Chūnin Exam (Seeking Follow-up and Monthly Votes)

Shita Genichi did not know why Tsunade had stopped her departure, nor did he wish to delve into it, and he had no way to do so regardless.

But for him, this was undoubtedly a favorable turn of events.

Whether it was because of Shizune or because Tsunade had developed an appreciation for him, it did not matter.

As long as he could learn from Tsunade and even sponge off the resources of Konoha, that was enough.

As for the rest, it was not important.

Not wanting to disturb Tsunade's work, Shita Genichi pulled Shizune out of the hospital: "Is Lady Tsunade not leaving Konoha anymore?"

Upon hearing this, Shizune immediately exclaimed: "You... how did you know?"

She had been very heartbroken when she previously learned that Tsunade was going to leave Konoha, and she had wanted to tell Shita Genichi many times, but without Tsunade's permission, she could not speak, leaving her in a state of constant inner conflict.

It was only a few days ago that Tsunade told her she was not leaving.

She had been so happy at that time.

She had not expected this secret to be laid bare by Shita Genichi in a single sentence.

For a moment, Shizune felt a bit nervous, though she did not know why she felt that way.

Shita Genichi looked at the nervous Shizune, smiled, and reached out to pat her head: "Lady Tsunade's state of mind was not right before; she was very pessimistic, so I guessed it."

Shizune stammered slightly upon hearing this: "That... you... you won't blame me for not telling you, right?"

Shita Genichi chuckled: "Of course not."

"Let's go, I'll accompany you to train."

Shizune nodded, her smile bright: "Mm!"

In the blink of an eye, two days passed. July 12th, 43rd year of Konoha, the day the Chunin Exams officially began.

Outside the Ninja Academy, when Shita Genichi and Shizune arrived, they already saw Kakashi there, with Nohara Rin by his side.

Shita Genichi and Shizune stepped forward to greet them.

Not long after, Uchiha Namiichi and his group arrived as well. Kakashi's two teammates were already Chunin, but they were accompanying him to participate in the Chunin Exams this time.

At nine in the morning, Shita Genichi and the others entered the examination hall.

This first written exam covered a wide variety of topics.

There were simple multiple-choice questions, essay questions, and even mathematical problems; it was a mixed bag that covered an extremely broad range.

Yet, all these questions were inextricably linked to actual combat.

But for a top student like Shita Genichi, who had such a wide range of knowledge, there were absolutely no issues.

After half an hour, Shita Genichi put down his pen and handed in his paper.

Almost at the same time, Kakashi finished as well.

The two exchanged a smile and then left the school gates together.

Shizune and Nohara Rin immediately walked up to them.

"How was it?"

Shizune asked.

Nohara Rin's large eyes were also fixed on Kakashi.

Shita Genichi chuckled: "Don't worry, there's definitely no problem."

Kakashi also gave a cool nod.

Nohara Rin smiled: "I knew you guys wouldn't have any problems."

Shita Genichi smiled and extended an invitation: "Let's go, I'll treat you all to dango. My family recently launched a new product, please taste it and fill out a survey while you're at it."

Everyone naturally agreed one after another.

And so, the group headed toward Shita Genichi's home.

After they left, Uchiha Obito stepped out from behind a tree.

He had wanted to go out earlier, but he felt too embarrassed.

"I might as well go train..."

Uchiha Obito sighed, then looked toward the Ninja Academy, gritting his teeth and clenching his fists: "Next time, I will definitely pass the exam!"

Ever since Kakashi and Shita Genichi had graduated early one after the other, he had also wanted to graduate early, but he had failed repeatedly.

Moreover, most of the time, he had fallen at the first hurdle: the written exam.

"Damn it, damn it, why do we have to take a written exam..."

Thinking of his previous failures, Uchiha Obito couldn't help but feel like pulling his hair out.

If it were just a test of the Three Body Technique, actual combat, or shuriken throwing, he would absolutely have no problems.

In the afternoon, Shita Genichi and Shizune went together to check the results of the first round.

There was no doubt that he had passed. Shita Genichi even saw Kakashi's name on the list.

The second round, a team battle, was scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock.

The location was Training Ground 29.

After checking the results, Shita Genichi and Shizune headed to Konoha Hospital.

Over the past two days, Tsunade had been pouring money into the facility, and the equipment required for the new laboratory had arrived rapidly. Shita Genichi occasionally went over to help, taking the opportunity to use the latest instruments.

Meanwhile.

At the Root base.

Listening to his subordinate's report, Danzo furrowed his brows.

Tsunade's sudden change gave him a bad feeling.

Tsunade had clearly seemed like a lost cause before, yet now she had suddenly recovered.

Furthermore, she had taken control of Konoha Hospital.

And that plan regarding bone marrow transplants... could it be that she was planning to restart the experiments involving Hashirama Cells?

Danzo pondered in secret, then issued an order: "Keep a close watch on Tsunade's movements."

"Understood!"

The Root ninja acknowledged the order and departed.

Danzo remained deep in thought, his brows still tightly knit.

Even if she were to restart the Hashirama Cells experiments, it wouldn't necessarily be a disadvantage to him.

The key was Tsunade herself.

The Sannin of Konoha were undoubtedly the most qualified to take over Sarutobi Hiruzen's position and become the Fourth Hokage.

Their prestige was second only to the White Fang of Konoha, Hatake Sakumo.

However, they possessed an advantage that Hatake Sakumo lacked: the absolute support of Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Among the Sannin, in terms of reputation, Tsunade was undoubtedly the foremost.

Because she was the granddaughter of the First and Second Hokage, and the Princess Tsunade of the Land of Fire.

Although the Senju Clan was gone, the influence left behind by the Senju Clan ran deep through every ninja clan in Konoha.

The backbone of the Senju Clan had been wiped out during the First Shinobi World War and the previous Hashirama Cells experiments.

Neither Tsunade nor Nawaki used the Senju surname anymore; this was a policy implemented by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.

But the Senju Clan had not been completely eradicated.

In the past, many women of the Senju Clan had married out, blending into the lake that was Konoha like water.

Danzo understood Sarutobi Hiruzen too well.

If a choice had to be made between the Sannin and Hatake Sakumo, it would undoubtedly be the former.

And if a choice had to be made among the Sannin, the first choice would undoubtedly be Tsunade.

Next would be that wanderer, Jiraiya.

And finally, Orochimaru, who was currently in deep cooperation with him.

Previously, watching Tsunade fall apart—drinking and gambling all day, acting even more unreliable than Jiraiya, who spent his days wandering—had made Orochimaru the only viable choice among the Sannin.

At that time, the threat posed by Hatake Sakumo had increased significantly.

Therefore, some time ago, Danzo had used some minor tactics to try and damage Hatake Sakumo's reputation.

Unfortunately, it had failed.

He hadn't expected that before he could take the next step, a change would occur with Tsunade.

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen's retirement was at least a decade away, Danzo had to prepare in advance.

"Tsunade, White Fang..."

Danzo quickly reached a decision: "There is no need to consider the White Fang anymore; with Tsunade in the picture, he will have no chance."

"Tsunade, hmph."

Danzo snorted, though he felt a great deal of helplessness deep down.

He could not make a move against Tsunade.

"I hope the Wood Release experiment goes smoothly; that way, I will have one more trump card in my hand."

With that thought, Danzo rose to find Orochimaru.

The more power the Hokage held, the less he had.

He did not want his own power to be diminished after Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped down.

Not only could it not be diminished.

He had to strengthen it!