The next four days passed in relative calm.
With the third round of the Chunin Exams approaching, the proctor, Uchiha Hayashi, entered the final phase of preparations. He familiarized himself thoroughly with the arena, personally checked the barrier formations, and finalized contingency plans for unexpected situations. While there was no need to alter the structure of the exam itself, the level of precision required far exceeded that of the first two rounds.
Outside of these duties, Hayashi still made time to guide Kushina's training, making the days busy but fulfilling.
As the final day arrived, the Third Mizukage had already taken his seat. Shortly after, the specially invited Fourth Kazekage arrived at the venue, accompanied by his Sand shinobi. It was clear he had little desire to be there, but the postwar agreements between villages left him no choice.
"Haha, Lord Kazekage, it has been a long time," Hiruzen Sarutobi said warmly as he stood to greet him, his face creased with a broad smile.
They said one should not strike a smiling face, yet for some reason, the Fourth Kazekage felt an inexplicable urge to plant a kunai into Sarutobi's expression. A quick glance at Orochimaru, standing beside him as his escort, cooled that impulse.
"Lord Hokage, you seem well," the Kazekage replied with a polite smile of his own.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Kazekage," the Third Mizukage added as he stood.
"…Lord Mizukage, greetings," the Kazekage said after a brief pause.
This was his first time seeing the Mizukage in person. The Land of Water was distant and isolated, and until now he had only known the man through intelligence reports.
"Could the rumors be true?" the Kazekage wondered silently. "Did the Mist and the Leaf really strike some hidden agreement?"
With those thoughts lingering, he took his seat.
While the Kage exchanged courtesies above, the arena below was already prepared. Hayashi, Hayate Gekko, and the Genin candidates stood ready within the vast battleground.
The third round of the Chunin Exams was less about survival and more about display. Because the number of advancement slots was limited, a preliminary elimination had already taken place, quietly removing weaker participants.
Among those eliminated were Nono and Might Duy.
Nono's loss came as no surprise. As for Duy, Hayashi had personally watched all of his matches. Without opening the Eight Gates, Duy possessed strength comparable to a Chunin, but relying solely on taijutsu left him heavily restricted against most opponents.
It was unfortunate, but unavoidable.
When the Third Hokage announced the start of the exams, Hatake Sakumo, serving as one of the proctors, stepped forward and spoke clearly.
"You are already familiar with the rules, so I will not repeat them. The match order has not been announced beforehand. The battle list will be revealed on the spot."
He pointed toward the electronic display mounted high on the arena wall.
"If there are no questions, prepare to begin."
No Genin raised an objection. Hayate nodded, and moments later, the names of the first match appeared.
Uchiha Mikoto vs Akimichi Choza
Watching from the sidelines, Hayashi raised an eyebrow. He had not expected the first match to be an internal Leaf confrontation. The Third Hokage truly had not interfered behind the scenes.
"Choza, please take care of me," Mikoto said calmly as she completed the ninja salute and assumed her stance.
Compared to Mikoto's composure, Choza was visibly nervous. He knew from the start that he was at a disadvantage.
He glanced briefly at the sky, imagining Shikaku somewhere enjoying snacks, and sighed. Fighting here was far less appealing than sharing food with his friend.
Still, he straightened himself.
Giving his all was the respect owed to any opponent.
"P Please take care of me, Mikoto," Choza said after bowing.
The battle began instantly.
Ninja Art, Multi Size Technique.
Choza activated his clan's secret technique without hesitation. His chakra surged, his body expanding rapidly as he transformed into a massive rolling force, charging straight toward Mikoto.
Mikoto moved at once. With swift, precise motions, she flicked her wrist, sending six kunai flying. They collided midair, scattering outward in unpredictable arcs, none of them striking Choza directly.
The distance between them vanished in moments.
Just as it seemed Mikoto would be overwhelmed, she stomped lightly against the ground and launched herself backward, retreating with speed that most spectators could barely follow.
In the stands, Sakumo watched with quiet pride. As a speed oriented shinobi, he had emphasized movement and positioning in Mikoto's training.
Having created enough distance, Mikoto threw another wave of kunai.
She repeated this several times, carefully guiding their placement. Once Choza rolled into the center of the field, Mikoto lifted her hand and subtly curled her finger.
Thin, nearly invisible threads snapped taut.
Like a spider's web, they wrapped around Choza's expanded form, halting him completely.
Mikoto formed seals.
Fire Style, Great Fireball Technique.
She adopted the stance, but stopped short of releasing the flames. This was a Chunin Exam, not a battlefield, and Choza was still a fellow Leaf shinobi.
"Winner, Uchiha Mikoto," Sakumo announced as he landed in the arena.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Mikoto exited the stage.
Soon, the second match appeared on the screen.
Rasa vs Karura
The Leaf's internal battle had ended. Now it was the Sand's turn.
The Fourth Kazekage's expression remained neutral. With Leaf having fought first, he had no grounds to accuse them of manipulation.
Rasa and Karura entered the arena together.
"If there are no issues, prepare to begin," Hayashi said, stepping forward to officiate.
"…I forfeit," Karura said softly, raising her hand before the match could start.
Hayashi glanced at her. "Have you thought this through?"
Forfeiting here carried weight beyond personal pride. Hayashi briefly looked toward the high platform. The Kazekage's face had already darkened.
"Yes," Karura replied firmly, her face flushed as she nodded again.
Rasa, however, showed no appreciation. He shook his head in irritation, clearly displeased at losing an opportunity to display his strength.
Seeing this, Hayashi nearly laughed. Rasa truly lived up to the reputation of a straightforward Sand shinobi.
"This match goes to Rasa of the Sand," Hayashi announced.
As the pair exited the arena, they were followed by loud boos from the audience.
The remaining matches progressed quickly. The Hidden Mist had requested cooperation from the Leaf, and their Genin were clearly not sent to compete seriously.
Three Mist Genin were eliminated in succession, falling to Minato, Nawaki, and the centerpiece of the exams, the Nine Tails' jinchuriki.
With that, the first and second rounds concluded without surprises.
When the third round began, the screen displayed the next matchup.
Minato vs Rasa
"Please move to the center of the arena," Hayate announced.
Once both shinobi took their positions, neither bowed. They simply stared at one another.
After a long pause, Rasa smiled faintly. "It seems life in the Leaf has not treated you well. The Hokage must be eager to send you to your death."
Minato's usual gentle demeanor vanished. "I am the weakest, so I was sent to face you. Otherwise, if I killed you by accident, it might cause a diplomatic problem."
Rasa laughed loudly. "Kill me? You are not worthy. I will show you the difference between an ordinary ninja and a true genius."
High above, the Fourth Kazekage laughed as well, his earlier irritation forgotten.
After all, within the Sand Village, only he and Rasa possessed Magnet Release. Rasa was his personal disciple, while Minato was merely a civilian born Leaf Genin.
Against Magnet Release, such a background should mean certain defeat.
The Kazekage watched closely, eager to see how this blond boy would fall.