Naruto: Zanka No Tachi

By the third day of the survival test, most teams with a chance of advancing had collected the necessary scrolls and were heading towards the central gathering point. Those who hadn't collected the scrolls lay in wait, hoping to ambush suitable targets.

These teams were careful in selecting targets, using pre-exam intel. They avoided strong villages and well-known ninjas. However, opportunities were dwindling; weaker teams' scrolls had already been taken, leaving only stronger teams.

Two Kumogakure teams were near the gathering point; they had collected their scrolls on the first day. To avoid accidents, they stayed put, awaiting the exam's end.

"Everyone did well. We'll all advance to the individual matches. This affects Killer B and Yugito's freedom, so give it your all!"

Ōmoï, leader of one team, said gravely. The Kumogakure ninjas were serious, even Karui, who usually teased Ōmoï. They were determined to reach the top three in the individual matches.

"Hey, aren't those Kumogakure ninjas?"

A girl's voice called from afar. The Kumogakure ninjas looked and saw two teams approaching—one from Konoha, one from Iwagakure.

The speaker was Kurotsuchi from Iwagakure. She was arm-in-arm with Yakumo Kurama, a girl with a Konoha forehead protector.

Kumogakure and Iwagakure were bitter rivals. Kurotsuchi wasn't trying to make friends; she wanted to eliminate the Kumogakure ninjas.

Since teaming up with Yakumo Kurama, Kurotsuchi found the survival test easy. Yakumo's soul perception detected any approaching ninjas. Those detected were then controlled by genjutsu.

They had collected many scrolls effortlessly.

"Teamwork is key!"

Kurotsuchi thought. Their team was strong, but effortless victory was better.

Seeing them approach, the Kumogakure ninjas stood.

"Be careful. It's Kurotsuchi from Iwagakure and Yakumo Kurama from Konoha. Kurama's genjutsu is supposedly very powerful. Many teams were controlled and robbed," Ōmoï whispered.

"Kurotsuchi, are you here to fight? I'm not afraid! Let's—"

Karui, irritated by Kurotsuchi's challenging smile, started to shout.

But Ōmoï covered her mouth, preventing her from continuing. Kurotsuchi was clearly provoking them; Ōmoï didn't want a fight. Usually, he wouldn't mind losing.

But they needed to reach the top three in the individual matches. He couldn't risk any accidents.

Still holding Karui, Ōmoï said to Yakumo Kurama, "Nice to meet you. I'm Ōmoï from Kumogakure. I hear you're the genius Konoha's advisor favors. I hope we can spar in the individual matches."

This was to avoid a fight, suggesting they settle it later.

"Likewise,"

Yakumo nodded and greeted them. She wasn't aggressive and didn't want to fight.

Kurotsuchi was a bit frustrated; she wanted to eliminate them. With a few hours left, she could take their scrolls and have Yakumo put them under genjutsu.

Yakumo saw through Kurotsuchi's plan. While they were friends, she wouldn't be used.

After greeting the Kumogakure ninjas, Yakumo and Kurotsuchi found a good spot to rest and wait for the second round to end.

More teams arrived: Gaara's team, Suigetsu's team, Fu's team, and Natsuhi's team.

From Konoha, besides Yakumo's team, there were Neji's, Shikamaru's, and Kiba's teams. Two other Konoha teams were eliminated.

The genin were on edge, observing each other. They were all opponents in the individual matches.

With thirty minutes left, Team Naruto arrived.

Naruto scanned the genin, hands on his hips, shouting, "I, Naruto Uzumaki, will win the individual match!"

The genin reacted differently: some with disdain, some with curiosity, some with amusement.

The Konoha genin shook their heads, "Typical Naruto."

Minato facepalmed, while Yusuke laughed, "What a fun kid! I'm looking forward to his performance!"

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