Chunin Exams Again

"Hatake Jonin, the Hokage requests your presence."

Early in the morning, an Anbu from the Hokage summoned Karot.

When Karot arrived at the Hokage's office, many familiar faces were there: the Sannin, Minato, and Danzo.

The devastation from Karot's battle with Madara Uchiha the day before had left the land barren for miles. When the ninja below reported it, Hiruzen Sarutobi took it seriously and wanted to uncover the truth. Fortunately, Minato came to explain the situation, clearing things up. That led to Karot's summons this morning.

"Karot, thanks to you, Konoha didn't lose an excellent ninja."

Straight off the bat, he was being praised, but Karot wasn't about to fall for it.

"That's what every Konoha ninja should do."

Karot's reply was by the book.

"Karot, who was the enemy?"

This wasn't just Hiruzen Sarutobi's concern—everyone in the room was curious. They'd all seen the reports and marveled at Karot's strength, but they were even more interested in the one who'd fought him. A threat lurking in the shadows was the most terrifying. What was this person's aim, hiding in the Land of Fire? No one knew.

"I don't know who he was either. He got away in the end, and I'm pretty frustrated about it too."

Karot played dumb at every turn; he had no intention of revealing Madara's existence.

"Kid, do you have any idea what kind of harm an enemy like that could bring to Konoha? And you still won't speak up?"

Hot-tempered Tsunade stepped forward to teach Karot a lesson, but Jiraiya grabbed her tight. It was Karot's indifferent attitude that had set her off. She loved the village deeply, and even knowing her lover and brother's deaths were suspicious, she'd chosen to leave and wander instead.

But Karot wasn't about to coddle this lady.

"Since Tsunade-sama is so capable, why don't you investigate yourself instead of blaming me?"

Karot tapped his forehead and added, "Oh right, our Tsunade-sama has a fear of blood. Afraid the enemy might bleed out and surrender mid-fight, huh?"

Karot was rubbing salt in Tsunade's wounds. I never offended you—what gives you the right to scold me? Because you've got big chest? I couldn't care less.

"You—you!"

Tsunade pointed at Karot, speechless. Usually, everyone treated her with utmost respect—even Danzo, her biggest rival, showed her outward deference. It was because of her status as the granddaughter of the First and Second Hokage, which gave her a special position in Konoha.

"Enough, stop arguing. Is this a marketplace?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke up, surprised that Karot was so vindictive. He gave both sides a timely way out.

This was exactly the image Karot wanted to project: a powerful ninja with a vengeful streak, making anyone who thought of harming him think twice about whether it was worth it.

"Danzo, I'll leave this investigation to you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi handed the matter to his old partner. He knew Danzo would get to the bottom of it. Give him a single clue, and he'd latch on like a bloodhound.

"Leave it to me, Hiruzen."

Danzo agreed, already thinking about how to recruit this enemy for his own use.

"The Third Shinobi World War cost Konoha dearly. Most of our mid-level forces were left on the battlefield. So I want to hold a Chunin Exam to replenish our ranks."

Hiruzen Sarutobi laid out his plan. The truth was, Konoha had lost so many Chunin in the war that even forming basic squads had become a problem, while a flood of talented Genin had emerged. Tempered by battle, their skills were solid.

"Yes, it's been a while since we held the Chunin Exams."

Danzo agreed too. His Root organization had also suffered heavy losses in the war and needed reinforcements.

"I want to host a large-scale event and invite other ninja villages to participate. This will let us flex Konoha's muscles and remind them of our strength."

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement, except Karot, who looked completely lost. You guys make the decisions—why drag me, a Jonin with no real authority, here? Just to watch you show off? That's unnecessary.

"First exam proctor: Orochimaru. Second exam proctor: Minato Namikaze. As for the third exam, you, Hatake Karot, will handle it."

"Huh? Me?"

Karot looked bewildered. Why me? I just wanted to be a spectator and watch Orochimaru and Minato compete. Hiruzen Sarutobi's arrangement put the rivalry between the two Hokage candidates right out in the open. But adding Karot into the mix was odd—everyone in Konoha knew he was working closely with Orochimaru.

"The Mist will be coming to redeem their prisoners and participate in the Chunin Exams. You're very familiar with the Mist, so you'll be in charge of reception."

"Also, you'll handle the negotiations."

Now that piqued Karot's interest. Negotiations meant kickbacks. Whatever extra I squeeze out is mine by skill. Karot agreed without hesitation, knowing this was Hiruzen Sarutobi's way of rewarding him.

"Yes, Hokage-sama. But I'll need an assistant."

Karot threw in a condition at the right moment.

"Pick any Konoha ninja you want."

Hiruzen Sarutobi thought for a moment and agreed.

The meeting dispersed. Jiraiya went after Tsunade. Minato said a quick goodbye and left to prepare for his role as proctor. Orochimaru walked side by side with Karot.

"Congratulations, Karot, on becoming a proctor."

Orochimaru spoke softly, showing no concern that Karot might affect his bid for Hokage.

"Orochimaru-senpai, you know me. Such a heavy burden is too much for my small shoulders."

"Karot, would you mind telling me about that battle yesterday?"

Orochimaru asked. He didn't believe anyone could escape from Karot's grasp. He knew Karot's strength best—every test report on Karot was stored in his mind.

"I was wondering when Orochimaru-senpai would ask me. Didn't expect it to be this soon."

Karot put on a troubled expression at just the right moment.

"You know my time is precious. I don't want to waste it."

"As for this person, you'll never guess who it is. And I've even brought you back something good."

"Oh? If you're calling it something good, then I'm even more interested."

Orochimaru perked up with curiosity.

"But Orochimaru-senpai, please indulge me in a little riddle. I'll tell you everything when I bring the gift over."

"Fine, then I'll wait for your gift."

Orochimaru licked the corner of his mouth with delight. Karot couldn't help but slow his pace. Every time he saw this scene, he couldn't stand it. But Orochimaru never changed his ways, and Karot had no solution.

Finally, the two parted ways at the crossroads.