Sarutobi Hiruzen appeared in the central area of the tower, standing at the forefront, while Orochimaru stepped aside.
Following behind him were Veigar Koshima's supervising jonin, Namikaze Minato; the Cloud-nin's team leader, Raichel; and the supervising jonin of Uchiha Shōgetsu, Sarutobi Hoshino and Kōtaro Akiyama—Masahi Yūhi.
Additionally, the proctor of the first exam, Ibiru Morino, along with several exam supervisors, were also present.
Those who had successfully passed the second exam stood in an orderly line before Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Taking two steps forward, Hiruzen spoke to the assembled examinees.
"Congratulations on passing the second exam. The next stage will be the third exam."
"This will also be the final stage of the Chunin Exams."
Hearing Hiruzen's words, Veigar Koshima already knew that the third exam wouldn't commence immediately. Typically, the Chunin Exams served as an important event where major nations assessed each other's strength. Many distinguished figures from various countries, including even the daimyos, would attend to spectate.
Particularly for this joint Chunin Exam, such guests were indispensable.
Since these key figures had yet to arrive, there was no way the third exam would begin right away.
Looking at the examinees, Hiruzen continued, "While I would like to announce the start of the third exam now, unfortunately, I am not the proctor for this stage."
"Therefore, I will now hand things over to the proctor of the third exam."
As soon as Hiruzen finished speaking, Konoha's jonin, Izuma Shiranui, stepped forward. Kneeling on one knee before Hiruzen, he respectfully said, "Lord Third, I will take it from here."
Hiruzen nodded. "It's in your hands."
"Understood," Izuma Shiranui replied firmly before rising and turning toward the examinees.
"I am your proctor for the third exam, Izuma Shiranui."
"The third exam will be conducted through one-on-one battles determined by a lottery draw."
"So, before we proceed, we will conduct the drawing."
At that moment, Kōtaro Akiyama suddenly raised his hand, seemingly making an important decision. He hesitantly asked, "Um… can I withdraw?"
His words immediately drew the attention of everyone in the room. Under their collective gaze, his expression wavered with uncertainty.
"Kōtaro, why? Why are you withdrawing?" Hoshino Sarutobi asked in disbelief.
However, Kōtaro simply shook his head without explaining. Instead, he kept his gaze on Izuma Shiranui, awaiting the proctor's response.
Izuma answered without hesitation, "Yes."
"If you withdraw now, you are free to leave."
Still holding up his hand, Kōtaro Akiyama asked again, "If I withdraw, will my teammates also be disqualified?"
Izuma shook his head. "No."
"The third exam is an individual competition. Even if you choose to withdraw, your teammates may still continue."
Hearing the answer he had hoped for, Kōtaro sighed in relief and made his decision. "Then I choose to withdraw from the third exam."
"You may leave now," Izuma responded indifferently.
Kōtaro Akiyama turned and prepared to exit, but Hoshino Sarutobi, unwilling to accept his decision, called out, "Kōtaro, why?"
Pausing, Kōtaro turned back to face Hoshino and Shōgetsu Uchiha. "Hoshino, Shōgetsu…"
"The reason I'm withdrawing is because I know I'm the weakest among us. Direct combat has never been my strength."
"So, for the third exam, you two must give it your all and become chunin."
With that, Kōtaro Akiyama swiftly exited the tower.
Sarutobi Hoshino and Uchiha Shōgetsu stood there, watching his retreating figure, at a loss for words.
"Ahem."
"Is there anyone else who wishes to withdraw?" Izuma asked, clearing his throat and shifting the attention back to the remaining examinees.
Seeing no one respond, he nodded in understanding.
"Then, we will now proceed with the lottery draw."
Under Izuma's supervision, the drawing was quickly conducted.
"First match: Hoshino Sarutobi vs. Roy."
"Second match: Shōgetsu Uchiha vs. Darui."
"Third match: Veigar Koshima vs. Samui."
As the matchups were announced, the six participants locked eyes with their respective opponents. Veigar Koshima, in particular, found himself intrigued as he met the composed gaze of Samui.
He had some knowledge of Samui—though she had little screen time in the original story, she would one day be regarded as Kumogakure's lone beauty.
However, Veigar had no idea how strong she was at this point in time.
With the lottery concluded, Izuma addressed them once more. "Since the drawing is complete, you may now return and prepare."
"The third exam will take place in one month at the Konoha Grand Arena."
"Please ensure you arrive on time."
Hearing this, Hoshino Sarutobi, who had been determined to train even harder after Kōtaro's withdrawal, was caught off guard. He immediately blurted out, "Why is it in a month? Why not start the battles now?"
Just as Izuma was about to answer, Hiruzen stepped forward and interjected, "Izuma, allow me to explain."
"Yes, Lord Third," Izuma immediately stepped aside, bowing his head in deference.
Hiruzen then addressed the examinees. "The Chunin Exams are held annually not only to select chunin…"
"But also as a battleground where ninjas fight for the honor of their nations."
The gravity of his words, combined with his mention of national prestige, stunned the five other examinees—except for Veigar Koshima, who already knew this.
After all, they had thought they were merely taking a test to become chunin. They had no idea that this examination was so deeply tied to the power and reputation of their respective nations.
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