The arena, a vast expanse of stone and sand, buzzed with a palpable tension. Genin stood poised, their faces etched with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.
The air crackled with unspoken questions, the weight of the upcoming battles hanging heavy. Spectators, a mix of Jonin, Chunin, and influential figures, lined the raised platforms, their eyes fixed on the arena's center.
Hayate Gekko, his slender form clad in a dark Jonin uniform, stood motionless in the center of the arena. His presence, though unassuming, commanded attention. A faint, cough punctuated the silence, adding an eerie edge to the atmosphere. On the raised platform, Hiruzen Sarutobi, his gaze sharp and observant, surveyed the genin, flanked by several trusted Jonin.
"Genin," Hiruzen's voice resonated through the arena, amplified by chakra, cutting through the tension. "You have survived the trials of the Forest of Death. Now, you face a different challenge. The preliminary matches."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled genin. "These matches will determine who proceeds to the final stage of the Chunin Exams. They will test your skill, your resolve, your very spirit. I understand that some of you may be injured, or perhaps… lacking confidence."
A ripple of unease spread through the genin ranks. Some glanced at their battered limbs, others clenched their fists, their knuckles white. "Therefore," Hiruzen continued, his voice firm but fair, "I offer you a chance to withdraw. Without penalty. Without shame."
A few genin, their faces pale, stepped forward. One limped, his leg bandaged, another's face was bruised and swollen. They bowed their heads, their expressions a mix of relief and regret. The tension in the arena remained thick, the remaining genin bracing themselves for the inevitable.
Kabuto Yakushi, his glasses glinting in the dim light, stepped forward, a faint, almost mocking smile playing on his lips. "Hokage-sama," he said, his voice smooth and calm. "I must respectfully decline. My… injuries, and lack of preparation, would be a disservice to the exams."
His movements were subtly off, his posture too relaxed, his eyes too sharp. Hiruzen's gaze hardened.
He subtly signaled to the ANBU, who were observing from the shadows, to increase their surveillance on Kabuto.
Hayate Gekko stepped forward, his voice clear and authoritative. "Now," he announced, "for the matchups. The first match will be determined by random draw." He paused, a cough escaping his lips, before continuing. "The first combatants will be…" He paused, his gaze sweeping across the genin, building suspense. "Naruto Uz-cough Uzumaki… and Kankuro."
Naruto, his eyes wide with a mix of excitement and apprehension, stepped forward. Kankuro, a wicked smirk playing on his lips, followed suit, his puppet Karasu shifting ominously behind him.
Hayate Gekko stepped into the center of the arena, his gaze fixed on the two genin. "I am Hayate Gekko," he announced, his voice clear and precise, though punctuated by another brief cough.
"I will be the proctor for these preliminary matches. My role is to ensure fairness and safety. The rules are simple: no killing, and I will stop the match if I deem it necessary. Do you both understand?"
Naruto and Kankuro nodded, their eyes locked on each other.
"Begin!" Hayate announced, his voice cutting through the tension.
The first match of the preliminary round was about to begin.