[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch":3,"chapter-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-309":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Naruto: Strongest Shinobi System With a Glitch",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1819360,2309,"Chapter 309 309: Tayuya Vs Hinata!","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-309",309,"\u003Cp>Ninja Academy–Vice Principal's Office\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The faint scent of ink and sterilized parchment filled the room as Konan watched silently from across the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before her, black markings began spreading from Kitazawa's forehead, snaking across his skin like living calligraphy. The seal lines pulsed once—then steadied—covering his entire body in symmetrical patterns of chakra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan's sharp amber eyes flickered in quiet awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That technique…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had never seen it with her own eyes, but even in the hidden corners of the shinobi world, its name carried weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creation Rebirth: Hundred Healings Jutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until now, there had been only one person capable of performing it—the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade Senju.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, before her stood another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa slowly exhaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The markings began to fade, retreating to his forehead and solidifying into a single diamond-shaped seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>October 1st—the day Kitazawa finally completed Tsunade's ultimate medical technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had mastered every medical ninjutsu she'd ever created.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing he still lacked was experience—the kind that only came from years of battle and patients saved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But experience, he thought, could be earned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Congratulations,\" Konan said, her calm voice carrying a note of genuine admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa stood, straightening his cloak. His eyes flicked to the clock on the wall. \"Perfect timing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today marked more than his breakthrough—it was also the first monthly exam for the Genius Class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this exam came with two active system missions—one tied to Tayuya and one to Kimimaro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first was guaranteed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second… a little trickier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Kitazawa had found a clever loophole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The system's mission stated Kimimaro must not enter the top three.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn't say who had to replace him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Kitazawa himself participated—technically still considered part of the Genius Class by the system—the results would satisfy the requirement perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small, knowing smile tugged at his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He'd just need to coordinate things carefully between Yakumo, Naruto, and perhaps Sasuke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If all went according to plan, the rankings would take care of themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way,\" he said suddenly, turning toward Konan, \"is your… associate's medicine supply running out?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan blinked once, then nodded. \"It will be gone by the end of the week.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa knew exactly who she meant—Nagato.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though White Zetsu could've handled delivery, Konan always insisted on doing it herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nagato's frail condition was a secret even among Akatsuki; gods, after all, could not afford to look human.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have him come to the Land of Fire again,\" Kitazawa said, leaning back slightly. \"After the next treatment phase, the Limb Regeneration should be ready for use.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a heartbeat, Konan's composure cracked. Her eyes widened, just slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…You mean—?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes,\" Kitazawa said simply. \"He'll walk again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan's fingers tightened imperceptibly on the edge of the desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For years, she'd dreamed of seeing Nagato rise to his feet, not as a weapon or a god—but as the man she once knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet… a quiet thought slipped into her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he recovers… will I still have a reason to stay here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she quickly pushed that thought away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—she had a new purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To learn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To understand Kitazawa's strange and brilliant ways of reshaping the world—not with violence, but with trade, and intellect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if it meant earning money for Akatsuki while learning how to rebuild the Land of Rain… then Nagato would approve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll go ahead to the classroom,\" Kitazawa said, breaking her from her thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan watched him leave—before quietly returning to her work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time Kitazawa arrived, the room was already buzzing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tayuya's shout nearly rattled the windows. She was glaring at Ino like she'd just been betrayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you talking about?!\" Sakura leaned over from her desk, curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tayuya didn't know that theory exam scores also count toward the final ranking,\" Ino explained with a sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This isn't fair!\" Tayuya slammed her hands on the desk. \"I've only studied theory for a month! How am I supposed to compete with you bookworms?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's… not wrong,\" Sakura admitted sympathetically. \"But that's just how it works. Yakumo and Karin went through the same thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You'll catch up eventually,\" Ino said encouragingly. \"You're smart enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it!\" Tayuya hissed through clenched teeth. She felt cheated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If theory counted, her shot at the top five was doomed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mind clicked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rules said the ranking was based on the practical exam, didn't they?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she could argue that technicality later… watching Kitazawa's face twist in frustration would be delicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tayuya smirked inwardly. Revenge would be sweet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's fine,\" Sakura said, resting her chin on her hand. \"Theory doesn't matter anyway. None of us are getting first place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why not?\" Tayuya asked, snapping back to reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because Shikamaru's youth is simply unbeatable!\" Naruto declared with a sparkling grin and a dramatic thumbs-up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tayuya stared blankly. \"...What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto's enthusiasm defied all logic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sakura laughed. \"What he means is, Shikamaru's the smartest of all of us. He always gets first in theory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't believe it,\" Tayuya said immediately. \"No one's that smart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You'll see soon enough,\" Sakura sighed. \"I used to be first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shino adjusted his glasses. \"You can tie for first,\" he said matter-of-factly. \"If you get a perfect score.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sakura gave him a deadpan look. \"Thank you for that motivating reminder.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shino nodded solemnly, missing the sarcasm entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tayuya crossed her arms, already planning her revenge. \"Whatever. I'll just destroy everyone in the practical exam instead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa, standing at the back of the classroom, couldn't help but smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The monthly exam hadn't even started, and already, the energy in the Genius Class was electric.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exactly as he'd planned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The most important thing for a ninja,\" Tayuya declared confidently, \"is practical combat!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mood had flipped the instant she understood how the rankings worked. \"As long as I take first in the practical exam, that's all that matters!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'd still be careful if I were you,\" Ino said, arms crossed. \"Especially of Sasuke, Naruto, and Neji.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know, I know.\" Tayuya waved her hand dismissively, her tone dripping with confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, she had already made her own list of threats—Uchiha Sasuke, Hyuga Neji, and Hyuga Hinata.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those two surnames alone carried enough weight to make anyone cautious. The Sharingan and Byakugan weren't things to take lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, she was confident her Genjutsu and summons could carry her through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her three Nuki Oni summons were no ordinary beasts; each one was easily at the level of a skilled Chunin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if she couldn't yet defeat Kimimaro, she conveniently chose to ignore that fact—he was from Otogakure too, so he didn't count as competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Confident, huh?\" Kiba chuckled nostalgically. \"I used to sound just like you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before joining the Genius Class, he'd been the same—loud, proud, and convinced he'd crush everyone. After a few months under Kitazawa's brutal reality checks, that confidence had… adjusted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tayuya,\" Shikamaru said lazily from the back, \"you haven't seen Naruto's training, have you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No. Why would I?\" she shot back without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shikamaru whistled softly. \"Then you'll understand soon enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered the dozens of Narutos sprinting across the training field, the sheer absurdity of the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu. Anyone who saw it once would know—fighting that lunatic wasn't a normal experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shikamaru leaned back, eyes narrowing slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa had done this on purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had kept Tayuya and Kimimaro training separately, isolating them from Naruto and Sasuke. Not to favor anyone—but to teach them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was waiting for reality to humble them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shikamaru smirked to himself. \"That guy really does think three steps ahead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across the room, Sasuke said nothing. His gaze was fixed, sharp as ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kimimaro's presence bothered him—not because of arrogance, but recognition. He could feel it. The same quiet intensity, the same hunger for strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exhaled slowly. \"Troublesome opponent,\" he murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto grinned brightly. \"Hey, don't go making rivals already!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're not one to talk,\" Sasuke muttered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You bet I'm not! I'm already your rival!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone collectively sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good luck,\" Tenten said to Tayuya with a knowing grin. \"You'll need it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tayuya snorted, crossing her arms. \"I don't need luck.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tenten smiled sympathetically. You will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone, back to your seats,\" Kitazawa's calm voice rang out as he entered the classroom. \"The exam's about to begin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chatter ceased instantly. Even Tayuya obediently sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A month in Konoha had changed her more than she realized. She still mouthed off sometimes, but she'd adapted—mostly thanks to Ino and the endless flow of snacks she shamelessly accepted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's only one rule,\" Kitazawa said, placing a neat stack of test papers on the desk. \"No cheating.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tayuya took her paper, scanned it—and her expression froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two words summed it up perfectly: It's over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could barely understand half the questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why were there essays about the Will of Fire? Since when did a ninja need philosophy to fight?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppressing a groan, she picked up her pen and started writing… whatever came to mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn't the only one. Kimimaro, Jugo, and even Haku were also staring blankly at their papers, filling them out with heroic nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa sat calmly at the podium, completing a test of his own. Not for practice—but to manipulate the results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he submitted perfect answers, his name would automatically appear on the ranking list, ensuring Kimimaro couldn't take the top three spots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he finished, he leaned back and began sketching notes on the Eight-Layered Cursed Seal, the modified version he planned to test soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three to eight layers, adjustable depending on the user's capacity… he mused. Like giving a weapon multiple safety locks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hours passed quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the bell rang at eleven, Kitazawa collected the papers with practiced efficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tomorrow morning at nine,\" he announced, \"meet at the training ground for the practical exam.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kitazawa-sensei!\" Ino raised her hand. \"The teams will only be formed after the practical exam, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right,\" Kitazawa nodded. \"Only the top eighteen will qualify for team assignments.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then pick me first!\" Ino said sweetly, clasping her hands together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sensei's fair and impartial!\" Sakura immediately said, narrowing her eyes at Ino. \"Your tricks won't work on him!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shikamaru sighed quietly. Hard to say about that… He had seen enough of Kitazawa's \"fair\" manipulations to know there was always more to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll pick my own team,\" Kiba said proudly. \"Three people—uh, I mean—\" He froze mid-sentence, realizing Hiruzen wasn't there to overhear his blunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The class burst out laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Tayuya's thoughts were a whirl of contradiction. She wanted to team up with Kimimaro and Jugo—fellow Sound shinobi—but… being with Ino and the others didn't sound terrible either. Especially if snacks were involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You'll find out tomorrow,\" Kitazawa said, interrupting her thoughts. \"For now, go home and rest.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gathered the papers and left the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tayuya bit her lip, hesitated for two seconds, then chased after him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there something else?\" Kitazawa turned, already knowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When I said I'd make top five, I meant the practical exam!\" she blurted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa's lips curved upward. \"That's what I meant too. What, you think I'd set up a child like you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not a child!\" Tayuya snapped, glaring up at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? Then what are you?\" he asked, tone teasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I—\" she straightened, voice rising, \"I'm an official ninja of Otogakure!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa smiled faintly. \"Correction. You're currently a student of the Genius Class, Konoha Village.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am not!\" she insisted, planting her hands on her hips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright,\" Kitazawa said mildly, turning toward his office, \"then I'll let you grade these test papers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tayuya froze. \"W–Wait, what?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since you're such a capable official ninja, it should be easy work.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression changed faster than lightning. \"Forget it!\" she yelled, spinning on her heel and sprinting away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa chuckled under his breath. \"And she says she's not a child.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a small smile, he entered his office, the sound of her retreating footsteps still echoing faintly down the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ninja Academy – Vice Principal's Office\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan looked up from her paperwork as Kitazawa entered. \"Kitazawa.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave a brief nod in acknowledgment, settling into his seat and pulling the stack of test papers toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By noon, he had already finished grading and ranking the Genius Class's theoretical exam results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, Shikamaru took first place, with Sakura close behind in second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What surprised him, however, was third place—Sasuke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His summer of intense tutoring had clearly paid off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest of the rankings followed the usual pattern. The transfer students—Kimimaro, Jugo, Haku, and Tayuya—fell somewhere in the middle. It was their first time taking a theory-based exam, after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>None made it into the top fifteen, and Tayuya, predictably, landed near the bottom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second to last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last spot, as always, was firmly secured by Rock Lee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa leaned back, glancing over the papers one last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything was within expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That afternoon, he returned home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he had fully mastered Creation Rebirth: Hundred Healings Jutsu, he could shift his focus to Wood Release.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His next target was mastering Wood Release: Great Forest Technique. Once that was complete, he planned to have an open conversation with Tsunade—about everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever he needed a break from ninjutsu practice, he would spend his time refining the cursed seal and adjusting the Yang Release Chakra Mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had become his quiet, steady routine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world was unusually peaceful. No major incidents had shaken the shinobi nations lately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ironically, the only \"war\" happening now was economic—the Ocean's Heart Jewelry Store in the Fire Capital had become so successful that imitations were popping up across the Land of Fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Konoha's brand had already gained the upper hand. With the Daimyo's public endorsement and the store's reputation, the copycats could only feed on the leftovers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were no real threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Next Day – Practical Exam Day\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Training Ground was lively under the morning sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For this event, Hiruzen, Kakashi, and Kosuke were all present to observe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kimimaro's name seems to be spreading quite a bit these days,\" Kosuke remarked, glancing toward the white-haired boy waiting calmly at the edge of the field. \"When I visited the hospital for a check-up, the medical staff couldn't stop talking about him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\" Kakashi tilted his head. \"Why's that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The kekkei genkai disease,\" Kosuke replied quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiruzen nodded in understanding, stroking his beard. \"Fortunate that Tsunade and her team caught it early. It would be a waste to lose a shinobi with Shikotsumyaku.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orochimaru's return to Konoha had changed many things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otogakure, now a subsidiary of Konoha, meant its ninja—including Kimimaro, Tayuya, and Jugo—were officially under the village's protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And among them, Kimimaro had drawn Hiruzen's particular attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last heir of the Kaguya Clan, he mused. If he thrives here… perhaps the Kaguya bloodline could rise again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm curious to see his performance today,\" Kosuke said. \"Few can use their own body as a weapon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiruzen smiled. \"I predict he'll make the top five.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakashi nodded. \"Same here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa arrived precisely on time, drawing every student's gaze as he approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He carried a small lottery box in one hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This time,\" he said, holding it up, \"pairings will be determined by random draw.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, random was only half true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He planned to draw the slips himself—to quietly steer the results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kimimaro was too strong. If left to chance, he'd almost certainly place in the top three. That couldn't happen—not if Kitazawa wanted to clear his system mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he began mixing the slips, the class buzzed with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke folded his arms, confidence radiating from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After weeks of Kakashi's special training, he had learned three new Lightning Release techniques. In terms of ninjutsu mastery, he already rivaled a Chunin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He'd trained hard for today—not just for glory, but to earn the acknowledgment of his brother, Itachi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto grinned eagerly, cracking his knuckles. \"I hope I get Sasuke or Kimimaro! I wanna fight someone strong!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simple as always.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For him, battle itself was the reward. Winning was just a bonus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tayuya, meanwhile, smirked to herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today was her day to prove herself—and maybe wipe that smug look off Kitazawa's face while she was at it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kimimaro stood silently beside her, calm but resolute. Deep down, he wanted only one thing: to prove to Orochimaru that he was still the strongest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other students—Kiba, Shino, Tenten, and Sakura—were more grounded. They'd been through many exams before and knew where they stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Ino and Sakura shot determined glances at each other, their rivalry renewed as always.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa reached into the box and drew the first pair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First round, first match—Tayuya versus Hinata Hyuga.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tayuya's expression hardened slightly. \"Hinata, huh? This might be annoying…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across from her, Hinata silently activated her Byakugan, her eyes turning a milky white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had studied Tayuya carefully—her strength lay in genjutsu and summoning beasts. But if she was confident enough to face her head-on, that meant she wasn't planning to hold back either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Battle—begin!\" Kitazawa declared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight Trigrams: Vaccum Palm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata moved first, her palm slicing through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A compressed wave of chakra shot forward like a cannon blast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tayuya had just lifted her flute when the shockwave struck her square in the chest. The impact forced her to drop it, eyes wide with disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gentle Fist can be used at long range?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before she could recover, Hinata vanished from sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a blur, Hinata appeared in front of her, palms striking with precision and speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tayuya barely had time to react. Her taijutsu was average, and against a Gentle Fist specialist, that was as good as useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each hit sealed her tenketsu one after another until, with the final strike, she collapsed to the ground, unable to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The match was over in less than a minute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The audience was stunned into silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Kitazawa raised an eyebrow, slightly impressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hinata lowered her stance, exhaling softly, her eyes returning to their normal state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First round, victory—Hinata Hyuga.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>--------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>AN: Check out my P@treon For +40 extra chapters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank You For your Support!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[email protected]\u002Fnoviceauthor777\u003C\u002Fp>",3010,"2026-06-09T05:35:56.024Z",1,"novelbin.me","078b43493ae8d78043da40c7e1ace9b51c7edd82f053ba846d3a839e352ca5d6","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-310","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-308",444,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnaruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-cover.jpg"]