Naruto: Fire-Release system

Chapter 102: The Akatsuki Begin Hunting the Tailed Beasts

Although Uchiha Yi exaggerated Dosu's abilities during his speech, the reality was clear: Dosu was only at the level of a typical genin.

Initially, when fighting Sasuke, Dosu's ability to exploit the element of surprise allowed him to dominate. But once Sasuke adapted to his moves and strategy, he easily countered Dosu with a Lion Combo, securing victory.

This lackluster performance didn't match the awe-inspiring image of "Six Paths Dosu" that Uchiha Yi had painted. As a result, the village leaders, who had briefly bought into his words, began to question his earlier claims. Uchiha Yi, however, ignored their skepticism, wearing an indifferent expression that seemed to say, Believe it or don't—it's up to you.

Meanwhile, Naruto's straightforward approach to combat—relying heavily on shadow clones—proved surprisingly effective once again. His sheer stubbornness overwhelmed his opponents, leading to victory.

However, Sakura struggled significantly. Without the resolve of a true ninja, she was hesitant and cautious, leaving herself wide open to repeated attacks from Kin Tsuchi. It wasn't until Naruto and Sasuke defeated their opponents and came to her aid that the situation was resolved. They managed to collect Dosu's scroll, but unfortunately, it wasn't the one they needed.

Exhausted from consecutive battles, Naruto's team decided to rest before continuing their search for another scroll. But as luck would have it, they were ambushed again.

Despite their fatigue, Naruto's stubbornness and unpredictability once again led the team to victory, allowing them to obtain the scroll they needed.

Naruto's performance was an enigma. He appeared clumsy and weak at times, yet his explosive potential and resilience consistently defied expectations. However, these qualities wouldn't be enough against a powerhouse like Orochimaru, should they cross paths.

Elsewhere in the Forest of Death, Gaara's rampage continued. Anyone who crossed his path met a gruesome fate, as he mercilessly crushed them with his sand. Temari and Kankuro, his teammates and siblings, could only stand by nervously, too afraid to intervene.

As for the other notable genin teams, each showed commendable performances. Many of the remaining participants managed to secure their scrolls and began making their way to the central tower.

Karin's team, aided by Hinata's Byakugan and Karin's Mind's Eye of the Kagura, had no trouble locating weaker teams and swiftly defeating them. Avoiding unnecessary conflicts, they reached the central tower with ease, making their second-round performance the smoothest of all.

The second exam lasted five days, but it didn't take long for most of the qualified teams to reach the tower. Those who failed to secure the required scrolls were automatically eliminated.

The Results

Among the participants:

Kumogakure (Cloud): 5 teams entered; 2 teams (6 genin) advanced.

Sunagakure (Sand): 3 teams entered; only Gaara's team (3 genin) advanced.

Iwagakure (Stone): 10 teams entered; 3 teams (9 genin) advanced.

Konohagakure (Leaf): Teams led by Naruto, Shikamaru, and Rock Lee all advanced (9 genin total).

Amegakure (Rain): Karin's team (3 genin) advanced.

Kusagakure (Grass): 1 team (3 genin) advanced.

Kirigakure (Mist): No teams participated.

In total, 33 genin advanced.

This was too many for the third and final round, so the examiners announced a preliminary elimination round—a series of one-on-one battles to determine the final contestants. To even out the numbers, one participant would receive a "lucky draw" and advance directly.

None of the village representatives objected to this decision. In truth, many of them weren't particularly invested in the exam itself. Their real purpose for attending was to observe Konoha's current state.

With the collapse of the Third Hokage's regime and the elimination of the Uchiha and Hyūga clans, Konoha had become severely weakened. Only the Sannin remained to uphold its reputation.

The question on everyone's mind was simple: How could Konoha, in its current state, still maintain control over the fertile lands of the Land of Fire?

Their curiosity about Konoha's strength wasn't limited to observation. Many of the leaders were making covert plans, attempting to exploit Konoha's perceived weakness for their own gain.

Uchiha Yi, aware of these machinations, wasn't overly concerned. As long as they didn't interfere with his plans, he had no intention of exposing or intervening in their schemes.

The Preliminary Matches

The preliminary round began after the lots were drawn. Hinata was fortunate to draw the lucky spot, advancing directly without a match. Karin and Haku both drew opponents from Iwagakure, teams that seemed deliberately sent as cannon fodder by Ōnoki. Against these opponents, Karin and Haku's victories were assured.

While the exam was in full swing, the wider ninja world was anything but peaceful.

Akatsuki's Hunt

With the revival of the Three-Tails confirmed, the Akatsuki began their operation to capture the Tailed Beasts.

In Iwagakure, the Fourth Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, had long clashed with the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, Rōshi. Frustrated, Rōshi had abandoned the village years ago to wander the world. Currently, he was spotted near the Land of Rain.

Before Uchiha Itachi and Kisame could be dispatched to Konoha, they were redirected to capture Rōshi. Their combined strength overwhelmed him, especially since Rōshi initially underestimated them. His defeat was swift, and Kisame successfully captured him.

Meanwhile, Deidara and Sasori targeted the Five-Tails Jinchūriki, Han. Their precise ambush gave Han little time to react, resulting in his capture as well.

In the Land of Waterfalls, the Seven-Tails Jinchūriki, Fū, had become reclusive after witnessing the destruction of Konoha. Her fear of the outside world made her easier to locate, as she rarely left Takigakure.

Outside Takigakure, Uchiha Obito emerged from a swirling vortex of space-time. Moments later, Zetsu surfaced from the ground beside him.

"I just received news," Zetsu informed him. "The Four-Tails and Five-Tails have been captured. Hidan and Kakuzu are en route to Kumogakure to hunt the Two-Tails Jinchūriki. Their progress is slower than expected, but their success seems certain."

Black Zetsu's excitement was palpable. With each successful capture, they moved closer to their ultimate goal: the resurrection of the Ten-Tails and the fruition of the Moon Eye Plan.

Obito nodded, his single Sharingan glinting ominously. "Good. Let's finish this quickly."

The Akatsuki's net was closing. The world was about to plunge into chaos.

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