In early June, the students of Class A, Year Three at the Ninja Academy once again began discussing news from around the village during their lunch break.
"Shu won't turn eight until September. That means he has a chance to become a Chunin at seven!"
"That's about the same as Kakashi!"
"It's said to be a joint exam, a rare major event for the village in recent years."
"The daimyo should be coming too, right? They visit every year anyway, and they definitely wouldn't want to miss a showdown between the Five Great Nations' outstanding ninja."
"Will Kumogakure be sending people this time too? There seem to have been constant frictions these past few years."
"..."
Regardless of gender, everyone eagerly shared whatever information they had. Whenever they talked about the strength of ninja from other countries, most wore mocking expressions.
After receiving their education, everyone had formed the same consensus: Konoha ninja were the strongest, and the Land of Fire stood at the head of the Five Great Nations!
Sarutobi Asuma did not join the discussion. He sat alone, staring blankly out the window.
Over the past few years, graduates had naturally gathered around Shu Furukawa and Kakashi. A Hokage's son without talent simply could not earn anyone's recognition.
"They're always talking about this. What does it have to do with them? It's not like any of these guys are taking the exam."
Unable to find Kakashi to argue with recently, Obito Uchiha grumbled from the back of the classroom. Even Asuma in front ignored him, leaving him to sulk alone.
"It seems someone from the Uchiha Clan is taking this exam too. Obito, have you heard anything?"
Ebisu had just finished sharing intelligence at the front of the classroom. When he came to the seats in the back, he immediately wanted to ask about Inabi Uchiha.
"Uh, I'm not that familiar with him. He should be pretty strong, though. He has the Sharingan!"
Obito had only heard that Inabi had already awakened his eyes. After sharing what he knew, a look of envy appeared on his face.
Ebisu pushed up his sunglasses and did not mind the lack of information. He turned and rejoined the discussion, believing that even the Sharingan could not defeat his partner.
Ever since being turned away at Kakashi's home, Rin Nohara had worked twice as hard, throwing herself wholeheartedly into studying medical ninjutsu.
"It's okay, Obito. Kakashi is already a Chunin. He's probably been leading a team on missions lately."
"We can't keep bothering him all the time."
The girl's energetic voice made Obito's heart ache. He realized Rin Nohara had started filling in the blanks herself and simply refused to believe Kakashi had changed...
At the thought of that hateful guy who never stopped talking about "talent," Obito wanted to curse a few times.
But when he turned and saw Rin Nohara's expectant gaze, he swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue and answered awkwardly.
"Rin, I'll work hard!"
--
Toward evening, Shizune arrived at the training ground and hid behind a large tree, cautiously poking her head out to observe Shu Furukawa as he trained.
"I sensed you a long time ago, Shizune. Next time, you can just say hello."
Shu Furukawa straightened up from the enormous earthen pit. Wearing a black skin-tight training outfit, he smiled and waved. Shizune's face reddened slightly; she always unconsciously forgot about that.
"Lady Tsunade was a little worried about you. Strength of a Hundred gathers chakra before releasing it, which can easily damage the meridians."
Shizune quickly came to Shu Furukawa's side and gave a different excuse. Then she looked at the large chunks of shattered rock and massive crater around them, admiration once again appearing on her face.
Without exposing what she was really thinking, Shu Furukawa noticed that Shizune had already changed into casual blue clothes and said lightly, "Don't worry. It's getting late. Let's go. Where are we going tonight?"
"Chinese Izakaya, for charcoal-grilled chicken! Honestly, Lady Tsunade always loves drinking..."
Smiling, Shizune began her usual complaints. For her, this kind of life was joyful and fulfilling.
Late that night, Shu Furukawa returned home and sat cross-legged on an exquisite cushion. When he opened his eyes, he subconsciously swung his arm.
He still could not sense Natural Energy, but this time, Shu Furukawa had roughly figured out several things.
"He couldn't cultivate immortality, but after accumulating Senjutsu Chakra, his body was slowly changing and his strength was increasing."
"Medicinal herbs were merely carriers for the essence. Their additional effects stimulated the body's vitality."
"..."
Returning to his desk, Shu Furukawa routinely summarized his findings in his notebook.
Mastering the Strength of a Hundred Seal would not be a problem, but Shu Furukawa worried that even after succeeding, he still would not be able to sense Natural Energy.
"Water Style: Water Severing Wave."
"Earth Style: Earth Flow Split."
"Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall."
Ninjutsu were valuable resources. Clearly, Orochimaru and Jiraiya had taken Tsunade's advice and specifically given him offensive ninjutsu.
Shu Furukawa had practiced them seriously, but these techniques all consumed a great deal. Compared to the techniques themselves, he preferred some of the experience notes within the scrolls.
"The Second Hokage's Water Style? Orochimaru seems to hold it in very high regard."
--
By mid-June, as ninja from the Five Great Nations and smaller hidden villages arrived one after another, the village became exceptionally lively.
After seeing prosperous Konoha, Baki of Sunagakure wore a sour expression. The Jonin leading the team noticed the changes in his team members' moods and quietly reminded them, "Don't show your emotions on your faces. The Konoha Military Police Force has been watching us."
"..."
Eleven-year-old Baki was considered a genius in his village. Having graduated early, he had already gained the attention of the higher-ups, and his way of thinking had moved beyond that of an ordinary Genin.
"Why does the Land of Fire get to enjoy the most fertile land?"
"Why do Konoha ninja live so well and still compete with us for mission commissions?"
After checking in, the group had just returned to their room when they heard Baki muttering. Seeing the unwillingness in the eyes of the three Genin, the team leader fell silent for a moment before quietly saying, "Because we lost the war."
The three Genin grew even angrier after hearing that, while a desire also rose within them. They had to teach the Konoha ninja a lesson in the competition.
The first stage of the Joint Chunin Exams was a written test. After resting for several days, the Genin arrived at the examination room and immediately bent over their papers to write.
As soon as the exam began, Shu Furukawa sensed changes in the chakra within the classroom. Clearly, cheating was allowed during the written test, as long as no one got caught.
Before twenty minutes had passed, Baki was still passing answers to his teammates when he suddenly noticed that the Konoha ninja in front of him had already put down his pen and was resting his chin on his hand, waiting for the exam to end.
"Did he give up?"
Baki quickly dismissed the thought. Someone so young who had entered the Chunin Ninja Exams definitely was not an ordinary ninja!
Everyone used the techniques they were best at to cheat, yet some were still caught and removed from the classroom.
"The exam is over!"
The Konoha Jonin at the front announced loudly. Seeing someone about to ask a question, he immediately added, "The written test ends here. Everyone remaining must immediately proceed to the venue for the second stage! The written test results will be announced after the second stage concludes."
A Genin from Kusagakure immediately raised his hand. After receiving the examiner's permission, he hurriedly asked, "If we pass the second stage but there's a problem with our written test results, can we still participate in the third stage?"
"Of course not!"
"How can it be like this..."
The Konoha Jonin did not offer much explanation in response to the complaints. With an imposing air, he shouted, "Quiet! These are Konoha ninja's assessment standards. You have no right to question them!"
"..."