Naruto : Gamer System-Chapter 53 : Chunin Exam Continues...

The third round of the Chunin Exam was about to begin.

"In the first match, Haruto Itsuki vs. Sochikyo."

Hearing the opponent's overbearing name, Haruto blinked in confusion. A moment later, he remembered—Sochikyo was one of the nobodies from Kusa's team. Just lucky to make it this far.

The fight ended in moments. Haruto didn't even draw Murasame.

Sasuke followed, dispatching his own opponent with ease.

Soon after, Kakashi summoned both Haruto and Sasuke to a sealed room to examine the curse marks. After a quick check, Kakashi reinforced the seal on Sasuke's neck.

"Sasuke, the seal's weakening again. I told you not to rely on this kind of power. There's no such thing as strength without cost."

Sasuke looked down, silent. His thoughts returned to that helpless moment against Haku. He still remembered the bitterness. He said nothing—but his silence said plenty.

Kakashi turned to Haruto. freewebnøvel.com

"And you. The chakra erosion in your body is worse than last time. This curse mark is invading your very cells. It's not just dangerous—it's irreversible if it goes on. I told you not to activate it unless absolutely necessary."

Haruto shrugged.

"Didn't really have a choice. Life-or-death. I'll figure something out."

Kakashi's voice tightened.

"You're underestimating the one who made that mark."

"I understand him better than anyone," Haruto cut in. "This isn't arrogance. I just need to do some... research."

Download a copy, he thought.

Then Sasuke spoke: "I don't care if it's sealed or not. If it gives me power... I'll take it. Whatever the cost."

A low, raspy voice echoed from the shadows: "Well said."

They turned fast—hands halfway to weapons.

Orochimaru stepped from the dark, his disguise peeling away to reveal his true form.

Haruto wasn't surprised. Chakra fluctuation from a sealing technique? Orochimaru had probably been watching the whole time.

"Why reject power when it's right in front of you?" he said, eyes on Sasuke. "You'll never surpass your brother in Konoha's little greenhouse. Come with me. I'll give you the strength to kill him. You know it's the only way."

Sasuke looked shaken. He didn't answer.

Orochimaru's gaze slid to Haruto.

"And you... I saw your eyes earlier. You seek truth. Knowledge. You and I are alike. Konoha is too small for your ideas. Come with me. Let's build something beyond their petty morals."

Haruto stared. What dedication? All I said was I wanted to study the curse mark. Calm down, mad scientist.

Kakashi stepped forward, placing himself between them.

"You take one more step toward them... I'll kill you. Even if I die too."

Orochimaru chuckled.

"You? Kill me?"

He flicked a finger—Kakashi froze for half a second.

A genjutsu. Brief, subtle. Even with the Sharingan, Kakashi staggered slightly. Cold sweat traced his neck—but his eyes stayed sharp.

Haruto noted it. That wasn't just any illusion. Did Kakashi... already awaken the Mangekyō? That's early.

He turned to Orochimaru, calm and measured.

"If you really think we're alike, you should know—people like us don't follow anyone. What happens when we disagree? Who gets the final say?"

Pause.

"Still... cooperation might be possible. You've probably heard of me under another name: Miyazaki Jun."

He instantly regretted the name choice—but it was too late.

Orochimaru's eyes widened.

"You... You're Zun Miyazaki? The prodigy who restructured chakra flow analysis and rewrote biochemical methods in med-ninjutsu?"

Yeah, and I also wrote Spirited Away, Haruto thought dryly. But he nodded.

"That's me."

Orochimaru stared at him with admiration—and something more unsettling.

"Extraordinary. Your mind... it's even greater than I imagined. We must collaborate. I'll send someone to contact you."

He unfurled a scroll from his mouth and handed it over.

"This is my current research on curse marks. It's incomplete, but it may help you push further."

Haruto took it, expression neutral. Like hell you'd just hand me the secret to immortality. But I'll take the bait—for now.

Their eyes locked, Both smiling, Both calculating.

Orochimaru saw a potential tool for his twisted ambitions.

Haruto saw a source of forbidden knowledge he could exploit—and discard when the time came.

You're useful, Orochimaru. But don't forget—I already know your ending. If you ever cross the line, I'll be the one to seal you.

Eventually, Orochimaru disappeared into the shadows.

Kakashi looked at Haruto, conflicted.

"Haruto, you—"

"Relax, Mr. Kakashi," Haruto said, grinning. "I'll explain everything to the Third Hokage."

If I can steer Orochimaru toward real science—even Sarutobi might tolerate it. For now, I'll just keep using his own research against him.

And maybe, one day...

Haruto glanced at the scroll.

I'll take everything he's built—and burn him with it.

"Next match, Hinata Hyuga vs. Neji Hyuga."

When Hinata's name was called alongside Neji's, Haruto Itsuki frowned slightly.He had reminded Hinata before the exam — if she ran into a powerful opponent, she should forfeit.Why was she being so stubborn now?

Haruto's eyes turned toward the Third Hokage. This pairing felt intentional — too deliberate to be a coincidence.

Neji glanced coldly at Hinata.

Neji: "Before we start, I'll tell you something... You're not suited to be a ninja. Just give up."

Hinata said softly, "I just want to change myself."

Neji sneered: "Some things can't be changed — just like how you're the Main House and I'm from the Branch."

Under his constant verbal jabs, Hinata lowered her head.

Hinata (whispering): "I want him to see that I can change... I want to protect him someday."

She remembered the day she first met Haruto under the sun years ago. He had gently stroked her head and said: "People grow stronger — for dreams, or to protect someone important. Hinata, do you have something — or someone — worth protecting?"

Hinata had answered back then: "I want to be a ninja as strong as Father and as gentle as Mother.I want to protect my family — Father, Mother, and Hanabi."

Now, there was one more: "I want to protect Haruto... and the bond between us. I know I can."

Hinata looked up toward Haruto on the viewing platform.Her heart ached. "I don't know why Haruto chose me. There are so many people who like him...I'm not pretty. I'm shy. I've always been a burden. I don't deserve him. But I... I don't want to lose him."

She recalled the moment Haruto spoke with Sakura. That memory still hurt.Hinata clenched her fists.

"No more hiding. I'll change. I'll overcome my weaknesses... I'll become a woman worthy of Haruto."

The match began.

Hinata tried her best. But even with all her effort, Neji's strikes were relentless.Injury after injury, Hinata was battered and bloodied.

Haruto's instincts flared. He rushed forward.

Third Hokage suddenly raised his hand to stop him.

Haruto looked at him in confusion.

Third Hokage (gently): "Haruto, don't interfere. This is her decision. She's not a child anymore — she's a ninja. Can't you see it? Look at her eyes."

Haruto looked down at Hinata. Despite the pain, her eyes were filled with resolve.

Third Hokage: "You've always protected her. I know. But that's not what she truly needs anymore.She isn't a puppet. She's a person — a kunoichi who wants to be recognized. Even lovers must respect each other. Sometimes, all she needs... is for you to stand behind her and cheer her on."

Haruto stood still.He thought back to Hinata's recent changes. She had indeed grown. Perhaps he was too overprotective. Even if she was timid, he had no right to decide everything for her.

Haruto: "Hinata, come on!!"

Hinata, nearly collapsing, heard his voice, and her heart surged with strength.

She launched another attack.

Neji glanced sideways at Haruto — and struck harder. He could've ended it quickly, but instead, he deliberately targeted non-fatal points, making Hinata suffer longer.

Haruto clenched his fists in rage.

Haruto: "He's doing it on purpose..."

But then — he saw Hinata's eyes. Still determined. Still fighting.

Even Neji started to feel uneasy watching her stubborn resolve.

Neji: "Stupid... It's already decided. Why resist something that's your fate?"

Finally, Neji struck Hinata's abdomen hard. Hinata coughed up blood and collapsed, motionless.

Neji looked down coldly.

Neji: "Like I said... you're not cut out to be a ninja."

He turned to leave.

Haruto appeared beside Hinata and caught her in his arms.

Hinata buried her head in his chest.

Hinata (weakly): "I'm sorry... I didn't listen... I didn't forfeit..."

Haruto gently stroked her hair.

Haruto: "Don't apologize. I love that you made your own choice."

Hinata looked up at him with wide eyes.

Hinata: "You really... don't blame me?"

Haruto leaned closer.

Haruto (whispering): "Really. That courage just now... was beautiful."

Hinata's cheeks turned red.

Haruto could feel it — Hinata had bloomed. She was no longer the timid bud she once was.

After confirming she had no fatal injuries, Haruto turned his gaze to Neji near the exit.Just as he was about to go after him —

Hinata tugged his hand.

Hinata: "Don't go. I understand... Brother Neji. He's suffering too."

Haruto sighed and let it go — for now.

Haruto: "Fine. I won't trouble him today."

But inside, his heart burned.

"Not today. But one day... I'll make sure he answers for this."

After some basic treatment, Haruto picked up Hinata in his arms and walked toward Konoha Hospital.

The Third Hokage watched them leave with a small smile.

"The human heart is complex. Even good intentions can bring harm. But Haruto... has grown up a little more today."