Chapter 60: The Preliminaries Continue
Yakushi Kabuto was severely injured. Aizen Sōsuke was the victor.
To any careful observer, it was clear that Aizen's expression had not changed throughout the entire match. He was calm, composed, and utterly in control from start to finish.
"To see such keen combat instincts in a genin... it's truly remarkable," the Third Hokage murmured, a rare glint of admiration in his eyes. While others might have been fooled until the last moment, he had seen through Aizen's final Shadow Clone from the very beginning. "A talent like this... if he is truly loyal, he would be Konoha's greatest find in the last decade."
The aging Hokage couldn't help but sigh. Since the death of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, Konoha had lost a peerless genius. Compounded by the defection and disappearance of the Sannin, the once-powerful village was feeling the strain. In recent years, the weight on his shoulders had grown heavier, making his advanced age feel even more burdensome.
"Wonderful, Aizen," Kurenai whispered, a genuine smile of surprise and pride on her face. "You finally showed your true talent and shone on this stage."
As the first duel of the preliminaries, the battle had captured everyone's attention. By emerging victorious, Aizen had firmly stamped the mark of 'genius' upon himself.
In the stands, the Ino-Shika-Chō trio, who had known Aizen from the academy, and even Team 7, found themselves applauding his brilliant performance. Even the assembled Konoha jōnin looked on with appreciation. Every Konoha genin who advanced to the main event meant more prestige for the village when the Feudal Lord and other dignitaries arrived.
"Now that the match is concluded, both participants may leave the arena," Moonlight Hayate announced, his raspy voice restoring order. "We will now prepare for the second match."
A team from the Konoha Medical Corps swiftly entered the arena and carefully placed the injured Kabuto onto a stretcher.
Aizen walked calmly back to the stands, his demeanor unchanged. There was no trace of arrogance, no youthful boasting—only the same low-key humility he always displayed. It was impossible to connect this serene boy with the fiery spirit typical of teenagers his age. His unshakable composure only deepened the respect many felt for him.
Gradually, the commotion died down. The excitement of the first match faded, and all attention shifted to the screen for the next pairing.
The cover retracted, revealing the names for the second match.
Uchiha Sasuke vs. Yoroi Akadō
This duel immediately drew the crowd's focus. Uchiha Sasuke was the most dazzling prodigy of his graduating class. Whether he could win was a matter of pride for Konoha's Ninja Academy.
Even Aizen paid closer attention. The boy with the Sharingan had piqued his interest. Through his time in Konoha, Aizen had learned of the Uchiha clan's former glory and their terrifying Kekkei Genkai, the Sharingan. While not every clansman could awaken it, its powers were formidable. Beyond superhuman insight, it could copy and see through any ninjutsu, genjutsu, or taijutsu that wasn't a bloodline limit. Most importantly, it could cast illusions that terrified countless shinobi.
This was what interested Aizen. He was very curious to see what would happen when a fully-evolved Sharingan eventually met his own Kyōka Suigetsu. What kind of sparks would fly then?
Down on the arena floor, the battle commenced fiercely.
Hampered by the cursed seal Orochimaru had placed upon him, Sasuke was initially at a disadvantage and nearly lost to Yoroi. But a genius was a genius, after all, possessing a willpower far beyond the ordinary. In a stunning reversal, Uchiha Sasuke turned the tables, securing a hard-fought victory.
After Sasuke's departure, the next match was announced.
Aburame Shino of Konoha's Team 8 vs. Zaku Abumi of the Sound Ninja!
The two combatants stepped into the center of the arena, their eyes meeting across the space. In that locked gaze, a deep, mutual killing intent was unmistakably clear. The air grew heavy with the promise of a brutal confrontation.