Naruto, my father's name is Uchiha Madara.

Page 88

A glimmer of hope flickered in Sakura's eyes, but it quickly faded: "But... Lady Tsunade has been gone from the village for many years... We don't even know where she is now..."

The Third Hokage sighed and nodded: "That's the problem. Tsunade's whereabouts are elusive, and... she harbors considerable resentment towards Konoha. Finding her and bringing her back will not be easy."

Seeing Sakura's instantly disappointed expression, the Third Hokage gently comforted her, "However, you don't need to be discouraged."

"I will immediately send more people and use all intelligence networks to do my best to find Tsunade's whereabouts. At the same time, you cannot slack off during this period. Continue to solidify your foundation and study the theory."

"If...if we could find her before the finals, perhaps..."

The third generation didn't continue, but the meaning was already quite clear.

It is hope, but it is also a slim hope.

Sakura left the Hokage's office, her feelings complicated.

Tsunade's name is like a distant lighthouse, illuminating the way, yet separated by insurmountable fog.

She looked up at the azure sky and clenched her fist: "Lady Tsunade... no matter how difficult it is, I must find you! In order to better protect my comrades... I must break through this bottleneck!"

Soon, the time for the Chunin Exams finals arrived.

Although Naruto still hadn't mastered the nature transformation of wind-style chakra.

But the wisp of pale blue chakra in his palm was no longer as violent and disorderly as it had been at the beginning.

Occasionally, it can briefly coalesce into an almost sharp edge, leaving a faint white mark on the leaves.

Under Jiraiya's tutelage and the invisible "supervision" of the "fathers" within him, his hidden injuries were completely healed, his physique became stronger, and his foundation became more solid.

Sasuke abandoned the dead end of sensory training and poured all his energy into Fire Release.

His combination of Fireball and Flame Bullet has resulted in a more powerful Fire Release technique with higher temperatures and a more controllable range.

However, due to the restriction of the seal, those Sharingan eyes still could not unleash their full power.

Sakura's use of superhuman strength has become more refined, and her chakra bursts are now more controlled.

The bottleneck in her medical ninjutsu remained, but she did not give up. Under the guidance of the medical team leader, she perfected her basic training.

The Anbu dispatched by the Third Hokage seemed to have vanished without a trace, failing to send back any reliable information about Tsunade.

The air in Konoha grew increasingly hot and tense as the final repairs to the "Martial Arts Altar" were completed and the arrival of envoys and dignitaries from various countries brought a flurry of activity.

The streets were filled with discussions about the final showdown, and the odds at the casinos kept changing.

On a certain evening when the sun was setting like blood, the three members of Class 7 arrived at the highest point of the village without prior arrangement.

Looking down at the magnificent, gladiator-like "Martial Arts Altar" below.

The names and avatars of the nine finalists were already lit up on the huge electronic screen, their names prominently displayed.

Naruto, hands on his hips and sporting his signature, spirited smile, declared: "It's finally starting! The final stage!"

Sasuke crossed his arms, his eyes sharp as knives, silently staring at the name that belonged to "Gaara of the Sand," a chilling fighting spirit silently spreading through him.

Sakura stood between the two, her emerald green eyes shining with determination: "This time, we must win!"

The month-long training has come to an end. All the preparations, all the sweat, all the expectations and anxieties will be put to the test on this final stage, where they will be displayed in their most intense glory and judged.

The final chapter of the Chunin Selection Exams is about to begin, a prelude to bloodshed and fire.

Chapter 101: The Final Battle Begins! Naruto vs. Neji

The largest public arena in Konoha Village—the "Martial Arts Altar"—has now transformed into a boiling ocean!

The huge circular grandstand was packed to capacity, filled with a deafening roar that assaulted the eardrums like a physical explosion.

The daimyo, nobles, and wealthy merchants from the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, and other surrounding countries.

Dressed in finery, they whispered amongst themselves in the VIP seats with the best view, commenting on the young ninjas who were about to appear.

Representatives from various ninja villages and intelligence agents were scattered among the crowd, their sharp eyes recording everything.

The air was filled with spices, sweat, and an aura called "frenzy."

A huge electronic screen hangs under the arena's dome, clearly displaying the portraits and names of the nine advancing contestants.

Below that are constantly scrolling odds and betting information.

"It's finally starting!"

"Look! The contestant entrance is open!"

"Naruto Uzumaki! Go for it!"

"Uchiha Sasuke! He's so cool!!"

"Hyuga Neji! So cool!!"

Amidst deafening cheers, screams, and discussions, the three members of Class 7, along with the other advancing contestants, filed out of the contestant tunnel.

They stepped onto this final stage, a symbol of both glory and cruelty.

The blinding sunlight shone down, illuminating their young faces, which were etched with fighting spirit.

Naruto took a deep breath, feeling the unprecedented grandeur of the scene, his heart pounding with excitement.

He swung his fist forcefully towards the Konoha stands, where Iruka-sensei and the Konohamaru Army were located.

And there's Hinata sitting in the medical team's preparation area, her face still a little pale but with a gentle smile on her face!

Upon seeing Hinata, Naruto's smile widened, but a flame of "revenge" ignited deep within his eyes.

Neji's indifference and attacks on Hinata during the preliminaries, and the scene where he almost killed her, were etched into his heart like a brand.

Today, he will use his own fists to seek justice for Hinata! To prove that hard work can overcome so-called "fate"!

Sasuke, on the other hand, appeared unusually calm. He put his hands in his pockets and his gaze swept across the entire area like that of a hawk.

The final image focuses on the red-haired figure in the Sand Village's contestant area, arms crossed, radiating a chilling killing intent—Gaara.

After a month apart, that inhuman aura seemed even more concentrated and dangerous.

Sakura stood beside Naruto, her emerald green eyes filled with determination, but also with a hint of nervousness.

Her gaze unconsciously swept across the VIP seats, hoping to catch a glimpse of that longed-for figure—Lady Tsunade—but alas, there was still no sign of her.

She clenched her fists, thinking to herself: Even without Lady Tsunade's guidance, I will use my own strength to protect my companions!

Meanwhile, Minato, inside the sealed space, watched the lively scene and couldn't help but sigh, "It's been a long time since I've seen such a lively scene."

Nine-Tails yawned: "I've only seen it when I'm being attacked by a group of people."

Ban scoffed, "Hmph! Getting excited already? You guys are too green."

Nine-Tailed Fox looked up and said, "Old Madara, haven't you ever encountered a scene like this before?"

"...Does the village that I surrounded by myself count?" Ban pondered for a moment.

"One person...surrounded..."

Minato and Kurama were both stunned; they never imagined that these two words would be linked together.

However, from Madara's perspective, this is reasonable.

Minato: "Madara-san is really amazing."

On the high platform, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing the Hokage robes, swept his majestic gaze across the entire area.

His voice, amplified by a powerful loudspeaker, clearly drowned out all the noise:

"Distinguished guests, ninjas from all nations, and fellow countrymen of Konoha!"

The Third Hokage's voice was strong and powerful: "Welcome to Konoha Village to witness the birth of a new generation of Chunin! After rounds of selection, nine outstanding young ninjas have stood out and are now standing on this final stage!"

"The rules for the third and final selection exam are as follows!"

The third generation's voice turned serious: "The competition will be a one-on-one elimination format! The winners advance, and the losers are eliminated! The order of matches will be determined by electronic draw, which will be displayed immediately!"

The giant electronic screen changed instantly, with nine avatars scrolling rapidly before finally freezing!

Match 1: Naruto Uzumaki VS Neji Hyuga!

Wow! Naruto is the first one!

"Our opponent is Neji, the genius of the Hyuga clan!"

"This is going to be interesting! I heard that one of them is the strongest taijutsu genius genin, and the other is a genius who is known as the strongest genin in Konoha!"

An even more heated discussion erupted from the stands.

The audience in Konoha was especially excited, as this match was full of talking points.

Naruto suddenly raised his head, his eyes blazing with astonishing fighting spirit.

He stared intently at the figure slowly emerging from the opposite player's exit—Hyuga Neji!

Neji's expression remained cold and aloof, his pure Byakugan calmly meeting Naruto's burning gaze, as if he were looking at a challenger destined to fail.

Neji was not entirely unmoved.

Although Sasuke always called Naruto a loser, Neji learned that Naruto's combat skills were monstrous and unmatched.

His rate of growth, the tactics and strength he displayed in the qualifiers.

Especially the immense chakra emanating from his body, which even made the Byakugan feel uneasy...

All of these made Neji unable to underestimate them.

More importantly, Naruto's never-give-up attitude and willingness to challenge everything was like a thorn stuck in his heart, which was bound by "fate".

Today, he will use his all-seeing Byakugan to personally shatter Naruto's delusion of "trying to change his fate".

This proves that the gap between the main family and the branch family, between geniuses and ordinary people, is insurmountable!

The two stood in the center of the field, ten meters apart.

The air seemed to freeze, and invisible sparks collided fiercely where their eyes met.

"Naruto Uzumaki,"

Neji's voice was calm and even, yet it carried a chilling coldness that penetrated to the bone: "During the preliminaries, you told me you would defeat me? For that cowardly eldest daughter of the main family?"

Naruto stood his ground, his voice booming with unwavering determination: "Neji! You have no idea what Hinata is like! She's a hundred times stronger than you think! Today, I'm going to use my fists to shatter your ridiculous 'fate' theory!"

"Hmph, stupid."