Naruto, my father's name is Uchiha Madara.

Page 84

Xiao Li's stretcher was quickly carried away from the battlefield that witnessed his burning and fall.

His departure seemed to take away the last trace of tragic grandeur, leaving only a devastated site and a heavy heart.

Moonlight Gale took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and walked back to the center of the field.

He glanced around the stands, his gaze sweeping over each genin who had successfully passed the preliminaries and advanced to the main tournament.

The voice returned to its usual steady tone, but with an added air of solemnity:

"With this, the second round of the Chunin Selection Exams—the preliminary rounds—has concluded!"

His voice echoed in the silent hall, announcing the end of a phase.

"The following is the list of contestants who have successfully advanced to the third and final selection exam!"

All eyes were focused on the huge electronic screen in the center, or people were listening intently.

The voice of Moonlight Gale clearly and loudly pronounced each name:

"Konoha Village: Uchiha Sasuke!"

Sasuke remained expressionless, but his eyes were sharper, as if an invisible pressure was pressing down on him.

"Uzumaki Naruto!"

Naruto straightened his back, his face burning with fighting spirit, but his gaze toward Gaara remained hostile.

"Haruno Sakura!"

Sakura clenched her fists, feeling the new life force within her.

"Nara Shikamaru!"

Shikamaru had a "this is so troublesome" look on his face, but a glint of light flashed deep in his eyes, clearly indicating that he had begun to think of a solution.

"Hyuga Neji!"

Neji stood alone in the corner, his expression still cold and aloof, the bandage on his forehead particularly glaring under the light.

He glanced in the direction where Lee was being carried away, then looked at Naruto, his expression complex and unreadable.

"Aburame Shino!"

Shino pushed up his sunglasses and stood there silently, like a rock, but the swarm of insects under his robes seemed to sense their master's fighting spirit, making a soft rustling sound.

Tian Tian gripped the scroll tightly in her hand, her eyes filled with determination.

She wants to prove her worth on the final stage in her own way.

"Sunagakure: Gaara!"

As the name was pronounced, Gaara slightly raised his head, his blood-red eyes sweeping across the stands, and the chilling killing intent emanating from him sent a shiver down the spines of many.

Temari, carrying the giant fan, regained her confident smile, but her eyes held a hint of caution.

"Kankuro!"

Kankuro held his puppet crow, a playful smile curving his lips as he scanned the Konoha members.

"The above ten contestants have successfully advanced to the third and final selection exam!"

After the list was read aloud, a suppressed murmur arose in the meeting room.

Nine young ninjas from Konoha and Sunagakure will compete for the qualification and glory of Chunin on the final stage.

The presence of the Sand Village trio, especially Gaara who is like a monster, makes this final showdown full of unknown dangers.

Just then, on the high platform, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, slowly rose to his feet.

His aged yet still upright figure attracted everyone's attention.

He stood on the high platform, his voice gentle yet powerful, carrying a comforting quality that dispelled some of the gloom in the room.

"Young ninjas,"

The Third Hokage's kind gaze swept across the arena, lingering briefly in the direction the seriously injured had gone, filled with deep concern: "First of all, on behalf of Konoha, I extend my deepest respect to all the examinees who were injured and who exerted their efforts in this exam. The path of a ninja is full of thorns and challenges, and injuries and setbacks are also badges of honor for growth. Konoha's medical team will do its utmost to provide the best treatment for all the injured."

His words carried a calming power, warming the hearts of the Konoha ninjas.

"Now, I hereby formally announce,"

The Third Hokage's voice suddenly rose, filled with anticipation and solemnity: "The third and final Chunin Selection Exam will be held in a month from now at the 'Martial Arts Altar,' the largest public arena in Konoha!"

"A month?" Naruto was taken aback.

"A month later?" Sakura was also a little surprised.

The Third Hokage smiled and nodded: "This month is a valuable period for all those who have advanced to adjust and improve. You can make full use of this time to reflect on the gains and losses in the preliminary rounds, study new tactics, hone your skills, and meet the final challenge in the best possible condition!"

His gaze swept over the nine people below the stage, especially the young ninjas from Konoha: "The final selection will be a one-on-one elimination system, and the rules will be announced closer to the exam."

"At that time, daimyo, nobles, and important figures from the ninja world from various countries will be present to witness the ceremony! This is not only an exam to determine the Chunin qualification, but also a stage for you to showcase the strength and will of the new generation of Konoha and Sunagakure to the entire ninja world!"

"Show it to the entire ninja world?"

Naruto's eyes lit up instantly, filled with excitement. "This is fantastic! My chance to make a name for myself has arrived! I'm going to let everyone know how amazing I am! My first step to becoming Hokage starts here!"

Sasuke touched the cursed mark on his neck: "One month... Let's go find my brother and deal with this weird thing first."

Although Kakashi had been asked to handle it, Kakashi wasn't entirely clear on the specifics, so it was best to ask his knowledgeable older brother.

Sakura clenched her fist: "One month... Good luck!"

She had already planned to practice chakra control as much as possible over the course of a month to further enhance the power of her punches.

That way, if she encounters any dangerous battles in the future, she won't need to hide in the back and worry.

Shikamaru stroked his chin: "A month... that's a bit of a hassle, but it's better than fighting right away... We need to plan how to deal with those troublesome guys, especially that sand monster..."

The Sand Village trio each had their own agendas.

The sand around Gaara surged restlessly, as if yearning for an even grander slaughter feast a month later.

Temari and Kankuro fell into deep thought. After all, their plan required Gaara's participation, but now Gaara...

The Third Hokage's voice carried an undeniable authority: "All those who have advanced, please cherish this month, train diligently, and improve yourselves! The ultimate glory and recognition await the strongest to claim!"

"I hereby declare the second preliminary round of the Chunin Selection Exams officially over! Ladies and gentlemen, see you at the 'Martial Arts Altar' one month from now!"

As the Third Hokage finished speaking, applause, though not enthusiastic, rang out in the hall, but was solemn enough.

The smoke and bloodshed of the preliminary rounds have temporarily dissipated, leaving behind a mess, heavy memories, and endless anticipation and tension for the final stage a month from now.

"A month..."

Naruto watched the Third Hokage's departing figure, then looked at Sasuke and Sakura beside him, who were tired but had determined eyes.

Suddenly, he grinned and patted Sasuke's shoulder hard: "Hey! Sasuke! Sakura! We can't let our guard down! This month, we must become stronger! Then, in front of everyone, we'll make the name of Team 7 resound throughout the ninja world!"

Seeing Naruto's energetic demeanor, Sakura felt her gloom dissipate considerably, and nodded vigorously: "Yes! Let's work hard together!"

Although Sasuke didn't speak, the slight upturn of his lips and the flames burning in his eyes said it all.

Just then, a silver-white figure appeared beside the three of them like a ghost.

"Yo." Kakashi's signature lazy voice rang out, his one exposed eye curving into a crescent: "Looks like everyone's got a lot of energy."

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto called out immediately, "What kind of training have you had this past month?"

Kakashi's gaze lingered for a moment on the cursed mark on the back of Sasuke's neck, his eyes becoming deep: "Special training is necessary... but not for me, but for Jiraiya-sama."

"Perverted Sage? He's probably out gathering material somewhere again right now." Naruto pouted and said unhappily when he heard it was Jiraiya.

Kakashi scratched his head: "Well, I was temporarily transferred by the Third Hokage. Also, Naruto, Jiraiya is one of the Legendary Sannin, so you should at least show him some respect."

"But a lecherous immortal is a lecherous immortal!"

Kakashi looked helpless at Naruto's words, probably only Naruto would dare to call Jiraiya that.

"Alright, I can't tell you about my mission. Just go find Lord Jiraiya tomorrow."

He glanced at the other examinees whose wounds were still being treated by the medical team in the distance, and at the direction the Sand Village trio had left in, before turning and leaving first.

Although Naruto was full of doubts, he also knew about the mission, especially the missions given by the Hokage, which were not something that genin like them should know.

So he simply followed Sakura and Sasuke away from the tower.

Leaving the tower, the golden rays of the setting sun bathed the streets of Konoha, casting a warm and peaceful glow on the village that had endured a day of fierce fighting.

But everyone knows that this peace is only temporary.

One month later, a final showdown that will captivate the entire ninja world will take place in the heart of Konoha.

And they will be at the heart of this storm.

Chapter 96 The Noisy Master and Disciple

The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the leaves a warm golden-orange hue, and the noise and tension seemed to have temporarily subsided with the end of the qualifiers.

Naruto, having parted ways with Sasuke and the others, dragged his somewhat tired but mostly excited body as he walked down the familiar streets.

A day of fierce battles, from the hilarious spectacle of the groundhog fighting tooth to witnessing Xiao Li's tragic burning and horrific fall.

Then, finally learning that the final battle would take place a month later under the spotlight...

My mood fluctuated like a rollercoaster.

At this moment, all he wanted was to return to his small, perhaps slightly messy but definitely his own apartment, collapse into bed, and process everything.

"I am back!"

Naruto called out habitually and pushed open the door covered with small advertisements.

He didn't expect a response, since he was usually the only one at home.

Although the three fathers inside her would respond from time to time, in the end she was still faced with an empty room.

However, a rich aroma, a mixture of food smells and...

A familiar yet unpleasant salty, damp smell wafted into my face.

"Yo! Naruto! You're back! You must have had a tough exam!" A loud, slightly lewd voice came from inside the house.

Naruto froze at the doorway, his eyes wide with shock.

In his cramped living room/dining room, there stood a tall figure with a head of wild white hair, wearing a red coat.