News of the Chunin Exam

By a river behind the mountain, Jiogan and Might Duy had finished their grilled fish and were lying on the grass, chatting.

"Jiogan, the village will hold a Chunin Exam in six months. If you pass, you'll be promoted to Chunin, with better benefits and access to higher-level missions," Might Duy said.

"Oh? There'll be a Chunin Exam in six months? This is the first I've heard of it," Jiogan said.

"Chunin Exams are held irregularly these days. The Mission Hall compiles the usual mission records and submits them to Lord Hokage. Based on the number of C-rank Missions completed by Genin and their performance in B-rank Missions, Lord Hokage determines the approximate number of candidates before setting the date of the Chunin Exam!" Might Duy said.

This was still quite different from the Anime Timeline. In the anime, the Chunin Exam was held on a fixed schedule, and participants were recommended by their squad leaders.

At this point in time, Genin signed up for the Chunin Exam themselves. They were not required to form three-man teams. The exam involved evading a Chunin Search Team in the Forest of Death for three days.

Those who passed this round would be arranged to spar in actual combat against veteran Chunin. Those whose performance met the standard would pass the Chunin assessment and become Chunin.

After learning about the current Chunin assessment through his conversation with Might Duy, Jiogan felt that it was much harder than in the Anime Timeline. Still, it was not difficult for him.

For Kurama Feiyun and Inuzuka Yoru, passing the first round would not be hard, but the result of the second-round battles was harder to predict. However, there were still six months before the Chunin Exam, and they could grow stronger. It seemed he needed to give Feiyun and Yoru more chances to show themselves in future missions while he held the line for them.

"Brother Duy, have you decided to participate in this Chunin Exam?" Jiogan asked.

"Yes. It's time to display even more fiery Youth. The other two members of my squad have also decided to sign up for the exam. Jiogan, you're already so strong. Have you considered taking this exam?" Might Duy said.

"I do want to participate. The other members of my squad are still a little lacking in strength, but there are six months left. My teacher and I will focus on training them in the missions ahead, so they still have time to improve. We'll see how they progress. I'll advance and retreat with my teammates!" Jiogan said.

Jiogan did not care about ninja ranks or so-called political power. All he wanted was to increase his strength, develop Water Release Ninjutsu that surpassed the Second Hokage's, and protect everything he cherished.

This was Jiogan's own ninja way!

"There are still six months left. I've met your companions too. They both come from Ninja Clans, so with mission experience and their clans' support, there shouldn't be a problem!" Might Duy said.

"Yeah, I believe they can make it in time for this Chunin Exam too. When the time comes, Brother Duy, we can work together in the first round!" Jiogan said.

"Ha ha, no problem. With you around, we'll have a better chance of passing the first round. As for the second round, that'll depend on each person's strength!" Might Duy said with a laugh.

After that, the two exchanged stories about their recent mission experiences.

"Brother Duy, your mission was a Western Front Border Patrol. How are things over there?" Jiogan asked.

"The Western Front borders the Land of Rain, the Land of Rivers, and the Land of Grass. Things are extremely chaotic there. Several small countries have been infiltrated like sieves by the great nations, and small-scale conflicts never stop. But the border we patrol is still fine. Most conflicts happen within the smaller countries!" Might Duy said.

"Alas, the great nations fight for profit while the small nations suffer. Caught in the cracks, they struggle just to survive," Jiogan sighed.

Of course, he knew that the battlegrounds of nearly every Ninja World War were in the smaller countries. On the northwestern border of the Land of Fire, three great nations hemmed in several small countries, which became both wartime battlefields and buffer zones.

Might Duy sighed as well. He did not understand politics. He only needed to follow orders.

"Jiogan, how has patrol duty been on your Eastern Front?" Might Duy asked.

Jiogan then told Might Duy about his experiences over the past two months on the eastern coast.

Time passed quickly. The two kept talking until evening was near, then finally went their separate ways home.

During his conversation with Might Duy, Jiogan felt immensely relaxed. The pressure from recent missions and the anxiety hidden deep in his heart completely dissipated, leaving his entire body feeling especially light.

So missions and growth have been affecting my state of mind without me even realizing it. This invisible influence is the greatest hidden danger! Jiogan thought of how many powerful figures in the anime had somewhat twisted minds. The members of the Akatsuki Organization, for example, were all powerful but troubled ninja!

He definitely did not want to become like them!

After going home and sleeping soundly, Jiogan finished delivering orders for his family's Fruit Shop the next day, then asked Kurama Feiyun out for a stroll. He even gave her a bouquet of flowers, making little Feiyun blush bright red.

It was worth mentioning that Jiogan had also given Kurama Feiyun a conch-shell necklace like the one he had given his mother, Mieko. He had given it to her during a break in their patrol mission.

It was not as if he remembered only his mother and forgot his wife!

The two wandered around until midnight. Beneath the moonlight, Jiogan could not help kissing Kurama Feiyun. Only after they had embraced for a long time did he escort her home.

At the entrance to the Kurama Clan Compound, Jiogan saw his teacher, Kurama Heiji, with a dark expression on his face. Feeling guilty like a thief, Jiogan hurriedly greeted him before fleeing in a panic!

Time passed quickly, and three days flew by. Team 11 gathered once again at Training Ground 4.

"You all look to be in good condition. It seems you rested well over the past three days. The purpose of bringing you to the training ground this time is to assess how much you've improved during this period!" Kurama Heiji said bluntly.

"However, this time it won't be three against one, but one against one. This is to assess each of your individual improvements!" Kurama Heiji added.

Hearing this, Jiogan raised his brows and immediately realized that this assessment was meant to test how strong the three of them were and how far they still were from Chunin.

No wonder Kurama Heiji had said three days ago that he would decide their upcoming mission arrangements after testing their strength.

It seemed Kurama Heiji had known all along about the Chunin Exam taking place in six months.

"Which one of you wants to go first?!" Kurama Heiji asked.

The three exchanged glances. Inuzuka Yoru said, "I'll go first!" Ranmaru on his head barked twice as well, volunteering to take the lead.

Thus, Team 11's long-awaited sparring session began once again!

After gaining experience through missions during this period, Inuzuka Yoru had improved somewhat, especially in tracking and sensing. His sensing range had reached one kilometer, making him a qualified Sensor Ninja. Most importantly, he had gained good control over his impulsive, hot-tempered emotions.

Thus, Jiogan had some expectations for Inuzuka Yoru's performance as well.