Shiro watched the entire battle between Sasuke and "Shikamaru" unfold, his eyes cold and analytical. Shadow Neck Binding, Shadow Sewing, Shadow Gathering, Shadow Tendrils… These were advanced secret techniques of the Nara clan, far beyond the capabilities of the real Shikamaru at his current level.

Konoha, your methods are truly insidious, all to avoid losing in front of the other nations.

Shiro stood and carried the defeated Sasuke back to the waiting area. This time, he said nothing. He didn't accuse the imposter or question his identity. He simply clutched the scroll hidden in his pocket, his gaze shifting to Sarutobi Hiruzen in the stands. Go ahead and gloat, you deceitful old Hokage. When I take the stage, I will make you pay for this humiliation.

With the Uchiha team having suffered two consecutive defeats, the audience was ecstatic, their cheers and jeers echoing through the arena.

"That's Konoha's new generation for you! They're too strong!"

"I bet the Uchiha clan regrets leaving now! They're nothing without Konoha!"

"I thought the Uchiha had the nerve to show up for revenge, but I didn't expect them to fail so spectacularly! Hahahaha!"

The roar of the crowd reached the ears of every foreign dignitary present.

"Strange. I heard that in the preliminaries, the Uchiha defeated their opponents with overwhelming advantages. Why are they failing so miserably in the finals?"

"Hmph, perhaps they simply got lucky against a group of weaklings. Now that the competition has intensified, their true colors are showing."

"This is pointless. If I had known, I wouldn't have come."

Most of the leaders from the smaller nations and villages had come specifically for the Uchiha clan, hoping to recruit them into their own forces. The greater their expectations, the greater their disappointment.

"This is boring. I'm leaving. Are any of you coming?"

"Let's wait a little longer. Isn't there still one Uchiha Genin left to fight? I think that boy has a good look about him. I want to see his strength."

"Oh? Indeed, the boy is quite handsome. One could almost take him home."

"Hahahaha, you are too wishful!"

"Tsk! His clan is homeless. It would be a blessing for them to be taken in by me. If it weren't for the boy's looks, I wouldn't be interested in their third-rate strength at all!"

The exam continued. The competitors for the fourth match were already in place.

"Naruto Uzumaki versus Neji Hyuga, begin!"

At Genma Shiranui's command, Naruto rushed toward Neji in an instant. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Ten shadow clones materialized, surrounding the Hyuga prodigy.

"Neji, I'm here to avenge Hinata!" Naruto shouted. "To be so cruel to your own family! You have a dark heart!"

"Hmph. As the son of the former Hokage, you know nothing!"

"Why do you keep bringing up my dad? What does this have to do with him?"

"Without your father, would you even be able to use this Shadow Clone technique?"

Bang, bang, bang!

In the blink of an eye, all ten of Naruto's shadow clones were obliterated by Neji's precise strikes.

"As expected of a high-level ninjutsu. By distributing your chakra evenly, not even my Byakugan can distinguish the real one from the fakes."

"But, in the end, there is only one true self. The one hiding at the back… must be you."

"Damn it!" Naruto clenched his fists, cursing under his breath. "You arrogant jerk! It's like you have eyes in the back of your head! How did you see through my attack from a blind spot?!"

Neji, having no desire to waste any more words on Naruto, flashed in front of him, his hand lashing out in a decisive palm strike.

"It's over."

"I have sealed your tenketsu. From this moment on, you will never be able to refine chakra again. Accept your defeat."