Proctor

A week passed in the blink of an eye, and the Chunin Exams began as scheduled. At three o'clock in the afternoon, donning the Konoha ninja forehead protector and dressed in grey casual attire, Zhang Miao walked confidently into the Chunin Exams hall, accompanied by a man with two scars on his face.

As they walked, Zhang Miao sighed.

"Sigh... I must say, the Third Hokage is really something. Proctoring is not suitable for me at all. I think you'd be more professional, Morino Ibiki!"

Indeed, the man walking beside Zhang Miao was none other than the leader of Konoha's Interrogation Department, Special Jonin Morino Ibiki!

Morino Ibiki is a psychological expert. Though he doesn't possess the Yamanaka Clan's mind-reading techniques, he excels at analysing opponents' psychology and manipulating their minds, making significant contributions to collecting and protecting Konoha's intelligence.

In the original story, Ibiki was the proctor for the first part of the Chunin Exams that Naruto participated in. However, Sarutobi Hiruzen appointed Zhang Miao as the chief proctor this time, with Ibiki assisting him.

Hearing Zhang Miao's words, Ibiki quickly bowed slightly.

"Lord Ryunosuke, you're too kind. Since the Hokage appointed you, there must be a reason. Besides, I believe you're entirely qualified to be the chief proctor for the Chunin Exams!"

As soon as Ibiki finished speaking, the system's prompt sounded in Zhang Miao's mind.

"Ding... Congratulations, Your Majesty, for gaining the recognition of Morino Ibiki. You've obtained five four-star Special Jonin Morino Ibiki ninja fragments!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Miao immediately understood that Ibiki was sincere, so he grinned.

"Haha, Ibiki, you're indeed talented—competent in your duties and pleasant in conversation. It's a bit of a demotion for you to assist me as vice-proctor this time. How about this: once we go in, just act as you see fit. If anything goes wrong, I'll take the blame!"

"Yes, thank you, Lord Ryunosuke!"

"Haha, no need to be so polite..."

As they chatted, they reached the exam hall entrance.

Upon arriving, Zhang Miao saw Kakashi standing at the door. Before Zhang Miao could speak, Kakashi bowed slightly, showing great respect.

Seeing this, Zhang Miao immediately knew Kakashi was bowing to his "Lord" identity. He smiled, then approached and lightly punched Kakashi.

"This punch is for being too formal. Didn't I say we're brothers for life? Did you think I was joking?"

"Uh..." Kakashi was taken aback but quickly nodded. "Got it. So, how about fish at my place this evening?"

"Haha, I'd love to!" Zhang Miao laughed. "I've been craving your fried river fish!"

At this moment, Zhang Miao thought of something and asked Kakashi.

"By the way, have Naruto and Sasuke arrived? They shouldn't miss this Chunin Exam, right?"

"Yes." Kakashi nodded. "They've arrived. But the candidates this time are no pushovers. Even those two will likely be scared stiff."

"No, I don't think so!" Zhang Miao laughed, seeing Kakashi's worried expression.

A loud shout echoed from the exam hall as if to prove Zhang Miao's point.

"Hey... My name is Naruto Uzumaki! I won't lose to you guys, got it?"

Hearing this familiar voice, Kakashi froze while Zhang Miao's smile grew wider.

"Haha, what did I just say? That idiot brother of mine isn't one to be easily scared!"

With that, Zhang Miao took a deep breath, then shrugged at Kakashi.

"Alright, enough catching up. I should head in. As the chief proctor, I must observe the exam schedule. Hope you have that fried river fish ready by the time I'm done!"

After a quick pat on Kakashi's shoulder, Zhang Miao opened the door and entered the exam hall, shouting.

"Quiet down, you bunch of losers!"

The hall fell silent instantly, and all the candidates turned to look at Zhang Miao.

Seeing everyone looking at him, Zhang Miao's smile widened.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. I am the proctor for the first part of the Chunin Selection Exam!"

As soon as Zhang Miao said this, nearly all the candidates from other villages showed expressions of surprise.

After all, Zhang Miao looked like a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy, younger than many candidates. For him to claim he was the chief proctor seemed absurd, prompting many to whisper among themselves.

"This kid is the proctor? What a joke!"

"Konoha must be kidding, sending a kid as the proctor!"

"Is this some kind of prank?"

The hall became even noisier, filled with murmurs from candidates from other villages. Konoha's candidates, however, remained silent, watching Zhang Miao with eyes full of admiration.

In the past, Zhang Miao's victory over the Cloud Village army at the Kusa-Wave coast, capturing their Eight-Tails Jinchuriki and forcing them to sign a treaty and pay a hefty sum, had skyrocketed his reputation. Later, the resurrection of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki further boosted his fame.

Even though Zhang Miao often left the village, many still looked up to him as a role model and inspiration. Besides Konoha's candidates, the Sand Village's Gaara and his siblings were silent, shocked to see Zhang Miao appear in this role.

Especially Gaara, who seemed to grow more agitated, clenching his fists and glaring with bloodshot eyes.

Seeing everyone's reactions, Zhang Miao's smile grew even broader.

"Hehe, I hope you can stay this composed in a moment!"

With that, Zhang Miao's smile vanished, and a surge of red chakra erupted, forming a fierce fox behind him.

The Nine-Tails!

Simultaneously, Zhang Miao's eyes turned into red beast-like pupils, and his violent aura made even Ibiki sweat.

"This is Lord Ryunosuke's true power... terrifying!"

If even Ibiki, a Special Jonin, reacted this way, the others fared worse. Many Genin collapsed under Zhang Miao's pressure, while those still standing were sweaty.

"He's terrifying. Who is he?"

Seeing the fear in everyone's eyes, Zhang Miao nodded in satisfaction and smiled again.

"You bunch of losers, I'll introduce myself again. I am the proctor for the first part of the Chunin Selection Exam, Ryunosuke Uzumaki!"