The atmosphere in the tent was like the calm before a storm, so oppressive it was hard to breathe.
Haotian stood ramrod straight, letting the aftershocks of Tsunade's fury wash over him.
Orochimaru wore an amused smile, his gaze cold and inquisitive like a snake's.
Minato Namikaze looked gentle, but a trace of concern lingered in his deep blue eyes.
"Honored sirs," Haotian said, breaking the silence first. His voice was quiet, yet everyone heard him clearly. "May I ask why you were in such a hurry to summon me?"
Aburame Shimbi had appeared in the corner of the tent at some point. The distinctive scent of his insects lent the place an unusual odor.
"Haotian, you performed exceptionally well in this operation. We all saw what you're capable of. The power you unleashed at the end was especially impressive."
Haotian felt Zhiwei's gaze settle on him and tensed slightly. He could sense Zhiwei's insects crawling over his body, and the feeling was unpleasant.
"I only did what I had to for the village." Haotian smiled faintly, sincerity in his eyes. "Honored sirs, what did you want to see me about?"
Tsunade snorted and turned away, clearly still angry about what had just happened.
Orochimaru licked his lips with interest, a strange light glinting in his eyes.
Minato Namikaze stepped forward and said gently, "Haotian, you've made a great contribution this time. The senior officers on the Western Front unanimously agree that you may make one reasonable request."
"Really? I... I want to learn more powerful jutsu." Haotian sounded excited, but also a little uncertain. "I'm just not sure what kind of jutsu would suit me."
After hearing Haotian out, the senior officers on the Western Front began murmuring among themselves.
Orochimaru spoke first. "The Chakra inside him seems unusual. Perhaps a Forbidden Technique or some other special jutsu would suit him better."
Tsunade folded her arms and said impatiently, "He's not strong enough yet. Letting him see the Scroll of Seals would be a waste."
Minato Namikaze replied gently, "The Scroll of Seals is a serious matter. We'll need Lord Hokage's approval."
In the end, they gave Haotian no definite answer, only saying they would consider it further.
Haotian saw the gleam in the honored sirs' eyes and felt a little disappointed, but he didn't let it show.
Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside the tent.
"Reporting in!" A voice broke the silence inside. "Urgent news from the front: the Chunin Exams are about to begin. Personnel need to be arranged to return to Konoha at once!"
The atmosphere in the tent froze.
The senior officers exchanged glances, complex expressions in their eyes.
"Understood," Minato replied to the person outside. Then he turned to Haotian. "Go get ready."
Haotian nodded and started to turn away, but then he heard Orochimaru mutter under his breath, "Interesting. His body might be..." He trailed off, licking his lips again as his eyes narrowed to slits.
As Haotian left the tent, the senior officers' meaningful gazes seemed branded into his back.
He drew a deep breath. The air in Konoha carried the smell of smoke and earth, and it eased his taut nerves a little.
News of the Chunin Exams was like a stone tossed into a still lake, sending ripples across the surface.
Haotian found Obito, Kakashi, Rin, Gekko Hayate, and Morino Iruki. The five of them were sitting or standing, each with a different expression.
"I called you here to tell you something," Haotian said calmly, as if announcing something trivial. "We've received a new mission—to take part in the Chunin Exams."
"Really? That's great!" Obito jumped up and pumped his fist, excitement written all over him. "I'll finally become a Chunin! Then let's see who still dares look down on me!" His voice brimmed with unrestrained joy, as though he could already see himself basking in the glory of becoming a Chunin.
"Hmph. You?" Kakashi snorted, his eyes full of disdain. "Don't get ahead of yourself. With your skills, it's anyone's guess whether you'll pass." He folded his arms, wearing an air of arrogance.
Obito's face flushed instantly, his anger boiling over.
"What did you say? Kakashi, who are you looking down on? I'll prove it to you!" He clenched his fists, eager to charge at Kakashi and settle things once and for all.
"Enough!" Haotian's sharp bark cut through the tense standoff. "Quiet, both of you! Kakashi, you'll be taking the Chunin Exams too."
"What?" Kakashi froze, clearly not expecting that he would have to take part. "I graduated from the Ninja Academy when I was five and became a Chunin at six. Why do I have to—"
"This exam is being held in teams." Haotian cut off Kakashi's boast, a hint of deeper meaning in his eyes. "So you'll all have to take part together."
Kakashi fell silent. He glanced at Obito, then at Haotian, and finally nodded.
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