Tachibana Ukyo in Naruto World

"Wow, I'm so full!"

"Tenya-senpai, thank you for the meal!"

Kakashi and Guy set down their chopsticks, both looking satisfied.

After resting for a while, Kakashi turned to Tenya.

"Tenya, did you know today is the last day to register for the Chunin Exams?"

"Oh?" Tenya raised an eyebrow, "Is that so?"

These past few days, Tenya had been engrossed in his training.

He had been holed up at home, practicing the three B-rank sword techniques he recently acquired, and hadn't stepped out at all.

Naturally, he was unaware of the village happenings.

For the past few days, the "Chunin Exam" had been the hottest topic in the village.

Many Genin had signed up for this grand event.

"Yes, Tenya-senpai, the entire village knows about it!" Guy interjected, "If I had graduated earlier, I might have participated in this Chunin Exam too."

At the end of his sentence, Guy turned his head to look at Kakashi, a hint of defiance in his eyes.

Kakashi rolled his eyes and said in an annoyed tone, "It's a good thing you didn't qualify for this Chunin Exam, or you wouldn't even pass the first round!"

"What do you mean, Kakashi?"

Guy flared up instantly.

"Literally." Kakashi said flatly, "The first round of the Chunin Exam tests a ninja's fundamental abilities, with a significant focus on theoretical knowledge. Given your poor theoretical grades, you probably wouldn't pass this round."

"You, Kakashi..."

Guy wanted to retort.

But thinking about his dismal theoretical grades, he deflated like a punctured balloon.

"But..."

Seeing Guy's dejection, Kakashi's tone softened.

Guy's spirit revived, his eyes wide and full of curiosity.

"But lacking solid theoretical knowledge isn't the end. As long as you can evade the proctors' eyes, cheating is allowed."

"Cheating?"

"Yes, cheating!" Kakashi paused for effect, then continued, "Every classroom will have a Chunin with the answers. If you can identify that Chunin and copy their answers without getting caught, you can pass this round."

So that's how it is!

Seeing Guy's enlightened expression, Kakashi shook his head again.

"Guy, don't even think about it! With your clumsy approach, you'd get caught cheating in no time!"

"So, you'd still fail this round!"

Kakashi added, dealing another blow.

"Don't underestimate me, Kakashi!" Guy said stubbornly, "When I take the Chunin Exam in the future, I will pass this round!"

"That's for the future. For now, you haven't even graduated, have you?"

Guy, who had been full of determination, deflated again upon hearing Kakashi's words.

It felt like a direct hit to his weak spot.

Watching Kakashi and Guy bicker, Tenya found it quite amusing.

He hadn't noticed before, but Kakashi had a knack for being sharp-tongued.

In just a short time, he had managed to knock the energetic Guy down a peg.

Seeing Guy quiet down, Kakashi turned his attention back to Tenya.

"Tenya, will you be participating in this Chunin Exam?"

"We'll see." Tenya didn't give a direct answer.

Kakashi earnestly pleaded, "I hope you will join this Chunin Exam!"

"Why?"

"Because this Chunin Exam is different. All the major villages are sending strong teams, and although many Genin from our village are participating, I don't have much faith in them. If things go badly, this Chunin Exam could turn into a massacre."

"Oh?" Tenya's eyes flickered. Do you not have faith in the village's participants?"

"Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't be worried. But now, with the Fire Nation's relations with other nations at an all-time low, war is imminent. Holding the Chunin Exam at this critical juncture, the other villages are definitely looking to gauge our strength."

"If we don't show strength in this Chunin Exam, and even display a hint of weakness, the war hawks in other villages will surely push for war against the Fire Nation. Konoha's situation would become very difficult!"

Indeed, as Kakashi mentioned, the Third Great Ninja War was approaching.

This Chunin Exam was clearly different from the past, potentially affecting the future of the entire ninja world.

If Konoha faltered in this Chunin Exam, the Third Great Ninja War could break out sooner.

"Kakashi, if you can see this, I believe the village's higher-ups can too. They probably have countermeasures in place. Do you still think it's necessary to involve me?"

"It's absolutely necessary!" Kakashi nodded firmly, "I believe the Third Hokage has plans, but I have more faith in your strength!"

"Ding! You have a new mission, please check!"

At that moment, the familiar system prompt sounded in Tenya's mind.

- Challenge Mission: Obtain the Chunin Title (Incomplete)

- Mission Requirements: Participate in the Chunin Exam, pass all tests, and successfully earn the Chunin promotion.

- Mission Reward: (5%-15%) Role-playing Progress

The reward was role-playing progress!

Tenya had been hesitant about participating in this Chunin Exam.

Before he could decide, the system had made the decision for him.

"Kakashi, is it still possible to register now?"

"Uh..."

Kakashi had been disheartened by Tenya's silence.

But upon hearing Tenya's question, his eyes lit up, and he quickly replied, "Today is the last day to register. If we go now, we can still make it!"

"Lead the way!"

"Alright, follow me!"

"Hey, hey, wait for me!"

And so, the three of them hurried to the registration site.

...

Hokage Office.

Sarutobi Hiruzen sat quietly in his chair, looking at the participant list handed over by Danzo, his brows furrowing.

"Danzo, do we really need to go this far?" Sarutobi Hiruzen hesitated.

Across from him, Danzo looked at Hiruzen and said calmly, "I've reviewed the lists from other villages. Some participants' information is vague, suggesting they might be from their ANBU. If Konoha doesn't prepare, we'll suffer during the Chunin Exam."

"If you don't want our deterrence strategy to fail, it's best to include my recommended people in the participant list. You understand the principle of preventive measures."

"Alright, I'll agree to your request."

Seeing Danzo's determination, Sarutobi Hiruzen knew he couldn't hesitate any longer.

He immediately added a few members of Root to the participant list.

"Now that it's settled, I'll be going."

With that, Danzo left, leaning on his cane.

Sarutobi Hiruzen took a drag from his pipe, his eyes narrowing.

This Chunin Exam indeed seemed peculiar.

If other villages weren't playing by the rules, Konoha wouldn't either.

There would undoubtedly be bloody conflicts.

Konoha had no retreat.

They had to fight their way out with their strength.

Only then could they deter the predators eyeing them.

Hopefully, the people Danzo recommended would be useful.

The success of their deterrence plan largely depended on them.