blogombal Chapter 216 Preliminary Rounds End, Kakashi Shows Favoritism
Chapter 216 Preliminary Rounds End, Kakashi Shows Favoritism
"So that's how it is. This is what Kakashi-sensei meant by 'eyes can't keep up'..." On the second floor, Sasuke clenched his fists as he looked at Gaara, who was completely unharmed.
He was so distracted by Lee's outburst that he didn't notice Gaara's disguise; that's really inexcusable.
"But speaking of which, Thick Eyebrows is really impressive! If it weren't for the lie, that Gaara guy might actually have been defeated by him." Naruto exclaimed from the side, feeling quite sorry for Lee's failure.
"That's not necessarily true, Naruto." Kakashi shook his head slightly. Jinchuriki aren't as fragile as Naruto thinks.
If what was just hit was truly Gaara's true form, then the probability of him using the power of the Tailed Beast to turn the tide and win is even greater!
Just as Naruto was about to retort, Neji suddenly chimed in, "Kakashi-sensei is right. Even if Rock Lee had succeeded just now, he wouldn't have won against someone like that."
"The aftereffects of the Eight Gates are that even a casual ninjutsu from the opponent can end Rock Lee's life and rewrite the ending."
"Perhaps Lee hasn't realized yet that for a ninja who gambles with their life by taking someone down with them, luck won't always be on their side. Even if they succeed this time, it doesn't matter next time!"
"It's like a gamble that's destined to fail. And Xiao Li is that gambler who keeps going all in, losing his life is his only ending."
"Oh? Neji, you've already realized that?" Kakashi glanced at him in surprise, then stared at Neji with a scrutinizing gaze. "So, what are your thoughts on this doomed gamble?"
Neji was slightly taken aback by Kakashi's question, then a slight smile appeared on his lips as he thought of something. "No, Kakashi-sensei. What I meant by inevitable failure was only based on Lee fighting alone. But the reality is that I will become his eyes, helping Lee avoid unnecessary sacrifices. Besides, that guy isn't just good at the Eight Gates."
"Become his eyes! The power of comrades..." Kakashi's pupils suddenly contracted upon hearing this, and the image of a bright and sunny young boy subconsciously surfaced in his mind.
Meanwhile, off the court, Lee was already rushing to the medical room on Might Guy's back.
"Then, the exam continues." With Ishikawa's command, two more names appeared rapidly on the electronic board.
Match 11: Akimichi Choji vs. Aburame Shino.
Although this storyline is slightly different from the original, the result is exactly the same! Even though Choji was tempted by the barbecue feast and unleashed his full power, he was still no match for Shino and ended up winning the "participation is all that matters" award.
The remaining Sound Ninja, Tosu, received a lucky bye to advance.
"Uchiha Sasuke, Yamada Taro, Nara Shikamaru, Uzumaki Naruto, Temari, Hyuga Neji, Hei Jiro, Uzumaki Karin, Sand Waterfall Gaara, Aburame Shino, and Tosu. Congratulations to all eleven of you for passing the preliminary rounds and qualifying for the third exam..." Standing before the ninja led by the Third Hokage, Ishikawa solemnly announced.
"However, the official exam will be held in a month, so please draw your opponents now." Almost simultaneously, Hongdou came over with a box to add.
"One month later??"
Instantly, everyone, including those from Sunagakure, was stunned, not expecting that the third exam would be so far in between.
"Ahem, let me explain this to you! The essence of this joint Chunin Exam is actually a microcosm of war between nations..." Seeing everyone's confusion, the Third Hokage finally found an opportunity to launch into a long explanation.
Amidst the lively Q&A session, they quickly grasped the background of the third match and then eagerly began to challenge their opponents.
Soon, the new match list was sent to Ishikawa and shown to him:
The first match is between Naruto Uzumaki and Neji Hyuga.
The second match is between Nara Shikamaru and Temari.
The third match is between Uchiha Sasuke and Gaara.
The fourth match is between Jiro Hei and Tos.
The fifth game, Aburame Shino VS Yamada Taro.
Karin, on the other hand, was lucky enough to get a bye and automatically advanced to the next round...
"So, for the next month, please give it your all, whether it's intensive training or gathering intelligence on your opponents, and put on a spectacular battle for everyone in the formal exam! Now, disperse!!" Ishikawa announced loudly as he put away the list.
"Yes," the Konoha members responded in unison. Gaara, Temari, and Tosu immediately turned and left.
"Ishikawa, wait..." Kakashi stopped Ishikawa just as he was about to leave.
"Teacher, is something the matter?" Ishikawa paused, his gaze falling on Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura behind Kakashi.
To be precise, it's about Naruto and Sasuke!!
"Well, I'll be helping Sasuke with intensive training for the next month, so I'd like to entrust Naruto's training to you." Kakashi didn't waste any words and went straight to the point.
Although Karin and the other two also need special training, it's not a burden for Ishikawa to have three or four people.
His situation is much more complicated. He not only has to help Sasuke with his special training, but also has to monitor Gaara, the One-Tailed Jinchuriki.
"What? I disagree! Why are you only giving special training to Sasuke, Kakashi-sensei? That's so unfair..." Before Ishikawa could even agree, Naruto shouted, looking very aggrieved.
While Ishikawa is indeed very strong, he can't compare to Kakashi-sensei. Besides, why Sasuke?!
"I need to help Sasuke train in Sharingan and Lightning Release ninjutsu; you're not suitable." Kakashi patted his forehead and sighed helplessly.
He only decided to give Sasuke special training because he saw that Sasuke's opponent was Gaara.
Furthermore, Sasuke's Sharingan has now been upgraded to the three-tomoe stage, and his chakra has doubled. Relatively speaking, special training for Sasuke is more suitable than special training for Naruto.
"But...but..." Upon hearing that it was the Sharingan, Naruto was speechless, but the frustration in his heart still made him unable to let go!
"No buts, Naruto." Seeing that things had come to this, Ishikawa patted Naruto on the shoulder and smiled brightly, "The teacher is right, you are indeed not suitable for his special training. Don't worry, I will teach you a particularly powerful ninjutsu."
Since it's just a formality anyway, why wouldn't Ishikawa be happy to go through with it!
Perfect timing! With Naruto around, he can also have an excuse to get to know the last of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha, the Perverted Sage Jiraiya!
"An incredibly powerful ninjutsu? What is it? What is it, senior brother..." Naruto, who was still a little unwilling, suddenly shouted excitedly with his eyes shining, making Sakura, who was about to speak up to persuade him, quickly shut her mouth.
"Well, you'll find out tomorrow!" Ishikawa waved his hand dismissively, then turned to Kakashi, "Speaking of which, Sensei, shouldn't you treat us to a meal to show your appreciation?"
How can we let him work for free? He has to have a meal first.
"Treat me to a meal? Yeah, yeah, Kakashi-sensei, I'll agree to train with you if you treat me to a meal." Naruto immediately seized the opportunity.
Sasuke, Sakura, and Tarojiro also watched intently, eager to take advantage of this free feast.
Kakashi ∑(??д??lll)