Chunin Exams, Love Me Again!

The momentum was ferociously overwhelming!

Since Setsuna Uchiha began overseeing Uchiha Shingen's training, this was the first time he had felt pressure from his own disciple.

With his keen eye, he could tell at a glance that this wasn't a breakthrough in Uchiha Shingen's swordsmanship, but a purely explosive increase in his physical capabilities!

What the hell!

Are the Nara selling stimulants now?!

Are they really that effective?

If you have this kind of technology, stop playing around with that pathetic Shadow Possession Jutsu; it lacks lethality and speed, and isn't worth a single hair compared to this drug!

A flurry of stray thoughts flashed through Setsuna Uchiha's mind.

His battle instincts, honed over many years, allowed his body to react first. He raised his hand, holding his sword horizontally to parry Uchiha Shingen's fierce, incoming strike.

Yet, he had ultimately underestimated the force Uchiha Shingen was exerting at that moment. He was sent flying, wheelchair and all, sliding back nearly ten meters before he could barely steady himself.

The wooden sword in his hand was nearly severed in two.

Even though he had anticipated Uchiha Shingen's strength, he hadn't expected to still underestimate his disciple.

"You weren't using your full strength before?!"

A flash of surprise crossed Setsuna Uchiha's eyes.

After that explosive strike, Uchiha Shingen showed no signs of fatigue; instead, his momentum grew even more ferocious, all while remaining in an incredibly calm state.

This was definitely not something a stimulant could achieve.

Yet, aside from self-destructive taijutsu like the Eight Inner Gates, there were very few ninjutsu in the ninja world capable of boosting a person's physical stats to this level in such a short time.

He was approaching the level of a taijutsu-specialized Jonin!

"Yeah."

Uchiha Shingen couldn't be bothered to explain. Seeing the old man's shocked expression made him feel completely satisfied.

The tables have turned; now it's your turn to take a beating!

Don't say I don't respect the disabled—when you were beating me earlier, you didn't show any respect for me being a minor!

"Old man, are you ready?!"

"Here I come~"

Setsuna Uchiha's old face stiffened. Just as he was about to call for a halt, he lost focus for a split second, and Uchiha Shingen's blade was already upon him again.

He was already disabled, and his physical stats were significantly lower than those of a normal ninja.

Previously, he had been able to suppress Uchiha Shingen by relying on his experience and the advantage of his ocular powers.

But now, with the explosive improvement in Uchiha Shingen's physique, the scales of victory had tipped completely.

Whoosh—!

The wooden sword tore through the air, grazing Setsuna Uchiha's side. The airflow ruffled his beard, making his twitching mouth all the more obvious.

This brat is definitely doing this on purpose!

Before Setsuna Uchiha could react, Uchiha Shingen's blade struck again, relying on his superior physical stats to bully the old man.

Setsuna Uchiha didn't have time to switch to a new wooden sword. He could only rely on the interference of the Hazy Moon Secret Sword to barely avoid being hit, yet he was still being pressed until he couldn't catch his breath.

Within the dense forest, the sounds of the master and disciple clashing filled the air!

Bang! Bang! Bang—!

Uchiha Shingen, now fully caught up in the fun, swung his blade with increasing ease, his control over his own strength becoming more precise.

A night passed.

Uchiha Shingen remained in high spirits, feeling completely refreshed, especially when he saw Setsuna Uchiha's face, which was as dark as charcoal.

"Practice the Hazy Moon Secret Sword on your own from now on. These old bones of mine want to live a few more years."

"How could I do that? Master Setsuna, I can't do it without you."

"I think you just want to work me to death so you can inherit my estate early!"

Uchiha Shingen curled his lip:

"What estate do you even have for me to inherit?!"

Setsuna Uchiha froze, his expression turning strange:

"Don't even think about it!"

"I didn't say anything."

"You think I don't know you?!"

The two continued their bickering, back and forth, until they soon returned to the Uchiha clan grounds.

After a quick wash, Uchiha Shingen lay on his bed for another two hours before getting up to clock in at the Konoha Military Police Force.

Konoha.

South District 4.

Uchiha Shingen held a rice ball he had brought from the police force cafeteria, eating it bit by bit.

Shisui leaned in mysteriously and said:

"Captain Shingen, have you heard? Konoha is going to hold the Joint Chunin Exams again."

"Joint Chunin Exams?!"

Although the time Uchiha Shingen was promoted to Chunin was only an internal Konoha exam, he knew a thing or two about the Joint Chunin Exams.

Konoha would join forces with surrounding small nations and even some major powers to hold the exams together.

With numerous participants, the competition was often much fiercer than a regular Chunin Exam, and the requirements were stricter; there had even been extreme cases where not a single person passed a session of the Joint Chunin Exams.

Considering the current situation, Uchiha Shingen put down his rice ball:

"Now is not a good time to hold the Joint Chunin Exams."

"Who's to say it isn't?!"

Shisui agreed deeply:

"Besides, this kind of Joint Chunin Exam is often a time to showcase national strength."

"Right now, most of the ninjas in Konoha with even a little talent have long since graduated from the Ninja Academy and been promoted to Chunin; the quality of this batch of Genin is generally not high."

"I'm afraid they won't be able to suppress the ninjas from the surrounding small nations."

Uchiha Shingen pondered for a moment, reached out to ruffle Shisui's hair, and said helplessly:

"We are already Chunin, and that guy Kakashi is even preparing to be promoted to Jonin. Even if we wanted to, we couldn't interfere with the situation of the Chunin Exams."

Upon hearing this, Shisui's whole face immediately turned into a bitter melon.

He cared immensely about the village's affairs and wanted to contribute in every way, every moment.

Uchiha Shingen could naturally see this, but he also felt somewhat helpless.

"That's not necessarily true."

A hoarse voice suddenly rang out. Uchiha Shingen turned his head sharply, only to find a thin man with long hair standing to the side, watching them quietly.

It was Orochimaru!

He was so close, yet I didn't even notice him... This guy is dangerous!

Uchiha Shingen instinctively blocked Shisui behind him, his expression grave:

"Lord Orochimaru? Are you looking for me..."

"You already know the news about Konoha holding the Joint Chunin Exams, and I want you to participate."

Orochimaru didn't beat around the bush and stated his purpose directly:

"Teacher Sarutobi originally wanted to suppress this Chunin Exam, but apart from Kirigakure, Sunagakure and Kumogakure have also issued invitations."

"From that moment on, this was no longer a simple Genin exam. Konoha must use absolute strength to deter those with ill intentions."

"Right now, the most suitable ninjas in the village are only you and Kakashi."

"Uh..."

Uchiha Shingen was a bit troubled:

"I am already a Chunin. Wouldn't it be inappropriate to go and participate in the Chunin Exams again?!"

"There is nothing inappropriate about it."

Orochimaru shook his head:

"The Old Man is already going through the procedures to erase the traces and records of your Chunin Exam. You will participate in this Chunin Exam with the status of a Genin."

"After this exam ends, the Old Man can skip the process and promote you directly to Jonin."