First Chunin Exam

But Tsunade did not see it that way. All she knew was that Sarutobi Toru had completed most of the ninjutsu development, yet all the final glory had fallen to her. So toward Sarutobi Toru, Tsunade felt not only infatuated love, but also guilt and gratitude.

"By the way, the Healing Potion is finished, but the cost is too high. Our plan to make it widely available has failed," Sarutobi Toru said, stroking Tsunade's golden hair.

"It's already wonderful that you made the potion, Toru. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"Fortunately, I succeeded in fulfilling the vow I made to you back then. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had the face to see you."

Back then, in order to get Tsunade to agree to research Hashirama Cells, Sarutobi Toru had sworn that he would develop a groundbreaking medicine. Though the cost was less than ideal, its effects truly were groundbreaking.

"It's fine. I opposed turning Grandfather's body into some kind of human weapon, but using it for medical research is perfectly normal. I'm a doctor too. How could I blame you?" Tsunade said with a smile.

Besides, you were the one who asked! I had no way to refuse. Tsunade thought.

The first person to dissect the First Hokage's body had been the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. Whether by status or position, no other ninja could question it. But now, the one researching Hashirama Cells was merely Sarutobi Toru, a half-grown boy. Without the support of Tsunade, Hashirama Senju's granddaughter, it would have been difficult for Sarutobi Toru to even gain permission for the research.

Sarutobi Toru discussed Medical Ninjutsu with Tsunade for a while longer. Seeing that it was getting late, he escorted her home.

After all, they were both only twelve. Staying out overnight would not do their reputations any good, especially with Uzumaki Mito still at the Senju Estate.

The next day, after creating several Shadow Clones to study and conduct research, Sarutobi Toru went to Root to train.

The moment he entered Root's Training Ground, he saw Teacher Danzo standing there. Hatake Sakumo, Hiruko, Might Duy, Aburame Ryoma, and a twelve- or thirteen-year-old girl from the Inuzuka Clan with a dog stood in a row beside him.

Seeing Sarutobi Toru arrive, Danzo gave a slight nod and motioned for him to stand at the front.

"Good, everyone's here. Across all of Konoha, you are the most elite Genin. In the upcoming Joint Chunin Exam, you will be Konoha's seeded competitors. You must show everyone the strongest side of Konoha!"

Sarutobi Toru's face was full of surprise. The Joint Chunin Exam had been his suggestion to Sarutobi Hiruzen, and at this point in time, it was still an entirely new concept.

Sarutobi Toru's suggestion had actually been mainly intended as advertising for Konoha Hospital. It had not been long since Konoha Hospital had been converted into an open hospital. It was not even truly a household name in the Land of Fire yet, let alone in other countries.

Ordinary people both feared and were curious about ninja. Given the chance to watch ninja fight, nobles and wealthy people from every country would never miss it. Konoha Hospital could take the opportunity to build its reputation abroad as well.

That his uncle and teacher had independently grasped the value of demonstrating military might as deterrence and publicity was no surprise. Ninja were naturally suited to this sort of work.

But sending this group to take the Chunin Exam... wasn't that just shooting fish in a barrel?

And why was he still a Genin? He had completed several S-rank missions already!

Danzo could not be bothered to answer Sarutobi Toru and the others' doubts. If Tsunade's trio had not already gained some fame, they would have had to take the Chunin Exam as well! This was the first Chunin Exam, and after hearing Sarutobi Toru's suggestion, Sarutobi Hiruzen had put up 300 million Ryo as the champion's prize!

With such a huge reward at stake, every ninja village would surely bring out all its tricks. If even one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages did not cheat, Danzo would cut off his own head!

"Alright. Everyone except Sarutobi Toru, go train. The exam will begin in three months. During this time, dedicated Jōnin will oversee your training, and every resource will be made available to you. If you fail, then remain Genin for the rest of your lives!"

Of course, remaining Genin for life was impossible. But given Danzo's personality, branding them with Cursed Seals and turning them into lifelong tools was entirely possible.

Still, they did not need to win the Chunin Exam. As long as they reached the final round and performed well, that would basically be enough. If it were truly too difficult, he would not have made such a threat. Did he think geniuses like Hatake Sakumo grew on trees?

After everyone else had left, Sarutobi Toru finally complained, "Teacher Danzo, it seems everyone on our team is already beyond Genin, isn't that right? Why do we still have to take the Chunin Exam?"

Danzo said coldly, "This Chunin Exam is the first exchange among the Five Great Shinobi Villages aside from the Five Kage Summit and the Shinobi World wars. Naturally, every country will go all out, and they will also work hard to probe the strength of their opponents' younger generation. If Konoha cannot suppress its opponents on home ground, it will be easy to fuel their ambitions."

"Among Konoha's younger generation, nearly all those with decent talent and strength have already carried out missions as Chunin. So for this Chunin Exam, we can only rely on Root ninja like you, who carry out classified missions and have never had any intelligence leaked."

Sarutobi Toru sighed. "Then how far should I go? How much of my strength should I hide?"

Danzo raised an eyebrow. "Do not underestimate your opponents. They are all elites from the Four Great Ninja Villages, and there are definitely cheaters among them just like Root!"

So you know this is cheating too! Sarutobi Toru silently complained.

"So I can go all out?"

"Ahem." Danzo awkwardly turned his head. "Do not use Flying Thunder God or Lightning Release Chakra Mode."

What a joke. If you truly went all out, Konoha's cheating would be far too blatant. At that level, this would not be shooting fish in a barrel—it would make the other Four Great Ninja Villages explode.

Moreover, intelligence was also part of a ninja's combat strength. The others were one thing, but Secret Techniques like Flying Thunder God and Lightning Release Chakra Mode held secrecy value no less than all the benefits gained from the Chunin Exam.

Besides, displaying Lightning Release Chakra Mode in front of Cloud Shinobi—were they trying to start the Second Shinobi World War?

In Kumogakure, Fukai, Dodai, and A stood before the Third Raikage.

"This is a fine opportunity! Let those Konoha bastards witness the power of Cloud Shinobi!"

And the winning team would receive a 300 million Ryo prize. It was simply too tempting to refuse!

In Kirigakure, the Third Mizukage looked at Yagura, Suikazan Fuguki, and Jinin Akebino.

"Konoha is spending such a tremendous price, so they must be extremely confident. But even if they cheat with ninja ranks, they cannot cheat the rule that participants must be under fifteen. Therefore, your opponents cannot be older than fifteen either!"

"And among ninja of that age, no one is stronger than the ninja of our Blood Mist!"

Iwagakure.

The short Ōnoki paced atop the platform, occasionally glancing at the three people below him. What is Konoha up to? But... 300 million Ryo?

"Rōshi, Hunt, Gari, you must perform well in this Chunin Exam..."

"But I'm already a Chunin?" Rōshi muttered to himself.

"Hmph! Then you're a Genin now! If you perform poorly in this exam, you'll remain a Genin for the rest of your life!"

As if by prior agreement, Ōnoki made the exact same threat as Danzo.

Sunagakure.

The Second Kazekage looked at his disciple Kosa, Chiyo's son Keiji, and his apprentice Rena. "Be careful. Konoha must have produced an extraordinary genius this time, or the Hokage would never pay such a huge price."

"Don't worry, Teacher! I happen to want to see what Konoha's geniuses are made of!"

"Good. Do not be arrogant, but do not belittle yourselves either. We Sand Shinobi are no weaker than anyone."

The still-young Chiyo spoke with satisfaction.

Three months passed in a flash, and the Chunin Exam finally began.