In late April of Konoha Year 45, the weather gradually warmed.
At a dessert shop on Tea Street, a young Genin shouted as he ate a chestnut pancake:
"The Chunin Ninja Exams? Isn't that too early? And he has to do it alone?!"
Namiashi Raidō, who had a scar on his left cheek and had worked with Shu Furukawa and the others on previous missions, was still startled upon hearing the news.
"The higher-ups nominated him, so they must know Shu's strength. But a joint examination is still somewhat dangerous."
"I thought Shu would be promoted directly like Kakashi."
Aoba Yamashiro, who had graduated last year and had recently caught the attention of the Intelligence Division, ate his dessert while seriously analyzing the situation nearby.
Might Guy, dressed in a dark green sleeveless training outfit, kept tossing chestnut pancakes into his mouth. Only after easing his hunger did he speak with some disappointment:
"If I could keep up with a genius, Shu wouldn't have to take the examination alone."
"With two Chunin on the team, they'll probably be leading separate teams soon!"
"..."
After the frequent changes in team leaders, Might Guy had also sensed the village's intentions.
Every team leader had spoken highly of the "White Fang's son." Kakashi, who had advanced to Chunin early, was already capable of leading a squad on missions by himself!
"You want me to lead Genin on D-rank missions? I'm not interested in teaching those talentless guys."
Kakashi, leaning against the doorway, had recently returned to normal. Although he still spoke constantly of "talent," he no longer looked so despondent.
"As the team leader, you won't have to do the D-rank missions yourself. You'll have more time to train."
"You're participating in the Chunin Ninja Exams too, right? Looks like we'll be opponents."
Only after finishing his chestnut yokan did Shu Furukawa smile and join their discussion.
Instead of answering directly, Namiashi Raidō suddenly leaned back against the table and stared straight at the ceiling. Pulling open his jacket, he complained loudly again:
"No chance! I'm simply no match for Shu!"
"No wonder our teacher said not to take this examination too seriously. So the Jonin already knew..."
Seeing his friend's dejected expression, Aoba Yamashiro did not comfort him. Instead, he stroked his chin and agreed.
"If there's only one slot, it'll definitely be Shu."
"Looks like joining the Intelligence Division was the right choice. Being able to become a Special Jōnin in the future will be enough!"
Genma Shiranui, who had officially graduated just last month, had remained silent. Hearing this senior plan out his "ninja career" so early, he finally could not help asking:
"Do you really need to decide your future this early? At the very least, you should aim to become a Jonin..."
"With our talent, becoming Special Jōnin would already be amazing!"
Hearing Aoba Yamashiro's crisp reply, Genma Shiranui showed dead-fish eyes. Only Might Guy maintained his high spirits. After finishing all the desserts, he loudly encouraged them:
"Youth has no limits! How can you admit defeat at this age? Our ninja careers have only just begun!"
"..."
Looking at Might Guy's brilliant smile and raised thumb, none of them responded. In some ways, this guy was a genius too.
"I'm heading to the Medical Corps this afternoon. Just count how many of the newest Military Ration Pills you need and have Pakkun notify me!"
Shu Furukawa stood and put his forehead protector back on. Kakashi, at the entrance, gave an "OK" gesture. Errand-running was a good way to train Pakkun, the ninja hound.
Everyone in the dessert shop sat up straight and waved. Seeing Shu Furukawa leave, Namiashi Raidō immediately said with a cheerful grin:
"Our graduating classes are lucky. Maybe we'll get to serve Lady Tsunade through Shu in the future."
"A senior told me that Minato Namikaze, who was previously accepted as Lord Jiraiya's disciple, is already a Jonin and has even caught Lord Hokage's attention..."
Kakashi did not join the discussion. He knew they were talking about how each of the future Sannin had a strong chance of becoming the next Hokage.
A few years ago, he had dreamed of becoming Hokage too. But after his father left, Kakashi often thought about the Will of Fire and had developed a different view of the Hokage.
"Let's go, Kakashi. It's not time to relax yet!"
Interrupted by Might Guy, Kakashi gathered his thoughts, waved goodbye to the others, and headed toward the training grounds.
"Give it up, Guy. You don't have outstanding talent in Chakra control."
"Rather than studying nature transformation, you should specialize in taijutsu!"
--
After taking part in a surgery organized by Tsunade at Konoha Hospital that afternoon, Shu Furukawa once again marveled at the wonders of Chakra. Even a penetrating wound could be healed with [Chikatsu Kyusei no Jutsu].
The attending physician was a Special Jōnin. After reporting to Tsunade, he hurried off. The number of wounded had suddenly increased recently, and medical ninja were heavily burdened with work.
It was rare to see one of the Sannin in the operating room. The Chunin who had participated in the treatment all greeted Tsunade with reverence on their faces.
After everyone had left, Tsunade's face turned pale, yet she still maintained a composed expression as she instructed him:
"How to activate the body is the key to this technique. Through cursed techniques, you can reduce its Chakra consumption."
"To organize a surgery like this, you still need to learn much more."
"After you advance to Chunin, I'll have you lead the Medical Corps in basic work."
Shu Furukawa nodded and took out a piece of candy, handing it to her. Tsunade was briefly stunned before accepting it and putting it into her mouth. After letting out a long breath, she said helplessly:
"So you noticed long ago..."
"It's all right, Teacher Tsunade. Developing medical ninjutsu is more important."
There was currently no solution for hemophobia, so Shu Furukawa could only comfort her. Tsunade did not respond further. Once her body had completely returned to normal, she changed the subject.
"Inabi Uchiha will also participate in the Chunin Ninja Exams. This is the trouble that comes with the title of genius."
"The Uchiha Clan always likes to flaunt their strength. If they provoke you lately, one punch will be enough."
"..."
Hearing that Inabi Uchiha was around four years older than him, Shu Furukawa could not help teasing her.
"By that logic, Obito Uchiha, who graduated early, is even more of a genius than this guy!"
Tsunade's impression of Obito was simply that he was the little tagalong beside Rin Nohara. Ignoring Shu Furukawa's teasing, she continued solemnly:
"Ninja need to conceal their methods. Don't let your opponents obtain information about how you fight."
"Don't recklessly use ninjutsu in front of ninja from other countries. Once war breaks out, that intelligence could lead you to your death."
Shu Furukawa naturally agreed without hesitation. Of course, he would not easily reveal all his strength. After all, dead men did not speak.
As the two talked and left Konoha Hospital, Pakkun sped over to Shu Furukawa. Upon seeing Tsunade, he completely changed his previous attitude.
"Greetings to the beautiful and powerful Lady Tsunade!"
Raising his front paw, Pakkun even wore a faintly ingratiating smile on his dog face. Cast aside, Shu Furukawa watched the dog spin around and act cute, his eye twitching slightly as he muttered:
"Sure enough, he's a total bootlicker!"
"..."