As the strongest ninja village, Konohagakure held unmatched prestige.
Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and smaller nations around Konohagakure sent their best genin to this chunin exam.
Though the five great villages could mobilize thousands of ninja in wartime, their jonin and elite jonin combined numbered only a few hundred.
In other words, those who became jonin were the command tier.
For example, during the Third Ninja War, Kakashi could lead Rin and Obito due to this hierarchy.
Regardless, chunin were a village's vital force.
They held potential to become jonin and outnumbered them several times!
Many critical missions relied on chunin.
Given these stakes, every village's leadership valued this exam.
To ensure Kazuku's success, Mokuma prepared a hearty breakfast packed with protein.
"Chunin exam, here I come."
Kazuku readied himself, left home, and met Sakumo at a Hidden Leaf ANBU base.
Though not Konohagakure's first chunin exam, it was the first inviting other villages.
"Rumor has it over two hundred genin are competing," Sakumo shared his intel with Kazuku.
Ninja battles were as much about intelligence as strength.
"Not only that, the genin aren't just this year's graduates. Some are veterans who failed past exams."
"They've got loads of exam experience."
Sakumo continued, feeling uneasy.
Facing opponents in their teens or twenties…
Sakumo wondered if joining was overambitious.
Unlike Kazuku, he lacked monstrous talent.
Suddenly, Sarutobi's voice called, "Kazuku, Sakumo, over here."
Kazuku and Sakumo turned, seeing Sarutobi waving.
"Captain Sarutobi?" Sakumo was surprised.
No other sensei accompanied their teams here.
Was this the perk of being connected?
Sakumo mused.
"Stay calm, Sakumo. If you don't pass, there's next year."
"You're young—no need to rush."
"Gain experience this time."
Kazuku patted Sakumo's shoulder, comforting him, then strode toward Sarutobi.
Sakumo stared, dumbfounded, unsure where to begin.
You're a year younger than me!
Why act like you're mentoring a junior?
And…
Why sound like you've already passed?
Sakumo took a deep breath, suppressing his frustration, and followed.
"Hiruzen, why're you here?" Kazuku asked, curious.
"Tobirama-sama worried you'd be confused and sent me."
Sarutobi smiled.
Kazuku's small frame looked out of place.
Without witnessing his terrifying talent, Sarutobi wouldn't believe a seven-year-old qualified for the chunin exam!
And…
If Kazuku performed steadily, he'd pass!
"Kazuku, you can't use Morning Peacock."
Kazuku nodded, unsurprised.
Morning Peacock's damage was severe; he hadn't planned to use it.
"Also, the exam has two phases. The first is a knockout round with only sixteen slots."
Sakumo gasped.
Over two hundred genin, but only sixteen spots.
Roughly one in thirteen would advance.
Sakumo's mood sank.
"I'm probably doomed."
"Have hope and a backup plan. You're young, Sakumo—that's your edge," Kazuku said casually.
Even if Sakumo failed three years straight, he'd only be eleven.
But Sarutobi glanced around, wary.
Confirming no Uchiha were nearby…
He warned Kazuku.
"The Uchiha clan has… genin in this exam."
Sarutobi almost said "geniuses" but, seeing Kazuku's calm face, adjusted.
For some reason…
Since meeting Kazuku, terms like genius, prodigy, or talent…
Seemed ordinary.
"Uchiha?"
"Yes, one named Uchiha Setsuna. Be careful if you face him, Kazuku."
Sarutobi paused. "He's got four confirmed Iwagakure jonin kills, a recognized Uchiha powerhouse."
"Four jonin kills?" Sakumo's eyes widened, incredulous.
"Kagami says Setsuna's at elite chunin level, with an awakened Sharingan. He's formidable."
"For some reason, he's never taken the chunin exam."
In truth…
Sarutobi didn't reveal everything.
Tobirama's politics weren't as open as Hashirama's.
He was Konohagakure's light and shadow.
He gave the Uchiha guaranteed slots yearly.
As long as they entered, they'd pass, regardless of performance.
After all…
The exam judged battle performance, not just victory.
Judgment was Tobirama's word.
But…
The Uchiha's bloodline limit produced stronger ninja.
This quota limited their promotion slots.
So, Setsuna was arranged for this year's exam.
"Uchiha Setsuna?"
Kazuku murmured.
The Uchiha were numerous, but few were named.
In Kazuku's memory, Setsuna appeared in the original story.
An Uchiha jonin and Konohagakure Police Force member, cunning, inheriting Madara's will, plotting to seize power from the Senju!
"Senior Sarutobi, what're you doing here?"
Suddenly, a man with the Uchiha crest stopped beside Kazuku, eyeing Sarutobi oddly.
"Uchiha Setsuna."
Sarutobi's brows furrowed. Speak of the devil.
(End of Chapter)