The Chunin Exams

After all, once Hokage, you can't be the clan leader anymore.

What a pity.

Over here, Uchiha Shingen, who had already finished drinking a pot of water, put down the pot and saw Uchiha Fugaku looking at him with a meaningful gaze.

His heart skipped a beat.

Oh no, this uncle is probably up to no good.

"Shingen, your idea is indeed very comprehensive, just like mine. Let's continue to wait."

"Oh, okay..."

The two continued to wait.

After a long while, the discussion gradually subsided, not because the tribespeople had reached a consensus, but because the various viewpoints had basically stabilized.

People who were initially undecided made a decision in their minds during the discussion and were able to firmly choose a point of view.

The noise subsided, and the clansmen turned their attention back to the stage.

"It seems everyone has finished their discussion. Now, please each select a representative to state your results," Uchiha Fugaku signaled for the next step.

The four Jonin up.

They each expressed four different opinions.

Those who firmly support either a complete shift or no shift, numbering about one-tenth of the tribe members present.

The third Jonin suggested prioritizing tradition over Shingen, and his clansmen made up more than half of the total.

The fourth Jonin's suggestion was the same as that discussed by Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Shingen: a multi-pronged approach. However, this faction believed that given the current situation, the clan needed to quickly accumulate usable combat power. The clan members who had already become ninjas were already trained according to the traditional model, so they could start with the traditional model and then move on to Shingen. The children in the clan could be trained in Shingen's way first.

Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Shingen naturally felt that this option was better, but such matters still required a vote.

"Very good, everyone's opinions are now clear: one category and four subcategories. To facilitate everyone's decision on the final outcome, I will also convey the recent situation of the family to everyone."

Uchiha Fugaku put down the water bottle in his hand and began to tell his story.

As the Hokage's assistant, he was able to see the current internal situation of Leaf Village better than anyone else in the clan.

"Sarutobi Clan, Nara Clan, Akimichi Clan, and Yamanaka Clan are traditional allies, and their relationship has recently grown even closer. It's basically confirmed that the next leader will be Nara Shikaku."

"Then there's us. The Hiashi Hyuga Clan's head, Hiashi, and several elders have met with me recently and have made it very clear that they will strengthen their cooperation with us. However, the Inuzuka Clan and Aburame Clan clans have recently been getting closer to the Nara Clan. Of course, they haven't shown any intention to change their relationship with their clans, but their attitude towards them has softened."

"Finally, there's the Uzumaki Clan. As usual, they don't have direct contact with any other clans. However, after the Chunin Ninja Exams, someone from the Uzumaki Clan will be promoted to Jonin and join the Jonin Council. The Sealing Squad and the Barrier Team may be merged into a new division. That's roughly the overall situation."

Uchiha Shingen listened quietly. Although he was now the head of the ANBU, he had not yet taken control of the ANBU's intelligence system, which was still in the hands of the original ANBU team.

He commands the original Root forces.

But this does not mean that he only had a group of thugs under his command.

As is well known, the Root started by mastering the training function of the ANBU.

It's like ANBU "Ministry of Education."

Mastering education means mastering people's hearts. The downside is that it takes time to see results, but as long as the Uchiha Clan is safe, Uchiha Shingen can wait.

Namikaze Minato can wait, after all, the ANBU doesn't belong to him now.

Once Uzumaki Clan enters the Jonin Council, the next step is to join the ANBU.

This was an unspoken understanding between Uchiha Shingen and Namikaze Minato; everyone understood it.

"Now let's talk about the situation outside the village." Uchiha Fugaku gave everyone some time to process the information before continuing, "This time, the scale of the Joint Chunin Exams will be unprecedented. The Mizukage, Tsuchikage, and Kazekage will all be present, and Cloud Village will send a special envoy. In addition, the leaders of Amegakure, Takigakure, Kusanagi, and Otogakure will also attend, and the leader of the Land of Iron will also attend as an invited guest."

"Chief, if so many village leaders come, we'll be under a lot of pressure," someone asked. "I've heard that countries are stockpiling military equipment. With so many important figures gathering in the village, this might not be a good thing."

"Of course, that's why the Hokage values it so much. All work now must focus on this exam. The number of candidates Leaf Village will take this time is set at ninety-three, divided into thirty-one teams. You Jonin and decide on the candidates you would recommend."

"Chieftain, how many people will be from the other villages?"

"Thirty-nine from Sand Village, eighty-seven from Iwagakure, sixty-three from Hidden Mist Village, and ninety from Cloud Village. All participating teams will be divided into groups of three, just like in previous years."

After doing the math, everyone felt...

Damn, so many people? They'll be working themselves to death!

Twenty-four years have passed since Leaf Village first held the Joint Chunin Exams. The Konoha Military Police Force are all too familiar with the candidates' abilities.

The environment and food in Hidden Leaf Village are excellent, which gives the examinees extra energy. In addition, there are ninjas from other villages leading the teams, as well as various guests, none of whom are holding back. Even though the Konoha Military Police Force have been expanded, with this number of people, they probably won't be able to manage them all.

In the past, there have even been serious incidents of students from Leaf Village and students from other villages getting into group fights outside of exam periods.

"The ANBU will also be involved. It used to be quite troublesome, but now that Shingen is the head of the ANBU, it can alleviate the situation somewhat," said Uchiha Fugaku.

As a result, everyone's expression softened considerably.

"As for the ANBU, I can directly use about thirty people," Uchiha Shingen said. "The rest will have to be mobilized through the existing ANBU personnel. I estimate that we can spare about fifty or sixty people in total."

The crowd's expressions brightened.

"As expected of Shingen, he's always reliable in crucial moments!"

"That's right, I'll be dissatisfied if Shingen doesn't become the clan leader after the clan chief retires!"

Damn it! I'm helping you guys get people involved, and you're trying to use me as a scapegoat!?

Uchiha Shingen's face fell.

Uchiha Fugaku thoroughly enjoyed watching this, and he leisurely picked up the water bottle and took a sip.

Although it was just plain water, he tasted the flavor of an exquisite wine.

"That's the situation both internally and externally. Let's discuss it further, and then we'll vote," said Uchiha Fugaku.

The group resumed their discussion.

Meanwhile, Uchiha Fugaku once again discussed the ANBU with Uchiha Shingen.

"Shingen, the thirty people you mentioned, are those the ones you took out this time?"

"That's right, they are all members of the original Root."

"I remember there weren't this many people left in the original Root. It seems that with Shimura Danzō gone, they were severely marginalized," Uchiha Fugaku said with a sigh.

He experienced the golden age of Shimura Danzō and knew that it was an extremely powerful force that supported half of the ANBU... No! Add another half!

"It's only natural that official members have a strong sense of unity, but most of them were originally unofficial members who joined primarily for the benefits offered by the original Root," Uchiha Shingen said. "Compared to that, Inuzuka Clan and Aburame Clan are much more troublesome."

"Yes, the Hyuga Clan prioritizes survival. Our clan's continued rise in strength has no impact on them; in fact, it's a good thing. But it might not be the case for the Inuzuka Clan and Aburame Clan. However, it's also within expectations."

"Chief, do you have any plans to fill the vacancy?"

"Minato is, after all, the Hokage. Although we are friends in personal terms, he will prioritize maintaining the stability of the village. In addition, considering his relationship with the Third, he is unlikely to side with us. If we want to break this deadlock, the Uzumaki Clan is a better direction for breakthrough."

Uchiha Shingen nodded.

He knew that this man had finally taken this step.

Abandon the so-called Police Force -centric thinking.

The alliance between the Uchiha Clan and Hyuga Clan clans will continue and deepen, while the relationship between the Inuzuka Clan and Aburame Clan will be considered from the perspective of "both being in the Police Force".

The Uzumaki Clan, currently weak and isolated, is being courted.

There's nothing wrong with that.

Uchiha Shingen also began to consider what cards he could play in this situation.

I think it will be very useful for ANBU.

But there are also risks, after all...

The eldest brother usually likes to team up with the third brother to undermine the second brother.

Let's take it one step at a time, but first we need to get our 'right to education' back... What kind of rubbish is this training program these days!?

Uchiha Shingen pondered, but he also knew that the most important thing right now was the Joint Chunin Exams.

Jiraiya said, "The wind is blowing in the wrong direction."

As for Orochimaru, he's clearly going to cause trouble, but it's unclear who else is involved.

Even if Orochimaru causes trouble, he certainly won't be in control. Given the current situation, unless several Kage intervene, no one can take the lead.

I'm kind of looking forward to it.

With the Rinnegan at his disposal, Uchiha Shingen admitted that he felt he could beat anyone now, possessing the spirit of "no matter what tricks you use, I remain unmoved."

This is not the same wretched village from the original timeline.

The sound of clapping suddenly came to his ears, bringing him back to his senses.

It was Uchiha Fugaku.

Has everyone reached a consensus?

Upon hearing Uchiha Fugaku's question, the four Jonin stood up again.

"We've reached an agreement, Chieftain."

"We are too."

"Alright, let's begin the voting." Uchiha Fugaku nodded. "The four Jonin, please come up to the stage and raise your hands one by one. When the Jonin you support Jonin his hand, everyone should raise their hand at the same time. The one with the most votes at the end will be the winner."

Four Jonin walked up to the stage, lined up in a row, and raised their hands one by one from left to right.

Below the stage, the clansmen voted for the Jonin they supported, according to their own decisions.

As a result, the fourth-ranked Jonin received the most votes, and overwhelmingly so.

The Uchiha Clan members present made a choice—given the current situation of their clan, the vast majority chose the "multi-pronged approach" represented by the fourth Jonin.

Volume 10

Chapter 1 Chunin Selection Exam

In June of the 63rd year of Leaf Village, the flow of people and convoys heading towards Hidden Leaf Village finally slowed down.

The Kitsuchi road in Leaf Forest has been given a respite. Now, only those who come to commission tasks walk on it, greatly reducing their burden.

Hidden Leaf Village was also able to spare manpower to maintain and repair it.

At this time, nobles, wealthy merchants, and ordinary people who came from various countries for the Joint Chunin Exams, as well as ninjas or samurai who came with guard duties or simply brought their families to experience this grand event, had all gathered in Hidden Leaf Village.

The workload of the Police Force has also reached its peak.

With a large influx of outsiders, Hidden Leaf Village must not only demonstrate its open-mindedness but also spare no effort in cracking down on those unruly individuals who think they will be given special treatment just because they are "guests."

But these people aren't the main focus yet.

The ninjas from various villages have already set off, including three Kage.

Including Hidden Leaf Village itself, this will be a grand event held under the watchful eyes of the four Kage.

Nobody wants to miss out on making a good impression on such a stage.

In Hidden Leaf Village, apart from the Uzumaki Clan, which has only recently been reorganized and remains relatively inactive, all the other ninja clans are actively preparing for this event.

Competition for the nomination slots has already begun.

This time, Hidden Leaf Village has ninety-three slots for the competition, and each family hopes that their juniors can perform well.

To confirm this matter, the Uchiha Clan held another clan meeting, but this time, only Jonin were required to attend.

So Uchiha Shingen, who was busy to the point of exhaustion in the ANBU, finally had a little leisure time. He didn't have to go to the office early in the morning, but instead leisurely did some morning exercises, went home to change clothes, and then went to a meeting.

Because there were only Jonin, the meeting was much more streamlined this time.

Uchiha Fugaku announced the meeting's topic and then had everyone start pushing people.

The Jonin discussed it and then pushed down a bunch of them.

"This won't do." Uchiha Fugaku rubbed his temples. Being his assistant was exhausting, and these bastards in the clan were being so unserious. "There are too many people. Although the number of spots hasn't been decided yet, there will definitely be a certain number. You guys need to discuss it again and come to a consensus."

"Then let me make a suggestion," said Uchiha Shingen. "Clan leader, you should try to secure six spots, and then we can send two children from our own family."

"Yes, explain in detail."

"This exam is clearly different from usual. First of all, there are more people, so the competition will be particularly fierce. According to Leaf Village's tradition, the second exam will be held in the Forest of Death. In the past, two groups would fight against each other in the forest, but later, as the number of people increased, everyone was put in for a free-for-all. Just think about it, with the number of people this time, what will the casualty rate be?"

The Jonin nodded in agreement upon hearing this.