CH - 335 Top Ninja of the Three Villages!

That evening, Naruto returned home, carrying the 'gift' Obito had taken him to collect late at night using Kamui, his excitement palpable.

With enthusiasm, Naruto recounted how warmly he had been received at Obito's house. He even swore on the spot that one day, he would 'repay' Obito-sensei's kindness.

Akihiko, hearing this, was deeply pleased. "What a good child!" he exclaimed, a proud smile spreading across his face.

That same evening, the news about the Tri-Ninja School Joint Exam spread quickly, and both Naruto and Sasuke soon learned about it.

By the next day, the announcement had reached all three ninja villages. At first, the students preparing to graduate were stunned by the news, but it didn't take long for excitement to take over.

After all, this was the first time in years that a Joint Exam involving the three villages was being held.

Naturally, the children, full of youthful competitiveness, were eager to prove themselves. The stakes were raised even higher when they learned that the Grass Leader himself would be attending as a spectator.

Not only would the top participants receive personal recognition from the leader, but they would also earn the prestigious title of "Top Ninja of the Three Villages," along with a variety of generous rewards.

Fueled by the prospects of recognition and rewards, the students threw themselves into their preparations with renewed vigor, determined to excel in the upcoming exam.

The announcement of the Three-Village Joint Exam sparked a wave of enthusiasm and academic diligence that spread across all three ninja academies.

Though the exam date was still some time away, the anticipation only grew as each day passed.

Under the new Grass Spirit Education Philosophy, students from first to fifth year were not only trained in ninja techniques but also instilled with moral values, discipline, and physical fitness. The aim was to create a well-rounded modern ninja with a strong foundation in every aspect: character, intellect, physical capability, and practical skills.

As a result, the first five years of education were taken very seriously, with rigorous measures in place to prevent any form of cheating and ensure a solid base for all students.

However, the approach shifted dramatically in the sixth grade. Although sixth graders in the Grass Village were not assigned high-risk missions immediately after graduation, they were regarded as full-fledged ninjas upon passing their final exam.

The final exam in the sixth grade was a true test of a student's resourcefulness and skill, where the use of any means necessary—be it strategy, ninja techniques, or creativity—was allowed to achieve success.

Even scientific ninja tools were permitted during the exam, albeit with certain restrictions. The tools accessible to students were basic models, as advanced or high-powered tools were tightly regulated to prevent over-reliance on technology.

The reasoning behind this was simple: the leaders believed that mastering fundamental ninja techniques and honing one's own abilities were far more crucial than relying on external tools.

After all, even a Kekkei Genkai or the immense power of a tailed beast was of little value if the wielder lacked the strength and skill to fully control and utilize it.

Upon hearing about the Tri-Ninja School Joint Exam, Naruto and Sasuke threw themselves into their studies with unparalleled determination.

In the days that followed, the duo often stayed up late into the night, poring over scrolls, practicing techniques, and refining their strategies.

Both were fiercely competitive, unwilling to risk embarrassment in front of the students from the other two villages during the high-stakes exam.

But more than personal pride, they were driven by a deeper motivation: Akihiko. As their mentor, he had poured his time and effort into their growth. A poor performance on their part wouldn't just reflect on them—it would tarnish Akihiko's reputation. That was something neither Naruto nor Sasuke could accept.

Their resolve was clear: they would give everything they had to ensure they made him proud.

However, no one really knew the exact nature of the special training Naruto and Sasuke were undergoing.

As for Naruto, he had outright refused Kushina's offer to help him train. Instead, he spent his days either napping or absorbed in books, as if he had become a completely different person altogether.

Sasuke, on the other hand, regularly sought advice from Uchiha Obito, who was not only a highly skilled shinobi but also the head of the Uchiha clan. Given Obito's experience and expertise, he was more than qualified to guide Sasuke in his training, offering insights and techniques that were essential for his development.

As for Gaara and Jugo, their preparations were quite different.

Gaara, determined to secure the top spot in the upcoming exam, threw himself into intense training. His relentless efforts, however, caused some complaints among the villagers. They had noticed an unusual amount of dust in the mornings, which many assumed was the result of sandstorms from the Wind Country. Some even suggested that stricter environmental protections should be put in place to address the issue.

Jugo, on the other hand, showed little interest in competing for the top position. He stuck to his usual routine of studying and reading, rarely straying from his quiet and methodical approach. In his spare time, he often assisted at the research institute, but it was clear that he had no intention of unleashing his full potential during the exam.

This approach made sense to those who understood him—while Jugo had some control over his powers, he still struggled with fully mastering them. He likely feared losing control and inadvertently causing harm. For Jugo, the exam held little weight. The title of 'Top Ninja' was insignificant to him, as his priorities lay elsewhere.

As the exam neared, the atmosphere in the Grass Village became increasingly tense. The villagers, sensing the importance of the event, were on edge, and the daily rhythm of the village slowed down considerably.

Even Kushina felt the shift, finding herself with an unusual sense of boredom. Her hands, accustomed to action, itched for something to do, but she refrained from sparring with Naruto, not wanting to disrupt his focus. With little else to occupy her time, she drifted through her days in a lazy, almost listless manner, enjoying the freedom to relax and unapologetically flaunting her graceful figure.

When she wasn't lounging about, she'd spend time with Karin, taking her out shopping, or hanging out with Mikoto. Occasionally, she'd tease Mikoto with playful comments that left the younger woman blushing—likely about her experiences as a 'secretary' to Akihiko.

As for Mikoto and Fuso, while their pregnancies had given them a more mature appearance, their personalities remained unchanged.

So, while Naruto and Sasuke threw themselves into preparations for the exam, the Akihiko household continued its usual lively, warm dynamic.

As the scheduled date of the exam drew near, students from the other ninja villages began arriving early in Grass Village to settle in. This gave them ample time to rest, adjust, and acclimate themselves before the big day.

The journey from the Rain and Sand villages to the Grass Village was long, often spanning several hours, so it made sense for the students to arrive ahead of time. With the train network now connecting all three ninja villages, travel had become easier, and many of the students had already visited Grass Village before. As a result, it wasn't an unfamiliar place to them, making their arrival a smooth and comfortable experience.

As the students gathered, Hanzo stood before them with a stern expression, his presence commanding attention.

"Listen up, all of you!" Hanzo's voice thundered, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Give everything you've got in this exam. Show the true spirit of the Rain Ninja Academy. Prove that you're worthy of the title you bear." His commanding stature seemed to amplify his authority. "And most importantly, when you face the Sand Ninja Academy... you must crush them completely."

Before the students could react to his words, another voice suddenly rang out, cutting through the tension. "Don't be nervous. You've all put in the work, so just give it your best. But remember this—" The tone shifted, becoming sharp and biting, "When you face the Rain Ninja, make sure to crush them utterly."

Both Hanzo and Chiyo snapped their heads toward the unexpected voice, their eyes narrowing in unison as they searched for the source.

In an instant, they both recognized the speaker—The Vent Pipe Geezer and The Puppet Granny. "What are you doing here?!" they exclaimed in tandem, their voices laced with surprise and annoyance.

The two exchanged a brief, heated glare, their expressions hardening before they snorted in unison. "You'd better watch out!" they warned, the tension in the air palpable.

The students watching the exchange were completely dumbfounded, their eyes flicking between the two figures. It was clear they had no idea what to make of this bizarre interaction.

At that moment, Ebizō stepped forward, letting out a deep sigh. "Sister, please, calm down. Don't frighten the children. Smile a little—we're all on the same side here."

Chiyo and Hanzo turned to him, their faces contorting with indignation. "Who's on the same side as this vent pipe geezer (puppet granny)?!" they shouted in perfect sync once again, their voices filled with irritation.

The students stood frozen, completely speechless, exchanging confused and wary glances. It was a strange sight—something no one had expected from the two fierce leaders.

Ebizō chuckled awkwardly, waving his hand dismissively. "Don't worry, don't worry. Your leader and Chiyo here are old friends. They've always been like this," he explained cheerfully. "They bicker every time they meet, always threatening to fight. But when they're apart, they're constantly thinking about each other, finding excuses to meet up. Your leader's already visited our Sand Village several times."

The students exchanged glances, nodding with understanding as they murmured among themselves. "Is that so?" one student remarked. "No wonder it felt so strange," another added. "So this is what they call... bonds? How deep."

Hanzo and Chiyo's faces darkened at the students' comments. What nonsense was Ebizō spouting? Bonds? They barely tolerated each other, much less shared any 'deep' connection. Still fuming, the two leaders shot daggers at each other again, silently questioning why they were placed in accommodations directly across from one another.

Before they could voice their frustrations, Ebizō quickly excused himself. He wasn't about to get involved in their petty squabbles—he'd seen it all before.

"Maybe this is what they mean by love," Ebizō murmured under his breath, a sly grin tugging at his lips. Turning to the students, he clapped his hands and said, "Alright, everyone, how about we grab a meal together? It's on me. Pick whatever you like."

The children erupted in cheers, thrilled by the suggestion, and quickly followed him, leaving the two elders to stew in their own frustration.

Back at the accommodations, Hanzo and Chiyo locked eyes briefly, their expressions hardening.

"Hmph!" they huffed simultaneously before spinning around and retreating to their respective rooms. This time, both were determined to settle the score and prove once and for all who was the stronger.

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