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Sasuke nodded inwardly. Although Naruto usually acted recklessly, his combat instincts were still impressive. With Minato's guidance since childhood, Naruto's early growth had skyrocketed like a shinobi rocket—refined reflexes, accelerated chakra control, and a sense for battle that could rival even seasoned genin.
The matches that followed were unremarkable.
"In the seventh round of the qualifiers, Uchiha Sasuke versus Kurotsuchi of Iwagakure!"
This time, Moonlight Hayate completed the announcement without coughing. Sasuke walked to the center of the arena, quietly calculating how much of his strength he should reveal.
With his current abilities, there were very few among his peers who could pose a threat. Even if overwhelmed, he could always retreat with speed and jutsu mastery.
Revealing some of his strength came with clear advantages—accelerated promotion, potential solo missions outside the village, and most importantly, the opportunity to begin mastering the Bankai—the final stage of a Zanpakutō's evolution.
After brief consideration, Sasuke made up his mind.
His opponent had already stepped forward—slim legs clad in shorts and mesh armor, a cocky smile on her lips. Kurotsuchi was clearly confident.
"Begin!"
Sasuke didn't draw a blade. Instead, he extended a single hand toward Kurotsuchi.
"Bakudō #63: Sajō Sabaku — Chain Binding Lock!"
Golden chains burst forth, spiraling through the air and instantly wrapping around Kurotsuchi. Her hands were pinned at her sides before she could even begin weaving hand signs.
Her smile disappeared in shock. She couldn't move. She couldn't form a single seal.
The surrounding Jōnin blinked in disbelief.
"What kind of technique is that? No hand signs, and that chakra flow—was that a type of Ninjutsu?"
"No, it looked more like a Kido incantation. But that's not something from any of the five great nations!"
"This kid's ability bypasses sealing requirements entirely. It's a nightmare for any ninja who relies on hand signs."
Even the elite Konoha Jōnin—aside from Uchiha Itachi—were shocked. This was the first time Sasuke had openly demonstrated his adapted Shinigami powers. Until now, the only ones who had seen it were a few close allies… and enemies. Of the latter, only Orochimaru had survived.
But since he intended to show strength, he didn't stop there.
"Beast's bones. Towering spears. Crimson crystals. The sky spins with steel. Moving like wind, still as sky. The clang of war resounds through the silent city. Hadō #63: Raikōhō — Thunder Roar Cannon!"
A searing beam of golden lightning erupted from his palm, just grazing the strands of Kurotsuchi's hair and blasting a massive crater into the tower wall behind her.
"Give up. You have no chance," Sasuke said calmly, his tone utterly indifferent.
"I forfeit!" Kurotsuchi shouted quickly, visibly rattled. Still bound, she scowled at him, her glare sharp enough to cut stone.
On the observation balcony, the Iwagakure Jōnin, Kitsuchi, watched with furrowed brows. He turned to Kakashi and Itachi beside him. "Your village really is full of surprises."
"Thank you," Itachi answered impassively.
Moonlight Hayate coughed, then straightened. "Seventh match, the winner… Uchiha Sasuke!"
With that, Sasuke dissolved the binding spell and returned to the spectator platform. Karin, who had forfeited before the qualifiers began, stood waiting for him.
"Sasuke, Lord Hokage has summoned you. And Uzumaki Karin as well," Kakashi said, approaching calmly.
"But the exams aren't over yet. Is it okay to leave now?" Sasuke asked, though he was more than happy to leave the tedious matches behind.
"It's fine. You can ask your brother later—the final round won't start for a while," Kakashi reassured him.
"Alright then." Sasuke nodded and followed him out of the tower, Karin trailing behind.
He had a good idea why Minato had summoned them. It was likely related to Karin's status.
Soon, the three arrived at the Hokage's office. As always, Minato Namikaze sat at his desk, sifting through village documents with gentle efficiency.
"Kakashi-senpai, I brought them," Kakashi said.
Minato smiled warmly. "Thanks, Kakashi."
"No problem. I'll head back." With a brief nod, Kakashi exited.
Now only Minato, Sasuke, and Karin remained.
Minato looked up. "The reason I called you both here today is to talk about Karin's residence."
He glanced at Karin kindly, then continued, "Kushina has already told me everything. From now on, Karin, you're a citizen of Konoha. No more mistreatment like you suffered in Kusagakure. Here's your new Konoha forehead protector."
He handed over the protector. Karin stepped forward shyly and accepted it with both hands.
"Thank you," she whispered.
She had already discarded the old Kusagakure headband.
"There's one more matter. Kushina would like you to stay with us at our home. We have a spare room, and she thought you'd be better cared for there. What do you think?"
Sasuke thought it was a solid idea. If Karin lived near Kushina, she could learn sealing techniques more easily, and her development would skyrocket.
Minato added, "Of course, if you'd prefer not to, we can arrange housing elsewhere in the village. You'll also receive a monthly stipend until you're able to live independently."
Karin hesitated, then quietly asked, "…Can I stay at Sasuke's house instead?"
Sasuke blinked, caught off guard. The thought of Karin living in his house wasn't bad—like having a younger sister. Neji had been flaunting Hinata's adoration for weeks. Though Sasuke didn't care, a tiny part of him did feel competitive.
But the Uchiha household was limited in space. His room, Itachi's, and their parents'—that was it. Karin would have to share with someone.
Probably with Itachi.
That… might not be ideal. Sasuke needed silence at night to meditate and cultivate his Reiryoku, and Karin could be unpredictable.
Minato paused at her question, then smiled knowingly. "If Sasuke agrees, that's also an option."
Karin immediately turned to Sasuke with bright, expectant eyes.
Sasuke scratched his cheek awkwardly. "But there's not enough room in our house."
Unexpectedly, Karin's eyes lit up even more. "That's okay! I can—"
"Wait, I got it! There's a nice house next to ours. Why not buy it and let you live there?" Sasuke said, suddenly struck with inspiration.
He then glanced at Karin. "By the way, what were you about to say just now?"
"…Nothing. That sounds great," Karin said, deflating like a balloon.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCED 30+ CHAPTERS. Two members on my patreon get a free book each month. A lucky draw,it can be you.
Currently at CHAPTER 101 on Patreon.
Five chapters every two days on Patreon.
One chapter everyday on webnovel.
patreon.com/FrancisMW
"I look forward to welcoming you as member"
ENJOY THE BENEFITS.