Kidnapping a Young Man?!

As Tsunade's voice faded, the entire room fell into a heavy silence.

Everyone understood perfectly well that according to Tsunade, while the requirements were incredibly harsh, anyone who could meet them would undoubtedly be one of the greatest geniuses in the entire ninja world.

"So... Lady Tsunade, are you saying that Takizawa Dan is that person?"

A high-ranking official present stood up and asked cautiously.

"Correct. Based on my assessment, that is indeed the case!" Tsunade nodded, simultaneously pulling a small measuring device from her pocket.

"Takizawa Dan, use your maximum strength to squeeze this instrument. Don't worry about breaking it; it has been specially reinforced," Tsunade instructed him.

"Understood..."

Takizawa Dan took the device from Tsunade's hand, gripped it, and squeezed with all his might.

Now that his identity and talent had been exposed, continuing to lie low was no longer suitable for him.

He had to demonstrate his full capabilities; only then could he attract Konoha Village's attention and ensure his own safety. After all, Konoha and other ninja villages were surprisingly consistent in their refusal to support dead weight.

Beep, beep, beep—

As Takizawa Dan continued to exert force, the instrument began to emit a steady stream of sounds.

Watching the indicator needle move rapidly, Takizawa Dan felt a slight stir in his heart.

The next moment, he nonchalantly eased off his strength, causing the needle's movement to gradually slow down.

In the end, the indicator stopped completely, even though Takizawa Dan had only used seventy percent of his strength!

It was always best to leave oneself a little leeway; one never knew when it might come in handy.

"The results are in!"

Tsunade looked at the reading, her eyes suddenly lighting up!

Since she was standing the closest, she had the clearest view of the result.

"Well done, Takizawa Dan! You actually possess the strength of a Special Jonin!"

Tsunade exclaimed in amazement.

In Konoha Village, besides Genin, Chunin, and Jonin, there existed the rank of Special Jonin.

Special Jonin were also known as apprentice Jonin.

Their strength was greater than that of an average Chunin, but they lacked the comprehensive skill set of a true Jonin, so Konoha Village had created this position to avoid awkwardness.

Even so, a Special Jonin's power was far beyond what these children could imagine.

For Takizawa Dan to possess such terrifying strength at the age of thirteen, it was undoubtedly a case of having unlocked his genetic potential.

Following Tsunade's exclamation, the surrounding high-ranking officials cast complex gazes upon Takizawa Dan.

They had originally thought this kid was just a waste of space; who would have imagined he could achieve such astonishing results!

It was fortunate that they hadn't been too harsh or targeted him too severely in previous years. Otherwise, if they had driven such a talent to another ninja village, wouldn't they have suffered a massive loss?

What they didn't know was that the person truly breathing a sigh of relief at that moment was none other than Takizawa Dan himself!

He was incredibly grateful that he had held back thirty percent of his strength; otherwise, the test result would have surely reached the level of a Jonin!

After all, he was participating in the Chunin Exams; having strength exceeding that of an average Chunin was still within a controllable range. If he had truly displayed Jonin-level power...

Even if Tsunade wanted to protect him, she likely wouldn't be able to. He would inevitably become a test subject for the likes of Danzo and Orochimaru, imprisoned for the rest of his life.

"Alright, alright. Now that the matter is clear, Takizawa Dan, don't worry too much. We will certainly protect you," Tsunade said, her voice softening as she comforted him, perhaps sensing his fear.

"Everyone, from today on, Takizawa Dan is my student! From this day forward, I will personally teach him!"

Perhaps feeling that her previous declaration wasn't enough, or perhaps acting on a long-held thought, Tsunade announced.

As these words left her lips, every high-ranking official was stunned!

What kind of joke was this? The Hokage's personal student... that was effectively the presumptive next Hokage!

Back then, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen's, most prized pupil was the future Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato!

And looking further back, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen's own teacher was the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama!

Could it be... that the Sixth Hokage of Konoha Village would turn out to be Takizawa Dan?!

"Lord Hokage, please reconsider!"

"Lord Hokage, this is a matter of great importance. We hope you will discuss it with everyone before making a decision!"

"Lord Hokage..."

The high-ranking officials spoke up one after another, voicing their opposition.

While Danzo didn't speak directly, the look he gave Takizawa Dan became increasingly dangerous.

"Enough! All of you, be silent! Am I the Hokage, or are you? Do you think that because I have a good temper and am easy to talk to, you can just bully me as you please?" Seeing this, Tsunade flew into a rage and slammed her hand onto the table!

CRACK!

The sturdy table shattered instantly, breaking into pieces!

Seeing this, everyone fell silent.

At this moment, they finally remembered that the stunningly beautiful woman before them was not some weakling to be bullied, but the Hokage of Konoha, its supreme ruler!

"This matter is settled! From now on, Takizawa Dan is my, Tsunade's, personal disciple. None of you are to raise any objections!"

Tsunade was truly Tsunade, a heroine among women. When she spoke, there was truly no one who dared to refute her.

"Dan, are you tired?"

Yet, in the very next second, Tsunade reverted to that gentle tone with Takizawa Dan, as if she were a big sister from next door, making Takizawa Dan feel extremely uncomfortable.

"Uh... a little, I suppose. After all, having fought two consecutive battles, it would be impossible not to be tired."

Takizawa Dan scratched his head and said, feeling somewhat awkward.

In truth, he was not tired at all, but to cater to Tsunade's mood, he had no choice but to say so.

"Very well, then let's end today's Chunin Exams here. We shall continue tomorrow; today, I am going to accompany my disciple to rest." Tsunade nodded, then said to Danzo, who was standing to the side, "Shimura-kun, please go and make the announcement."

Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Danzo's eyes!

However, just as Takizawa Dan thought Danzo was planning to do something, the man nodded and said respectfully, "Yes, Lady Tsunade!"

Afterward, Danzo walked to the center of the arena and called a halt to the referee who intended to continue the matches.

The referee was merely a Chunin, and naturally, he dared not defy an order from Danzo, so he relayed the message.

And just like that, the first day of the Chunin Exams came to a muddled end!

"Come, Dan, let's go to my place. I have a comfortable bed, delicious food, and warm bathwater waiting for you~"

Tsunade said to Takizawa Dan, her tone filled with temptation.

Takizawa Dan was left between laughter and tears. Lady Tsunade, how does your behavior look exactly like you are abducting an underage boy!

No, it doesn't just look like it; it clearly is!