumogakure arrived at the tower just before the deadline, barely passing.
Iwagakure's four teams chased the Kumogakure team everywhere, but they still had to participate in the exam themselves.
Just before the deadline, two teams split off to head towards the central tower, while the remaining teams continued to block the Kumogakure team.
After the blockade's strength was halved, the Kumogakure team still successfully broke through and ultimately passed the exam just in time.
The other smaller Ninja villages were almost completely wiped out; the third exam was a stage for the Five Great Nations to showcase their strength.
Eight teams, a total of 24 people.
If all of them were to participate in the third exam a month later, there would be twelve matches.
If possible, Yuuki wouldn't mind having 12 matches, one a day, dragging it out for 12 days.
After 12 days, once the injured participants had mostly recovered, they could proceed with the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals.
But this was unrealistic; for the first two days, some might give him face and watch, but after three days, most would likely have left, leaving only Konoha's people to enjoy themselves.
Moreover, the further along in the competition, the closer the strengths, and the more brutal the battles, with injuries that wouldn't heal quickly.
Furthermore, the main point was that among the current 24 people, there were some slackers who needed to be screened out.
The preliminary rounds naturally couldn't be held immediately; at the very least, the examinees needed a good night's rest, and they would discuss it tomorrow.
That evening, Yuuki informed the leaders of the other four villages about the decision to hold preliminary rounds, asking them to prepare.
The night passed without incident.
The next day, at eight in the morning.
Yuuki, the squad leaders from Konoha, and the Jonin squad leaders from the other four villages waited quietly in an indoor arena.
About ten seconds later, the teams that passed the second round yesterday began to walk in.
At eight past three, all 24 people had arrived.
"First, congratulations on enduring two exams, emerging from over 700 Genin, and making it this far; this achievement is already enough to make you proud!"
Except for some special 'Genin' who were on missions, the remaining boys and girls all showed varying degrees of excitement.
This included Gaara, because Shukaku was extremely well-behaved now, allowing Gaara to enjoy a rare moment of peace.
Yuuki didn't pay too much attention to the Genin's thoughts and continued.
"This exam is different from your usual Chunin assessments within your villages. A month from now, as the top performers of these Joint Chunin Exams, you will represent all Ninja before the great figures of the entire Ninja World, showcasing your talents."
Upon hearing this, even the Genin on special missions felt a hint of anticipation.
Then Yuuki changed the subject.
"However, due to the large number of participants, a preliminary round is now required to select the best of the best; only the winners will be able to participate in the third assessment a month from now!"
Some of the Genin present were calm, some's expressions changed drastically, and some even protested aloud.
Yuuki ignored these voices and finally said, "Alright, this is the purpose of gathering you today. Next, we will proceed with the preliminary rounds for the Joint Chunin Exams' third assessment. The chief examiner for these preliminary rounds will introduce the specific rules to you."
After Yuuki finished speaking, a portly Ninja behind him stepped forward; it was Akimichi Choza.
Choza was chosen, of course, because his strength was sufficient; when going all out, he could exchange a move or two with the Gedo Statue, and his Partial Expansion Jutsu could effectively stop battles in emergencies.
Moreover, he had no personal connections with any of the Genin present, making him the most suitable chief examiner.
Someone like Might Guy or Kakashi would not be appropriate; Might Guy was a squad leader for one of the teams, and Kakashi had frequent interactions with Naruto in recent years.
Otherwise, during the exam, when other examinees had questions, they would honestly ask the chief examiner, but Lee might say 'Might Guy-sensei' or Naruto might say 'Kakashi-nii-san,' wouldn't that just invite trouble?
Although the preliminary rounds would certainly not be fair, the superficial work still had to be done; it was enough to ensure that no obvious flaws could be pointed out.
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