The Third Hokage's Decision

Inside the Hokage's office, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk.

Xingye walked into the office and respectfully bowed.

"Lord Hokage, you wanted to see me?"

The Third Hokage nodded and looked at the nine-year-old boy before him.

"Xingye, I heard you showed astonishing strength in the special class," the Third Hokage said. "Even Might Guy had high praise for you."

Xingye said nothing, listening quietly.

"Xingye, I want to ask you something." The Third Hokage looked into Xingye's eyes. "Do you want to take the Chunin Ninja Exams early?"

Xingye's pupils contracted.

As expected, the Third Hokage knew what he was thinking.

"I can," Xingye said calmly. "I really have been considering it."

The Third Hokage fell silent for a moment.

"You know what that means," the Third Hokage said. "The Chunin Ninja Exams are no game. If you fail, your life could be in danger."

"I know," Xingye said. "But I'm confident."

The Third Hokage looked at Xingye, a complicated glint in his eyes.

The boy's strength truly far exceeded that of his peers, and even surpassed that of most Chunins.

But letting him take the Chunin Ninja Exams early would draw the attention of the other ninja villages.

His identity as a member of the Uchiha Clan would especially put the other villages on alert.

"Xingye, I agree to your request," the Third Hokage finally said. "But I have one condition."

"Please, go ahead."

"During the Chunin Ninja Exams, you mustn't reveal all your abilities," the Third Hokage said. "In particular, you absolutely must not let anyone see your Mangekyō Sharingan."

Xingye smiled to himself.

The Third Hokage's concern wasn't unfounded.

If he revealed his full strength, the other ninja villages would immediately realize that Konoha had produced a monster and might start a war ahead of schedule.

"I understand," Xingye said. "I'll be careful."

The Third Hokage breathed a sigh of relief.

"Good. The Chunin Ninja Exams will be held in two months," the Third Hokage said. "You should use that time to prepare."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage." Xingye bowed and left.

After walking out of the Hokage Building, Xingye smiled.

"Third Hokage, you're still the same indecisive man you've always been," Xingye thought. "You're afraid the other ninja villages will target Konoha, so you're limiting my strength."

"But you don't understand. I've already outgrown your control."

"The Chunin Ninja Exams will be the beginning of my rise."

Xingye returned home and began preparing for the Chunin Ninja Exams.

First came ninjutsu.

Xingye had already mastered chakra of every nature, but he needed to bring his ninjutsu to a higher level.

Fire Release, Water Release, Earth Release, Wind Release, Lightning Release—he needed to master each one.

Next came Taijutsu.

Although Xingye's Otsutsuki Bloodline had already made his Taijutsu formidable, he still needed to improve.

Finally, there was strategy.

The Chunin Ninja Exams weren't simply a contest of strength; they were even more a test of tactics and intelligence.

Xingye needed to devise detailed plans to deal with every possible opponent.

"Two months is enough time to prepare," Xingye thought. "I'll make the entire Shinobi World remember my name at the Chunin Ninja Exams."

Just then, Itachi walked in.

"Brother, I heard you're going to take the Chunin Ninja Exams?" Itachi asked, looking worried.

Xingye nodded.

"Yes, Itachi."

"But the Chunin Ninja Exams are dangerous..." Itachi said.

"I know." Xingye patted Itachi on the shoulder. "But this is something I have to go through to grow."

Itachi looked at Xingye, his eyes full of complicated emotions.

"Brother, you have to be careful."

"Don't worry, Itachi." Xingye smiled. "I won't put myself in danger."

Itachi nodded and left Xingye's room.

Xingye watched Itachi walk away, a warm feeling rising in his heart.

"Itachi, you're the partner I trust most," Xingye thought. "I won't let you suffer the same tragedy as in the original story, either."

"The Chunin Ninja Exams will be more than a stage for me to show my strength. They'll also be the beginning of my changing fate."

Xingye closed his eyes and began planning his strategy for the Chunin Ninja Exams.

[Chunin Ninja Exams preparation mode activated]

[Time remaining: 2 months]

[Preparation required: Improve ninjutsu, strengthen Taijutsu, devise a strategy]

Xingye already had a plan.

For the next two months, he would devote himself to preparing for the Chunin Ninja Exams.