Chunin Exams and Sarutobi Hiruzen

Chen Feng followed Kakashi and the others into Konoha Village, looking around with great interest. It was more or less as he had imagined—not particularly prosperous, but still quite lively.

People flowed through the streets, while all manner of shops lined both sides of the road. Food, drink, and daily necessities were all available, and there were even several adult novelty stores.

After returning to the village, the three youngsters visibly relaxed as well. Naruto clasped his hands behind his head and narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked over the familiar surroundings, feeling much more at ease.

Then his expression shifted as he spotted some unfamiliar figures on the street. He asked, "Kakashi-sensei, why are there so many strangers in the village today? Is something going on?"

Kakashi raised a brow at that, seeming to recall something. He responded, "Oh, they're people from other shinobi villages. They should be here to take part in the Chunin Exams."

"The Chunin Exams?"

The three of them looked intrigued.

"Yeah, the Chunin Exams are in a few days. As long as you pass the assessment, you can be promoted to Chunin. Didn't I tell you about this before?"

Kakashi responded lazily.

"Of course not! Sensei, why are you only telling us now about something this important?"

Naruto seemed rather worked up.

Kakashi spread his hands and said indifferently, "It's not too late to know now."

"Then can we take part in this exam?"

Sakura asked expectantly.

Kakashi nodded. "Yeah, I already signed you up."

Naruto clenched his fists and said excitedly, "That's great! We'll become Chunin soon!"

Seeing his reaction, Kakashi reminded them, "Don't celebrate too early. The exam isn't easy, and every year quite a few Genin lose their lives.

Think it over carefully. If any of you don't want to participate, you can withdraw your application."

"It's fine. With me here, everyone will definitely succeed!"

Naruto wore an inexplicably confident expression, then smiled at Sakura. "Don't be afraid. I'll definitely protect you!"

Sakura gave him a speechless look, then turned her gaze toward Sasuke and asked softly, "Sasuke-kun, are you going to participate?"

Sasuke answered coldly, "Of course. If I can't even pass a mere Chunin assessment, how could I defeat that man?"

As he spoke, he could not help clenching his fists.

He remembered very clearly that man had become a Chunin at the age of seven. At Sasuke's current age, he had already held an important position in the Anbu.

Sakura nodded at that. "In that case, I'll go too."

"Great! We'll all be promoted to Chunin together!"

Naruto said with a grin, then looked at Kakashi walking ahead of them and asked curiously, "Sensei, when did you become a Chunin? Was it when you were twelve too?"

Hearing the question, Kakashi thought for a moment before saying, "I think I was six. I happened to be promoted to Jonin when I was twelve."

As soon as he finished speaking, Naruto stared wide-eyed in disbelief, then praised him, "As expected of Sensei. That's incredible!"

Sasuke was surprised as well. He had thought his brother was already impressive enough, but this bargain-bin teacher of his was somehow even more gifted.

A Jonin at twelve—there had probably never been one before...

Chen Feng's expression shifted slightly upon hearing this.

There was no denying that Kakashi had been a genuine genius in his youth. Yet after the Third Shinobi World War, that astonishing talent seemed to vanish into thin air.

More than a decade had passed, and he was still only a Jonin. Meanwhile, Itachi Uchiha, another genius of Konoha, had long since become a Kage Level powerhouse.

Still, it was understandable. After all, he had endured the death of White Fang and personally killed Rin, who had always admired him. Anyone would have found that difficult to accept.

On top of that, he had witnessed the deaths of his close friend Obito and Minato Namikaze with his own eyes. Naturally, his heart had collapsed.

His family, companions, and teacher—the people closest to him had all left him one after another. His will had sunk, and he had gradually begun to waste away.

That was why he always looked so listless, relying only on little yellow books to fill the emptiness in his heart.

"What a pity."

Thinking of this, Chen Feng shook his head slightly.

At that moment, Kakashi said to his three students, "Go back and rest first. I need to report on this mission to the Hokage."

Naturally, the three had no objections. After answering, they left.

Kakashi then looked at Chen Feng and Xiao Meng. "Why don't you two come with me to meet the Hokage?"

Chen Feng nodded. "Having just arrived in this esteemed place, it is only proper that we pay our respects."

With that, the three continued onward. Before long, the towering Hokage office building came into view.

After arriving at the entrance and having the guards announce them, they entered the building.

Led by Kakashi, they turned several corners before arriving outside the Hokage's private office.

Knock, knock, knock!

Kakashi raised his hand and knocked. "Hokage, I'm here."

Immediately afterward, an aged voice came from within the room. "Come in."

As the words fell, Kakashi pushed open the door and entered, with Chen Feng and Xiao Meng following behind. Looking up, they saw a figure seated behind the desk.

The man was lean, with white hair and beard, and his face was covered in weathered wrinkles. He wore the iconic white Hokage Cloak and a conical hat, with a smoking pipe clenched between his lips.

Wisps of smoke drifted through the air, and the pungent smell was somewhat choking.

Xiao Meng frowned slightly, then gently swept the horsetail whisk attached to Qiu Li's hilt. In an instant, the smoke smell filling the room vanished.

This elderly man was none other than the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. When he saw the visitors, he smiled faintly, set down the pipe at his lips, and said, "Kakashi, you're here."

He then looked over Chen Feng and Xiao Meng, his expression warm. "These two must be the guests from the Daoist sect?"

Kakashi nodded in introduction. "This is Taoist Chen Feng, who is highly skilled in divination. The other is Master Xiao Meng. Though she is young, her strength is no weaker than that of an Elite Jonin."

Hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded. "I am Sarutobi Hiruzen, Hokage of Konoha. Welcome to Konoha. If you need anything, feel free to say so directly."

Chen Feng cupped his hands slightly. "Thank you, Senior Sarutobi."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said, "I will be busy with the Chunin Exams for some time, so please forgive me if my hospitality is lacking."

Chen Feng replied, "You are too courteous, Senior. Still, these Chunin Exams seem rather interesting. Might I be permitted to observe?"

Sarutobi nodded gently. "Naturally. If you are interested, I can even arrange for you to join the assessment as well..."