Chapter 350: Incognito Tour

"Haaa~ah."

The entirely blue, flame‐cloaked Two‐Tails Matatabi yawned, thin wisps of flame curling from her nostrils and evaporating instantly before they could land.

"Those in the back of the line, stand behind the yellow line. Hey, you with the stack of documents, yes, I mean you."

Kotetsu Hagane called out loudly, directing the ninjas waiting in line for the Network corridor. There always seemed to be some ninja who believed they deserved to stand at the front and cut the line.

But the one opening the gate was a Tailed Beast, for goodness' sake. A random sneeze or a turn of her body could severely injure an average chūnin—at best forced into the hospital, at worst forced to reincarnate.

What about genin?

Well, according to the "Ninja Assessment Regulations" issued half a month ago, most genin—due to age, knowledge level, or ability—didn't meet the new standards; over 90% of them were sent back to the Ninja Academy.

Incidentally, some chūnin were also being demoted to re‐study. It's said that from now on, there'd be no more simply "recommendation to take the chūnin exam," nor the old style of "advance by merit." Instead, thorough evaluations would be introduced.

For example: a written test, nin‐tai‐gen (ninjutsu‐taijutsu‐genjutsu) exams, plus specialized categories like fūinjutsu or medical ninjutsu. They'd open free training classes accordingly, each taught by special jōnin or normal jōnin, with mid‐level teacher staff handling deeper instruction in the Ninja Academy.

Only when test scores reached the standard would one qualify for promotion; fail, and you wait another year.

They say the requirement is set pretty high. In the old days, whether you had a "deficiency" or not, it didn't matter—if you could kill, if you had the ability to complete tasks, you'd pass. Now they demand "well‐rounded development in ethics, intellect, physique, aesthetics, labor," or something like that?

In short, it sure sounds like they're trying to hamper promotions.

"Thankfully, I'm done taking exams."

Kotetsu Hagane mused with heartfelt relief. He'd become a Special Jōnin under Lady Tsunade last year. With the new reforms, "Special Jōnin" was abolished; he was recognized as a full jōnin—an actual promotion historically.

Since his buddy Asuma, assigned to next month's ninjutsu exam, gave Kotetsu some tips, Kotetsu got a glimpse of the new test content.

Put simply, if he tried to re‐take the test now, he doubted he'd still be a jōnin.

He let out a sigh, then glanced at the time. He shouted,

"Time's up, Matatabi‐sama."

"Got it," the Two‐Tails, a Tailed Beast with a notably good temper, responded politely. She yawned again, stepping back half a pace and gently reminding them,

"Watch your step now."

When she was sure everyone was prepared, she released her chakra. A massive gateway opened in front of her.

The size of the Ro Net corridor depends on who opens it. If a Tailed Beast opens it, it's huge, convenient for all sorts of usage scenarios.

"Public staff first, public staff first," Kotetsu Hagane repeated again and again.

Nearby, Izumo Kamizuki checked each passenger's ticket. By now, the Tailed Beast corridor had passed its trial period and was fully open to ninjas. Some were simply traveling for sightseeing; others, families of the reincarnated going to another world to visit relatives; many were traveling for official business.

But everyone in line was a ninja. Yes, they used "tickets," but for the moment no fare was charged. The Tailed Beasts' wages all come from the Alliance. Word is, soon they'll allow ordinary civilians to use it too, charging a fee.

"Lord Sixth Hokage,"

Izumo Kamizuki said in surprise while checking tickets,

"My apologies, I didn't notice it was you just now."

In truth, he'd almost missed him, skipping right to Utakata behind him.

Because, to prevent Tailed Beast trouble, the corridor station had wards set up. For transporting goods, they built a small facility and track. With a building came various rules—like no cutting in line or forcibly rushing in—thus they introduced additional protocols.

But the ticket table was precisely 150 centimeters high.

Link's face darkened. He handed over his ticket, having wanted to do a "secret inspection." He'd planned to see how folks were doing, but having to stand on tiptoe—

"From now on, lower the table. We must accommodate families with kids."

He recommended.

He'd heard that the one in charge of the Tailed Beast corridor was Mitokado Homura. He planned on telling him soon.

"Yes, sir..."

Izumo Kamizuki was covered in cold sweat. They all knew how petty the Sixth Hokage could be.

Link then moved forward, the Two‐Tails Matatabi noticing him. She shivered reflexively, which nearly disrupted her chakra flow, making the corridor tremble along with her fur.

No wonder—these Tailed Beasts in the Second World were all forcibly extracted by Link from their jinchūriki. Once they defied him, they ended up under his Chakra Scalpel. After a few times, aside from Shukaku who remained mouthy, all the Tailed Beasts had become quite docile.

"All good," Link said, leaving the corridor. On the Second World's station side, the Tailed Beast on duty was the Eight‐Tails Gyūki. The moment it perceived a certain terrifying, familiar chakra, all its tentacles stiffened.

Among them, as the largest Biju with the most tentacles—and the highest output of "Chakra blocks"—Gyūki had also been repeatedly cut up in the past whenever it tried to act tough.

But after two months of "trial period training," the beast had grown used to its public service. Gyūki reminded itself it was an "employee" now and that the humans wouldn't actually harm it. So it relaxed.

"Let's go see the Third, or maybe see Homura first,"

Link changed his mind. This station facility was too poorly thought out.

He and Utakata headed to the Ninja Alliance building dedicated to the Tailed Beast corridor. After knocking, they entered.

"Something you need?"

Homura, still the same as ever, wore glasses and sorted papers. Looking up and seeing the visitors, he asked politely.

Link explained the situation about "the ticket table being too tall," or "lack of convenience." Homura's smile froze, replying stiffly,

"Alright, I understand."

Hence the time for "extra funding." Utakata, ever stoic, just grinned.

"Got it, Uncle Homura. Keep up the good work."

Link left the corridor office in better spirits, heading upstairs.

Here in the "Alliance Relief Office," Sarutobi Hiruzen spent his days coordinating assistance for the Third World's war‐torn refugees. He had the right temperament—kind, easygoing, patient. During his term as Hokage, he was always at the mission assignment desk or greeting Academy kids. Now, as an older man reincarnated as a child, he continued spreading warmth in this new role.

~~~

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