At the same time, Kushina and Mikoto had earned the title of Jonin.
But these were peaceful times. Unlike during the war, a Ninja's rank was no longer decided by battlefield achievements.
To rise from Genin to Chunin now, a Ninja had to take the Chunin Exam.
Since the Second Shinobi World War had ended less than five years ago, each Ninja Village generally held its own Chunin Exam.
But to Hiruzen Sarutobi's surprise, the Land of Water—the only country untouched by the Second Shinobi World War—proposed holding a joint Chunin Exam with Konoha. Its stated aim was to assess the strength of its Genin and Chunin.
Every Ninja Village had its own standards for a Chunin's strength. During peacetime, joint exams were held now and then to gauge the other villages' strength and, if possible, intimidate them with a show of force.
Of course, a village could also appear weak to make its rivals lower their guard.
To Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others, Kirigakure's proposal looked like an attempt to use Konoha's reputation as a stepping stone and show the other Ninja Villages its might.
After all, Kirigakure was the only Ninja Village the Second Shinobi World War had left untouched!
With Kirigakure coming on so strong, Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally thought of Konan.
She still held the rank of Genin, but she had the strength of a Jonin.
Chapter 237: Let Them All Participate
"That's right, the Chunin Exam." Apparently thinking Uchiha Yin hadn't understood, Hatake Sakumo explained.
"Genin from different Ninja Villages gather in one place for the exam, and those who qualify are promoted to Chunin."
"But in reality, it's a contest between the Ninja Villages."
"The Daimyo and other powerful figures from each country will be invited to watch."
"And the performance of each village's Genin