Chapter 23: Departure for the Chunin Exam! (1/2)

"Orochimaru, are you sure you want to do this?"

It was a sunny morning.

The Third Hokage put down the Chunin exam application and looked at Orochimaru, who was standing in front of his desk.

Orochimaru had his long hair tied up today, dressed in a green vest, with a long sword strapped to his back, and protective gear on his hands and legs.

"As Wakaho's teacher, I believe he is fully prepared to become a Chunin, Hokage."

Orochimaru's response was impeccable.

But the Third Hokage shook his head and said, "In these special times, you should be aware of what becoming a Chunin means."

"This child has a special status, and his unprecedented Fire Release ability... Are you sure you want to proceed, Orochimaru?"

Such questions carried deeper implications.

War and the battlefield.

In just two months, the embers of the Fourth Great Ninja War had quickly ignited into a raging fire.

After ten years of recovery, all countries and villages had restored their military strength.

The new round of the Ninja World War had erupted, and it was clear that this war would be even more brutal, with no ninja village able to remain unscathed.

Becoming a Chunin at such a time...

"As Wakaho's teacher, I believe he is ready," Orochimaru repeated.

"For Wakaho, continuing to perform genin missions is a waste of his talent and a loss for Konoha."

Such praise could not be understated.

Especially coming from Orochimaru.

The Third Hokage was slightly surprised but quickly calmed down.

Wakaho's ability to release non-Fire Release jutsu as Fire Release was not a secret among Konoha's higher-ups.

After all, even with Orochimaru's high permissions, it was not enough to privately teach Wakaho so many jutsu.

This required Hokage authorization.

The Third Hokage was astonished to learn of Wakaho's "ability"...

To use Fire Release to perform other jutsu while retaining certain characteristics...

Such a situation was unprecedented. Mastering it might bring changes to the entire ninja world!

Thus, the Third Hokage had directly approved and authorized Orochimaru to observe the child and see if he could identify this new method of jutsu activation.

Unfortunately, according to Orochimaru's observations, Wakaho's ability seemed to stem from his Kekkei Genkai—the Sharingan.

Because every time this child activated this "mutated" Fire Release, it put a strain on his eyes, making it impossible to maintain the Sharingan for long periods...

Orochimaru referred to this condition as: mutated Sharingan, mutated Kekkei Genkai.

Clearly.

The child's situation was extraordinary.

Even within the Uchiha clan, it was unprecedented.

Thus, this child had become a highly sought-after genius within the Uchiha clan.

If an unexpected situation occurred on the battlefield...

"Let me consider it further."

The Third Hokage waved his hand, still not making a decision on the spot.

"Anyway, he has only graduated from the ninja academy for two months; it might be a bit too early..."

"I understand, Hokage."

Orochimaru raised two fingers. "But if possible, please give that child a chance."

"That child is very eager to become a Chunin... As his teacher, I must support him."

As soon as Orochimaru finished speaking, his body turned into a puff of smoke and disappeared—it was a Shadow Clone.

The frontlines were already in conflict.

As a disciple of the Hokage, Orochimaru's current task was an S-rank mission on the front lines.

Given it was an S-rank mission, the level of danger was self-evident.

"To bring up such a matter at this time... Ha!"

The Third Hokage smiled and shook his head.

Orochimaru had always been his most proud and outstanding disciple.

It was he who had helped Orochimaru realize his talent and become the person he was today.

The Third Hokage had long considered making Orochimaru the next Hokage. If it weren't for his personality...

"It seems this child is indeed influencing you, Orochimaru."