Naruto: Naruto's Uchiha girlfriend is too arrogant

Chapter 250 The Final Assessment

August 6th, Konoha Year 63, this highly anticipated day finally arrived.

The Chunin Exams final test has officially begun. On the way to the venue, Naruto first smiled and rejected Konohamaru's suggestion to "take a shortcut." Then, he and Sasuke, who had failed to advance, split up. Sasuke went to the audience seats, while Naruto arrived at the magnificent final venue, which resembled a colosseum.

Over the past month, despite knowing that no one could truly threaten him anymore, Naruto devoted all his energy to training. After successfully mastering the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, life was generally peaceful…

If I had to say what was special, it would probably be that one day when I came home, I found that my old little bed had disappeared and been replaced by a brand new, spacious big bed.

The culprit was naturally Satsuki, who used her "money power" to complete this forced upgrade. Although he didn't understand why she was so insistent on changing the bed, Naruto was already used to her slightly forceful way of showing care.

At this moment, the stands surrounding the arena were filled with the roar of voices. The huge circular arena was surrounded by layers of stands, and the atmosphere was as intense as that of an ancient gladiatorial arena... or rather, a dueling arena.

Unfortunately, the only person he could pat on the head, Satsuki, was sitting in the audience. Perhaps... after defeating Gaara, he could pat the head of Shukaku? I wonder what that big tanuki feels like.

His gaze swept towards the highest platform, where the smiling Third Hokage sat, next to the Kazekage whose face was veiled by a straw hat. Naruto frowned slightly; he couldn't be sure whether this Kazekage was Orochimaru in disguise or the real Rasa.

Because the life force I sensed from the other party was completely different from that of Orochimaru, whom I encountered in the Forest of Death a month ago... Was it that the Reanimation Jutsu had changed its vessel, or that strange molting technique had altered its aura?

However, Naruto remained calm. He knew that Shisui and the members of "Jin" had already infiltrated the audience and were on guard. He only hoped that Orochimaru would be smarter this time and not court death.

In the center of the arena, examiner Genma Shiranui lazily held a senbon stick in his mouth. Naruto couldn't help but worry: was it really safe to keep such a sharp ninja tool in his mouth all the time?

Genma Shiranui's gaze swept over the other seven examinees in the arena: Naruto with a calm expression, Shikamaru yawning incessantly, Rock Lee burning with fighting spirit, Neji and Temari with solemn expressions, Gaara exuding a cold aura, and Shino with his eyes hidden behind sunglasses, making it impossible to discern his emotions.

"Distinguished guests!" The Third Hokage's voice, amplified by a loudspeaker, resounded throughout the hall from the stage, instantly drowning out the noisy crowd.

"On behalf of Konoha, I sincerely thank you all for traveling from afar to witness this year's Chunin Selection Exams hosted by Konoha! Next, the eight finalists will engage in their final, official match. Please enjoy the exciting competition to come!"

As soon as the Third Hokage finished speaking, thunderous cheers and applause erupted from the stands.

Genma Shiranui moved the senbon he was talking about to another person, glanced at the examinees in the arena, took out a list of opponents from his pocket, and showed it to everyone.

"Everyone, it seems you're all ready? As the main character today, let's confirm our opponents one last time."

The list was clearly displayed to everyone.

Neji Hyuga VS Rock Lee

Temari VS Nara Shikamaru

[Aburame Shino VS Toss Anvil]

Naruto Uzumaki VS Gaara

"Wait a moment?" Shino Aburame calmly asked, "Why isn't my opponent, Tosukina, on the list? How should we handle this situation?"

Genma Shiranui glanced at the empty seat and replied calmly, "If he doesn't appear by the time it's his turn to compete, he will be considered to have automatically forfeited, and you will be declared a 'victory without a fight'."

...Naruto watched Genma talking while the senbon needle moved nimbly between his lips and teeth. Wasn't he afraid of accidentally swallowing it?

While winning without a fight might sound like a good thing, Shino's furrowed brow remained furrowed. In the Chunin Exams, advancement wasn't simply about winning, but about the comprehensive abilities and ninja qualities demonstrated in battle. Would the examiners truly accept and grant Chunin status after such a direct bye?

"Alright, although the venue is different from the preliminaries," Genma Shiranui raised his voice to draw everyone's attention back, "the rules for the final assessment are basically the same as the preliminaries—there are no restrictions. The battle will continue until one side is killed or voluntarily surrenders."

"Of course, as the examiner, I will intervene to end the match when I believe the outcome is decided, or when the fight may cause unnecessary fatal damage."

Although Hayate Gekko did not die as originally destined, the examiner for the final test was changed to Genma Shiranui. He did not know why the higher-ups asked Hayate Gekko to keep a low profile and not show his face during the test, but when he thought that the guy was probably being taken care of by that beautiful girlfriend at the moment, Genma could not help but feel a sour envy.

"Now, let's begin the first round of the competition!" Genma Shiranui announced loudly. "Neji Hyuga and Rock Lee, you two stay! The rest of you, please return to the rest room and await further instructions!"

------

"That child... is he Kai's disciple? The way they're dressed is like they were cut from the same mold."

"However, although Rock Lee easily defeated the Inuzuka family's child in the preliminaries, the gap was still too obvious when facing the genius of the Hyuga clan."

"That's right. Pure taijutsu-type ninjas are at a natural disadvantage when facing Byakugan users."

The Konoha ninjas in the stands exchanged whispers, almost unanimously favoring Hyuga Neji. Kiba, clutching Akamaru, stared intently at the green figure in the arena.

After his initial prejudice dissipated, Kiba didn't believe he would easily lose to any genin. At this moment, he vaguely sensed that this browless man's strength was probably far greater than everyone imagined.

In the center of the arena, Lee stood firmly in his starting stance, his gaze fixed intently on Neji. "Neji... I've waited so long for this moment! I'm so happy to be able to face you on this final stage!"

"Today, I will prove to everyone that hard work can surpass genius!"

Neji stared intently at Lee with a serious expression. Although Lee had never won against him in countless past challenges, he would not underestimate him in the slightest.

Because the beliefs and ninja way that Lee upholds resonate strongly with the voice deep within his own heart to some extent.

With enough power, one can break any seemingly predetermined fate!

This was the path he had learned from the man wearing the fox mask. After the preliminary rounds, when he learned of clues that might be related to Menma, his initial excitement had subsided and transformed into a more determined mindset.

He always remembered his true purpose in wanting to reunite with that great man, to gain his approval, and to become a force in his hands!

Therefore, even though Lee's eyes burned with a confidence that was by no means a bluff, Neji would never hand over victory so easily.

"Li... your ninja way is truly admirable," Neji said in a deep voice, veins bulging around his Byakugan, his palms already poised in a Gentle Fist stance.

"But... I also have reasons why I absolutely cannot lose! There is someone whose expectations I absolutely cannot let down!"

"Well then—" Genma Shiranui's voice clearly echoed throughout the arena, "The first round of the match begins!"