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Ino's breath hitched as her gaze landed on him. She ran to his side, her face etched with worry. "Brother!" she cried, her voice trembling. "What happened? How did you get hurt ?" Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears as she reached out to touch his arm gently, as if afraid he might break further.
The rest of the Rookie 9 quickly surrounded him, their concern evident. Questions spilled from every direction:
"Are you okay, Inoiki?"
"Who did this to you?"
"How did you survive?"
Inoiki raised his hand slightly to calm the barrage of questions, his voice steady despite his exhaustion. "Don't worry—I'm fine. I was attacked by an imposter during the exam," he explained. Then, his tone firmed. "But I'm not in the condition to answer more questions right now. If you want details, ask the proctor of our exam. She'll give you the most accurate answers."
Respecting his boundaries, the group fell silent, though their worry lingered in their expressions. Slowly, they stepped back, giving him space.
However, Team 10—Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji—remained at his side. For Shikamaru and Choji, it was loyalty to their friendship with Inoiki. For Ino, it was the love and concern of a sister who couldn't leave him alone, no matter what.
She stayed close to Inoiki, her protective instincts clear. Shikamaru, ever observant, gave a small nod, understanding that words weren't needed. Choji offered a supportive pat on the shoulder, his silence speaking volumes.
Inoiki gave a faint smile as he reached out and gently wiped away the tears from Ino's cheeks. "What's this now?" he teased. "So you do want to talk to me? Not angry anymore?"
He was referring to how Ino had been upset with him before the exams, refusing to speak to him. His teasing tone was light, meant to ease the tension.
Ino shook her head quickly, brushing aside her earlier frustration. "I'm not angry anymore," she said, her voice soft but determined. "Just... leave that alone. Are you alright?"
Inoiki chuckled softly, though it was clear he was still in pain. "I'm fine. Once the exams are over, I'll head straight to Konoha Hospital and get properly treated."
Ino nodded, her worry easing slightly at his words. "Good," she said, her tone filled with relief.
As they spoke, Inoiki's gaze shifted to the high platform at the center of the venue. His eyes caught movement there, and he straightened slightly. "Look," he said, his voice steady. "The Hokage is here. Let's go stand in line."
Team 10 turned their attention to the platform. Sure enough, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, was arriving, flanked by Anko Mitarashi and several other Jonin. The atmosphere in the room shifted, the casual murmurs of the candidates fading into silence.
Inoiki, Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji joined the other Genin, standing in orderly lines as the hall fell still. All eyes were on the Hokage as he stepped forward to address the gathered candidates.
Hiruzen's voice was calm yet commanding as he began his speech. He spoke of the importance of the Chunin Exams, emphasizing how they were a test not just of strength but of character, strategy, and teamwork. His words carried weight, and even the most restless candidates listened intently.
When the Hokage finished, a new figure stepped forward, his presence calm yet resolute. Hayate Gekko, the proctor for the third round, stood before the assembled Genin. His sharp gaze swept across the room, and he spoke, his voice slightly raspy but clear.
"I am Hayate Gekko, the proctor for the third round of the Chunin Exams," he said, his tone professional yet firm.
The room grew even quieter as the candidates braced themselves, knowing the next phase of the exams was about to begin.
Hayate Gekko stood before the gathered candidates, his raspy voice breaking the silence. "Cough, cough. Before the third round of the exam, we will conduct a preliminary round."
The room immediately buzzed with murmurs of confusion and discontent.
Shikamaru, ever the reluctant participant, raised his hand lazily and groaned, "What? A preliminary round? Why do we have to do this?"
Sakura, echoing the sentiment, stepped forward slightly. "Yes, Sensei. What's the purpose of this preliminary exam?"
Hayate adjusted his stance, his calm demeanor unwavering despite the questioning. "According to the rules of the Chunin Exam," he began, pausing briefly as another cough interrupted him, "the preliminary exams can be conducted at any point between two rounds to reduce the number of candidates. Cough, cough."
The explanation hung in the air as the candidates processed his words. While the logic was clear, their attention kept shifting to Hayate himself, his frequent coughing drawing concern and curiosity. Many couldn't help but wonder if the Jonin in front of them was in good enough condition to oversee a fight, let alone an entire exam.
Ignoring their glances, Hayate pressed on. "Now, before we begin the preliminaries, I'll give you all an opportunity. If anyone wishes to withdraw, you can step forward and do so now. Cough, cough."
The room fell silent for a moment, but the stillness was quickly broken as Kabuto Yakushi stepped forward. His movements were slow and deliberate, his expression calm but tinged with weariness.
"I withdraw," Kabuto said, his voice steady. "I'm too injured to continue, so it's best I stop here."
His announcement drew a few surprised looks from the other candidates, but Kabuto simply adjusted his glasses and stood to the side, his decision final.
Hayate nodded at Kabuto's declaration, his coughing momentarily subsiding. "Very well. Anyone else?"
The room remained silent as the remaining candidates exchanged glances, each weighing their options.
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