Political Tides, Navigating the Jonin Exam's Hidden Agendas

The next morning arrived crisp and clear.

Sarutobi Ryo carefully secured his forehead protector, a badge of honor signifying his place as a ninja of Konoha. He then pulled on his vest and started walking with Yamanaka Hui toward the main gates of Konoha.

Even at this early hour, the gates were alive with activity.

As the heart of the Land of Fire, Konoha was a bustling city, rivaling even the capital in its prosperity, easily overshadowing other towns.

"Good morning, Young Master Ryo."

"Good morning, Young Master Sarutobi Ryo."

Sarutobi Ryo was greeted by faces both familiar and new.

He acknowledged each greeting with a nod or a polite word.

About ten minutes later, everyone involved had gathered.

As Utatane Koharu stepped forward, the quiet murmur of voices faded away. "Now, I will explain the specific details of the exam..." she began.

Of course, the person leading the Jonin Exam couldn't be just any Jonin.

Just as the Chunin Exams for Genin were typically overseen by Special Jonin and Jonin, this exam was led by Utatane Koharu.

Her role wasn't just to oversee; she was also there to guarantee any threats were completely eliminated.

Utatane Koharu would act as both the judge of the exam and, if necessary, the team's heavy hitter, the one who could deliver the knockout blow.

If, by some chance, the candidates couldn't complete their mission, Utatane Koharu would step in herself.

The official data book, Book of Soldiers , described Mitokado Homura's strength as being equal to Sarutobi Hiruzen's.

And Utatane Koharu's strength was only slightly less than Mitokado Homura's. Knowing such a powerful ninja was watching over them naturally filled everyone with confidence, and their mood was very relaxed.

As Utatane Koharu spoke, the specifics of the exam became clear in everyone's minds.

They were headed to the ruins of the Land of Whirlpools, a journey that would take two days each way.

Considering the thorough search, any fighting, and getting rid of the enemy, the entire exam would probably last between ten and fifteen days.

"Young Master, this means we'll be away from home for half a month..."

Yamanaka Hui whispered to Sarutobi Ryo.

"Don't worry, I've packed all the spices..."

Sarutobi Ryo shook his head slightly, amused by Yamanaka Hui's excitement.

During the Second Shinobi World War, Konoha mainly fought Iwagakure, Sunagakure, Amegakure... and other Shinobi Villages, mostly in land battles.

But the Land of Whirlpools Ruins were by the sea.

It was clear that Yamanaka Hui was eager to see the ocean, maybe cook some seafood, enjoy a swim in saltwater, and bask in the sun... things like that.

"This isn't a vacation."

Sarutobi Ryo reminded her.

"The Land of Whirlpools likely had Kirigakure Ninja hiding there"

"Why not Kumogakure?" Yamanaka Hui asked, her curiosity showing.

"Kumogakure's style is like lightning, quick and fierce. Once they've stolen what they want, they disappear like a whirlwind... Kirigakure, however, is like a bloodthirsty shark, always lurking, waiting for prey to fall into their trap..."

Sarutobi Ryo explained.

"I see... You know so much, Young Master." Yamanaka Hui praised sincerely.

Having read countless books since he was a child, Sarutobi Ryo understood the Ninja World without ever leaving his home. He could analyze situations well, even without relying on his memories from his previous life or his expertise in fire-style jutsu.

Knowledge is power.

And intelligence... could often mean the difference between life and death for an individual, a team, or even a village and a country.

"Alright, that's the general idea."

Utatane Koharu finished speaking and began forming the teams.

Yamanaka Hui, Hyuga Ruri, and Hakumo Hayama were put on the same team as Sarutobi Ryo.

Namikaze Minato, Kushina... and others were assigned to a different team.

Teams of four were being formed like this, one after another.

"..."

When Utatane Koharu read Kushina's name, Sarutobi Ryo couldn't help but glance at her.

The beautiful, red-haired girl was different from the cheerful person she'd been yesterday.

Today, her face was marked by sadness.

The Land of Whirlpools was Kushina's homeland.

Its destruction had saddened her for a long time, but Namikaze Minato's presence had helped her slowly recover.

Last year, Namikaze Minato had rescued Kushina, and they had fallen in love under the moonlight. From that moment on, Namikaze Minato was always there for Kushina during her missions.

This arrangement meant that Namikaze Minato was a protector, safeguarding the last member of the Uzumaki Clan, and even more importantly... protecting the Nine Tails Jinchuriki!

Generally, the Jinchuriki was someone close to the Kage.

For example, the previous Nine Tails Jinchuriki, Uzumaki Mito, was married to the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.

So, if someone wanted to marry the Jinchuriki Kushina, they would need to have a close connection to the Kage.

In other words.

Namikaze Minato... was being groomed by Utatane Koharu and other high-ranking officials to become the next Hokage.

Thinking about these things, bringing Kushina on this mission probably meant they valued her connection to the Land of Whirlpools.

The official data book says: The Uzumaki Clan founded Konoha's Sealing Techniques.

The enemies had been hiding in the Land of Whirlpools Ruins for years, refusing to leave, surely searching for something.

And Kushina, as the last survivor of the Uzumaki Clan, was the only one who could truly uncover the Uzumaki Clan's secrets.

So, Kushina probably had additional secret missions to complete.

An exam filled with political motives. Both to calm the people's suspicions and to uncover the secrets of the Land of Whirlpools...

Sarutobi Ryo shook his head inwardly, feeling even more certain that this trip would be dangerous.