Jinchuriki

Genma turned his head toward the sound, seeing Uzumaki Kushina and Huixiang approaching, each carrying a basket.

Come to think of it, this was his first time seeing Uzumaki Kushina in person.

In terms of allure, she might not compare to Tsunade, but she was still a great beauty, radiating a spirited and vibrant temperament.

Upon closer inspection, she indeed possessed a unique charm.

This stood in stark contrast to Huixiang.

Huixiang appeared much gentler, yet also more fragile, with her inner strength hidden beneath that soft exterior.

Once the two drew near, Genma took the initiative to greet them: "Sister Huixiang."

Huixiang was no longer as nervous around Genma as before, though she remained somewhat reserved: "You can just call me by my name."

Genma smiled, then greeted Uzumaki Kushina: "Hello, Sister Kushina. I am Yu Fenglan, a classmate and friend of Kakashi and the others."

Uzumaki Kushina laughed: "Student Genma, I know you. Sakumo's disciple, the 'little brat' in Lady Tsunade's mouth, hahaha!"

This personality... it was certainly well-suited for a Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

Genma laughed along: "Yes, I am that little brat, but I believe Lady Tsunade won't be calling me that for much longer."

Uzumaki Kushina blinked, asking with earnest curiosity: "Eh, why is that?"

She reached out to gesture at Genma's height: "You are indeed a bit taller than Kakashi and the others, but you're only nine years old, right? It will take many more years before you become an adult!"

Genma replied with full confidence: "Because I made a bet with Lady Tsunade, and she is bound to lose."

Upon hearing this, Uzumaki Kushina couldn't help but laugh, hands on her hips: "Indeed, you are quite clever!"

"However, I've learned this method now, too. You don't mind, do you?"

Genma spread his hands: "Of course not."

"But a friendly reminder: Lady Tsunade is only guaranteed to lose when facing me."

Uzumaki Kushina tilted her chin up: "Really?"

"I don't believe it!"

Genma was being sincere with his warning.

If Tsunade lost, it was fine, but if she won, it wouldn't be a good thing at all.

At this moment, Uchiha Obito chimed in: "Mistress, didn't you say we were going to eat?"

"My stomach is practically flat from hunger!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Uzumaki Kushina pressed a hand onto his shoulder, threatening him gently: "Very good. You need to fill your stomach well so you have the strength to train."

"If you don't eat properly..."

Uzumaki Kushina flashed a brilliant smile and flexed her fist: "You'll have a very ugly death!"

Uchiha Obito's face turned pale instantly.

Compared to his gentle teacher Namikaze Minato, his mistress Uzumaki Kushina was practically a violent maniac.

Huixiang then gently invited everyone: "Come and eat!"

Namikaze Minato smiled and thanked her: "Thank you."

"Everyone, let's eat together. Kakashi, Rin, and Genma, don't be shy."

Genma reached out and took a flatbread from Huixiang's hand: "Thank you."

Huixiang smiled gently: "You're welcome."

Everyone enjoyed the food together in a harmonious atmosphere.

However, Genma didn't stay long; when Uzumaki Kushina and the others left, he took his leave as well.

Meanwhile.

Inside the Hokage's office at the Hokage Building.

Danzo watched Sarutobi Hiruzen practicing calligraphy, looking quite dissatisfied: "That girl named Huixiang is also from the Uzumaki Clan, brought back from outside by Tsunade. Since that's the case, why haven't you taken any action?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen kept his head down, focused on his brushwork: "She is currently learning Medical Ninjutsu from Tsunade. Tsunade says she has a high aptitude for it and could become an outstanding medical ninja in the future."

Danzo gave a cold hum: "A medical ninja?"

"For the village, a backup Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is what matters most."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up: "She may not be suitable."

Danzo immediately seized the opportunity: "Hand her over to the Root Division. The Root Division can make her a suitable candidate."

"Hiruzen, you know the Root Division has the capability."

With the bloodline of the Uzumaki Clan and no parents, she was simply too perfect for the Root Division.

Regardless of whether she could become a backup Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, the Root Division would gain a talent.

Especially since this person could influence the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Danzo, seeing through his intentions, and feigned a headache: "Danzo, she is one of Tsunade's people, and Kushina would never allow her childhood friend to enter the Root Division."

Danzo grew angry: "Everything is for the sake of the village; everyone must be prepared to make sacrifices."

"Since she receives the protection of Konoha, she must make a corresponding contribution."

Sarutobi Hiruzen countered: "Can you convince Tsunade?"

"And as for Kushina, if this causes a negative impact, can you bear the responsibility?"

Danzo's expression soured instantly: Isn't that the duty and responsibility that you, as Hokage, should be handling?

Seeing that Danzo had fallen silent, Sarutobi Hiruzen set the tone: "This matter ends here."

"The Uzumaki Clan is an ally of Konoha. Back then, the village was powerless... protecting an orphan of the Uzumaki Clan is an obligation we must fulfill."

Danzo left, suppressing his anger.

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, put down his brush, and picked up his pipe to smoke.

Judging from intelligence reports from all sides, he could already vaguely sense that the Ninja World was becoming restless.

It had only been a few years since the last great war, and several ninja villages were already showing signs of agitation.

Kumogakure and Iwagakure were particularly restless.

The village had not yet fully recovered its strength from the last war, which filled Sarutobi Hiruzen with hidden worries.

Fortunately, the internal situation was stable for now.

With that thought, Sarutobi Hiruzen took out a list.

It was for this upcoming Chunin Exam, with several names circled as priorities.

At the top of the list were Kazekaze Genma and Hatake Kakashi.

"Ran'ya raised a good son; Hatake Sakumo truly has a discerning eye."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the list, feeling a surge of joy.

To him, Kazekaze Genma was an absolute surprise.

Kakashi had been a famous genius from a very young age.

Although Kazekaze Genma had performed well at the Ninja Academy, he hadn't been as eye-catching as Kakashi, and had instead been overlooked.

Now, according to reports from Hatake Sakumo and the Anbu, he had clearly become a genius who surpassed Kakashi.

Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the upcoming Chunin Exam.

However, upon seeing his youngest son's name, he couldn't help but sigh with a headache.

He was far too rebellious!

It was a good thing he had Shinnosuke!

Time passed day by day, and soon the day of the first stage of the Chunin Exam arrived.

Inside a classroom at the Ninja Academy.

After three months, Kazekaze Genma had returned to this place.

The test papers began to be distributed, and then the classroom door was slammed open as Uchiha Obito rushed in, drenched in sweat.

The proctor glanced at him and continued handing out the papers.

Looking at Uchiha Obito, Kazekaze Genma almost wondered if this guy was scripted—did he really have to show up exactly on time for being late?

Then, a conspiracy theory suddenly crossed his mind.

It was said that the old lady Uchiha Obito helped was actually a White Zetsu in disguise.

White Zetsu!

Kazekaze Genma felt a bit tempted.

If he could capture one of those things, it would be quite useful.

Should he go and take a look?

As Kazekaze Genma pondered this, the test paper reached his hands.