Naruto :Madam, You Don’t Want Anything To Happen To Sasuke, Right?

Kakashi didn't know why Uchiha Haru did this.

But he hoped Haru had a reason—and that reason was to ensure Kurenai Yuhi's safety.

If not, even if he couldn't defeat Haru, he would still demand an explanation.

Asuma sighed and walked away, looking dejected.

"Kakashi, Asuma, you guys…"

Such a good thing had just happened—the reunion of former comrades—yet Kakashi and Asuma were leaving just like that? Might Guy was genuinely puzzled.

But they left anyway.

Maybe it had something to do with what Kakashi said earlier.

Standing beside Uchiha Haru, Kurenai Yuhi was filled with happiness.

Although they'd already shared more intimate moments inside the illusion just now, the difference was this—this was real. Reality had weight. And with so many of their childhood friends watching them… it felt significant.

Was this… was this the public acknowledgment of their relationship?

As she thought about it, the corners of her lips lifted into a soft, beautiful smile.

Though, she couldn't help but feel a little guilty toward Asuma.

These past few years in Konoha had been hard, especially with the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen's suspicion looming over her. Life wasn't easy. She'd been forced to walk a fine line, every move scrutinized.

During that time, it was Asuma's care and silent protection that helped her endure.

They were all adults. Kurenai understood perfectly well what Asuma felt for her.

They had grown up together. To say she had no feelings for Asuma would be a lie.

But it was the kind of feeling one had for a close friend—just like her bond with Kakashi and Might Guy. Maybe, if Uchiha Haru hadn't come into the picture, something might have bloomed between her and Asuma.

But Uchiha Haru did appear.

And when he did, all those "maybes" vanished.

In life, there are always people you encounter who—without even trying—etch themselves into your soul.

Maybe it's just a fleeting moment. Maybe it's a single glance. But that one glimpse is enough to set your entire world ablaze.

Uchiha Haru was that person for her.

After the mission they shared, there was no longer room in her heart for anyone else.

As for Asuma… he could only be a friend now.

"You… didn't you say you were going to wait until after the Chūnin Exams?" Kurenai asked softly after a while.

"I changed my mind."

"Don't worry. With me here, no one can lay a hand on you."

Haru's voice was calm, resolute.

He could act however he pleased now.

Because his strength had reached that level.

Sooner or later, Sarutobi Hiruzen would fall—and when that day came, everything in Konoha would change.

Even if the old man didn't die—so what?

Who in the village dared to touch someone under Uchiha Haru's protection?

"Hmm." Kurenai nodded slightly, her eyes glinting with trust.

Soon, the third round of the Chūnin Exams officially began.

This round was a one-on-one elimination tournament. Those who passed the first two trials now had to draw lots to determine their opponents. Winners would advance. Losers would go home.

On the first draw, none of the Mist Trio under Haru—Kimimaro, Uzumaki Karin, or Chōjūrō—were selected.

But the students under Might Guy and Kurenai Yuhi stepped into the arena early on.

In fact, two of them were pitted against each other.

The match was none other than Hyūga Hinata versus Hyūga Neji—a classic confrontation between the Hyūga clan's main family and branch family.

As expected, Neji emerged victorious.

However, there was one key difference compared to how things originally played out in the Naruto timeline: Neji didn't go overboard. He didn't try to kill Hinata.

In the original story, Neji's hatred for the main family was fueled by the death of his father, Hyūga Hizashi, who was forced to sacrifice himself in Hiashi's place. That resentment twisted him.

But in this world, things had played out differently.

During Hinata's kidnapping, it wasn't Hiashi who responded—it was Uchiha Haru who intervened and rescued her.

As a result, Hiashi didn't need to atone for any perceived wrongdoing.

Neji, while still dissatisfied with the clan's structure, no longer harbored a deep hatred toward the main family. Without that burning rage, he wasn't as ruthless in the fight.

Still, the match was brutal.

Hinata knew from the beginning that she was no match for Neji. But she didn't give up.

She fought tooth and nail—not for glory, but because someone precious to her was watching from the stands.

She couldn't bear the thought of losing face in front of that person.

In the end, she collapsed from sheer exhaustion.

Haru watched the fight closely, nodding in approval at Hinata's effort.

It wasn't just because she was Kurenai's student or because they shared a bond.

It was because she had the courage to fight, to rise even when she knew she might fall.

That, to Haru, was the mark of a true shinobi.

Elsewhere, Kurenai's other student Inuzuka Kiba faced off against Kakashi's student Uzumaki Naruto—and lost.

But even this fight had deviated from the original path.

Naruto seemed far stronger than before—more refined, more focused. He was clearly proficient in multiple types of ninjutsu, and his chakra control was drastically improved.

After discovering the truth about Sarutobi Hiruzen's secrets, Kakashi had likely started investing much more effort into training Naruto.

And perhaps, somewhere in the shadows, Jiraiya had also lent a hand.

With two of her students already defeated, Kurenai's expression darkened.

These were her students. If all of them lost in the first round, how could she hold her head up in front of the others?

Fortunately, Aburame Shino stepped onto the field and secured a solid victory, salvaging some of her pride.

On Might Guy's side, Neji had already claimed his win against Hinata.

The other two—Tenten and Rock Lee—had yet to fight.

But both were brimming with eagerness, practically shaking with the need to unleash their skills.

"Next round!"

"Kimimaro vs. Haruno Sakura!"

The next match was posted on the bulletin board, the names lighting up with anticipation in the stands. Kimimaro—the strongest under Uchiha Haru—was about to face Haruno Sakura, the pink-haired kunoichi known more for her shouting than her strength.

Uchiha Haru didn't even bother to glance at the board. There was no suspense in the outcome.

"Teacher Haru, I won't let you down," Kimimaro said, bowing respectfully before leaping down into the arena.

Moments later, Sakura stepped into the ring. Her expression betrayed her nerves.

She wasn't afraid without reason. During the Forest of Death, the Mist Trio's reputation had soared—and Kimimaro had earned his name in blood.

She couldn't stop the uneasy churn in her stomach.

"Give up," Kimimaro said coolly, arms crossed. "You're not my opponent, and I don't like hitting girls."

"I... I won't give up!" Sakura snapped back.

What a joke. With so many eyes watching, how could she back down without even trying? Sasuke was in the audience. If she quit now, how would she face him? She'd rather die on the battlefield than look weak in front of him.

"Come on, Sakura!" Naruto shouted from the sidelines. "Beat him up! Show him what you're made of!"

But Sasuke's face remained indifferent, eyes fixed on the arena, unreadable.

Begin!

Sakura rushed forward, fists clenched. She led with a punch aimed at Kimimaro's chest.

Her abilities were balanced across the board—but nothing stood out. She lacked the sharp instincts of a taijutsu specialist, the explosive chakra control of a medical ninja, or the cunning of a genjutsu user.

On the sidelines, Kakashi's brows furrowed.

He recognized Kimimaro at once—he was from the Kaguya clan.

And the Kaguya were monsters in taijutsu.

Worse, they carried the kekkei genkai Shikotsumyaku, the Corpse Bone Pulse.

Sakura's choice to engage in close combat was nothing short of suicide.

He had warned her—explicitly—not to get close. What the hell was she thinking?

Sasuke exhaled sharply, almost in irritation. "Stupid approach."

Only Naruto continued cheering, oblivious.

On Haru's side, his team didn't even flinch. The moment Sakura moved, they all knew the outcome.

She was challenging a Kaguya head-on. Against someone wielding the Corpse Bone Pulse?

That wasn't brave. That was idiotic.

The result came quickly.

Sakura threw a flurry of punches, each one faster than the last.

None of them landed.

Kimimaro dodged easily, expression unmoved.

"Too slow. Slow. Way too slow," he muttered, tone laced with disdain.

He had initially thought she might have some hidden tricks—but clearly, she was all bark and no bite. Disappointment flickered across his face.

When she lunged forward again with another punch, he caught her fist effortlessly.

Sakura froze.

She tried to pull her hand back, panic spreading across her face—but it wouldn't budge. His grip was vice-like.

With her other hand, she tried to free herself—but it was too late.

Kimimaro twisted his body and threw her upward into the air.

Before she could recover, he stepped forward and slammed her into the ground.

Bang!

A dull thud echoed through the arena.

Sakura's eyes rolled back. She collapsed on the spot, unconscious.

Winner: Kimimaro.

Kakashi immediately rushed forward, crouching beside Sakura. He examined her carefully, checking for fractures or internal injuries.

Fortunately, there were none—just a heavy concussion. She'd be fine after some rest.

He exhaled in relief, then glanced at Kimimaro. The boy had clearly held back. Otherwise, Sakura would've been bleeding—or worse, broken.

"You bastard! How dare you hurt Sakura!"

Naruto stormed toward Kimimaro, fury blazing in his eyes. His fists were clenched; his voice trembled.

Kimimaro stopped mid-stride and turned slightly, but only to sneer. He didn't speak. He didn't need to.

He turned away again, uninterested.

Naruto looked ready to charge—but Sasuke grabbed him by the shoulder.

"He held back. You should be grateful," Sasuke said, voice calm, eyes narrowed.

"What? Held back?" Naruto blinked.

It didn't register immediately, his mind too clouded by emotion. But then the logic started clicking into place.

There was no crater where Sakura had landed. No blood. No broken bones.

Sakura was unconscious, but she wasn't injured.

"…He really did hold back," Naruto mumbled, still glaring but slightly pacified.

Kimimaro paused again, turning back toward them.

"You," he said, eyes narrowing at Sasuke, then flicking to Naruto. "And you."

His expression was unreadable—but something dangerous glinted in his gaze.

"You're both strong. I look forward to fighting you."

Then his gaze lingered on Sasuke just a second longer.

"Especially you."

With that, Kimimaro turned and walked off the field, his presence still radiating dominance even with his back turned.

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This Week Bonus Chapter - 200 Power stones

2nd Bonus Chapter - 400 Power Stones

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