The Chunin Exams' preliminary round had officially drawn to a close. Only half of the participating ninja remained to enter the final stage. In times of peace, it was exceedingly difficult for ninja to rise to Chunin rank. Without military achievements or seniority to bolster them, they could only become Chunin through the Chunin Exams and accumulated mission experience.
Following the preliminaries, the official final test would be held one week later. By then, feudal lords and officials from all across the ninja world would gather in Konoha to watch the examinations. The Genin who had passed the preliminaries did not dare relax for even a moment, and after their matches, they all began tending to their worn-out bodies.
The next day.
Early that morning, Itachi Uchiha brought his younger brother to visit Uzumaki Kuming's home. When the two brothers arrived, Uzumaki Kuming was still asleep in bed. The housekeeper, Uehara Akina, led them into the living room, brewed them hot tea, and asked them to wait.
"Brother, what are we doing here?"
"Is this Principal Kuming's house?"
Sasuke Uchiha sat kneeling beside the tea table, examining the room's furnishings as he asked curiously. He had intended to go out and train after getting up early, but Itachi Uchiha had stopped him just as he was about to leave home. Sasuke had thought his brother wanted to train with him, but instead, Itachi had brought him here.
"This is my master's home. He wanted to see you this time."
"You don't need to be nervous. Master is a very easygoing person."
Itachi Uchiha noticed Sasuke's unease and quietly reassured him. Sasuke Uchiha knew quite a bit about Uzumaki Kuming's accomplishments, but he had barely interacted with the man himself. Suddenly having to meet someone so important, even if he was