Chapter 75: Payback Time - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha

Chapter 75: Payback Time Shino Aburame's undefeated reputation is no idle boast. In terms of sheer power, Shino is still a considerable distance from Neji. Even though Shino's clan's secret techniques are mysterious and tricky, Neji’s Byakugan is not to be underestimated. Shino's ninjutsu and tactics are virtually exposed under Neji's Byakugan. Yet, despite being at such a disadvantage, Shino managed to hold off Neji for almost five minutes before conceding. Five minutes may seem short, but in a ninja battle, especially among Genin, that's quite the duration. Many felt regretful for Shino. If he could have advanced to the third exam, becoming a Chunin would have been practically guaranteed. He just lacked a bit of luck. In the original storyline, Shino advanced smoothly but then didn't get to compete. Neji, with his long hair flowing, maintained his scholarly and calm demeanor. He appeared composed, but his chakra was already more than half depleted. With this, Kurenai’s entire team was wiped out. The matches continued. Ino was matched against Temari, Shikamaru against Tenten, and Sasuke against Kankuro… Including the previous three matches, only four candidates—Choji, Rock Lee, Gaara, and Dosu—had yet to compete. Hinata, Naruto, Neji, Temari, and Shikamaru had all successfully advanced to the third exam. While Sasuke and Kankuro were still awaiting their outcome, Choji was starting to panic. Among the remaining four, aside from Choji, none were pushovers. After the previous round of matches, the candidates had a rough assessment of each other’s strength. Gaara, Rock Lee, and Dosu were notoriously challenging adversaries. Importantly, Choji was already hungry. Shikamaru, a mischievous friend, slung an arm around Choji's shoulder, chuckling, “Choji, you're in trouble now!” Asuma sighed, “Yeah, they're all tough. What will you do?” Sweat beading on his forehead, Choji said feebly, “It’s okay. I’ll surrender immediately.” Asuma, with a cunning look, teased, “So, the all-you-can-eat barbecue after the exam is off the table...” Shikamaru retorted, “Asuma, stop using food to tempt him!” “That guy from the Sand Village... his gaze is terrifying, clearly not normal. Apart from Hinata, he's the most dangerous one here.” In the first round of matches, Hinata and Gaara were the most ruthless, with one opponent ripped apart and another crushed into mince. Upon hearing this, Choji's eyes lit up, and he shouted, “Yeah! I still have my leader!” Ino looked puzzled, “Huh? Leader?” Seeing Choji rushing over to her, Hinata was surprised, “Choji, what’s up?” Choji stared intently at Hinata, defiantly saying, “Leader, do you remember when you took me in as your subordinate?” Hinata earnestly recalled that in school, she had indeed taken Choji in as a little brother to scam him out of his chips. Hinata nodded, “Yes! Of course, I remember. A leader should always uphold loyalty.” Choji, now crestfallen, said, “Leader, among the remaining four, they’re all really strong except for me. What should I do?” Hinata, surprised, remarked, “I didn’t realize you had such self-awareness!” Choji was even more downcast upon hearing this. Patting the stout boy, Hinata consoled, “If you really can't win, just surrender.” Choji replied dismally, “But if I surrender, Asuma-sensei won’t treat me to barbecue... Leader, it’s all-you-can-eat barbecue!” Hinata’s eyes brightened. Truth be told, after such a long preliminary, she was getting quite hungry. “Can I be a part of that?” Choji, joyful upon hearing this, exclaimed, “Leader, does that mean you’re willing to help me?” Hinata inwardly sighed—society was getting more materialistic. Even as pure and kind-hearted (or perhaps clueless) as Choji was learning to negotiate. Hearing Choji call her “Leader” repeatedly and seeing him in such a dilemma tugged at Hinata’s heart. After all, he was a childhood subordinate of hers. It was time to pay for the chips she swiped from the chubby kid in school. With that thought, Hinata made her decision. Clearing her throat, Hinata surveyed the crowd and announced, “All Konoha shinobi, gather around. Jonin instructors too. Consider this a favor to Hyuga Hinata.” The Genin dared not disobey, and the Jonin, curious, crowded around to see what trick Hinata had up her sleeve to help Choji pass the prelims. “Cough, cough!” Hinata took out all her kunai and explosive tags, wrapping the tags around the kunai handles. She demonstrated to the group and explained, “Everyone, take out your kunai and explosive tags and do this. Let's get Choji a hundred or so of these.” “Choji, regardless of who your opponent is, just go up and blow them to bits with explosive tags. If they survive, surrender immediately!” “...” A ring of people stood stunned. Does such a tactic exist? Hinata scoffed, 'You bunch have never seen the world. Do you know how many explosive tags Komoe South used against Obito Uchiha? A staggering six trillion!’ The most crucial part is that Komoe South claimed she rehearsed it many times… Listen up, rehearsed it many times! Seeing no one move, Hinata was annoyed, “What are you all staring for? Chip in for Choji!” “After all, we’re all Konoha shinobi, seeing each other frequently. Take it as doing me a favor and help my little brother this one time!” Shikamaru was the first to take out his tools, and the Genin contributed what they could. Soon, they pooled together over a hundred explosive tags. Veteran Genin loved using explosive tags—not only are they powerful, but they don’t require much chakra. Out of respect for Hinata, the Genin contributed almost all their stock. Looking at the amassed explosive tags, Hinata felt a slight sense of pride: “Seems my influence is still worth something! I’ve decided to play this game called ‘Naruto’ by utilizing personal connections!” I am, indeed, the most adorable! Sneaking a glance at the Jonin instructors, Hinata sniffed, “And what about you all?” Asuma laughed heartily, “I’m Choji’s teacher. I’ll provide him with some supplies.” Since there was also Rock Lee on Konoha’s side, Genin could afford to mess around, but it wasn't so easy for Jonin. Asuma, as the most privileged officer in Konoha, was quite well-off and provided Choji with over twenty explosive tags. After tallying up, Hinata realized they could tie all the explosive tags onto the kunai, making roughly 126 kunai bombs. Patting Choji, Hinata encouraged, “Choji, this is as much as I can help. The future path is for you to tread. Since we lack power, let’s show our opponent our wealth and crush them with money!” Tears welled up in Choji’s eyes, moved, he said, “Thank you, Leader. You’re too kind to me!” With these kunai bombs, among the remaining three, except for Gaara, Choji had a fighting chance against any of the others.