An Unequal Examination (Part 1)

Late April, 45th year of the Konoha era. The weather was gradually turning warm.

In a dessert shop on Tea Street, a young genin was shouting while eating a chestnut pancake:

"The Chunin Exams? Isn't that too early? And to go alone, at that?!"

Namiashi Raido, who had a scar on his left cheek, had worked with Shu Furukawa and the others on a previous mission. Hearing the news, he was still taken aback.

"A nomination from the top brass means they must understand Shu's strength, but a joint exam is still quite dangerous."

"I thought Shu would be promoted directly, just like Kakashi."

Aoba Yamashiro, who had graduated last year and had recently been scouted by the Intelligence Division, was eating dessert and analyzing the situation with a serious expression.

Might Guy, wearing his deep green sleeveless training suit, kept tossing chestnut pancakes into his mouth. After satisfying his hunger, he followed up with a hint of dejection:

"If I could keep up with a genius's pace, Shu wouldn't have to take the exam alone."

"With two chunin in a squad, you'll be leading teams separately soon enough!"

"..."

After frequent changes in team captains, Might Guy had also sensed the village's intentions.

Every captain had given the "son of the White Fang" high praise; having promoted to chunin early, Kakashi was already capable of leading a squad on missions by himself!

"You want me to lead genin on D-rank missions? I have no interest in teaching those talentless fools."

Leaning against the doorway, Kakashi had recently returned to his normal state. Although he kept "talent" on his lips, he was no longer dejected.

"As the captain, you don't have to do the D-rank missions yourself. You'll have more time for training."

"Are you guys participating in the Chunin Exams too? It looks like we're about to become rivals."

After finishing his chestnut yokan, Shu Furukawa finally smiled and joined the discussion.

Without answering the question directly, Namiashi Raido suddenly leaned back against the table, staring straight at the ceiling. He opened his jacket and shouted in frustration:

"No chance! We're no match for Shu at all!"

"No wonder the teacher said not to worry about this exam. So the jonin knew about it all along..."

Seeing his friend's dejected state, Aoba Yamashiro didn't offer comfort. Instead, he rubbed his chin and agreed:

"If there's only one spot, it's definitely Shu."

"It seems joining the Intelligence Division was the right choice. Being a special jonin in the future is enough for me!"

Genma Shiranui, who had officially graduated last month, had been silent until now. Hearing this senior planning his "ninja career" so early, he couldn't help but ask:

"Is it necessary to determine your future so early? You should at least aim to be a jonin..."

"Given our talents, a special jonin is already quite impressive!"

Hearing Aoba Yamashiro's crisp and decisive answer, Genma Shiranui gave him a dead-fish eye. Only Might Guy remained high-spirited; after finishing all his desserts, he cheered loudly:

"Youth has no limits! How can you admit defeat at this age? Our ninja careers have only just begun!"

"..."

Watching Might Guy give a thumbs-up with a brilliant smile, no one responded. In a way, this guy was a genius too.

"I'm heading to the Medical Division this afternoon to tally up how many of the latest Military Ration Pills we need. Just have Pakkun notify me!"

Shu Furukawa stood up and readjusted his forehead protector. Kakashi, at the door, gave an "OK" gesture; running errands was perfect for training the ninken Pakkun.

The others in the dessert shop sat up straight and waved. Seeing Shu Furukawa leave, Namiashi Raido immediately said with a chuckle:

"Our graduating classes are very lucky. Maybe we'll be able to serve under Lady Tsunade through Shu in the future."

"A senior told me that Minato Namikaze, who was taken as a disciple by Lord Jiraiya, is already a jonin and is highly regarded by the Hokage..."

Kakashi didn't join the discussion; he knew the others were implying that all three of the Sannin had a high chance of becoming the next Hokage.

A few years ago, he had dreams of becoming Hokage, but after his father's departure, Kakashi often pondered the "Will of Fire" and had developed a different perspective on the position.

"Let's go, Kakashi. It's not time to relax yet!"

Interrupted by Might Guy, Kakashi collected his thoughts, waved goodbye to the others, and headed toward the training ground:

"Give it up, Guy. You don't have outstanding talent in chakra control."

"Instead of delving into nature transformation, you should focus on taijutsu!"

After participating in a surgery organized by Tsunade at Konoha Hospital that afternoon, Shu Furukawa marveled once again at the wonders of chakra—even puncture wounds could be healed via the Chikatsu Kyusei no Jutsu.

The lead surgeon was a special jonin who hurried away after reporting to Tsunade. With the recent sudden increase in wounded, the workload for medical ninja was heavy.

It was rare to see one of the Sannin in the operating room, and the chunin participating in the treatment greeted Tsunade with looks of reverence.

Once everyone else had left, Tsunade looked pale, but she maintained a composed demeanor as she instructed:

"How to revitalize the body is the key to this technique. Using incantations can reduce the consumption of chakra."

"If you want to organize a surgery like this, you still need to learn much more."

"After you promote to chunin, I will have you lead the medical team in basic operations."

Shu Furukawa nodded, fished out a piece of candy, and handed it over. Tsunade was stunned for a moment before taking it and popping it into her mouth. After letting out a long sigh, she said helplessly:

"It seems you noticed long ago..."

"It doesn't matter, Teacher Tsunade. The research and development of medical ninjutsu is more important."

Since her Hemophobia could not be resolved at the moment, Shu Furukawa could only offer words of comfort. Tsunade did not respond to this; once her body had fully returned to normal, she changed the subject and said:

"As for the Chunin Exams, Inabi Uchiha will also be participating. This is the trouble that comes with the reputation of being a genius."

"The Uchiha clan always likes to flaunt their strength. If you encounter any provocations recently, giving them a punch is enough."

"..."

Hearing that the opponent was about four years older than him, Shu Furukawa couldn't help but tease:

"In that case, Obito Uchiha, who was able to graduate early, is even more of a genius than this guy!"

Tsunade's impression of Obito was merely that of a tag-along trailing behind that little girl, Rin Nohara. Ignoring Shu Furukawa's teasing, she continued solemnly:

"Ninjas need to hide their methods. Do not let your opponents grasp your combat information."

"Do not use your ninjutsu recklessly in front of ninjas from other countries. Once a war breaks out, this intelligence will drag you toward death."

Shu Furukawa naturally agreed immediately. He certainly wouldn't expose his full strength easily; after all, dead men tell no tales.

As the two were talking while leaving Konoha Hospital, the ninja hound Pakkun accelerated and ran over to Shu Furukawa's side. Upon seeing Tsunade, he completely changed his attitude:

"Greetings to the beautiful and powerful Lady Tsunade!"

Raising his front paws, a hint of a fawning smile even appeared on the dog's face. Shu Furukawa, who had been cast aside, watched the dog spinning around and acting cute, and couldn't help but twitch his eye as he whispered:

"What a total sycophant!"

"..."