Chapter 90 : Matchups

At morning 10 AM on the last day, Fujin, Hoka, Mieko, and the 6 Kiri genins left the tower and focused outside the tower. They noticed that 4 teams were waiting there. The teams noticed them as well and realized that Nara Minori was speaking the truth. However, other than Nara's team, the other 3 teams were on alert to prevent one of them from suddenly running to the tower.

Unfortunately, the last team never turned up, so they all were disqualified. Since no fight happened, the uninvited audience was disappointed. The chunins asked those 4 teams to enter the tower, as they all looked exhausted and wounded.

Sometime later, the last team also entered the Tower. Tsume gathered everyone in the large hall where the preliminaries were usually held. She announced, "The teams who passed stand here. Soon Lord Hokage will arrive, and address you!"

All 9 genins stood in a disciplined manner. While the remaining 15 genins stood far away. Fujin looked at them and thought, 'I'm surprised that no one died! It seems like Kiri nins are here to create a good relationship. So they didn't kill anyone.'

The chunins stood around the hall, and some Jounin-sensei began appearing. They stood along with their genin squads. The 2 Kiri Jounins also stood there. Fujin observed both of them, but couldn't recognize either of them.

Soon the 3rd Hokage arrived. He was accompanied by 4 Anbu and a few Jounins including Renjiro and Genki. Renjiro smiled and nodded at his squad. He had heard that they broke the records by a huge margin.

Fujin observed them, 'Genki is standing with all the Jounins. Did he get promoted? Or is he here just because his students are here? As for the Anbu, one looks to be Kakashi. I can't identify the rest.'

As Fujin was observing everyone, Hiruzen stepped in front of them. Tsume announced, "Pay attention you brats. Now, Lord Hokage will explain the details about the third phase of the chunin exam."

Hiruzen stood in front of the kids and got a good look at them. 'Only 3 genins from our village passed. Kiri has 6. Looks like the rebel faction really wants to create a good image. Well, I can let them win this one. So their leader will owe us one. Even if they win, considering that they are at war, they won't be able to steal Konoha's missions.'

After a minute he spoke, "Congrats on passing the 2nd round."

He then looked at Fujin, Hoka, and Mieko and said, "Congrats to you guys for breaking the record to become the fastest team to pass the 2nd round."

On hearing that, the genins, who failed, were shocked. After all, they were the youngest team. The Kiri genins and jounins also looked at them. Though the Kiri genins were looking at Fujin while cursing him a few more times.

However, Fujin was very excited on hearing that, 'Marvelous! I didn't think he'd say this. Now I can ask it without any awkwardness! It'll feel natural too.'

Hiruzen continued, "Before I explain the third phase, I will explain to you the true reason for these chunin exams…"

He explained the details regarding how the exam is a replacement for war and why the genins need to give their best similar to the way he did in the manga. Everyone paid attention. Fujin paid careful attention as well, however for a different reason. He was picking up points he could use later to compel Hiruzen.

After Hiruzen was done speaking, Fujin sighed internally, 'I barely remember any dialogues from Naruto anime or manga now. Other than the important events in every arc, I have sort of forgotten everything. Can't really help it I guess. After all, I didn't watch Naruto for years even in my previous life.'

After Hiruzen was done explaining, Inoichi Yamanaka stepped forward and said, "I will be the Proctor for the third round. I will now explain the details.

The third round will be a simple tournament. The tournament will be held after 1 month, in front of many important dignitaries like Kage and Daimyos. You will fight against each other alone. Your team won't be able to help you anymore. If you lose any fight, you'll be eliminated, while the winners will get to fight other winners."

Hearing this, some of the genins got excited to show off their skills. Fujin looked at his teammates. Both were incredibly excited. He wondered, 'What's so exciting about being made to fight for the entertainment of some rich old people?' On Kiri's side, Rentaro looked very excited. He looked at Fujin and thought, 'Just win till you fight me. I'll pay you back a hundred times for the 4 sleepless nights you put me through!'

Inoichi then picked up a box and said, "Everyone, pick one piece of paper each from this box." Everyone picked up one folded piece of paper. After picking up the paper, Fujin stood next to Mieko.

Inoichi said, "Open it and tell me the numbers on your paper, starting from 1."

Sakai Yumi, "1"

Shiro Sora, "2"

Hyuga Hoka, "3"

Matsu**a Satoru, "4"

Kido Kohaku, "5"

Uchiha Mieko, "6"

Satsuma Rentaro, "7"

Suzuki Fujin, "8"

Yuki Shin, "9"

Inoichi noted down everyone's names next to numbers and showed a chart showing the matchups.

He announced, "The matchups are - Sakai Yumi Vs Shiro Sora, Hyuga Hoka Vs Matsu**a Satoru, and Kido Kohaku Vs Uchiha Mieko. Since we have 9 members, the number 8 and 9 will have to fight one additional time. So, the first match of the tournament will be Suzuki Fujin Vs Yuki Shin. And their winner will fight against Satsuma Rentaro."

Fujin thought, '1 additional match? Shouldn't be an issue I guess. That said, why are my matchups so freaking difficult? Ice Release in the first round. Then Rentaro, who looks to be the strongest among the Kiri genins. That will be followed up by Mieko. All 3 might be tough fights. However, in the finals, I should be fighting with Hoka. That will be an easy fight if I still have chakra left by then.'

Others too were thinking about their matchups. Inoichi asked, "Any doubts?"

Shiro Sora asked, "Since this is a tournament, can only one person become a chunin?"

Fujin looked at him and wondered, 'Like Hiruzen's speeches, is this question also asked every single time?'

Inoichi shook his head and answered, "No, we will promote you to chunin depending on your performance in the fights. If you perform well, you may be promoted even if you don't win any fights. So there's a chance that every one of you gets promoted. And a chance that none of you do. Any more questions?"

No one raised any questions. So Fujin raised his hand and said, "Umm… I have a question for Lord Hokage." Inoichi was surprised. Renjiro raised his eyebrow wondering what his student wanted to ask. While Genki was having a very bad feeling, 'He isn't going to…. Is he?'

Hiruzen gave a kind smile and said, "Go ahead and ask Fujin." Fujin looked at Hiruzen smiling and put up a very innocent smile on his face as well. He asked very innocently, "Lord Hokage, since my team broke the previous record for the 2nd round by such a huge margin, do we get any rewards?"

[A/N : Mass release at the end of February if we reach 300 Power stones every week in this month.]

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Chapter end