Chakra Wizard
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And now, we’re finally at the third stage! 
Thanks to everyone whose read this far. Hope I don’t disappoint*_* lol Anyways, enjoy
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
Chapter 025: The Third Stage Begins
Roughly twenty-two hours had passed since Naruto and Suzaku departed from the tower, during which their teams were joined by a whopping six others – Sabure’s, Irezumi’s, Raiden’s, Asuka’s, Z’s, and Kagetsu’s. To the surprise of almost everyone who knew them, though, Manako and his cousins had yet to arrive, causing many of them to worry and others to be relieved that such a strong opponent might not be joining them in the final exam. Airon fell under neither category, his emotions being more of a mixture of irritation and anticipation than concern or joy. Perched atop the large statue at the back of the room, with Nakama sitting directly below him, he looked on as the large double doors flew open for the seventh time, only to reveal a team of Cloud genin with whom he was unfamiliar. As he returned to his near-comatose state of mind, Nakama joined him at the statue’s peak, concerned that he might be worrying too much about his friend and rival.
Nakama: You alright?
Airon: (Though pleased to know that she was worried about him, his mind was much too focused on Manako to dwell on it for long.) Yeah. …Just rapidly becoming impatient.
Nakama: (This remark placing a more childish spin on his behavior, she couldn’t help but chuckle softly.) Hmhmhm, I’d think that you of all people would have more faith in his abilities, Airon.
Airon: (Knowing this to be the truth, he smirked in response.) Who said I was worried about his success? I’m just confused as to why seven other teams showed up before-
Before he could complete his sentence, the double doors flew open once again, and in stepped Shikaru, Inoka, and Chōzen. While his siblings rushed over to greet the newcomers, Airon couldn’t help but feel an ounce of disappointment.
Airon: (Huhhh…make that eight teams.)
Kei: It’s about time you guys showed up! Figured you would’ve been picked off by now, you guys were runnin’ so late.
Chōzen: Pffft, please! As if we’d let that happen so easily!
Shikaru: And whaddaya mean “late”? It’s only the second day.
Inase: Hmhmhm, well, look around. You’re not exactly a early finisher, Shikaru, no matter what day of the exam it is.
Inoka: (She spent a brief moment scanning the arena before realizing that two of the more exceptional teams were surprisingly absent.) Well, that’s your brother’s fault for stepping up the competition. …By the way, where’s Manako? And Hitomi’s team, too?
Inase: (Gazing up at Airon for a brief moment, she turned back to Inoka with her own look of mild concern.) …Your guess is as good as ours. I’d say we’re all a little surprised they haven’t arrived yet.
Inoka: (Expecting the worst, she took a moment to examine all the foreign genin, a look of fear and distrust on her face.) You don’t think one of the others…?
Inase: (Displaying a gentle smile to reassure her, she shook her head in response to her silent fears.) Don’t worry, I already checked to make sure of that. No one here has seen them since yesterday.
Catching wind of a very strong surge of chakra nearby, Inase looked up at Airon with a grin upon realizing it was neither his nor that of the girl standing beside him.
Inase: (Until now, at least.)
Sensing it, as well, Airon quickly stood up and leapt down from the large statue, performing a few complex somersaults before landing gently on the ground and walking over to rejoin the crowd, followed closely by Nakama. By the time they were standing in front of the double doors, they had already flown open to reveal the two missing teams in question. As his cousins walked over to a vacant area of the large room – presumably to keep their pride from stinking up the good sport of the other contestants, as Kei so aptly suggested – Manako proceeded to greet his two strongest adversaries, while Hitomi, Chan, and Miyuki joined their fellow Leaf genin in conversation.
Airon: You certainly took your time, Manako.
Manako: I’ve been busy.
Airon: Care to enlighten us…or do I have to find out for myself?
Sharing a lighthearted chuckle for a brief moment – which, as per usual, Manako didn’t take part in – their reunion was quickly brought to a halt as a large cloud of smoke appeared on the opposite end of the stadium, catching the eye of every genin present. It vanished several seconds later, revealing the five incumbent Kage – with Mei’s exception – and numerous other noteworthy shinobi from the five Great Hidden Villages, including Naruto and Suzaku. This sudden entrance was met with various surprised reactions from the group of young ninja, including the strongest among them.
Nakama: They don’t waste time, do they?
Airon: …Guess not. (Why are they showing up now, though? The second exam isn’t even close to being over.)
Manako: (He smiled in light of their unawareness, already knowing the answer himself.) (I can think of a reason or two.)
Konohamaru: Congratulations to each of you! You have all successfully passed the second phase of the Chūnin Exams!
The entire group might have cheered in celebration, had the timing of their arrival not been so unusual.
Kemono: Wait a sec! We’re starting NOW?
Z: Hey dog, I’m all for gettin’ this show started up, but don’t we still have another three days ahead of us before that?
Darui: Normally, yes. But, it turns out that all the other teams are no longer active at this point in the exams. So look around you, because this is your competition going into the third stage.
For most of the young contestants, this was a rather shocking revelation, even more so for Airon, though – since he already knew the reason behind it.
Airon: (You didn’t.)
Manako: (Hmph, why else would I be the last one to arrive?)
Airon: (Yeah, but the entire competition? How many teams did you end up taking out?)
Manako: (Only eleven, actually. Competition thins out pretty quickly when there are this many participants.)
Airon: (Looking around at the twelve remaining teams – an all-time high for the competition – he quickly recognized the truth in this statement.) (…Yeah, that is the law of the universe, I suppose.)
Konohamaru: So, without further ado, we’ll begin the third stage of the Chūnin Exams. Naruto, would you care to clue them in?
Konohamaru took a step back to realign his footing with that of his fellow Kage, meanwhile Naruto made his way to the front of their group to address the contestants, his trademark grin unremitting.
Naruto: If you ask. Alright, before I start, I’ll just say that I’m also very proud of each of you for making this far. These exams are made specifically to separate the weak from the strong, so for this many of you to reach the third stage is-
Chōzen: Would you get on with it already!? I’m ready to kick some tail!
Kei: Yeah, Gramps! You’re boring us to death!
Naruto: Rrrrgh, I’ll come down there and kick YOUR tails if you don’t pipe down while I’m talking, you little brats!! I was the Sixth Hokage, damn it-
Sasuke: Naruto.
Naruto: What!? …Uhhh…
Turning around to find his old teammate with his face buried in his palm, while everyone else around them wore expressions with varying levels of embarrassment, Naruto quickly regained his composure and turned back to face the crowd of amused genin.
Naruto: Uh, anyways, …the third stage of the exams is a series of one-on-one matches between each of the remaining contestants, which will keep going until only one genin remains. So, I guess you can say goodbye to your teammates, cause as of right now, you’re all fighting for yourselves.
Upon hearing this, several of the young shinobi began looking around with worried expressions, clearly not in favor of the idea of fighting their own teammates. A few, on the other hand, grinned at the prospect of fighting an individual they usually wouldn’t have the chance to, Kei being among them.
Kei: You are so dead, Sis.
Inase: Hmhmhm, don’t get cocky, Kei. (That’ll end up costing you dearly.)
Naruto: Now, these matches are normally held one month after the second exam, but given how many of you made it this far, we’re going to start today with a set of preliminary rounds to determine who moves on to the real shindig.
Once again, Naruto’s words were met with mixed reactions. Some were not expecting to have to fight so soon after making it through the forest, while others were thrilled by that same notion.
Manako: (So, in other words, there’s a chance one of us won’t even make it to the finals.)
Airon: (Hmhmhmhm, as if fate has ever been so cruel to us.)
Konohamaru: (As Naruto walked back over to stand beside his old teammates, he stepped up to resume from where he left off.) Now, it’s been well over thirty years since such an incident has last occurred during these one-on-one matches, but death does play a very real part in this stage of the exam, just as it did in the second. So, those who either wish not to take such a risk, or those who feel they are too exhausted to move onward, you will now be given the chance to withdraw from the competition.
Konohamaru waited thirty seconds for any genin who wished to take him up on his offer to step forward, not believing that any of them would. When his instincts proved to be correct, he continued.
Konohamaru: Perfect! Now then, all we need is a proctor to watch over the matches.
Turning around to scan the crowd of seasoned shinobi behind him, his search ended once his eyes had picked out the oldest among them.
Konohamaru: B, you care to do the honors?
B: (Having been on the verge of sleep until this point, he quickly regained full consciousness and leaped forward to perform the job assigned to him, while Konohamaru returned to Gaara’s side.) Hoho, hell yeah, fool! You know I’m up for it! Alright y’all, let’s crank up that big monitor then!
No sooner had the words left his mouth did the large, black screen to the giant statue’s left begin to shimmer, shortly afterwards revealing the bright, yellow letters “VS” and two flickering rows of random letters, one above them and one below. Everyone present watched intensively as they continued to do this until finally, the flashing stopped, and two random names appeared on the screen.
B: And the first match-up iiissss…Manako Uchiha and Arika! The rest of y’all, take yo asses up to the balconies and get ready for the show!
Both the contestants and the others, including the Kage, quickly took their leave, only Manako and the aforementioned Arika remaining on the ground floor with B, though not before Airon slipped the former a few words of support.
Airon: (No one gets to defeat you other than me.)
Manako: (To these words, he couldn’t help but smile.) (Wouldn’t have it any other way.)
Preliminaries are underway…and the first to fight is Manako!!!
The End
Thanks to everyone whose read this far. Hope I don’t disappoint*_* lol Anyways, enjoyHere’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
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Chapter 025: The Third Stage Begins
Roughly twenty-two hours had passed since Naruto and Suzaku departed from the tower, during which their teams were joined by a whopping six others – Sabure’s, Irezumi’s, Raiden’s, Asuka’s, Z’s, and Kagetsu’s. To the surprise of almost everyone who knew them, though, Manako and his cousins had yet to arrive, causing many of them to worry and others to be relieved that such a strong opponent might not be joining them in the final exam. Airon fell under neither category, his emotions being more of a mixture of irritation and anticipation than concern or joy. Perched atop the large statue at the back of the room, with Nakama sitting directly below him, he looked on as the large double doors flew open for the seventh time, only to reveal a team of Cloud genin with whom he was unfamiliar. As he returned to his near-comatose state of mind, Nakama joined him at the statue’s peak, concerned that he might be worrying too much about his friend and rival.
Nakama: You alright?
Airon: (Though pleased to know that she was worried about him, his mind was much too focused on Manako to dwell on it for long.) Yeah. …Just rapidly becoming impatient.
Nakama: (This remark placing a more childish spin on his behavior, she couldn’t help but chuckle softly.) Hmhmhm, I’d think that you of all people would have more faith in his abilities, Airon.
Airon: (Knowing this to be the truth, he smirked in response.) Who said I was worried about his success? I’m just confused as to why seven other teams showed up before-
Before he could complete his sentence, the double doors flew open once again, and in stepped Shikaru, Inoka, and Chōzen. While his siblings rushed over to greet the newcomers, Airon couldn’t help but feel an ounce of disappointment.
Airon: (Huhhh…make that eight teams.)
Kei: It’s about time you guys showed up! Figured you would’ve been picked off by now, you guys were runnin’ so late.
Chōzen: Pffft, please! As if we’d let that happen so easily!
Shikaru: And whaddaya mean “late”? It’s only the second day.
Inase: Hmhmhm, well, look around. You’re not exactly a early finisher, Shikaru, no matter what day of the exam it is.
Inoka: (She spent a brief moment scanning the arena before realizing that two of the more exceptional teams were surprisingly absent.) Well, that’s your brother’s fault for stepping up the competition. …By the way, where’s Manako? And Hitomi’s team, too?
Inase: (Gazing up at Airon for a brief moment, she turned back to Inoka with her own look of mild concern.) …Your guess is as good as ours. I’d say we’re all a little surprised they haven’t arrived yet.
Inoka: (Expecting the worst, she took a moment to examine all the foreign genin, a look of fear and distrust on her face.) You don’t think one of the others…?
Inase: (Displaying a gentle smile to reassure her, she shook her head in response to her silent fears.) Don’t worry, I already checked to make sure of that. No one here has seen them since yesterday.
Catching wind of a very strong surge of chakra nearby, Inase looked up at Airon with a grin upon realizing it was neither his nor that of the girl standing beside him.
Inase: (Until now, at least.)
Sensing it, as well, Airon quickly stood up and leapt down from the large statue, performing a few complex somersaults before landing gently on the ground and walking over to rejoin the crowd, followed closely by Nakama. By the time they were standing in front of the double doors, they had already flown open to reveal the two missing teams in question. As his cousins walked over to a vacant area of the large room – presumably to keep their pride from stinking up the good sport of the other contestants, as Kei so aptly suggested – Manako proceeded to greet his two strongest adversaries, while Hitomi, Chan, and Miyuki joined their fellow Leaf genin in conversation.
Airon: You certainly took your time, Manako.
Manako: I’ve been busy.
Airon: Care to enlighten us…or do I have to find out for myself?
Sharing a lighthearted chuckle for a brief moment – which, as per usual, Manako didn’t take part in – their reunion was quickly brought to a halt as a large cloud of smoke appeared on the opposite end of the stadium, catching the eye of every genin present. It vanished several seconds later, revealing the five incumbent Kage – with Mei’s exception – and numerous other noteworthy shinobi from the five Great Hidden Villages, including Naruto and Suzaku. This sudden entrance was met with various surprised reactions from the group of young ninja, including the strongest among them.
Nakama: They don’t waste time, do they?
Airon: …Guess not. (Why are they showing up now, though? The second exam isn’t even close to being over.)
Manako: (He smiled in light of their unawareness, already knowing the answer himself.) (I can think of a reason or two.)
Konohamaru: Congratulations to each of you! You have all successfully passed the second phase of the Chūnin Exams!
The entire group might have cheered in celebration, had the timing of their arrival not been so unusual.
Kemono: Wait a sec! We’re starting NOW?
Z: Hey dog, I’m all for gettin’ this show started up, but don’t we still have another three days ahead of us before that?
Darui: Normally, yes. But, it turns out that all the other teams are no longer active at this point in the exams. So look around you, because this is your competition going into the third stage.
For most of the young contestants, this was a rather shocking revelation, even more so for Airon, though – since he already knew the reason behind it.
Airon: (You didn’t.)
Manako: (Hmph, why else would I be the last one to arrive?)
Airon: (Yeah, but the entire competition? How many teams did you end up taking out?)
Manako: (Only eleven, actually. Competition thins out pretty quickly when there are this many participants.)
Airon: (Looking around at the twelve remaining teams – an all-time high for the competition – he quickly recognized the truth in this statement.) (…Yeah, that is the law of the universe, I suppose.)
Konohamaru: So, without further ado, we’ll begin the third stage of the Chūnin Exams. Naruto, would you care to clue them in?
Konohamaru took a step back to realign his footing with that of his fellow Kage, meanwhile Naruto made his way to the front of their group to address the contestants, his trademark grin unremitting.
Naruto: If you ask. Alright, before I start, I’ll just say that I’m also very proud of each of you for making this far. These exams are made specifically to separate the weak from the strong, so for this many of you to reach the third stage is-
Chōzen: Would you get on with it already!? I’m ready to kick some tail!
Kei: Yeah, Gramps! You’re boring us to death!
Naruto: Rrrrgh, I’ll come down there and kick YOUR tails if you don’t pipe down while I’m talking, you little brats!! I was the Sixth Hokage, damn it-
Sasuke: Naruto.
Naruto: What!? …Uhhh…
Turning around to find his old teammate with his face buried in his palm, while everyone else around them wore expressions with varying levels of embarrassment, Naruto quickly regained his composure and turned back to face the crowd of amused genin.
Naruto: Uh, anyways, …the third stage of the exams is a series of one-on-one matches between each of the remaining contestants, which will keep going until only one genin remains. So, I guess you can say goodbye to your teammates, cause as of right now, you’re all fighting for yourselves.
Upon hearing this, several of the young shinobi began looking around with worried expressions, clearly not in favor of the idea of fighting their own teammates. A few, on the other hand, grinned at the prospect of fighting an individual they usually wouldn’t have the chance to, Kei being among them.
Kei: You are so dead, Sis.
Inase: Hmhmhm, don’t get cocky, Kei. (That’ll end up costing you dearly.)
Naruto: Now, these matches are normally held one month after the second exam, but given how many of you made it this far, we’re going to start today with a set of preliminary rounds to determine who moves on to the real shindig.
Once again, Naruto’s words were met with mixed reactions. Some were not expecting to have to fight so soon after making it through the forest, while others were thrilled by that same notion.
Manako: (So, in other words, there’s a chance one of us won’t even make it to the finals.)
Airon: (Hmhmhmhm, as if fate has ever been so cruel to us.)
Konohamaru: (As Naruto walked back over to stand beside his old teammates, he stepped up to resume from where he left off.) Now, it’s been well over thirty years since such an incident has last occurred during these one-on-one matches, but death does play a very real part in this stage of the exam, just as it did in the second. So, those who either wish not to take such a risk, or those who feel they are too exhausted to move onward, you will now be given the chance to withdraw from the competition.
Konohamaru waited thirty seconds for any genin who wished to take him up on his offer to step forward, not believing that any of them would. When his instincts proved to be correct, he continued.
Konohamaru: Perfect! Now then, all we need is a proctor to watch over the matches.
Turning around to scan the crowd of seasoned shinobi behind him, his search ended once his eyes had picked out the oldest among them.
Konohamaru: B, you care to do the honors?
B: (Having been on the verge of sleep until this point, he quickly regained full consciousness and leaped forward to perform the job assigned to him, while Konohamaru returned to Gaara’s side.) Hoho, hell yeah, fool! You know I’m up for it! Alright y’all, let’s crank up that big monitor then!
No sooner had the words left his mouth did the large, black screen to the giant statue’s left begin to shimmer, shortly afterwards revealing the bright, yellow letters “VS” and two flickering rows of random letters, one above them and one below. Everyone present watched intensively as they continued to do this until finally, the flashing stopped, and two random names appeared on the screen.
B: And the first match-up iiissss…Manako Uchiha and Arika! The rest of y’all, take yo asses up to the balconies and get ready for the show!
Both the contestants and the others, including the Kage, quickly took their leave, only Manako and the aforementioned Arika remaining on the ground floor with B, though not before Airon slipped the former a few words of support.
Airon: (No one gets to defeat you other than me.)
Manako: (To these words, he couldn’t help but smile.) (Wouldn’t have it any other way.)
Preliminaries are underway…and the first to fight is Manako!!!
The End
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