Kaoru turned and left. Uchiha Obito didn't say anything.
In the Hokage Building, Kakashi returned to the Third Hokage.
"You're reporting so early. You must have found something," the Third Hokage said.
"That's right," Kakashi nodded. "I found out who killed the three Anbu Chunin."
"Oh? Who?" the Third Hokage asked.
"I was right. It was the Hidden Mist Village Genin, 'Kuro'," Kakashi said. "I fought him and tested his strength. He's at least Jōnin level. Killing three Chunin was easy."
"Is that so..." The Third Hokage smoked and said, "The Hidden Mist Village is isolated. Why did they send a Jōnin to take the Chunin Exams?"
"We don't have time to worry about that," Kakashi said. "He's the strongest in this Chunin Exam. He'll win."
"I know," the Third Hokage nodded. "After the disaster, I decided to skip the second Chunin Exam and go straight to the preliminary round!"
"Go straight to the preliminary round?" Kakashi was surprised. The preliminary round was a selection before the real exam.
Only the elite ninjas would be selected. There were 75 candidates. The preliminary round would take two or three rounds.
"That's right," the Third Hokage said. "You said the Hidden Mist Village Genin is strong. Let him eliminate the Genin from the other countries!"
"The Hokage means..." Kakashi realized the Third Hokage's plan. The preliminary round was one-on-one. "Kuro" would fight the Genin from other countries and eliminate them!
It was a good plan.
"You understand, Kakashi?" the Third Hokage asked.
"Yes, I'll arrange it," Kakashi said. "I have something else to tell you."
"What is it?" the Third Hokage asked.
"I tested the Uchiha kid you mentioned," Kakashi said, surprised. "He's stronger than a Genin, no, a Chunin. He's as good as Uchiha Itachi at the same age."
"Is he that strong? I'm surprised," the Third Hokage said. He was curious about the Uchiha kid.
"Yes," Kakashi nodded. "I was caught in his genjutsu. He's not to be underestimated."
"Kakashi, if you say that, I'll watch him. Give him a good opponent in the preliminary round," the Third Hokage smiled.
"Yes!" Kakashi nodded and disappeared.
A week passed. They made no progress on the sword, but the Third Hokage didn't want to investigate.
The Third Hokage announced the third Chunin Exam preliminary round!!
Kaoru, Hina, and Shin gathered, waiting for Kurenai Yuhi.
Kurenai Yuhi appeared.
"Kurenai, why are you always late?" Shin asked.
"Okay, okay," Kurenai said. "Are you ready for the exam?"
"I'm ready!" Shin nodded.
"Yeah," Kaoru smiled.
"....." Hina was silent. She wasn't ready.
"Good, I'll take you to the exam!" Kurenai said. "The place is the Forest of Death!"
"Again?" Team 8 complained.
"It's different. You'll see," Kurenai smiled.
Team 8 followed Kurenai back to the Forest of Death.
They didn't stay long. Kurenai took them to the tower in the center of the Forest of Death. They met other Genin.
"This is big..." Hina said.
It was a large area, with a platform in the middle and stands on the sides.
More and more Genin entered the platform.
Two rows of people faced each other.
One side was the 75 Genin, including Team 8. Kaoru saw Uchiha Obito, Deidara, Kurotsuchi, and Kabuto.
The other side was the Chunin Exam proctors and the Leaf Village Jōnin, including Kurenai.
The Third Hokage stood in front of them, looking at the Genin.
He was old, but his chakra was strong.
The Genin looked at the Third Hokage. They were careful, not breathing.
"This Chunin Exam had problems, but it will continue! Welcome to the third preliminary round!" the Third Hokage said. "There are many candidates..."
The Third Hokage looked at the Genin. He stopped at Kaoru.
Kaoru looked back.
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