Joint Chunin Exam

After the shock, Tsunade continued reading the scroll and saw the mission from Hiruzen Sarutobi to mentor Qingshui.

She immediately understood the old man's intention: to win over this suddenly appearing genius, Qingshui.

It was just like how his younger brother Nawaki was taken as a disciple by Orochimaru, or how Minato, known as a genius at the Ninja Academy, was taken as a disciple by Jiraiya.

Saying it was mentoring Qingshui was essentially the same as taking him as a disciple.

It was just without the formal master-disciple title.

But to outsiders, Qingshui would henceforth belong to the Hokage Faction.

If it were before meeting Qingshui, Tsunade would have refused this mission without hesitation.

Now, she only wanted to live a life of leisure, with no connection to Konoha or the Hokage Faction.

But after meeting Qingshui, Tsunade accepted the mission after a brief thought.

After all, she had already considered training Qingshui to succeed her as the Medical Department Head.

Now, with Hiruzen Sarutobi's mission, training Qingshui to take over would be even more legitimate.

Moreover, she was well aware of Qingshui's talent, so mentoring him wouldn't require too much effort.

Tsunade could already envision the wonderful scene of her complete liberation in the near future.

"Go tell the old man, I accept this mission."

The Anbu Ninja pretended not to hear Tsunade's address to Hiruzen Sarutobi and vanished instantly.

After he left, Tsunade once again immersed herself in the joy of gambling.

Even though she kept losing money.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Office, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu arrived together.

"Hiruzen, why did you call us here so urgently?"

"We'll discuss it all once Danzō arrives."

Unlike Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, Danzō usually stayed at his Ne Base, so his arrival would be slower.

The two naturally didn't object to Hiruzen Sarutobi's words and simply found seats.

After a while, a cold snort sounded first, and then Shimura Danzō walked into the Hokage's Office.

Danzō, whose voice preceded his arrival, had a cold expression, and his gaze towards Hiruzen Sarutobi was filled with jealousy and dissatisfaction.

In Danzō's opinion, the position of Hokage should have belonged to him.

Only he could lead Konoha to become better.

Hiruzen, after I complete the Hashirama Cell Transplantation Experiment, the Hokage position will be mine!

As everyone knows, the First Hokage Senju Hashirama possessed the Kekkei Genkai Wood Style, which was invincible in the ninja world.

But ever since Hashirama died, no one has been able to inherit the power of Wood Style.

Including Tsunade, who is Hashirama's granddaughter.

For this reason, Hiruzen Sarutobi once initiated the Hashirama Cell Transplantation Experiment, hoping to recreate Wood Style.

However, the casualties were too great, so Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately called it off.

But now Danzo has gotten involved with Orochimaru again and secretly restarted this experiment.

Unaware of Danzo's thoughts, Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep drag from his cigarette before solemnly explaining the reason for summoning the Trio.

"I just received intelligence from Jiraiya. Iwagakure seems to be plotting against Konoha in secret."

As soon as he said this, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu's expressions changed.

The Second Shinobi World War ended just over a year ago. If another conflict with Iwagakure were to break out, it would be terrible news for Konoha.

"Hiruzen, what do you plan to do?"

Mitokado Homura asked with worry.

"How dare a mere Iwagakure target Konoha! Hiruzen, give me a troop, and I will completely eliminate Iwagakure!"

Before Hiruzen Sarutobi could answer, Danzo said impatiently.

In his opinion, Konoha, being the strongest in the ninja world, could easily deal with a mere Iwagakure.

"Danzo, that is absolutely impossible!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally could not agree with Danzo and firmly rejected him.

At the same time, he was also very tired.

Danzo was always like this, just shouting for war. As the Hokage, he had many things to consider.

"You will regret this, Hiruzen!"

"I am the Hokage, Danzo!"

Hearing this, Danzo felt extremely stifled.

Damn Hiruzen always uses the Hokage title to suppress me. When I become Hokage, I will make you feel what I am feeling today.

"Danzo, Hiruzen is right. Let's not talk about this anymore."

Utatane Koharu also did not agree with Danzo's words.

Danzo, displeased, let out a cold snort, but he didn't bring up the topic of war again.

"However, we still need to gather intelligence within Iwagakure. This matter will be handled by your Ne, Danzo."

Hiruzen Sarutobi then made arrangements.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu had no objections.

"Since there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

Danzo, having accepted the mission, prepared to leave, but Hiruzen stopped him.

"Wait a moment, Danzo. I have something else to discuss."

"Next, I plan to hold a joint Chunin Exam."

After graduating from the Ninja Academy, one can become a Genin. To be promoted to Chunin, one needs to participate in the Chunin Exam.

As for the so-called joint Chunin Exam, it is an exam that invites other ninja villages to hold together.

At that time, Genin from other ninja villages will come to Konoha and compete with Konoha's Genin.

This is actually a form of warfare between ninja villages.

By showcasing excellent new generations to nobles and wealthy merchants, they will release more missions to their own ninja villages.

"Why are we suddenly holding a joint Chunin Exam?"

During the Second Shinobi World War, Konoha had not held a Chunin Exam for several years, so it was indeed time to hold one.

But under normal circumstances, Konoha should hold it alone.

After all, a joint Chunin Exam involves other ninja villages, and the process will be much more troublesome.

"Iwagakure is secretly plotting against Konoha. It's not impossible that other ninja villages are involved, or have similar thoughts and actions."

"Therefore, Konoha needs to display its strength in the joint Chunin Exam to deter those ninja villages from making any more small moves."

Another reason is because of Qingshui.

He had not yet been promoted to Chunin.

So Hiruzen Sarutobi planned to have Qingshui participate in this joint Chunin Exam. At that time, Konoha would definitely achieve better results than other ninja villages.

The reason he didn't say this out loud was because he didn't want Danzo to know and then have unnecessary thoughts.

"Hiruzen is right, let's hold a joint Chunin exam then."

"Which ninja villages should we invite?"

"Send invitations to all ninja villages. We'll accept any that plan to participate."

Hiruzen Sarutobi firmly believed that even Genin from the Five Great Ninja Villages were absolutely no match for Qingshui.

In a few words, the resolution for a joint Chunin exam was passed.

Danzo, who had remained silent on the matter, only wanted to leave quickly. He didn't care about an exam for a bunch of Genin.

Right now, he just wanted to obtain Wood Style as soon as possible.

"Is that all?"

After receiving Hiruzen Sarutobi's affirmative answer, Danzo immediately stood up and slammed the door shut as he left.

Land of Rain.

Qingshui looked at Konan and the other two and said, "Your strength is already very good, but you lack practical combat experience. Tomorrow, I plan to take you to accept missions."