Naruto: Boruto Returns to Shippuden

Chapter 49 Selection Tournament

The twenty-two candidates who had passed the second exam gathered together on the training ground. Many of them were nervous, waiting for the Third Hokage to announce the content of the third exam.

Mitarashi Anko stood before the crowd, her gaze sweeping over each examinee before she smiled and said, "First of all! Congratulations to everyone for passing the second exam."

Hmph, out of the 78 people who took the second exam, 22 actually made it this far. Although I said before that I would eliminate half of them, I actually only wanted to keep one.

At this moment, many of the candidates present looked somewhat exhausted.

After all, the time they spent in the Death Forest was not easy for them. They not only had to compete for scrolls, but also had to be constantly vigilant to prevent others from stealing the scrolls they had.

The ninjas who passed the second exam came from different villages.

Among them, sixteen genin from Konoha Village successfully passed the Forest of Death; three genin from Sunagakure Village; and three genin from Otogakure Village also advanced to the next round of exams.

Without exception, all the candidates from Takigakure, Kusagakure, and Amegakure were eliminated in the second round of the exam.

At this moment, Boruto also noticed that the Sound Ninja trio, with whom he had clashed and whose scrolls had been stolen, were also among those who passed the test.

Boruto pointed to the Sound Ninja trio in the distance and said, "Look, the Sound Ninja who had their scrolls stolen by us have actually passed the Death Forest test."

Upon hearing this, Sakura looked in the direction Boruto was pointing and indeed saw those three familiar figures.

She couldn't help but frown: "Really! I didn't expect that they could still collect the [Book of Heaven] and the [Book of Earth] after we took the scrolls. It seems we can't underestimate them."

Sasuke laughed dismissively, crossed his arms, and said confidently, "Hmph, they're just a bunch of defeated opponents. What's there to worry about?"

As the atmosphere grew tense, each candidate felt the pressure increase.

They knew that the third exam might be the crucial battle that would determine who would become a true Chunin.

Faced with such formidable competitors, they must go all out and showcase their best.

At the same time, Might Guy looked at Kakashi beside him, a slight smile playing on his lips, and said with a hint of appreciation, "Well done, you've got good luck!"

Then he turned his head and looked firmly at the third squad in the distance, saying, "But as long as our team is here, you won't get any further!"

"Because the next test will require real skill. Well, youth is sometimes bittersweet, sometimes tough, you know, Kakashi." Finally, Might Guy's burning gaze fell on Kakashi.

Kakashi didn't seem to take Might Guy's words to heart: "Hmm? Did you say anything?"

"Oh my god!" Might Guy was shocked by Kakashi's lack of respect for him, even though he was his lifelong rival.

Might Guy clenched his fist: Not bad, my opponent, Kakashi! You make people feel fashionable in places like this, damn it!

Team 3 also noticed Kakashi. This was Tenten's first time meeting Kakashi, and she thought he was quite nice.

Tian Tian: That's Teacher Kai's eternal rival. Judging from appearances, Teacher Kai is completely outshone.

Locke Lee: Of all the teachers, Mr. Kay is indeed the most outstanding!

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly walked up to the crowd and began to introduce the third exam with a serious expression.

"Dear examinees, we are about to begin the third exam. However, before that, there is something I need to tell you," Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a low voice.

Upon hearing this, the entire arena fell silent, and all eyes were focused on Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"So..." Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, looked around, and then said, "I'd like to ask you all, do you know why so many ninja villages are participating in this exam?"

The group exchanged puzzled glances.

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled softly, reached up and adjusted the Hokage hat on his head, then said with a smile, "Our real goal is to enable friendly coexistence among allied nations and improve the overall level of ninjas."

Everyone was startled upon hearing this and pricked up their ears to listen.

Hiruzen Sarutobi then added, "Moreover, the Chunin Exams are a very rare opportunity for neighboring countries to understand the strength of their respective ninjas."

"In this way, countries and villages that perform well will receive more assignments, thereby achieving economic prosperity."

His words caused an uproar. It turned out that this exam was not just a simple test, but involved the interests and development of the nation and the village.

Finally, Hiruzen Sarutobi reminded everyone that since leaders from various countries would be invited to watch the exam, all genin must fight with all their might and risk their lives.

This is no longer just an ordinary exam; it is a crucial moment that will determine the fate of the country and the village.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's words struck everyone like a heavy hammer, making them realize the importance of this exam.

At this moment, the Third Hokage was still giving a lengthy speech on stage, but Gaara below the stage was already getting impatient.

He widened his eyes and shouted, "Hey, why are you worrying so much? Tell me what this life-or-death exam is about!"

Despite Gaara's rudeness, Hiruzen Sarutobi was not angry. Instead, he smiled slightly and said, "Don't be in such a hurry. Next, I will explain the contents of the third exam in detail."

Just then, a gust of wind blew by, and a dark figure appeared before everyone like a ghost.

Hayate Gekko said apologetically, "I'm very sorry, Hokage-sama... Now, as the referee, I, Hayate Gekko, will explain to everyone."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, signaling him to continue.

Moonlight Gale turned around, coughed a few times, and slowly said, "Dear examinees, judging from the number of people who have passed the second exam so far, it's really a bit too many."

"So we decided to hold another preliminary round before the third exam, which will reduce the number of people who can participate in the third exam by half."

"Oh right, I forgot to mention, the next event is the individual competition. Everyone can decide for themselves whether they want to withdraw from the competition."

Kabuto Yakushi originally planned to withdraw at this moment, because the third exam was different from the first two, and if he wanted to understand the strength information, there was no need to participate in person.

I hope you won't make me too excited, Sasuke, Boruto...