Over the course of the next three days, Aomizu's chakra continued to grow at an astonishing rate. In those three days alone, he had gained an additional six hundred chakra points, bringing the total increase since the start of the second exam to over thirteen hundred points.
Aomizu's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he considered the number. By now, his chakra reserves were equivalent to, or even exceeded, those of many ordinary Chunin. This level of power was more than enough to dominate most opponents with ease.
Just before the final deadline, he returned to the Central Tower, where the last few details of the second exam were being finalized. With his arrival, the second exam officially concluded.
Out of the initial eighty-nine participants, only twenty had passed. The successful candidates represented a diverse cross-section of ninja talent: Aomizu himself; Uzumaki Kushina; the Minato Squad, consisting of three members; the Uchiha Squad of three; the Hyūga Squad of three; the Killer Bee Squad of three; the Baki Squad of three; and the Gangsuke Squad of three.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage, personally addressed the remaining participants, his presence commanding respect.
"You all performed remarkably well in the second exam," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "The next phase will be the preliminary rounds, which will determine your readiness for the final third exam."
The examiner assigned to the preliminary rounds took over the detailed instructions.
"Preliminary rounds and the final third exam are individual matches," he announced. "Before they officially begin, anyone wishing to withdraw may do so now."
Not a single participant stepped forward to decline. Everyone had already invested too much effort to turn back at this stage.
"Very well, then. The preliminary rounds will now begin," the examiner declared.
As the words left his mouth, a massive display screen appeared in the center of the arena, listing all matchups. The participants had been randomly paired.
"The first match: Hirakawa Qingshui versus Mukai Yuki."
Aomizu's heart remained calm as he observed the announcement. It was his turn first—a Konoha internal battle. He glanced at Mukai Yuki, his opponent, who now looked utterly pale. Luck had not favored him; facing Aomizu, he truly had no chance of winning.
Aomizu had earned a reputation by now, and during the second exam, everyone had witnessed his overwhelming power. To face him directly was a daunting and almost hopeless task.
"I surrender!" Mukai Yuki cried before the examiner could even begin the match.
No one mocked him. The outcome was expected. Even seasoned participants understood the impossibility of defeating Aomizu at his current level.
"First match winner: Hirakawa Qingshui."
The crowd murmured, some in awe, others in quiet fear of the young ninja's growing legend.
"The second match: Minato Namikaze versus Shiko."
Shiko, the only female Kumogakure ninja to pass the second exam, stepped onto the arena floor alongside Minato. The audience moved back to give them space, many spectators heading to the stands to watch the action unfold with interest.
"Kushina!"
Kushina, brimming with energy, dashed into Mikoto's waiting arms. She hadn't seen her friend in some time, and the relief and excitement were evident in her embrace.
Mikoto shook her head, smiling gently at Kushina's antics. "You—when will you mature?" she said teasingly, though her tone was affectionate rather than scolding.
Kushina giggled in response, letting go of Mikoto's embrace and linking her arm with hers. The intimacy of the gesture caught the attention of Aomizu, who had been observing quietly from nearby.
Mikoto noticed him looking and offered a polite, slightly embarrassed smile. "Aomizu," she greeted softly. Despite being in public and with Kushina so close, she felt shy about appearing too intimate.
Aomizu returned her smile, his eyes reflecting understanding.
"Start!"
The examiner's voice rang across the arena, signaling the beginning of the match.
Shiko attacked first. As a skilled Kumogakure ninja, she excelled in Lightning Release techniques. With precise hand signs, she sent a bolt of electricity hurtling toward Minato.
Aomizu, watching closely, chuckled under his breath. "Minato wins," he muttered.
Sasaki Ayami, standing beside him, frowned in confusion. "Huh? They've just started fighting," she whispered.
Kushina, ever perceptive, explained calmly. "Minato specializes in Wind Release. Lightning Release is weak against it—he can easily counter her attacks."
Sure enough, the match confirmed Kushina's words. Minato met Shiko's attack with a precise Wind Release, shattering the bolt and creating an opening.
Seizing the moment, he immediately channeled chakra into his legs, using the Body Flicker Technique to appear behind Shiko. His Kunai struck with lightning speed, leaving Shiko barely enough time to defend.
The Kunai pressed against her neck, and she had no choice but to surrender. Though strong, Shiko had encountered an opponent beyond her current level. If this were Minato at an earlier stage, before he had journeyed to the Land of Rain, she might have had a chance, but now, she was outmatched.
"Second match winner: Minato Namikaze."
Shiko returned to her team, embarrassed but accepting her loss. Killer Bee, her squad leader, offered reassurance.
"It's okay. Their strength is formidable. We'll take it back in the future," he said with a confident smile.
---
"Third match: Killer Bee versus Gangsuke."
Gangsuke, a subordinate of Pakura, faced Killer Bee in the next round. Aomizu shook his head quietly. "Your subordinate's luck is poor; he's facing the strongest Kumogakure ninja," he muttered to Pakura.
Pakura was unmoved. Her visit was not for combat advice but to express gratitude to Aomizu. During the second exam, he had personally treated her three subordinates, demonstrating both skill and compassion.
Meanwhile, Rasa's expression darkened as he noticed Pakura approaching Aomizu. He did not approve, though he concealed his frustration behind a neutral mask.
At the same time, Troy, the Jonin squad leader of Killer Bee's team, subtly approached Rasa. "Captain Rasa, would tomorrow be convenient?" he asked quietly.
Rasa immediately considered the question, recalling Troy's identity: a Magnet Release specialist from the Hidden Cloud Village. Confident in his own abilities, honed under the Third Kazekage, he had little reason to fear. Yet he kept his composure, responding calmly, "Yes, that will work."
Troy acknowledged with a nod and returned to oversee Motoi and Shiko. Hiruzen Sarutobi, ever vigilant, noticed the subtle exchange and discreetly instructed an Anbu to keep an eye on both parties.
---
The battle began. Killer Bee, ever energetic, used his signature Lariat, a spinning, high-speed rush that carried immense force.
With precision and restraint, he struck Gangsuke—not to kill, but enough to secure victory.
"Third match winner: Killer Bee."
Aomizu swiftly intervened, using the Body Flicker Technique to appear beside the injured Gangsuke. He returned the ninja to the spectator stands and began treating his injuries.
[Completed the treatment of Gangsuke. Reward: One Blue Orb.]
[Congratulations on obtaining one shuriken.]
The preliminary rounds were proving both a spectacle of skill and a demonstration of Aomizu's ever-growing influence. His presence, combined with his medical proficiency, was quietly reshaping the course of the exam, earning admiration and fear alike from those who observed.
As the sun began to set on the first day of preliminary matches, it was clear to all that the so-called "Great Demon King" of the exam had arrived. Aomizu's name would be remembered, and his growing reputation would ripple through every corner of the ninja world, setting the stage for even greater events to come.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)