The Chunin Exam

"Sensei, were you called over because there's a new mission?"

Asuma was excited.

Was it another B-rank or higher mission?

That would be amazing!

"Did you go to Sandaime-sama again?"

Kurenai turned to look at Asuma.

Asuma was stunned.

Then, his face turned red, and he loudly retorted, "How could that be! I didn't go last time either. He gave it to me himself!"

"Hahaha."

The group of ninjas inside burst into laughter.

The mission hall was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

The rumors about Asuma.

Everyone had heard some of them, though it was hard to say how true they were.

But.

They were probably true.

Because under Asuma's name, there really was a B-rank mission record.

Kyōichi patted his shoulder and said with a smile, "Don't get the wrong idea. This time, it has nothing to do with you."

"Last time didn't either!"

Asuma bristled.

"Alright, alright."

Kurenai chuckled and followed.

Shisui had been observing the whole time.

As they passed by…

"Actually, even if you did, it's no big deal. Once your strength is there, you don't have to worry about what others say."

Shisui whispered.

After saying that, he quickly followed Kyōichi's steps.

Asuma was momentarily stunned.

He knew his own situation.

Did he go to the Sandaime?

Of course, he did.

But he didn't want to admit it. However, after hearing Shisui's words, he thought about it and felt there was some truth to it.

Yeah!

Why care so much?

Once you're strong, who cares about gossip?

The main thing is to get stronger!

Asuma tightened his grip on his kunai and strode into the mission hall.

Kyōichi casually picked a C-rank mission.

A protection mission, not very difficult, but this time he made it clear to Asuma and the others that unless they were in danger of dying, he absolutely wouldn't intervene.

Asuma's reaction was…

Perfect!

After experiencing two life-and-death battles, they weren't the same as before.

They were confident they could handle a regular C-rank mission on their own.

So, after meeting the merchant caravan they were to protect, Kyōichi sat in the carriage while Asuma and the others ran outside, leaving Asuma dumbfounded.

Kyōichi even called it—

Training!

The C-rank mission went smoothly, with only a few minor scares.

The enemies were a group of rogue ninjas, but Asuma and the others managed to kill or drive them off.

After the mission was over.

On the way back, Kyōichi taught them a new technique.

Vacuum Wave.

A B-rank technique.

Kurenai's focus was still on medical ninjutsu.

Among the rogue ninjas, one was severely injured, and Kyōichi had her try to heal him.

Although she didn't succeed…

It was still valuable experience.

This wasn't Kyōichi being cruel. These rogue ninjas had attacked the caravan and looted their goods.

Even if they weren't healed, the caravan guards would finish them off. But if they were healed, there was a slim chance they might survive.

Didn't save him?

Oh well.

Kyōichi wasn't going to step in to save him anyway.

Kurenai was in a bad mood, but this was a necessary process for medical ninjas—

Even Tsunade couldn't save everyone.

He didn't want his student to end up with psychological issues like Tsunade.

After returning, they rested for a day.

The next day, he took Shisui and the others out on another mission.

Still a C-rank.

In short, they took whatever missions were available, no complaints.

After all…

Kyōichi didn't have to lift a finger, could continue his research, and still got a decent share of the profits.

Kurenai practiced medical ninjutsu.

The actual work was done by Shisui and Asuma.

However.

Far from feeling exploited, they believed they were gaining valuable experience.

A win-win!

The no-injuries squad was a success.

However.

The peaceful days soon came to an end.

After returning to Konoha…

"Jōnin-Kyōichi, Sandaime-sama has asked for you."

"…"

Alright.

Something must have happened.

Kyōichi bid farewell to his three students and headed to the Hokage Building.

In the meeting room.

Several jōnin were already present, including Namikaze Minato.

Seeing Kyōichi arrive, Minato gave him a meaningful look, and Kyōichi understood, standing next to him.

"What's going on?"

"Chūnin Exams."

Minato whispered.

Kyōichi understood.

Chūnin Exams.

Right.

It had been two or three months since graduation. With no major wars currently happening but the possibility of one breaking out at any moment, it was necessary to speed up the promotion of genin. But to promote them to chūnin, exams were the only way…

Konoha's education and promotion system was still too haphazard.

What did passing the exams even mean?

Naruto won the exams and the matches, but he still didn't become a chūnin.

Besides.

Kakashi was already a chūnin.

If he participated, it wouldn't be fair to others.

If he didn't, what about Obito and Rin?

Sandaime explained the exam situation and then looked around, asking, "This year is special. Does anyone have any suggestions?"

Kyōichi noticed.

When Sandaime asked, his gaze was mainly on him.

After some thought, he didn't speak up.

Who knew if the Sandaime wanted his help or for him to stay quiet?

There was no benefit in speaking.

As for the others…

Kyōichi glanced around and noticed Minato's expression was off.

When their eyes met.

Minato whispered, "I sensed you were back and suggested the Sandaime ask for your opinion."

"…"

Throwing me under the bus?

Fine.

Sandaime cleared his throat and said, "Kyōichi, you have a talent for education. Do you have anything to say?"

"Hokage-sama, I don't have many suggestions, but I do have a few questions."

Kyōichi had no choice but to step forward.

"Go ahead."

Sandaime sat up straight, growing curious.

He thought the chūnin exams were fine, but it seemed Kyōichi had several issues…

Were there really so many problems with the exams he had designed?

"Hokage-sama, this year is special. Many students have been on the battlefield, and some squads even have children who are already chūnin. If they all participate, wouldn't it be unfair to the others?"

"…"

Sandaime leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.

Kyōichi's point was clear.

Hatake Kakashi!

A chūnin at six years old.

Now, at nine, his strength was on a completely different level.

"Anything else?"

"Also, can this kind of team-based exam really assess an individual's overall abilities? Some might fight their way to the top but still not get promoted. Is that fair to them?"

Kyōichi shrugged.

What is a chūnin?

On the battlefield, they command many genin squads, serving as the backbone.

It's not just about strength, but also intelligence.

Sandaime fell silent.

After a long while, he sighed, "Exams aren't the battlefield. We can't cover everything. But what you've pointed out are indeed important issues. Do you have any solutions?"

"My suggestion is to break up all the squads and have them reorganize into new teams for the exams."

Kyōichi said calmly.

"Break up the squads?"

Minato and Shiranui Genma exchanged glances.

This…

Wouldn't all their previous teamwork go to waste?

"Yes, redistribute the members with some rationality, separating them from their familiar teammates and having them form new squads for the exams. Then, select chūnin from the leaders of each squad."

Kyōichi explained.

Sandaime pondered for a long time, then asked, "Do you also have a set of exam questions prepared?"

"No…"

"Alright, you'll be in charge of designing this year's chūnin exam. Once it's done, I'll count it as an A-rank mission for you. If you need anyone's cooperation, just say so. Even I can be mobilized."

Sandaime didn't pay attention to Kyōichi's denial.

This kid was holding back!

Earlier, when he asked for opinions, Kyōichi didn't speak up. But when called upon, he pointed out critical issues and offered well-thought-out suggestions.

To say he didn't have a prepared plan…

Who would believe that?

Certainly not him!