stonecrandall Chapter 78 Absence
Chapter 78 Absence
When Boruto and Naruto arrived at the Chunin Exams site, they found that a huge crowd had already gathered there, a sight that shocked Naruto.
This was much larger in scale than the previous qualifiers, and the atmosphere was much more intense.
However, based on the previous preliminary rounds, there should have been nine participants on the field, including Boruto and Naruto who just arrived. Now there are only seven people on the field.
When Shikamaru saw that the two of them had arrived so late, he couldn't help but say, "Why are you two so late? We've been waiting for you for ages."
Boruto apologized, "I'm sorry, I thought our two matches were later, so I came a little late."
Shikamaru said helplessly, "You two are really taking it easy. You've forgotten that the contestants need to gather before the exam."
Gaara, who was not far away, snorted coldly: "It's good that you're not afraid to fight."
Naruto turned around and looked at all the contestants present but did not see Sasuke. He asked, "Huh? Where's Sasuke? Why isn't he here? He's late."
Shikamaru replied, "I don't know, but Sasuke doesn't seem like the type to be absent, and Boruto's other rival, Dosu, isn't here either."
Sakura and Ino in the stands were also worried about Sasuke's absence: "What's going on? It's about to start, why is there no sign of Sasuke?"
The two of them had visited Sasuke in the hospital before, but found that Sasuke had disappeared.
Boruto and the others know about Tosu's situation; he's still under Konoha's control. They just don't know if Kakashi-sensei has managed to extract any information about Orochimaru from him.
Shikamaru, with his hands behind his head, said casually, "That's great. If my opponent is absent, I don't have to fight such a troublesome duel and can directly advance to the next round."
Upon hearing this, Temari, who was not far away, smirked and said coldly, "Then I'm sorry, your expectations are going to be dashed."
Shikamaru shrugged and replied nonchalantly, "Well, I was just joking."
However, Temari was thoroughly enraged by his flippant reaction and secretly vowed to teach this arrogant guy a lesson later.
Naruto clenched his fists and said confidently, "I believe Sasuke will definitely get here! He will definitely fight me here!"
If it were someone else who was absent, allowing him to win without a fight, he might be very happy. But for Sasuke, Naruto definitely didn't want to win in this way.
Only by truly fighting Sasuke can he prove his strength, and that's what Naruto is looking forward to.
Shikamaru couldn't help but glance at Naruto and said, "What a hot-blooded idiot." He shook his head helplessly as he spoke.
Seeing Naruto's passionate and energetic performance, Boruto's own emotions were stirred up as well. He was determined to use his own strength to pass the Chunin Exams fairly and squarely this time.
The examiner, Genma Shiranui, reminded Boruto and the others, "Alright, you guys stop talking and stand up straight and face the audience."
"This test is an important occasion for allied nations to observe their national strength, and you are the main characters this time."
Boruto looked up and saw that all around him were towering walls, and the walls were filled with dense crowds of people.
Among these people were ordinary villagers from Konoha Village, as well as daimyo from the Land of Fire.
This exam is not only about personal honor, but also about the reputation of the entire Hidden Leaf Village.
......
The Third Hokage stood on a high place, gazing at the scene inside the examination hall. He frowned and murmured, "Has Sasuke not been found yet?"
The ANBU members behind him quickly replied, "We've sent out several ANBU units to search, but there's still no news. We haven't even heard from Kakashi; he might have already fallen into Orochimaru's hands."
"If that's the case, then there's no way to find it."
The Third Hokage's expression grew increasingly grave. If Sasuke were to fall into Orochimaru's hands, things would become very dangerous.
The third generation leader was silent for a moment, then nodded: "I understand."
At this moment, a figure slowly walked over, wearing a white cloak and a bamboo hat with the character "wind" on his head, completely covering his face so that no one could see what he looked like.
Upon seeing the newcomer, the Third Hokage immediately smiled and said, "Oh... what a rare guest! Lord Kazekage, you must be tired after your long journey."
Kazekage shook his head slightly and replied, "Not at all. Fortunately, the venue is in Konoha. Although you are still young, it would be very tiring for the Hokage to make such a special trip."
Kazekage looked at the Third Hokage meaningfully and said, "I think you should decide on your successor soon, shouldn't you?"
The Third Hokage burst into laughter, looking at the Kazekage and saying, "Hahaha, don't treat me like an old man. I'm planning to work for another five years."
After speaking, the Third Hokage stood up and addressed the audience watching the Chunin Exams: "Distinguished guests, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your presence in Konoha to watch the Chunin Exams."
"Next, the eight candidates who passed the preliminary selection will compete in the formal selection competition. Please enjoy watching."
As the Third Generation finished speaking, enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted throughout the stadium, with everyone eagerly anticipating this exciting match.
Feng Ying looked at the seven contestants below and said, "Eight seems to be one short."
......
Genma Shiranui looked at the examinees in front of him and said, "I'd like to say a few words before the competition... Look at this." He then pulled out the competition schedule from his pocket.
"The match groups have changed slightly. Please double-check your opponents," Genma Shiranui said with a serious expression.
Boruto looked at the battle schedule. Originally, he was supposed to fight one more round than the others, but because he caught Tosu when he ambushed Naruto a few days ago, he could be considered to have finished the battle ahead of schedule.
Boruto looked at Genma Shiranui and asked, "So, Sasuke hasn't arrived yet. What should we do in this situation?"
Naruto chimed in, "Yeah! That guy's a match for me. What am I supposed to do if he doesn't come?"
Genma Shiranui explained helplessly, "If he hasn't shown up by the time your match starts, then you've lost without a fight, and you'll advance to the next match."
Boruto patted Naruto on the shoulder with a smile and said, "Don't worry, your match is far down the table. Knowing his personality, he'll come even if he's physically exhausted."
Naruto nodded. Although he was a little worried, he tried to calm himself down. It would be a pity for him if Sasuke really couldn't participate in the competition.