Chapter 114
The Sound Trio was no slouch among the Genin.
Zaku could shoot slicing sound waves from his palms, Kin used senbon bells to cast genjutsu, and Dosu's gauntlet could emit powerful sonic attacks.
All three had been modified—far above normal standards.
In the original timeline, Sakura was beaten badly by them. Even Lee's help didn't change the outcome, and Team 10 got roughed up too. It was only after Sasuke's cursed seal awakened that the tables were turned.
This time, Shikamaru and Chōji weren't much different from the original. Ino had started training a bit earlier, but against the Sound Trio, she was still on the back foot. According to Shikamaru, in the end, it was Sasuke's kenjutsu that turned the tide, and Team 10's efforts were... mostly wasted.
"Sasuke, huh? Looks like he's improved a lot after the fight with Orochimaru."
Natsuki wasn't surprised. Some geniuses only grow rapidly through actual combat—Sasuke was one of them.
As for Team 10, after learning that Natsuki had fought off Orochimaru alone, they were utterly shocked. They had clearly underestimated his strength.
Still, having such a powerful comrade made them happy.
If danger ever struck... they knew who to cling to.
On the final day, Team 7 finally arrived in a mess—along with Kabuto, Yoroi, and Misumi. Once it was confirmed no other Genin were arriving, the second exam officially came to a close.
Those who passed: Team 7 (3), Team 8 (3), Team 9 (3), Team 10 (3), Team Guy (3), Sound Trio (3), Kabuto's team (3), and Gaara's team (3). A total of twenty-four participants!