The next morning, the amphitheater was already sweltering in the summer heat, the roar of the crowd threatening to tear the roof from its foundations. Genma Shiranui, a senbon held loosely in his mouth, surveyed the arena, his gaze pausing for a moment as he scanned the audience.

"So many important people have come to watch this year's Chunin Exam."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in the center of the VIP box, an empty chair beside him. Soon, the owner of that chair slowly made their way to their seat.

"You've arrived. It's been a long time, Lord Kazekage." Hiruzen greeted him with a warm smile. "The Land of Sand is not close to Konoha. It must have been a tiring journey. Thank you for your hard work."

"Not at all," the Kazekage replied, sinking casually into his chair. His voice was laced with a subtle sarcasm. "I'm still young. This little distance is nothing. But you, Lord Hokage, you are already old. I advise you to give up your throne and select the Fifth as soon as possible."

"Hahahaha," Hiruzen laughed. "You always treat me like an old man. I think I can still hold on for another five or six years."

"Haha," the Kazekage sneered. "That's what you said more than ten years ago. What's the matter? Have you gotten a taste of power and can't bear to let it go?"

Hearing this, Hiruzen simply continued to laugh nonchalantly. "You always did love to joke. Now that almost everyone has arrived, I believe we can begin." With that, he gave a subtle wink to the proctor standing beside him.

The proctor understood and announced loudly, "Distinguished guests! Thank you all for coming to witness the Chunin Selection Exams, hosted by our own Konoha Village!"

"From this moment on, the elite Genin who have passed the preliminary rounds will now compete in the final selection tournament!"

"Please enjoy the matches!"

In the center of the arena, the finalists stood in an orderly line: The Uchiha trio—Shiro, Izumi, and Sasuke; the three from the Hidden Sand—Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari; and the Konoha Genin—Shino Aburame, Neji Hyuga, Shikamaru Nara, and Naruto Uzumaki. For some reason, Dosu Kinuta of the Sound Village was not present.

Opposite them stood the chief proctor for this final stage, Genma Shiranui. "Before we begin," he said, "I have something to announce." He raised his hand, holding a piece of paper that listed the matchups for the tournament.

"It seems Dosu Kinuta is absent and will be unable to compete."

"Everyone, take a look at the tournament bracket. We will proceed according to the order listed on this paper."

"First match: Gaara versus Kankuro."

"Second match: Shino Aburame versus Uchiha Izumi."

"Third match: Shikamaru Nara versus Uchiha Sasuke."

"Fourth match: Naruto Uzumaki versus Neji Hyuga."

"Fifth match: Shiro Uchiha versus Temari."

The candidates stared at the bracket, slightly stunned. What kind of matchups are these? The very first match was an internal fight between two Sand siblings.

A cold sweat broke out on Kankuro's brow. Me, fight Gaara? Am I supposed to just let him kill me? What's the difference between this and suicide?

"Alright," Genma said, putting away the schedule. "The competitors for the first match will remain here. The rest of you may return to the waiting area."

"Listen carefully. Although the terrain is different, the rules remain the same. The match will continue until one competitor is either killed or surrenders."

"However, if I judge that a winner has been decided, I will intervene to stop the match. Do you understand?"