Camp Debates Merits and Rewards, Chunin Exam Busy

The atmosphere inside the tent was like the calm before a storm, so oppressive it made it hard to breathe.

Haotian stood perfectly still, letting the residual waves of Tsunade's anger wash over him.

Orochimaru wore a playful smile, his gaze like a snake's, cold and probing.

Minato Namikaze, on the other hand, had a gentle expression, his azure eyes holding a hint of imperceptible worry.

"My lords," Haotian broke the silence first. His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, "May I ask why you summoned me so urgently?"

Aburame Shimbi appeared in a corner of the tent at some point, his distinctive insect aura adding a peculiar scent to the air.

"Haotian, your performance in this operation was outstanding. We've all seen your capabilities. Especially the power you unleashed at the end, it was impressive."

Haotian felt Zhiwei's gaze and his heart tightened slightly. He could feel Zhiwei's insects crawling on him, and the sensation was far from pleasant.

"For the village, I merely did what I had to do," Haotian smiled slightly, his eyes holding a degree of sincerity. "My lords, do you have any instructions for me?"

Tsunade snorted and turned her head away, clearly still angry about what had just happened.

Orochimaru licked his lips with interest, a strange light flashing in his eyes.

Minato Namikaze stepped forward and said gently, "Haotian, you've rendered a great service this time. We at the Western Front's high command unanimously agree that you may make one reasonable request."

Upon hearing this, Haotian's voice trembled slightly with excitement and a hint of confusion, "Really? I... I wish to learn more powerful Ninjutsu. However, I'm not quite sure what type of Ninjutsu would suit me best."

After listening to Haotian's words, the Western Front's high command began to converse in low tones.

Orochimaru spoke first, "The Chakra within him seems somewhat special. Perhaps some Forbidden Techniques or unique jutsu would be more suitable for him."

Tsunade, arms crossed, said impatiently, "His current strength isn't enough. Showing him the Scroll of Seals would be a waste, wouldn't it?"

Minato Namikaze said gently, "The Scroll of Seals involves significant matters and requires the Hokage's approval."

In the end, they didn't give Haotian a definitive answer, only saying they would consider it further.

Haotian looked at the flickering light in the eyes of the lords and felt a pang of disappointment, though he didn't show it.

Just then, hurried footsteps echoed from outside the tent.

"Report!" a voice shattered the silence within the tent. "Urgent dispatch from the front lines! The Chunin Exam is about to begin and personnel need to be arranged to return to Konohagakure immediately!"

Inside the tent, the atmosphere instantly froze.

The high-ranking officials exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a complex emotion.

"Understood," Minato said to the outside, then looked at Haotian, "You may go back and prepare."

Haotian nodded and was about to turn away when he heard Orochimaru murmur softly, "Interesting, his body, perhaps it could..." He didn't finish, merely licking his lips again, his eyes narrowing into slits.

Haotian walked out of the tent, the meaningful gazes of the Western Front's high command seeming to brand his back.

He took a deep breath. The air of Konohagakure was filled with the scent of gunpowder and earth, which slightly relaxed his taut nerves.

The news of the Chunin Exam was like a stone dropped into a calm lake, stirring ripples.

Haotian found Obito, Kakashi, Lin, Hayate Gekko, and Morino Iruki. The five of them were either sitting or standing, their expressions varied.

"I've called you here to inform you of something," Haotian's tone was calm, as if discussing a trivial matter. "We've received a new mission – to participate in the Chunin Exam."

"Really? That's great!" Obito jumped up, excitedly waving his fists. "I can finally become a Chunin! Just you wait and see who dares to look down on me then!" His voice was filled with irrepressible joy, as if he could already see the glory that awaited him as a Chunin.

"Hmph, you?" Kakashi snorted, his eyes full of disdain. "Don't celebrate too soon. With your strength, whether you can pass the exam is still unknown." He stood with his arms crossed, looking arrogant.

Obito's face instantly turned red, his anger flaring.

"What did you say? Kakashi, who are you looking down on? I'll definitely prove you wrong!" He clenched his fists, wishing he could immediately rush forward and settle the score with Kakashi.

"Enough!" Haotian's low shout interrupted their tense atmosphere. "All of you, quiet down! Kakashi, you will also be participating in this Chunin Exam."

"What?" Kakashi was taken aback, clearly not expecting to participate himself. "I graduated from the Ninja Academy at five and became a Chunin at six, why do I still have to..."

"This exam is conducted in a team format," Haotian interrupted Kakashi's boasting, a hint of unfathomable depth in his eyes. "Therefore, you must participate together."

Kakashi fell silent. He glanced at Obito, then at Haotian, and finally nodded.