A month later.
The Chunin Ninja Exams proposed by the Third Hokage received unanimous approval from Konoha's upper ranks.
Inside the Ninja Academy's first-year classroom.
Teacher Nishinodera was announcing this exciting news.
"The Third Hokage has decided that the Chunin Ninja Exams will be held on March 10th, in Konoha's twenty-sixth year, one month from now..."
"None of you have graduated yet, so certain students had better not get any funny ideas."
His gaze pointed meaningfully toward the first row.
Shin, wearing an innocent expression, spread his hands to show that he was not the least bit interested in the exams.
Beside him, Nao raised her hand with great interest. "Teacher Nishino, can we really not participate?"
"No, Nao..." Nishinodera did not shift his gaze. "This is for your safety. Even graduated Genin might not necessarily pass the exams and advance successfully."
"Oh..." A frosty, low-pressure aura appeared.
Shin tightened his trench coat and ignored the pair of resentful eyes on the stage. "Nao, do you want to become a Chunin now?"
"No..." Nao shook her head in explanation. "I just wanted to spar with the contestants."
Resting his chin on his hand, Shin focused all his attention on her face.
He realized that this was the legendary tsundere state.
With the intention of teasing her, he suggested, "How about we kidnap one or two contestants and use the Transformation Technique to take their places in the exams?"
"..."
The air in the classroom instantly froze.
The students could not help but feel bewildered.
He was so brazen and uninhibited, openly declaring what he was about to do?
That attitude went far beyond simple arrogance.
Nao could not accept such a despicable method. "No. I want to participate in the Chunin Ninja Exams fair and square, defeat my opponents, and