Looks like we can move on to the next step tomorrow!
Two days later…
At this moment, Morkel was engaged in an intense combat training session with Sennin Fukasaku.
After a fierce battle, Fukasaku finally stopped, panting. "Morkel, let's take a break."
In just two days, Morkel's growth rate was astonishing!
Not only had he fully mastered Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode, but he had also perfected the Sage fighting technique, Frog Kumite. He could even spar against himself in Sage Mode and still maintain the upper hand!
It was no exaggeration to say that Fukasaku himself might not be able to defeat Morkel anymore.
"Alright," Morkel nodded, though he was still unsatisfied. However, considering Fukasaku's old age, he chose to be considerate.
After finishing their training, Morkel and Fukasaku set out for home.
Just as they took a few steps, a massive toad appeared before them.
Fukasaku looked up at the leading orange toad and asked, "Bunta, what's the matter?"
Morkel recognized them immediately—especially the one called "Bunta." With a dagger at his waist, a pipe in his mouth, and a scarred face, Gamabunta had an unmistakably commanding presence.
"Master Fukasaku, I heard that this red-haired brat mastered Sage Mode in just two days?" Gamabunta asked, squinting at Morkel.
Fukasaku nodded. "Yes, his talent even surpasses that of the Fourth Hokage."
"Tsk, lucky kid," Gamabunta scoffed, puffing from his pipe, clearly unimpressed.
Unexpectedly, the usually low-key Morkel spoke up. "Hey, don't underestimate me."
His words stunned Gamabunta and Fukasaku.
Then, all the toads burst into laughter.
Gamabunta smirked. "Who do you think you are, kid? You've barely scratched the surface of Sage Mode."
Morkel remained calm. "If you think that, why not test it out?"
The impatient Gamabunta couldn't hold back. "Master Fukasaku, let me teach this arrogant brat a lesson!"
Fukasaku hesitated before nodding. "Just don't overdo it."
Morkel understood and grinned.
Thus, the battle began!
In a clearing on Mount Myōboku, Morkel and Gamabunta faced off.
Gamabunta wielded an enormous sword, nearly eight meters long. In comparison, Morkel was tiny, holding only a small kunai.
"Kid, you might as well surrender. That little knife of yours won't even scratch me," Gamabunta taunted.
Morkel, unfazed, activated Sage Mode.
Orange pigmentation spread around his eyes, marking his transformation!
Then—
Whoosh!
Morkel threw several kunai at Gamabunta!
With a casual swing of his sword, Gamabunta deflected them all.
But just as he raised his sword, Morkel used the Flying Thunder God Technique, instantly teleporting to one of the kunai's locations!
"What?!" Gamabunta barely had time to react before Morkel grabbed the back of his sword and yanked it away!
Gamabunta was stunned. Is this even possible?!
Morkel, now wielding the massive sword, charged forward!
Bang!
He struck Gamabunta's hand, forcing it back!
On the battlefield's edge, Gamahiro and Gamaken watched in awe.
"After entering Sage Mode, Morkel is even stronger than Bunta," Gamahiro muttered.
"This kid mastered Sage Mode in just three days… What an unbelievable talent," Gamaken added, shaking his head.
On the battlefield, Morkel landed several powerful blows on Gamabunta.
Finally, unable to withstand the force, Gamabunta leaped backward to create distance.
Morkel placed the sword down.
"You lose."
Gamabunta's face turned red. He wanted to argue, but everyone had seen the fight—he had been bested.
Grumbling, he jumped to Morkel and muttered, "Alright, kid. You win. You're good."
Morkel smirked. "I have more tricks you haven't seen yet."
After that battle, Morkel earned the full respect of the toads.
---
Konoha Village, Chūnin Exam Finals
More than twenty days later…
The final round of the Chūnin Exams had begun.
Among the final ten competitors, the matchups were:
Naruto vs. Neji
Morkel vs. Gaara
Temari vs. Shikamaru
Shino vs. Tenten
Sasuke vs. a Rain Ninja
The Third Hokage sat alongside the Kazekage, ready to observe.
But there was one problem—Naruto and Morkel had not arrived yet.
"Where are they?" Ino muttered anxiously.
Shikamaru sighed. "If they're late, they might be disqualified."
Hinata nervously watched, silently hoping for Naruto's arrival.
On the Hokage's podium, the Third Hokage frowned. "Where did Jiraiya take those two?"
"Anbu found traces of the Summoning Jutsu near the river outside the village, but they haven't returned home in half a month," an attendant replied.
"That idiot Jiraiya…" The Third Hokage sighed. "We may have to disqualify them."
"Wait," the Kazekage interrupted. "Konoha has a genius like the Yellow Flash. Everyone is eager to see him."
The Third Hokage hesitated but agreed. "Very well. We'll delay their matches."
Meanwhile…
At Mount Myōboku, Jiraiya had just realized their mistake.
"The exam is today!" he exclaimed.
Naruto panicked. "How do we get back?!"
"We stayed here too long; the Reverse Summoning expired," Jiraiya explained.
"Are we supposed to walk?!" Naruto whined.
Morkel smirked. "I have a better idea."
He grabbed Naruto and Jiraiya and used Flying Thunder God Technique—instantly teleporting them to the outskirts of Konoha!
"You left a mark in the exam room, right?" Naruto asked.
Morkel scratched his head. "...I forgot."
"WHAT?! We'll be late!" Naruto shouted.
Jiraiya chuckled. "Why not summon a toad to get there faster?"
Morkel immediately formed a hand seal. Summoning Jutsu!
Bang!
Gamabunta appeared. "What now, Morkel?"
"Take us to the exam arena!" Morkel requested.
"Hop on."
Naruto also attempted summoning.
Poof!
A tiny toad appeared.
"Dad!" the little toad squeaked at Gamabunta.
Gamabunta sighed. "Naruto, you need more practice."
Finally, Morkel and Naruto rode atop Gamabunta, speeding towards the exam site!
---
The Chūnin Exam Arena
The audience grew restless.
"Where's Morkel?! I came here to see the genius!"
"Disqualify them already!"
Just as the examiner was about to call it, a massive shadow appeared overhead.
"What's that?!"
A gigantic toad soared through the sky!
Boom!
Gamabunta landed, kicking up dust.
As the smoke cleared, Morkel and Naruto stood atop the toad's head—arriving in the most dramatic fashion possible.
The crowd erupted in shock.
The real battle was about to begin!
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