Chunin Exams

Kakashi helplessly pulled out his Chunin Exams application. The Hokage had actually ordered him to retake it.

Hahahaha...

Everyone burst into unending laughter, especially Genma Shiranui and Aoba Yamashiro. Those two had finally gotten their revenge.

Bang!

A group of people suddenly used the Body Flicker Technique to appear by the podium, and the classroom immediately fell utterly silent.

Looking closely, they were actually shinobi from the Interrogation Force, their expressions cold and stern.

"So cool! I hope I can become like that someday!"

It was Ibiki Morino speaking. He was as excited as if he had just seen his idol group.

Sigh!

Qian Yun sighed. It seemed the gears of fate had never stopped turning. He wondered whether the Fourth Shinobi World War would break out.

"The Chunin Exams begin now. Those who choose to take the exam may stay; those who refuse may leave now!

"But there is one condition: anyone who takes the exam and fails will permanently lose the chance to participate in the Chunin Exams!

"In other words, you can only remain a genin for the rest of your life!"

After the leading jonin finished speaking, he instinctively looked at Qian Yun.

Qian Yun did not respond. He merely yawned out of habit; he simply could not adjust to the day-night time difference yet.

The children said nothing, laughing among themselves about what fool would give up.

However, that jonin added another condition. "Anyone who fails the written test will drag down their other two teammates.

"Once eliminated, the other two team members will also be eliminated—and permanently at that!"

Another tedious choice had begun. For a transmigrator like Qian Yun, it was no challenge at all.

Even if it was, he did not care whether he became a chunin. He did not even care about having jonin status.

The children erupted into uproar, each of them checking on their teammates.

Some were with their original teams, some had their teams shuffled around, and some had been naturally eliminated because their teammates had died.

They were truly being eliminated on the spot; this was not just talk. Unless they could find other genin and submit a new application.

However, it was already too late for this Chunin Exams.

People began leaving one after another, especially some older genin who could not handle the pressure.

Asuma and Kurenai Yuhi came over. Kurenai Yuhi broke out in sweat and muttered, "We're on the same team. Qian Yun, have you really thought this through?"

Asuma also frowned. "The old Hokage never goes back on his word. If we fail, we'll definitely be genin for life!"

Qian Yun grinned. "I don't want to become Hokage, nor do I want to take part in Konoha's upper-level decisions. Chunin and jonin titles have nothing to do with me!

"As long as I can continue researching viruses and tumors in the future, I would not even mind if I stopped being a shinobi!

"As for you, Asuma, you had better think this through!

"Once you fail to become a chunin, Captain Shinku Yuhi will most likely oppose you being with Kurenai!

"He could never marry his daughter to someone who has accomplished nothing!"

Qian Yun had only meant it as a joke, but Asuma suddenly wiped away a tear.

"I... I..."

Asuma was clearly struggling inside, but Kurenai Yuhi grabbed his wrist.

"Don't listen to his nonsense. My dad isn't like that!"

Qian Yun curled his lip. "That's because he's gentle with you. He might not be so kind to others!

"He could never easily compromise with someone who cannot even guarantee his daughter's livelihood!"

Asuma began trembling again, sweat continuously sliding down from his temples.

Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi was watching a crystal ball in the Hokage's office, and the corner of his mouth was twitching in anger.

"That little brat actually dared to make fun of my son. Just wait until next time—I'll make sure to have some fun at your expense!"

Minato Namikaze, Aburame Shiken, Shinnosuke Sarutobi, and the others beside him broke out in sweat. The Third Hokage had never been as broad-minded as he appeared.

As they spoke, another batch of people left the classroom, and Asuma was on the verge of a breakdown.

Bang!

Obito suddenly slapped the desk and shouted loudly.

"Hey, Scarface, don't underestimate us!

"Even if I remain a genin for life, I'll still become Hokage!

"I'm strong, and I'll keep getting stronger. Chunin and jonin titles cannot represent everything!

"As far as I know, as long as you are strong enough, even genin can take S-rank missions!

"So what does it matter if I'm a genin for life?"

As soon as he said that, everyone in the classroom finally came to their senses and let out long breaths of relief.

Asuma said, "Exactly! Even if I'm a genin for life, I still want to be with the person I love!"

Kurenai Yuhi sweated, but she was quite happy.

The children began chattering again, and the chief examiner spoke once more.

"Ahem! Since that is the case, I will explain the final rule of the written test!

"Teams whose total score passes will advance. Teams whose total score fails will be eliminated!

"And the passing score... is the average score of all examinees!"

Whoosh...

At those words, the classroom exploded into uproar once more.

The teachers were already handing out test papers. Many examinees panicked badly; this clearly meant half of them would be eliminated.

Qian Yun smiled.

First, his grades were good. Second, he could take an open-book exam. Third, he could copy answers from any examinee.

The classroom gradually quieted down as the children each displayed their own methods.

Some were escorted out, some fainted from the psychological pressure, and Asuma was once again at a loss.

Qian Yun released ninja insects to pass along the answers. Asuma finally began writing, mostly answering the multiple-choice questions.

The agonizing hour quickly passed. Some rejoiced, while others worried.

As soon as that was over, Minato Namikaze arrived with several jonin using the Body Flicker Technique.

He rattled on for a while.

Basically, the second stage of the Chunin Exams would take place in the Death Forest outside Konoha Village. There were no rules against fighting and killing during the exam, and the chance of death was high. Withdrawing this time would not affect one's teammates.

Qian Yun had thought this was another trick, but it was not. Those who withdrew truly did not affect their teammates.

Outside the Death Forest.

Everyone discussed tactics and received their Scrolls of Heaven and Earth.

Only then did Qian Yun understand why withdrawing from the second stage would not affect one's teammates.

Three-man teams that lacked members would not receive mission scrolls. In other words, the difficulty of passing increased for every team.

People could really die this time.

Not every genin knew one another, and some even had extremely poor relationships.

Once they were free to kill, some people would absolutely show no mercy.

Kurenai Yuhi and Asuma were planning their route forward and even discussing what traps to set, while Qian Yun was stuffing himself with food.

If he had not slept well, then he had to eat well. Otherwise, he would definitely lack the stamina.

The second stage began.

A group of middle-aged genin rushed into the forest at high speed. They seemed very experienced.

Qian Yun followed Asuma as he ran, looking just like a useless lackey.

However, they had not run far when three tall and imposing figures suddenly appeared ahead of them.

"Hehehe..."

The three middle-aged genin sneered wickedly, like big bad wolves who had set their sights on Little Red Riding Hood.

Asuma broke out in sweat. "Qian Yun, hold one of them off. I'll handle two!

"Kurenai, wait for an opportunity to act!"

"Got it!"

Kurenai Yuhi immediately used a genjutsu and vanished after speaking. It looked convincing enough, but Qian Yun secretly sighed.

If genjutsu of this level were used on a battlefield, it would either get herself killed or get her teammates killed.