Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

Setting aside Sasuke's brilliant strategy to defeat Dosu, Zaku and Kin had chosen to forfeit voluntarily, largely out of respect for Naruto.

As for Sakura, she practically won without lifting a finger.

Perhaps due to Mebuki's constant surveillance or Sakura's persistent rejection, Naruto was beginning to feel increasingly irritated with Sakura.

However, he didn't show it outwardly. After all, in a short time, he'd be sending Sasuke off, and then he'd embark on his own journey, sparing himself from seeing Sakura's perpetually disapproving face.

The one thing that gave Naruto some satisfaction was Sasuke's recent performance, which had justified all the effort invested in him.

Not only that, Sasuke was now entirely focused on revenge, completely ignoring Sakura as well.

'When Sasuke leaves with Orochimaru, Karin or Kin from Orochimaru's side will be good choices.'

With this in mind, Naruto decided it was time to have a word with Orochimaru, asking him to keep a close eye on Karin and Kin to make sure no other guys got in the way.

"The second preliminary match, begin!"

Hayate announced loudly.

This caught Naruto's attention. He looked toward the arena, where Neji's team was facing an entirely nondescript Takigakure Team.

Seeing this, Naruto immediately lost interest. He knew that Neji's team would definitely win this match without even watching it.

'How could a guy who had never appeared in the original work and was eliminated in the Forest of Death be qualified to compete with Neji's team?'

But what Naruto could not have imagined was that, the next few games were all like this.

Kiba's team VS generic Amegakure's Shinobi.

Ino-Shika-Cho Team VS random Konoha's Shinobi.

Gaara's team VS minor Sunagakure's Shinobi.

In every case, the fight was completely one-sided, with the lesser-known characters easily overwhelmed.

The only match that piqued Naruto's interest even slightly was Orochimaru's disguised Kusagakure team vs. Kabuto's team.

However, But as soon as the match started, Kabuto and his teammates simply raised their hands and surrendered, robbing the fight of any spectacle whatsoever.

Naruto originally thought that his team's five minutes to finish a match was already the fastest. However, the remaining fights ended even faster, and the entire preliminaries wrapped up in less than fifteen minutes.

'That's it? How did these guys even make it through the Forest of Death?'

Sandaime, with his pipe in his mouth, looked at Anko with a frown.

Anko looked embarrassed, unsure how to explain. Iruka, who is also standing nearby, whispered quietly to Sandaime, "Hokage-sama, this is not Anko's fault. Naruto's team collected all the scrolls on the first day. Aside from distributing a few scrolls to some of the stronger teams, he sold off the rest, resulting in the huge gap in skill."

"Ah... I see…" Sandaime was speechless, 'It was so typical of Naruto to pull something like this.'

'Fortunately, there are preliminaries to screen out the weaker teams. Allowing these lesser candidates into the main tournament would only invite ridicule.'

Reviewing the roster, the Hokage examined each candidate's profile closely. After eliminating the weak teams, there were now six teams and eighteen participants remaining, which are all strong contenders. He felt comfortable letting them advance to the finals.

"Alright, the preliminaries are over!"

Sandaime announced with a meaningful smile, "I was planning to let you all disperse now, but before the main event, there's one more thing you each must do. You'll draw lots from the box Anko is holding."

"I'll bring it over, and you'll draw in order."

Anko said, holding the box and reminding everyone, "You can only draw one."

The candidates lined up and each took a slip, one by one, from left to right.

Soon, everyone had drawn their lot.

Anko set down the box, then took out a tally board and said, "Okay, everyone has drawn their numbers. Starting from the left, please announce your number in order."

"Number 8!"

"Number 1!"

"…"

After Anko finished recording the numbers, Sandaime chuckled and announced, "Well, let me reveal the matchups for the main tournament."

"Huh!"

"So that's what the lottery was for?" Shikamaru muttered in surprise.

Ignoring him, Sandaime continued, "Anko, please show them the lineup."

"Yes!"

Anko held up the tally board displaying the matchups.

[Group A]

[Hyuga Neji VS Uchiha Sasuke]

[Hinata VS Kusano Chi (Orochimaru's subordinate in disguise)]

[Yamanaka Ino VS Kusano Hito (Orochimaru's subordinate in disguise)]

[Uzumaki Naruto VS Kusano Ten (Orochimaru in disguise)]

[Group B]

[Tenten VS Gaara]

[Rock Lee VS Haruno Sakura]

[Nara Shikamaru VS Temari]

[Inuzuka Kiba VS Kankuro]

[Akimichi Choji VS Aburame Shino]

(T/N: The Author put the detailed tournament schedule in picture. I'll add the translated picture later.)

Seeing the tournament bracket, each candidate had their own thoughts.

"I have a question."

Shikamaru raised his hand and said, "If this is an elimination round, does that mean only one person will advance to become a Chunin? In other words, will only one of us be promoted?"

Sandaime shook his head and explained, "No, during this exam, I, along with the Kazekage, the Daimyo from various countries, and leaders from various villages, will observe the tournament and evaluate your performances. Those who demonstrate the qualities of a Chunin could be promoted, even if they're eliminated in the first round."

"So that means... all of us have a chance to become Chunin?" Temari asked.

Sandaime replied after a moment of thought, "Yes, that's correct. However, there's also the possibility that none of you will be promoted. Winning matches gives you more chances to showcase your skills. Any other questions?"

"I have a question!" Kiba raised his hand with a frustrated expression, "Why am I scheduled for two matches? This is so unfair!"

"This is also a test of a Shinobi's endurance. Don't worry, if you perform well, the examiners will take note." Sandaime reassured him.

After hearing Sandaime's explanation, Kiba was visibly speechless, but he didn't know what to say.

"Since there are no other questions, then this concludes today's session. I'll see you all at the main tournament in one month. Dismissed!"

With a wave of his hand, Sandaime was the first to leave the venue.

The remaining candidates left with mixed emotions, each thinking about the upcoming tournament in their own way.

Among them, Naruto was perhaps the most relaxed of all. Regardless of whom he faced in the tournament, he felt completely at ease. The bracket seemed almost too favorable for him, practically setting him up for an easy win.

"Wow, your luck with the draw is insane."

Sasuke remarked, feeling as if the bracket was somehow rigged in Naruto's favor. He couldn't help but notice that all of Naruto's opponents were underlings, making the path ahead look like a walk in the park.

"When luck's on your side, nothing can stop it! Ahaha!"

Naruto laughed, then waved to Kin and the others, calling out, "It's getting late. Let's go grab a bite."

"We're coming!"

Hearing this, Kin and the other two rushed towards Naruto excitedly, their excitement evident.

Seeing this, Sasuke was even more speechless.

'The opponent I'd struggled to defeat was now just another follower for Naruto.'

'Why is there such a huge gap between people?'