Rock Lee, who had opened the Eight Gates, was already burned into a blackened fish by the final explosion of the [Storm Style: Judgment].
Although the medical ninja immediately treated him, his injuries were very serious—he would be bedridden for several months.
Even the seasoned Chūnin instructors couldn't help but click their tongues.
This kid—Izayoi—he had completely overpowered the beast-like Rock Lee, who had opened the Eight Gates!
Even someone like Orochimaru was deeply interested in him.
After this battle, Izayoi had undoubtedly become one of the strongest Genin in Konoha. He was even being viewed as a future ace.
Izayoi, however, remained calm and unshaken by the attention. He stood quietly at the center of the arena, his expression neutral.
Kakashi and the others couldn't help but go down to check on him.
"Are you all right?"
"Yeah, just a bit tired. I'll be fine after some rest," Izayoi nodded.
Kakashi hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice:
"That move just now… was it your kekkei genkai?"
Izayoi looked at him. "No… not yet."
"What do you mean?"
"It's not a true kekkei genkai. It's just combining Lightning Style and Water Style with extreme precision… Only by controlling the chakra to the extreme can I forcibly create a fusion effect—Storm Style."
Kakashi was shocked.
He thought Izayoi had awakened a hidden kekkei genkai, but he didn't expect that the boy had achieved it through pure chakra control.
To be able to fuse two chakra natures just by precise control—it was almost impossible!
And this boy could do it? Was he a monster?
Even Kakashi felt inferior in terms of chakra control…
A truly terrifying talent.
After that, the selection for the official matches began.
Hiruzen stood on the stage, clearing his throat as he explained the rules of the third exam to the Genin.
"Due to the odd number of participants, one person will advance by default… The rest will be paired off for individual matches. Now, draw your lots."
Izayoi stepped forward to draw. His opponent—was Gaara.
At the same time, the others also drew theirs.
Here's the list of official matches:
Izayoi vs. Gaara
Naruto vs. Kiba
Sasuke vs. Neji
Shikamaru vs. Temari
Hinata vs. Tenten
Shino—automatic advancement
The Genin looked at each other with different expressions.
When Shino found out he had drawn the "free win," he was stunned.
After being ignored for two rounds, he thought he would just quietly leave. Who would've thought he would be so "lucky"?
His sense of existence instantly skyrocketed.
Shino: "..."
After the announcement, the third exam entered the preparation phase, which would last for one month.
This was to give participants time to rest and train—and to let those recovering from injuries participate in the final battle.
The crowd dispersed, and each team left one after another.
Izayoi followed Kurenai and the others back to the house.
That evening, Hinata came over with a small lunchbox in her hands.
Izayoi had just finished a shower, wearing only a loose bathrobe as he stepped out, wiping his hair.
He was a little surprised to see Hinata sitting in the living room.
"Hinata? What brings you here?"
"I… I just wanted to check how your injuries are. I also brought something to eat…"
Hinata's face was slightly red, her voice soft and delicate.
Izayoi smiled warmly, sat down beside her, and opened the lunchbox. Inside were several small dishes, warm and fragrant.
He picked up a piece and took a bite.
"Delicious."
Hinata beamed with joy, her eyes shining.
Seeing her like this, Izayoi couldn't help but tease:
"You're quite bold today."
Hinata blinked. "W-What do you mean?"
"You're even coming into a guy's room at night now. Shouldn't I be getting a reward for today's fight?"
Hinata turned red. "R-Reward?"
Izayoi leaned closer. "Yeah. You're my girlfriend, right? A reward seems normal…"
Hinata hesitated for a moment, then whispered:
"…Then… I want one too."
Izayoi blinked.
"…Huh?"
"I… I want a reward too… for passing the exam."
"…So you came here just for that?"
"Mm…" Hinata lowered her head, voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.
Izayoi laughed and reached into a drawer.
He pulled out two exquisite gift boxes and handed them to Hinata.
"What are these?" she asked curiously.
"Open and see."
Hinata opened one box—and her face instantly turned red.
Inside was a tight-fitting gym outfit… and next to it, a swimsuit with a school-style look.
There was also a cheerleader outfit and… other "highly specific" costumes.
"…What is this…"
"I had them custom made. I thought you'd look good in them."
"You pervert!"
Hinata buried her face in a cushion, blushing fiercely.
"But you still took them." Izayoi smiled.
"…I-I'll try them later…"
"…Seriously?"
Hinata whispered, her voice barely audible:
"...If it's only for you…"