Chapter 47: ch-47
Iruka had known about Morkel's amazing comprehension before.
So when he heard that Morkel had actually mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, although he was shocked, he quickly concealed his surprise.
"Morkel, you did a great job. The Chūnin Exam is approaching, so you need to work even harder."
"Don't worry, teacher, I never let myself down," Morkel guaranteed with confidence.
After a brief conversation, Iruka invited Morkel and Naruto to have ramen together in the evening. Morkel nodded in agreement.
Then the two separated, and Morkel returned to the village to buy groceries.
After assessing Morkel, Iruka continued testing the strength of the other ninjas from his previous class. The Chūnin Exam was extremely dangerous; many found it difficult to become full-fledged ninjas after taking it, and some even lost their lives.
Therefore, Iruka, like a loving father, needed to see these children grow strong with his own eyes before allowing them to take the exam.
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In the blink of an eye, two days passed, and it was time to submit the exam applications.
The three members of Team 7, each holding their registration documents, arrived at the Ninja Academy.
Kakashi had informed them that the submission point was in Classroom 301.
As soon as Morkel stepped into the school, he noticed something was off about the chakra fluctuations around him.
After climbing to the third floor, they found two aggressive-looking candidates blocking the classroom door, seemingly preventing others from entering.
"The Chūnin Exam is extremely dangerous. I suggest you turn back now, unless you want to lose your lives," one of the hooded ninjas sneered, shoving a girl who attempted to pass.
The girl let out a yelp as she stumbled backward.
Morkel reacted instantly, catching her before she could hit the ground.
As she looked up, her gaze met Morkel's bright eyes, causing her cheeks to flush.
Hurriedly, she stepped away. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."
"It's fine," Morkel replied calmly.
At that moment, Neji, Tenten, and Lee noticed him.
Lee's eyes lit up with excitement. "Neji, that's the genius boy I told you about!"
"The one who was practicing the Eight Inner Gates when we were training outside the village?"
"Yes! Teacher Guy said he's even stronger than me. I must challenge him!"
Meanwhile, Sasuke activated his Sharingan, seeing through the illusion covering the door.
"Your low-level genjutsu is too obvious," he scoffed at the two ninja blocking the entrance. "The real classroom is on the next floor. Move."
With the illusion dispelled, the group realized that what appeared to be the third floor was actually the second.
After heading up to the correct floor and submitting their documents, Morkel and his team made their way down to the first-floor training ground.
There, Lee was already waiting.
"Morkel! I've been waiting for you!" Lee shouted, his fighting spirit burning. "I challenge you to a match!"
"What the hell, bushy-brows? Why do you suddenly want to fight him?" Naruto asked, annoyed.
Lee ignored him, keeping his gaze locked on Morkel. "Please, let me test my taijutsu against yours."
Behind him, Tenten looked eager, curious to see what the red-haired boy was capable of.
Neji stood with his arms crossed, watching with mild interest.
Morkel sighed. "I suppose I won't be able to leave unless I fight you, will I?"
"Correct!"
Lee wasted no time and charged at him.
"Whoosh!"
In an instant, he was in front of Morkel, delivering a powerful kick toward his waist.
Morkel reacted swiftly, raising his hands and catching the attack effortlessly.
"What?!"
Tenten's eyes widened in shock. "He stopped Lee's attack so easily?!"
Neji leaned forward, intrigued.
Even Lee was stunned. "You're strong. But let's see if you can handle this!"
Lee twisted his body and launched another attack.
"Leaf Hurricane!"
As Lee spun into a sweeping kick, Morkel stepped back, dodging it easily.
Then, seizing the opportunity, Morkel countered with a fierce kick of his own.
"Bang!"
The impact sent Lee flying several meters before he tumbled across the ground.
Tenten's admiration grew. "He's not just strong; his timing and precision are perfect."
Neji nodded. "Impressive control. Lee didn't stand a chance."
"I won't give up so easily!" Lee growled, pushing himself up.
White steam began to rise from his body.
"Oh no! He's opening the Eight Inner Gates!" Tenten shouted. "Lee, this is just a friendly match! There's no need to go that far!"
Morkel smirked. "So, you're using the Eight Inner Gates?"
Lee clenched his fists. "I have to! It's the only way to match you!"
The air around Lee grew heavy as his chakra surged.
However, Morkel remained unfazed.
Then, to everyone's shock, he mirrored Lee's actions.
"First Gate—Open!"
"Second Gate—Open!"
"Third Gate—Open!"
"Fourth Gate—Open!"
"Fifth Gate—Open!"
A surge of energy exploded from Morkel, green steam rising from his body.
Lee's eyes widened in disbelief. "Impossible! You can open five gates that easily?!"
Tenten's jaw dropped. "He just went straight to the Fifth Gate without breaking a sweat!"
Neji stared in shock. "He's holding back… He can go even further."
Lee trembled. "Morkel… You're a true genius… But I won't back down!"
The two locked eyes, their chakra clashing in the air.
The battle was about to begin!
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