Onoki's hopes of witnessing a battle between the two great dojutsu clans were nothing more than a fantasy.
"Haha, Tsuchikage, if you're eager to know the outcome, just watch and see," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, exhaling a puff of smoke.
Training Ground
Uchiha Chiba and Hyuga Hiashi stood facing each other.
"You both know the rules, correct? Unlike the second exam, the third exam prohibits killing," Jiraiya reminded them.
"Understood," Hiashi nodded.
Chiba nodded slightly, then turned to Jiraiya and asked, "Brother Jiraiya, where is your disciple, Namikaze Minato? Why isn't he participating in the Chūnin Exams this time?"
It was a thought that had only recently crossed his mind. Since the first exam had multiple classrooms, he hadn't noticed Minato's absence. Even in the second exam, where he was among the first to advance, he hadn't given it much thought. But now, having scanned the competitors, he realized that Minato was nowhere to be seen.
"Ahem, this is an exam, so be serious. Also, I am the examiner here, so call me Mr. Examiner," Jiraiya coughed lightly. "As for why Minato isn't competing, I'll explain later."
Hearing this, Chiba nodded.
"The match begins!"
As soon as Jiraiya announced the start, Hiashi assumed the Hyuga clan's signature Gentle Fist stance, watching Chiba warily.
"Uchiha Chiba, I know you're strong. Although I know I'm no match for you, I still want to see the gap between our abilities," Hiashi said firmly.
Chiba raised an eyebrow. "So, you know how strong I am, yet you still want to fight me? Aren't you afraid that losing too quickly will bring shame to your clan?" he asked with a smirk. "You know our two families don't get along very well."
Hiashi didn't argue. He knew Chiba was telling the truth.
Despite both being dojutsu clans, the Hyuga had always been overshadowed by the Uchiha. The reason? The Hyuga never produced a figure as legendary as Uchiha Madara.
"It doesn't matter. The elders in my clan know about you. Even if I lose, it won't change anything," Hiashi replied calmly.
"Alright then," Chiba said. "Since you want to see the difference in our abilities, I won't hold back. But be careful."
Though he said that, Chiba had no intention of going all out. After all, Hyuga Hiashi was only at a Chūnin level. There was no need to use the full power of the Eight Gates, Flying Thunder God, or Kenjutsu.
However, he had forgotten his Thunder God Sword at home and didn't have his special kunai with him either.
That left only one option—Sage Mode.
With that in mind, Chiba began absorbing natural energy.
Hiashi, unaware of what Chiba was doing, grew more cautious. Is he just standing still? Didn't he say he wouldn't hold back?
Meanwhile, Jiraiya, observing from the side, immediately recognized what was happening. Being a practitioner of Sage Mode himself, he was sensitive to the flow of natural energy.
Moments later, when Jiraiya saw the markings appear on Chiba's face—a clear sign of Sage Mode—he was stunned.
He wasn't shocked that Chiba could use Sage Jutsu. What surprised him was the ease with which he entered Sage Mode.
Jiraiya had been practicing it for nearly two years, yet he still needed the assistance of Fukasaku and Shima from Mount Myōboku. Even with their help, he couldn't enter Sage Mode as quickly as Chiba just had.
Now fully transformed, Chiba looked at Hiashi. "Are you ready? I'm going to attack."
Hiashi nodded, bracing himself.
Chiba moved.
Five Minutes Later
"The match is over. Uchiha Chiba wins!" Jiraiya announced.
Chiba glanced down at the fallen Hiashi.
"Your taijutsu is impressive," he admitted. "But mine is better."
The crowd was in disbelief.
Is this really an Uchiha?
Not a single use of the Sharingan. No ninjutsu, no genjutsu—only taijutsu.
Special Seating Area
Onoki was just as stunned. "Hokage, are you sure this kid is from the Uchiha clan?"
The Uchiha he remembered had single-handedly infiltrated Iwagakure. In his experience, Uchiha relied on ninjutsu and genjutsu. Some even wielded terrifying abilities, using their eyes to summon giant warriors that cut down entire armies.
But this boy…
"This boy, Chiba, is indeed an Uchiha," Hiruzen said with a hint of pride. "But he is different from the rest."
Different?
Onoki considered pressing for details but ultimately decided against it.
Outside the Arena
Hyuga Hiashi lay on the ground, exhausted.
He wanted to say something but stopped himself. The fact that he had just lost at taijutsu, his clan's specialty, made him feel ashamed.
Chiba, having said his piece, turned and walked back to the waiting area.
Jiraiya's voice rang out again.
"Yamanaka Inoichi vs. ..."
Later…
The tournament had reached the semi-finals.
Among the remaining four contestants, three were from Konoha—Uchiha Chiba, Senju Nawaki, and Akimichi Choza. The sole remaining Iwagakure ninja was Kitsuchi.
Jiraiya called out the next match.
"Kitsuchi vs. Akimichi Choza."
At that moment, Nawaki turned to Chiba.
"Chiba, our match is next. Could you… let me off a little?" he asked with a sheepish grin.
Chiba raised an eyebrow. "What? You, the grandson of the First Hokage, are asking me to throw the match?"
Nawaki's face darkened. "I'm not asking you to lose on purpose. I just want to last a little longer, like Shikaku and the others did."
Chiba smirked. "Hmm… that depends. What's in it for me?"
Nawaki sighed. "Fine, fine. I'll treat you to dinner, just like the others."
Chiba shrugged. "Alright, deal."