Naruto: I am Nara Shikamaru

Three days after the second stage of the exam began, all teams who had gathered the Heaven Scroll and Earth Scroll had arrived at the Central Sealing Tower. There were eight teams in total, twenty-four participants:

Naruto's team from Konoha

Shikamaru's team

Hinata's team

Neji's team

Kabuto's team

Gaara's team from the Sand Village

Totsu's team from the Sound Village

And a new team, the Kirigakure (Mist) team led by Makin!

This addition of the Mist Village team was an expansion beyond the original story.

"The next phase is the third exam. But before I explain it, I need to make one thing clear: the true purpose of this exam. Why are the allied nations holding this test together? It's not just about friendship or mutual improvement. This exam is a microcosm of the ongoing wars between the alliances. If you look back through history, you'll see these nations were once bitter rivals locked in constant conflict. To avoid wasting lives and resources in endless war, and to prevent mutual destruction, this battle arena was chosen. That is the original purpose of this Chunin Selection Exam."

"Oh~~~~~~~!"

The candidates responded in unison.

"Alright, anyone unwilling to participate, raise your hand and you may withdraw immediately."

The Third Hokage declared.

Kabuto feigned reluctance but raised his hand.

"Me too!"

A Genin from the Mist Village team also raised their hand.

"Fine, you may leave that room now."

After a moment, the Third Hokage asked, "Anyone else?"

No one answered.

"Very well, let the matches begin!"

"Wait, Third Hokage, please let me be the referee!" came a voice.

Hayate Gekko knelt on the ground earnestly.

"Alright, thank you for your hard work." the Third Hokage said.

Cough cough... 

Hayate coughed twice and then announced the start of the preliminaries. The electronic screen immediately began scrolling.

"Sasuke vs. Yoroi Akado", Sasuke won with his Lion Combo and was promptly taken away by Kakashi to perform some kind of sealing jutsu.

Second match: Kankuro vs. Misumi Tsurugi. Kankuro emerged victorious.

Third match: Choji vs. Dosu.

"Finally, some excitement?" Shikamaru thought, then immediately grew concerned. Dosu's abilities were troublesome.

"Choji! Be careful! If it's too much, give up immediately!" Shikamaru warned.

Crunch! 

Choji finished his last chip, then nodded, "Got it!"

"Hmph! So this brat is the one who injured me? Just perfect!"

Dosu glared darkly when Choji stepped into the arena. That day, Choji had accidentally broken several of Dosu's ribs, which still hadn't fully healed.

"Ninjutsu: Multiplication Technique!"

Boom!

Choji's body instantly grew huge. His five limbs retracted, and two chains covered with kunai wrapped tightly around his massive frame.

"Ninjutsu: Human Bullet Tank!"

Rumble rumble rumble! 

The enormous war tank began rolling forward at high speed, smashing the ground beneath it, unleashing tremendous force! Choji was using his family's signature technique right from the start.

"Damn it!" Dosu cursed as he saw Choji charging. He raised both hands, chakra flooding them wildly, and suddenly a white energy aura burst forth.

"Wind Shield: Extreme Slash Wave!"

Whoosh! Two transparent pillars of energy shot from Dosu's hands toward Choji, causing waves of air pressure to ripple through the space.

Boom!

Choji's forward momentum stopped abruptly before he was blasted backward, crashing into a corner and leaving a huge crater. Everyone was stunned; no one saw exactly how Choji was hit. Only that Dosu lowered his hands, breathing heavily and clearly exhausted.

"Choji!"

Shikamaru called out in worry. He dashed onto the field and stood in front of Dosu, turning to see Choji already unconscious.

Cough cough... At that moment, Hayate stepped forward just in time.

"The winner of this match is... cough Dosu of the Sound Village!"

Cough 

"Kid, please don't interrupt the matches."

Hayate then reprimanded Shikamaru.

"Understood!" Shikamaru replied, helping Choji up and vanishing in a flash. Before leaving, he cast a cold glance at Dosu, who immediately broke out in a cold sweat...

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