Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

"Squirtle, Squirtle!"

The match ended with Sakura fainting.

Looking at Squirtle running back to the stands, Naruto couldn't help but smile.

Even though it is just a turtle, it was brought back from another world by Naruto after all. Giving it a chance to settle its grudge directly made Naruto feel like a true 'father'.

"Alright, enough excitement. Go rest up. You've got another tough battle coming soon."

Naruto said, patting Squirtle's shiny little head and returning it to the Poke Ball.

Whether it was due to system modifications or some inherent property of the Poke Ball, Squirtle always emerged from it in top shape.

Of course, the extent of healing will vary depending on how long it is left in place.

With the kind of consumption just now, it would take about an hour for Squirtle to fully recover.

As Naruto put away Squirtle, Lee asked with confusion: "What do you mean by 'another tough battle'?"

"I told you before. In the next round, you'll face Gaara. Don't take it personally, but Gaara's really strong. With Squirtle helping, you might be able to ease the pressure a bit."

Naruto explained. "But remember, don't worry too much. Like I said, these matches are just for you guys to show the fruits of your training. Giving it your best is all that matters."

"I'll do my best!"

Lee nodded heavily. Having seen the battle between Tenten and Gaara, he was also very clear about Gaara's strength.

hundreds of explosive tags that Tenten used hadn't left a scratch on Gaara, proving just how terrifying Gaara's defenses were.

This next match would undoubtedly be a tough one.

"Lee, go into this fight without regrets! Youth is all about having no regrets!"

Guy patted Lee on the shoulder. He was already proud that Lee had managed to win one match, avoiding all the Team 3's members being eliminated on the first round.

It wasn't that Guy had low expectations, it was that the other competitors were simply far too strong… strong beyond what should be expected of a Genin.

Normally, the members of Team 3 were more than capable of taking on Chunin-level opponents. However, Sasuke's Lightning Whip attack had shown power on par with a Jonin-level strike, and Gaara's Absolute Defense was unparalleled even among Jonin.

This year's Chunin Exams were filled with hidden talents, making it extremely difficult to break through.

"Don't worry, Guy-sensei. I won't have any regrets. It's not like I ever expected to win the championship."

Lee said with a cheerful smile, showing an incredibly good attitude.

"True, after all, we all know who's bound to win."

Guy replied with a helpless look toward Naruto.

There is no way. All beings are equal under Naruto. Even if a lot of participants in this Chunin Exams are monsters, they will be defeated instantly when they encounter Naruto who has mastered the Eight Gates.

"Take it easy, everyone." Naruto reassured them, "Becoming a Chunin isn't limited to just one spot. The examiners are watching everyone's performance closely, so you're all in good standing."

Naruto enjoyed this sense of superiority, reveling in the feeling of being at the top. It gave him a certain psychological satisfaction.

'It was probably similar to what those academic prodigies feel.'

"Seventh match, Nara Shikamaru VS Temari. Both contestants, please prepare for the match!"

Hayate announced as he read from the list.

With the sixth match ending so quickly, the next one was set to start right away.

Naruto was particularly interested in this matchup. He remembered that Shikamaru and Temari eventually ended up married, and this would be their first encounter.

"I forf..."

Before Shikamaru could finish saying he forfeited, Naruto gave him a firm shove, pushing him off the wall.

"Naruto, what are you doing?" Shikamaru asked, exasperated. He already found the Chunin Exams troublesome, and now, with a female opponent, he had even less motivation to fight.

"Why forfeit? Just think about how great it would be to become a Chunin."

Naruto encouraged Shikamaru, eager to see this budding rivalry between the future couple unfold. Thinking quickly, he added, "By becoming a Chunin, you'd be able to take on missions alone. Moreover, the more difficult the missions, the higher the commission."

"This…"

Shikamaru's interest was piqued.

He was very smart and quickly caught on to Naruto's meaning.

As a Genin, he'd been roped into numerous missions with low pay. But if he could become a Chunin, he'd have the freedom to choose solo missions, with a single high-level mission potentially paying as much as a dozen low-level ones combined. Becoming a Chunin could be the ideal setup for a hassle-free life.

With that thought, a rare spark of determination lit up in Shikamaru's eyes.

Seeing this, Naruto sat down contentedly and looked at the arena with anticipation.

Whoosh!

With a swift motion, Temari stepped onto the arena.

" Both contestants ready. Seventh match: Nara Shikamaru VS Temari. Begin!"

After saying that, Hayatere treated quickly, trying to leave enough fighting space for both sides.

But before he could fully withdraw, Temari had already unfurled her fan and shouted, "Wind Release: Sickle Weasel Technique!"

Boom!

The powerful gust unleashed by Temari's fan created a fierce cyclone, instantly sweeping toward Shikamaru

Even Hayate was not spared and was completely enveloped by the cyclone.

"Damn!"

Naruto couldn't help but exclaim.

'According to the original work, Temari was supposed to start cautiously, testing Shikamaru's abilities. An all-out offensive right from the start? And using her strongest technique at that? This wasn't how it was supposed to go.'

"Temari will definitely win this round."

Kankuro remarked, crossing his arms with a smug expression.

Naruto couldn't help but ask, "What's going on?"

"After watching Gaara and Tenten's fight, Temari and I discussed strategy." Kankuro explained, "We decided on a fast-paced offense."

'A fast-paced offense?'

Naruto was slightly startled, then quickly figured out the reason.

A defensive stance could easily lead to a frustrating battle, just like Gaara's previous fight where he had been forced into a stalemate.

So, rather than waiting and getting trapped in a defensive struggle, Temari had opted for an aggressive approach… launching her strongest attack right away. And if she couldn't win, she'd just forfeit, much like Tenten did, making a flashy exit.

Even if her opponent triumphed, it would likely leave them simmering with irritation.

Naruto couldn't deny it, this quick-attack strategy was a clever way to disrupt opponents.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

The windstorm howled, its slicing gusts making it impossible for Shikamaru to move or retaliate. Trapped in the cyclone, he could barely hold his ground, let alone make a move.

Moreover, the vacuum created by the colliding wind currents silenced any attempts to surrender. And thanks to the prolonged duration of the Wind Release Ninjutsu, Temari had time to prepare for her next move.

Seizing the opportunity, she quickly retrieved a stack of explosive tags from her pouch and scattered them strategically around the cyclone's perimeter.

With everything in place, Temari simply waited for the cyclone to subside, ready to ignite the tags and finish the job.

Seeing this scene, Naruto couldn't help but think back to Tenten's fight against Gaara, 'Temari was blatantly mimicking Tenten's strategy.'

And Naruto had to admit, she was doing a fine job of it.

Initially, he'd looked forward to a battle of wits between Shikamaru and Temari. Who would have thought it would turn into a one-sided beatdown by Temari?

'It seems that Shikamaru can't escape the fate of 'henpecked husband'...'