"Asuma-sensei, who do you think is going to win this match?" Shikamaru asked as they watched from the viewing platform.
But Asuma didn't answer. Instead, he abruptly changed the subject.
"Shikamaru, what's your take—who do you think will win?"
The shift in topic was clumsy and obvious, but Shikamaru didn't mind. He immediately understood what Asuma was trying to tell him: Some things are above your clearance level. There was no need to press further.
So, Shikamaru shifted gears, glancing down at the two competitors in the arena, weighing his thoughts carefully.
Uzumaki Naruto vs. Misumi Tsurugi.
Naruto, as the protagonist of this world—and a Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails—wasn't someone who would go down easily. Even if he was caught off guard by Misumi's grappling-style jutsu, it was unlikely he'd surrender. His stubborn willpower alone made him hard to beat, not to mention his sheer chakra reserves and durability.
There was always a risk that Misumi's sneak attacks or binding techniques might push Naruto too far and trigger the Nine-Tails' chakra—something Naruto couldn't control at this stage. If that happened, the proctors would likely step in and call the fight off.
In that scenario, the match might end without a clear victor.
Still, when all things were considered, Naruto had too many advantages.
"Probably Naruto," Shikamaru said plainly. "He's got ridiculous stamina and chakra reserves. Plus, his Shadow Clone Jutsu is hard to deal with, especially for other genin."
Ino and Chōji exchanged a look. After observing Naruto carefully, they noticed that despite just surviving the Forest of Death, he didn't show much fatigue. His energy was off the charts, even by their standards.
"What about you two?" Asuma asked, turning toward them.
"I'll go with Shikamaru's call," Chōji said, reaching into his pouch and pulling out his last bag of chips. "He's not wrong. That jutsu of Naruto's is a pain."
"I don't know…" Ino said, glancing once at Shikamaru before turning back to the arena. "I think Misumi might be more dangerous than we realize."
"Oh?" Asuma raised an eyebrow.
"Sure, he's failed the Chūnin Exams a bunch of times," Ino continued, "but that's exactly what worries me. Someone who's been through this many exams and is still standing? That says something. He's never been killed or seriously injured, which means he knows how to survive—and maybe how to win."
Ino lifted her chin slightly, speaking with the confidence of someone making a tactical observation. "And let's be honest, Naruto's not exactly the sharpest kunai in the pouch. Misumi's probably got more tricks and experience."
"Good analysis." Asuma smiled and clapped slowly, just once or twice, clearly impressed.
Ino blushed slightly at the praise, a proud smile tugging at her lips.
"Actually, I probably shouldn't be telling you this," Asuma said in a lower voice, "but it'll be explained later anyway, so… why not. The final stage of the Chūnin Exams? It's not just about winning."
"What do you mean?" Shikamaru asked.
"The final promotion decisions aren't based on strength alone," Asuma said. "They're made by the village leaders watching from above. This tournament is more of a performance—a demonstration of your skill, judgment, and potential as a leader. The fights are real, sure, but it's the way you fight that matters."
Which meant... Misumi's experience could give him an edge—if he used it well.
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit corridor far from the arena, Kabuto Yakushi—who had voluntarily forfeited—came to a stop.
Leaning against the wall at the end of the hallway, waiting as though he'd expected Kabuto all along, stood a tall man with jet-black hair, pale skin, and a sinister allure.
"You gave up again, Kabuto," the man said with a smirk, standing upright and crossing his arms. "Another year, another withdrawal. You're making it too obvious. If you keep this up, the higher-ups in Konoha will figure you out. Not very professional for a spy, don't you think?"
Orochimaru. One of the legendary Sannin. A genius—and a monster.
Kabuto adjusted his glasses with a faint smile. "If you're really going to destroy the Leaf like you said, Lord Orochimaru, then what use is my cover anymore? Or… are you having doubts? About your plan? Or your power?"
Orochimaru chuckled softly, voice as smooth and venomous as silk. "Konoha may still have a few strong names left, but they're all relics. The current system is propped up by the old guard—Sarutobi-sensei, Danzō... maybe even Jiraiya."
"Jiraiya's a fool playing writer. Danzō hides in the shadows, like a rat. The one who still holds this village together is Sarutobi."
Orochimaru's voice dropped to a reverent whisper. "If I kill him, in public, with the whole world watching—especially the feudal lords and the heads of other villages—it will shatter Konoha's image. Its enemies will see it as weak. Its allies will lose faith. Resources dry up. Morale crumbles. Konoha… will fall."
Kabuto pushed up his glasses again, eyes glinting. "I heard the Leaf got hold of Kawagawa's body. That won't ruin the plan?"
Orochimaru smiled thinly, but his eyes darkened. "That fool was never as valuable as you. He knew two things: that I wanted to destroy Konoha… and that I want Sasuke Uchiha."
His smile turned sharp. "Still, I didn't expect him to die to a bunch of kids. That was… disappointing. But even if Konoha tightens security, it won't matter."
The Chūnin Exams had always been the perfect opportunity for subterfuge. With so many genin, examiners, and foreign guests crammed into the village, Konoha's attention was split. While their forces were pulled inward to guard the exam grounds, the outer perimeter weakened—just enough for Sound and Sand to attack.
Of course, Kawagawa's failure narrowed their window of opportunity—but not enough to stop the plan.
"That fool, the Fourth Kazekage, thinks he'll be the one to kill Sarutobi and take all the glory for his village," Orochimaru sneered. "As if I'd ever let that happen. Sarutobi-sensei is mine. I'll kill him myself."
He licked his lips, already savoring the thought. "We'll ambush the Kazekage en route, kill him, and I'll take his place. That will put me right next to Sarutobi during the final exam."
Kabuto said nothing for a moment, silently mourning the Kazekage's ignorance. Of all the people to cross… Orochimaru was the last you wanted to offend.
"What about Sasuke?" Kabuto asked at last.
Orochimaru's eyes lit up. "He still needs time… and power. Let the Leaf keep him close. Let them chain him down. He needs to taste what it feels like—to be stifled."
"And what about Uzumaki Naruto?" Kabuto asked, voice suddenly serious. "He's influencing Sasuke. Strongly."
Orochimaru laughed softly. "It won't last. If Sasuke were like his brother—always first, always perfect—then maybe. But that's not who he is. And as long as that boy continues to outshine him, Sasuke's frustration will only grow."
Kabuto blinked. "You mean… Shikamaru?"
"He's a Nara," Kabuto said with mild surprise. "Gifted, sure, but nothing like the Uchiha."
Orochimaru's smile vanished.
"Don't underestimate that child," he said, tone suddenly flat. "He knows he's not born special. That's what makes him dangerous."
Orochimaru had seen it—the same look he once had in his own eyes. A genius born from normalcy, clawing his way toward greatness not by fate, but by will.
He had once thought Uchiha Itachi was unbeatable—until he truly saw what separated them.
Now… another shadow was forming.
Orochimaru's tongue flicked across his lips. Then, without a single hand sign, his body faded into smoke.
A whisper lingered in the hallway, barely audible, as if carried on the wind:
"I'm looking forward to this exam… more than ever."