An Unequal Examination (Part 2)

In early June, the students of Class A, Year 3 at the Ninja Academy began discussing the latest village news during their lunch break.

"September is only eight years away, which means Shu has a chance to be promoted to Chunin at seven!"

"That's about the same as Kakashi!"

"They say it's a joint exam—a rare, major move by the village in recent years."

"The Daimyo will probably come too. They visit every year anyway, and they certainly wouldn't want to miss a duel between the elite ninjas of the Five Great Nations."

"Will Kumogakure be sending people this time? It seems there have been constant frictions in recent years."

"..."

Regardless of gender, everyone was eager to share their information. When the topic turned to the strength of ninjas from other nations, most wore expressions of mockery.

After receiving their education, everyone had reached a consensus: Konoha ninjas were the strongest, and the Land of Fire was the head of the Five Great Nations!

Asuma Sarutobi did not participate in the discussion, staring blankly out the window by himself.

In recent years, the graduating students had naturally gravitated toward Shu Furukawa and Kakashi; the Hokage's son, lacking talent, simply couldn't earn their recognition.

"Always discussing these things—what does it have to do with them? It's not like these guys are the ones going to take the exam."

Obito Uchiha, who hadn't been able to find Kakashi to argue with lately, grumbled from the back of the classroom. Asuma, sitting in front, didn't even acknowledge him, leaving Obito to sulk by himself.

"It seems someone from the Uchiha clan is participating in this exam too. Obito, do you have any news?"

Ebisu, having just finished sharing intelligence at the front of the classroom, walked to the back seats, hoping to fish for information about Inabi Uchiha.

"Uh, I'm not that close with that guy. He should be pretty strong, though—he has the Sharingan!"

Having only heard that the other boy had already awakened his eyes, Obito shared what he knew, a look of envy appearing on his face.

Ebisu, pushing up his sunglasses, didn't mind the lack of detail and turned to join the discussion again, confident that even the Sharingan couldn't defeat his companions.

Ever since being turned away at Kakashi's door, Rin Nohara had redoubled her efforts, throwing herself entirely into the study of medical ninjutsu.

"It's okay, Obito. Kakashi is already a Chunin; he's probably out on a mission with his team."

"We can't keep pestering him."

The girl's spirited voice made Obito's heart ache. He realized Rin had started making excuses for him, simply refusing to believe that Kakashi had changed...

At the mere thought of that detestable guy who kept talking about "talent," Obito wanted to curse.

But when he turned to see Rin's expectant gaze, he swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue and replied, feeling a bit embarrassed:

"Rin, I'll do my best!"

At dusk, Shizune arrived at the training ground and hid behind a large tree, peeking out to observe Shu Furukawa as he practiced.

"I sensed you a long time ago, Shizune. You can just say hello next time."

Standing straight up from a massive crater, Shu Furukawa, dressed in a tight black training suit, smiled and waved. The girl's face flushed slightly; she always subconsciously forgot about that.

"Lady Tsunade is a bit worried about you. It's easy to damage your meridians when you gather chakra for the Strength of a Hundred and then release it."

Shizune quickly walked to Shu Furukawa's side, offering a different excuse before looking at the large rocks and massive craters scattered around, her face filled with reverence.

Not exposing the girl's true intentions, Shu Furukawa saw that Shizune had already changed into her blue casual clothes and said in a light tone:

"Don't worry. It's getting late, let's go. Where to tonight?"

"The Chinese Izakaya, for the charcoal-grilled chicken! Honestly, Teacher always loves to drink..."

With a smile, Shizune began her daily grumbling. For the girl, this kind of life was both happy and fulfilling.

Late at night, back at home, Shu Furukawa sat cross-legged on an exquisite cushion. When he opened his eyes, he subconsciously waved his arm.

He still couldn't sense natural energy, but this time, Shu Furukawa had roughly figured out a few things:

"I cannot 'cultivate immortality,' but after accumulating Sage chakra, my body is slowly changing, and my strength is increasing."

"The medicinal herbs are merely carriers for the 'essence,' and their secondary effects stimulate the activation of my flesh."

"..."

Returning to his desk, Shu Furukawa routinely summarized his findings in his notebook.

Mastering the Strength of a Hundred Seal was not a problem, but Shu Furukawa worried that even after succeeding, he still wouldn't be able to sense natural energy.

"Water Style: Water Severing Wave."

"Earth Style: Earth Flow Split."

"Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall."

Ninjutsu was a precious resource. Clearly, Orochimaru and Jiraiya had listened to Tsunade's suggestion, which was why they had specifically sent over these offensive techniques.

Shu Furukawa had practiced them diligently, but these techniques consumed a significant amount of chakra. Compared to the techniques themselves, he preferred the experiential insights contained within the scrolls:

"The Second Hokage's Water Style, is it? Orochimaru seems to hold it in very high regard."

By mid-June, as ninjas from the Five Great Nations and smaller hidden villages arrived one after another, the village became exceptionally lively.

Baki of Sunagakure pulled a long face upon seeing the prosperity of Konoha. The jonin leading the team noticed the shift in his subordinates' moods and whispered a reminder:

"Do not let your emotions show on your faces. The members of the Konoha Military Police Force have been watching us the entire time."

"..."

At eleven years 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 is it that the Land of Fire gets to enjoy the most fertile land?"

"Why do Konoha ninjas, who live so well, still have to compete with us for mission contracts?"

After checking into their lodging, the group had just returned to their room when they heard Baki's mutterings. The jonin leader saw the resentment in the three students' eyes, remained silent for a moment, and then said in a low voice:

"Because we lost the war."

Hearing these words, the three genin grew even more furious, while a burning desire took root in their hearts: they would surely teach the Konoha ninjas a lesson during the trials.

The first stage of the joint Chunin Exams was a written test. After resting for a few days, the genin arrived at the exam hall and buried their heads in their papers.

As the exam began, Shu Furukawa sensed the fluctuations of chakra within the classroom. It was clear that cheating was permitted during the written test, provided one did not get caught.

Less than twenty minutes in, while Baki was still passing answers to his teammates, 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.

Has he given up?

Baki quickly dismissed this thought as he pondered; someone this young participating in the Chunin Exams was certainly no ordinary ninja!

Everyone was using their own specialized techniques to cheat, yet some were still caught and escorted out of the classroom.

"The exam is over!"

The Konoha jonin at the front announced loudly. Seeing someone about to speak up and ask a question, he immediately added:

"The written test ends here. Those remaining must head immediately to the venue for the second stage! The results of the written test will be announced after the second stage concludes."

A genin from Kusagakure immediately raised his hand, and after receiving permission from the proctor, hurriedly asked:

"If we pass the second stage but there is an issue with our written test score, can we still participate in the third stage?"

"Of course not!"

"How could it be like this..."

The Konoha jonin did not offer further explanation for the complaints, instead reminding them with an imposing, authoritative air:

"Quiet! This is the standard for Konoha ninjas; you have no right to question it!"

"..."