Chapter 77: The Grand Stage
In the blink of an eye, the month of preparation had passed.
Konoha reached a level of prosperity it rarely saw on this momentous day. The usually wide streets were now packed and bustling with an unprecedented energy. It wasn't just Konoha's shinobi who filled the roads; even the ordinary civilians jostled for position, eager to catch a glimpse of the powerful daimyos from across the nations.
The village's great gates stood wide open. Luxurious palanquins, borne by teams of twelve guards, processed with solemn dignity towards the village center. Inside sat the feudal lords of various lands, figures of such immense influence that they were naturally revered by the common people. The Land of Wind, the Land of Grass, the Land of Rice, the Land of Long, the Land of Rivers—politicians and high-ranking shinobi from every major nation were making their way to Konoha's central arena. Their purpose was twofold: to witness the new generation of genius shinobi and to secretly assess the military strength of their rivals, information that would shape their political strategies for years to come.
As the host, Konoha played its part flawlessly. Despite the teeming crowds, the streets were not chaotically blocked but maintained in perfect order. Well-drilled Konoha shinobi stood at disciplined intervals along the routes, ensuring the daimyos' processions could proceed without a single hitch.
The atmosphere was electric, a truly spectacular sight.
High atop a tower in the heart of the village, the Third Hokage stood in quiet contemplation, looking down upon the vibrant scene below. Flanking him were two elite ANBU guards, their vigilance absolute, protecting him at every moment.
"So, it finally begins," the Third Hokage murmured. His voice, in stark contrast to his aged and weathered appearance, was clear and resonant, filled with vitality.
As Konoha's leader, his hopes for this Chunin Exam were immense. If the six Konoha genin among the finalists could distinguish themselves, the strength of the Land of Fire would be demonstrated for all to see. For a long time to come, international relations would be influenced by this display of power. This final tournament was not merely about personal glory for the participants; it was a competition of strength between the great nations themselves.
As time flowed on, the daimyos and their entourages were seated within the main arena.
The central square of Konoha was a cauldron of noise and excitement. Though the fighting ground itself was vast and empty, the surrounding stands were a sea of densely packed bodies, overwhelmed by a cacophony of enthusiastic cheers.
The citizens of Konoha were out in force, their voices united in support of their village's shinobi, hoping with all their hearts that they would excel and bring honor to the Leaf.
Beyond the civilians, nearly the entirety of Konoha's shinobi forces had gathered. As seniors, they naturally wanted to witness the prowess of the newest generation. Shinobi from other villages were also present, permitted entry to ensure the safety of their own daimyos. This was also why Konoha's most elite jonin were positioned throughout the crowd—to prevent any potential disturbances from foreign ninja.
And above them all, in the highest seats of honor, two figures were particularly conspicuous.
The Third Hokage of Konohagakure.
The Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure.
These two men stood at the very pinnacle of the shinobi world. The title of "Kage" alone commanded respect and represented absolute power. The Third Hokage, his face lined with age, nonetheless contained a chakra as profound and roaring as a deep sea. He sat with a calm that radiated immense, unshakable authority.
Though the Fourth Kazekage's face was obscured by a black cloth, he exuded a palpable aura that was in no way inferior to the Hokage's. One was in the twilight of his life, the other at the peak of his power—a silent, tense rivalry played out in their mere presence.
"Welcome, Lord Kazekage. You must be weary from your long journey," the Third Hokage initiated, his eyes deep and knowing.
"Not at all... It is better to hold it here," the Kazekage replied, his tone calm but laced with subtle meaning. "Though you are advanced in years, the burden of long travel might be too much. Perhaps it is time to decide on a candidate for the Fifth Hokage sooner rather than later."
For a moment, the atmosphere grew strained.
"Hahaha! Please, don't write this old man off just yet. I plan to keep at it for another five years!" The Third Hokage's hearty laughter broke the tension. He smoothly changed the subject. "But it is time. The matches should begin!"
The Third Hokage slowly rose to his feet, hands clasped behind his back. He walked to the edge of the stand, and his voice, amplified by chakra, boomed out across the entire arena, silencing the crowd.
"Honored guests! I thank you all for gathering here for the Chunin Exams, hosted by our Konohagakure. Next, the finalists who passed the preliminary rounds will proceed to the main tournament."
"Please, enjoy the spectacle!"
His words instantly reignited the crowd's fervor. Thousands of fiery eyes locked onto the figures standing in the center of the arena.
Yet, many who knew the details were puzzled. Ten contestants had passed the preliminaries, but only eight stood on the sand now. A careful scan confirmed it—Uchiha Sasuke and the Sound ninja, Dosu, were missing.
"What is the meaning of this? Were there not ten finalists?" the Fourth Kazekage murmured, a sharp glint flashing in his visible eye.
In the center of the arena, the eight genin stood side-by-side, the focus of the entire world's attention.
Aizen Sōsuke, Aburame Shino, Nara Shikamaru, Kankuro, Temari, Gaara, Hyūga Neji, and Uzumaki Naruto.
The weight of their villages' honor rested on their shoulders. This was a battle for glory.
"The rules are the same as the preliminaries," the proctor announced solemnly. "A match ends only when one combatant concedes defeat or is killed. However, I will intervene if I judge the outcome to be decided. Is that understood?"
The genin's eyes narrowed, their expressions hardening with resolve.
"The first match: Gaara of the Sand versus Aizen Sōsuke of the Leaf! All other contestants, please withdraw to the competitors' waiting area."
As the others filed off the field, only two figures remained in the vast arena, facing one another under the gaze of thousands.
Gaara and Aizen.
The long-awaited duel had officially begun.