29 Pre-Third Exam

The atmosphere was tense, Sasuke stood in the middle, his breathing could be heard by everyone, his every inhale and exhale made those around him gulp.

Sasuke raised his hands in the air, the Genins' hearts sank, their body drenched in sweat. Except for one... His one and everything, her one and everything.

'I'm glad you're ok'

They thought simultaneously looking at each other.

"Earth scroll... Live or die, you decide"

Sasuke demanded. A scroll was soon thrown towards him, he caught it and gazed at his teammates.

"Let's go, our objective is cleared"

Sakura and Naruto got out of their trance and nodded, the trio departed, leaving the Genins flabbergasted.

"I told you Neji... He is strong... Stronger than any of us"

Lee muttered, clenching his fists. The Hyuga lowered his head... Was he... Was he wrong? Could he really defeat him?

For the longest time in his life, Neji questioned fate itself. He doubted his abilities, he began to drown in thoughts.

And the same could be said for the others... Were they really eligible for the exams... Did they actually make the right choice to choose this path... The path of a Shinobi?

They found no answers. But everyone had the same goal in mind. Surpass Sasuke Uchiha!

***

Sasuke and the others were forced to stop in their tracks, in front of them stood a guy with spectacles and white hair.

"So... You're saying we're under a Genjutsu... And you can help us escape"

"Ye-"

"Pathetic"

Sasuke shook his head, activating his Sharingan, he broke the Genjutsu in an instant.

"Wh-What!!?"

Voices could be heard from the trees, Naruto got to work with a nod and Sasuke just gazed at Kabuto.

"Now... "

Sasuke performed a single ram sign, a cone-shaped like structure formed, It was pure white color.

[Lightning Style: Thunderclap Arrow]

*Zng*

With a flick of his wrist, the arrow shot at breakneck speed and penetrated the white-haired man's head... His body fell... Popping, leaving only smoke.

Dusting his hands, Sasuke continued his advance, Naruto also followed after taking care of the 'Trouble'.

***

Team seven entered the tower, they arrived in front of the objective area and opened the scrolls.

*Puff*

"Kakashi-Sensei?"

Naruto asked, puzzled. Kakashi just popped out of the scroll. Naruto again inspected the scroll and scratched his head.

"He... It was a summoning scroll, huh?"

Sasuke just sighed, did Naruto just really fail to notice that?

"Congratulations on passing the second exam!

Sakura and Naruto left before The Hatake could continue further. Kakashi smiled, he neared and held up Sasuke's left palm and rubbed the diamond-shaped seal.

The veteran Ninja pulled down his mask.

"Don't worry... Your secret is safe with me"

And there it was, the most genuine smile Sasuke had first seen on Kakashi's face. The student chuckled at his sensei.

"No wonder you always wear a mask... With a face like that..."

Sasuke body flickered away, leaving a smiling Kakashi. To Sasuke, his Sensei never felt like one... He saw Kakashi more like a friend, one that many would crave for.

The same could be said for the son of the white fang.

***

"Congratulations to you all on passing the second exam!!"

21 participants stood in their respective places, it was a wide arena with a huge "Seal of confrontation" made of stone at the rear of the arena.

The Genins who were familiar with Sasuke... We're a bit anxious. Except for Lee... He was fired up, his eyes burning in anticipation of battle!

"Now lord Hokage himself will explain about the third exam. Listen up and take every word he says to heart!!"

Anko announced through the microphone. The Genins nodded their heads.

"They're all yours, my Lord"

"Very well"

The third Hokage took his steps slowly, everyone waited in anticipation.

"The third exam is about to commence... But before I go into the specifics of how it will be conducted... Let me make one thing perfectly clear!!!"

What is it? Everyone thought.

"It pertains to the underlying purpose of the exam"

'?'

'!!'

"Why do you suppose an examination of this nature is being jointly conducted by all of the Nations in our mutual alliance? 'To promote friendship among allied nations and raise the level and standards in the art of the Shinobi'... Be very clear about those fine-sounding phrases actually mean!

This series of so-called examinations is in fact... A War-In-Miniature between all of our allied lands"

What!? Some gasped whilst some thought deeply... If this was true... Then were they just puppets for his acts?

"The third examination will be conducted under the watchful eyes of a number of distinguished guests... Including the rulers and nobility of the various lands you all aspire to serve"

'Serve... Yeah right, as if'

Sasuke spat internally, this old man really got on his nerves.

"You risk not only your own futures and your dreams, but the dignity and prestige of your home village as well"

"Whatever... Could you wrap up the philosophical talk and get down to the Life-and-death stuff any time soon?"

Gaara asked, getting impatient from the long speech.

"Hmph! So, you insist I explain the third exam?"

'Duh? Why did you even come up to the stage then? To flex your cigar or something?'

"Well... The exam is-"

Hiruzen was cut off short as a Jonin knelt on the ground, snatching his attention.

"Forgive my interruption, Lord Hokage, but... If you don't mind handing the rest of the proceedings over to me, Hayate Gekko, proctor of the third exam"

"... Go ahead"

Hiruzen replied, taking his sweet time. The Proctor shifted his attention toward the Genins and explained the exam.

Basically, they had to contain a tournament of sorts to to reduce the number of participants ad there are too many.

Those who want to stay can, but those who chose not to can give up right then and there.

"Well, I'm outta here"

Kabuto said, raising his hand. Nobody batted an eye.

Sasuke felt someone stare at him, shifting his gaze, he spotted one of the participants with hollow eyes... Looking at him?

"First battle! Sasuke Uchiha vs Yoroi Akado!"

Sasuke entered the ring, the person who gazed at him entered too. They both looked at each other dead in the eye.

___

A/N: I know it's a bit of a stretch to ask... But can we complete 100 power stone mark under 24hrs... Just a little wish of mine.

Next chap about 3k words long.