The Third Hokage smiled and said in a steady and powerful voice, "Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno of Team 7 can proceed to the third round of the Chunin Exams."
"Great!" Sakura said and then looked at Sasuke. She was happy for him.
Sasuke stared directly at the Hokage and listened intently to what he would say next.
The Third Hokage continued, "Before we start, there's something I must explain to you. Listen up!"
"Put aside your naivety and ditch your innocent ideas!"
"If any of you think that the Chunin Exams are to promote friendship among countries, facilitate friendly exchanges between ninja villages, or improve ninja skills, you're completely wrong."
The Third Hokage raised his voice and said, "The real purpose of the Chunin Exams is the competition among allied countries, which is a microcosm of the battles between ninja villages."
Upon hearing these words, some of the people present were confused. Among them, Tenten spoke up and asked, "Why is it like this? Aren't the Chunin Exams to select excellent ninjas?"
"Heh heh." The Third Hokage explained, "At the venue of the third round of the Chunin Exams, important figures from various countries will be present. The ninjas from each village fight for their lives just to let them see."
"Selecting excellent ninjas is just a side effect."
Many of the present genin were shocked. They never thought that their life - risking battles were just a show for the bigwigs to watch.
"The major source of financial income for ninja villages comes from the commissioned missions issued by feudal lords and important figures of various countries. Ninjas make money by fulfilling these missions."
"A ninja village that shines in the Chunin Exams will receive a large number of high - paying commissioned missions in the future. As for those villages that are eliminated, they will receive far fewer missions, and even the prices will be lower."
"..." Many of the present genin fell silent, and everyone seemed lost in thought.
Naruto thought to himself: The Third Hokage is quite honest. It's acceptable that he's making this clear in front of everyone...
The Third Hokage looked down at the crowd and smiled proudly. Since most of them were genin from Konoha Village, it proved that the new generation of Konoha Village was very powerful, and there was no need to worry about commissioned missions in the future.
Unable to bear the oppressive atmosphere, Kiba Inuzuka spoke out, "Just for this reason, you want us to fight to the death?"
The Third Hokage said, "A ninja's strength represents the strength of their ninja village, and a ninja village's strength represents the strength of the country. Only in a life - or - death battle can you unleash a ninja's strength. The strength you display is the village's glory, demonstrating the country's strength to others."
"Since you're risking your lives, the Chunin Exams are meaningful."
Tenten didn't like this explanation and continued to ask, "Why is the promotional slogan of the Chunin Exams about promoting friendship?"
"I've already said, put aside your naivety and forget your innocence." The Third Hokage said, "It's just for show, just for publicity."
Naruto thought to himself: The promotional slogan is just an advertisement. It really can't be trusted...
"I don't care about your purpose anyway."
Gaara said viciously, "When will it start! Hurry up and get to the important part." After saying that, he also glared at Naruto.
Naruto noticed Gaara's gaze and glanced in his direction. Immediately, their eyes met.
Seeing the vengeful look in Gaara's eyes, Naruto smiled and thought, "So arrogant. Just wait and see how I deal with you next..."
"The next round is a free-for-all battle among three-person teams," said The Third Hokage. "Teams will fight in the same arena. The team that lasts until the end wins. Those with excellent performances can be promoted to Chunin. It will take place seven days later."
"Use these seven days to prepare well. Dismissed."
After saying that, The Third Hokage left, and the others also left the scene one after another.
"Seven days. The time is really short," Kakashi walked up to Sasuke and said, "Sasuke, come with me."
Then Kakashi took Sasuke away. It was obvious that Kakashi was in a hurry and didn't say a word to Naruto and Sakura.
"Sakura, don't worry about Sasuke," Naruto comforted her. "You should practice hard these seven days. I also need to prepare for my training. Otherwise, we'll definitely lose badly in seven days."
Without waiting for Sakura to reply, Naruto ran off and disappeared in a flash.
Naruto came to the streets of Konoha Village. Haku had been waiting for a long time. He quietly approached Naruto and passed on some information to him. "Karin has been settled at your place, but she has been making a lot of noise. Zabuza can't stand her anymore."
"..." Naruto showed a helpless expression and said, "Tell Zabuza to bear with it a little longer. I'll find a bigger house later. Then each of you can have your own room."
"Please do it as soon as possible. I'm afraid Zabuza will kill her."
"Keep an eye on the two of them. They're both troublemakers and really give me a headache." Naruto shook his head helplessly and then said, "Have you finished the other thing I told you?"
"Done." Haku gave Naruto a key and a business contract, saying, "I purchased the largest public bathhouse in Konoha Village under your name. Here are the key to the bathhouse and the business contract."
"Well done," Naruto said with a big smile. "Go and do your own thing. You can take a stroll around Konoha Village and buy some new clothes for Karin. Use my money."
After saying that, Naruto took out a big bag of money from his fanny pack and gave it to Haku.
After Haku left, Naruto started wandering around Konoha Village as if he was looking for someone.
"Naruto! What on earth are you looking for!" Suddenly, a ninja wearing a blue-black robe dropped down from the sky and landed in front of Naruto.
"..." Naruto showed a look of disgust and said, "What are you doing here?"
"Do you think I want to come to you? If it weren't for Kakashi begging me, I wouldn't have come to find you." This person was Ebisu, a Tokubetsu Jonin in Konoha Village and the exclusive tutor of Konohamaru.
"..." Naruto's expression became even more disgusted. He didn't have a good impression of Ebisu. When they first met, Ebisu had a strong prejudice against Naruto because there was a Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside Naruto. He even regarded Naruto as an unlucky person.
"What's with that look on your face!"
Ebisu got angry and scolded Naruto, "If it weren't for Kakashi's sake, I wouldn't have come to tutor you at all."
"Who cares about your tutoring," Naruto pouted and turned his little face away, not even bothering to look at Ebisu.
"Do you think I'm not capable?" Ebisu said proudly, "I'm the exclusive teacher of the Third Hokage's grandson. My strength has been recognized by the Hokage."
"I'm really busy right now. I don't have time to hang out with you. You'd better go play with Konohamaru," Naruto looked around and said, "I'm still looking for a teacher who can guide me, but that person is definitely not you."
"Nonsense! Besides me, who else can teach you?" Ebisu looked unconvinced and then said, "How about I show you some of my skills?"
Naruto just blew him off and ran away. He ran around on the main roads in Konoha Village, while Ebisu kept following behind him, shouting loudly for Naruto to worship him as his teacher.
Naruto was fed up with him and had to keep running like crazy, looking for his Fated Mentor.
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