Chapter 24: First Round Matches – Orochimaru’s Plan!
With Naruto’s dramatic entrance, all the competitors were finally present.
However, the matches didn’t start immediately.
Only after the “Kazekage” took his seat on the VIP platform did the Third Hokage announce the beginning of the first round.
The opening match was Naruto versus Zaku.
There wasn’t really anything particularly interesting about it.
So Byakuya began quietly observing both the VIP platform and the spectator stands.
“The Kazekage is definitely Orochimaru.
There are quite a few shinobi hidden in the stands.
Looks like he’s still planning to cause trouble.
On Konoha’s side…
The Third has increased the guard detail.
I remember in the original story, the Third only had one special jōnin bodyguard—Anko’s partner, Ibiki’s… no, wait, it was Baki—no, it was actually just one guy, Yamato? Wait, no.
In the original, it was only one special jōnin, Baki—no.
Actually, it was just one ANBU-level guard.
This time, though?
Three of them.
Izumo’s partner Kotetsu is here again.
Another one is his usual teammate, Yamashiro Aoba.
And there’s one wearing a mask—probably regular ANBU.
The perimeter security looks solid too.
Seems like the Third is really taking this seriously.”
Ever since Byakuya casually mentioned to Sarutobi Hiruzen that he might die at Orochimaru’s hands…
The Third had started investigating the matter.
After some digging…
He discovered that Orochimaru really was making secret little moves behind the scenes.
And he’d been in unusually close contact with Sunagakure.
It seemed they were planning something big together.
So…
After gathering the other three Konoha elders to discuss…
They decided they couldn’t cancel the Chūnin Exams.
The only option was to drastically increase security measures to deal with the threat.
Fortunately, they had enough time to prepare.
Otherwise they wouldn’t have been able to gather so many jōnin on short notice.
…
After finishing his observation of the VIP platform, Byakuya turned his gaze toward Kakashi.
Ever since Kakashi started suspecting that Obito was still alive…
He had fallen into a state of emotional withdrawal.
Right now, for example.
On the surface, he appeared to be watching the match.
But in reality, his eyes were unfocused, staring blankly into space.
“I wonder if Kakashi has managed to sort out his thoughts after thinking about it for so long?”
Byakuya glanced over once, then looked away.
He turned his attention back to the arena.
Naruto being Naruto…
Even fighting someone like Zaku, he managed to turn it into a hot-blooded spectacle.
First he got completely dominated by Zaku.
Then, at the very last moment, with a sliver of health left, he pulled off the comeback.
“If he had mastered the Rasengan a little earlier, he probably could’ve ended this fight much sooner.”
Byakuya sighed silently to himself.
The second match was Kankurō versus Aburame Shino.
Kankurō didn’t even bother fighting—he forfeited on the spot.
Byakuya sneaked a glance at Shino.
As expected, Shino’s face remained completely expressionless. You couldn’t tell if he was angry or not.
The third match was Tenten versus some random Konoha genin named Matsuno Shirō.
Matsuno Shirō was an utterly ordinary genin.
Tenten defeated him with ease.
The fourth match was Temari versus Nara Shikamaru.
Shikamaru, relying on his absurdly high IQ, handled her smoothly and without much trouble.
The fifth match was Sasuke versus a Sound ninja named Dosu.
Because Sasuke was currently the “only” surviving Uchiha…
Most of the people who came to watch were here for him.
So his match naturally drew a lot of cheers.
And of course, Sasuke won easily.
He didn’t even need to use the newly trained Chidori he’d been practicing.
After the match ended…
The final bout of the first round began: Gaara versus Hyūga Hinata.
…
“Finally, the first round is almost over.
There are so many participants this time—I’m already getting impatient.”
Up in the stands, Kankurō grumbled while stroking his puppet.
“Once Gaara wins this match…
We’ll move on to the second round.
Uzumaki Naruto vs Aburame Shino.
Tenten vs Nara Shikamaru.
Sasuke vs Gaara.
This is taking forever~
It’s going to be a long wait before we can start the plan…”
“Kankurō, calm down.”
Baki glanced at him, then turned his eyes back to the arena.
“Everything will proceed according to plan.
We just need to trust Gaara.
This match will end quickly.”
…
At the same time, up on the VIP platform…
Orochimaru was staring intently at Sasuke, who had just finished his match.
“Sasuke…
As expected of an Uchiha…
He took care of Dosu so effortlessly…
I hope when you face Gaara, you’ll give me even more surprises…
Show me your true power!”
For a moment, Orochimaru almost stuck out his tongue to lick his lips.
But then he remembered his most beloved teacher was sitting right beside him…
So he forcibly held himself back.
“Although the last attempt was ruined by that girl who suddenly appeared…
This time…
I will definitely succeed!”
…
In the spectator stands…
Hyūga Hiashi felt cold sweat in his palms.
Right now…
He was genuinely nervous.
“Hanabi.
Watch carefully.
Learn seriously.
Your big sister is no longer the same as before.
She defeated your cousin Neji.
She has become the strongest of the younger generation in the Hyūga clan!”
At this point, a faint look of pride appeared on Hiashi’s face.
He had always held high hopes for Hinata.
Unfortunately…
The higher the expectations, the greater the disappointment.
But who could have imagined…
This time, Hinata would give him such a huge surprise.
“Byakuya, huh…?
If he were to become the son-in-law of the Hyūga clan…”
Hiashi couldn’t help but glance toward Byakuya.
Then he silently nodded to himself.
In his heart, he quietly gave his approval to this potential marriage.
“Father, can big sister defeat that Suna ninja?”
“No.”
Hiashi shook his head.
Although he had high hopes for Byakuya…
And he believed in his daughter…
Gaara was simply too powerful.
“That person is called Gaara.
There is a monster sealed inside him.
That’s why his strength is so terrifying.
If we’re talking about people his age who could possibly defeat him…
It would probably only be Naruto and Sasuke.
Unfortunately…
Those two are growing too slowly.
I don’t even know if they’ll be able to surpass him in the future.”
Saying this…
Hiashi let out a soft sigh without realizing it.
“I just hope Hinata can see the reality clearly and forfeit early!”
…
Amid a wave of cheers…
Gaara and Hinata stepped into the arena.
With an “Begin!” from the proctor, Genma Shiranui…
The match officially started.
However…
Strangely enough…
Neither of them made the first move…
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