Chunin exam (56)

Seijuro could be seen inside the Hokage building.

Why, you may ask?

Oh, nothing too big, something simple really—the Hokage had called him.

Upon entering the room, he immediately noticed a few things. First, he could sense ANBU nearby, which meant whatever they were about to talk about was something that should be a secret of some sort.

Tsunade was also there. She didn't look as giddy as usual—welp, guess she woke up on the wrong side of the bed that day.

Not really his business, anyway. He'd been focusing on himself. His medical ninjutsu had just breached high Chūnin level, so he was on the verge of Jōnin proficiency.

Tsunade, of course, was like an elite Jōnin in that regard. This war would elevate her to Kage level just through her healing prowess alone.

He wondered if he could take the Strength of a Hundred Seal from her.

No, too obvious. That tattoo on his body would basically scream who he learned it from—unless, of course, he placed it somewhere no one would look.

Like... his chest.

Or his dick.

The dick was probably the safest option, since no one—and he meant no one—was looking at a dick during battle. If they were, they were hella freaky and down-bad.

Still... no way was he putting a seal on his dick.

Maybe his palm?

No, the seal was most effective on very vital areas. The head was important—since a seal placed on the head, if high enough level, could technically regenerate a whole new body.

He'd place his in the middle of his chest—near the lungs, heart, stomach, and all the good organs. The head was too ambiguous for his liking. And also, not trying to be that recognizable.

Yeah, chest was good enough. He'd need that.

"Lord Hokage, may I know why I was summoned?" Seijuro said, bowing slightly to the Third Hokage.

Tsunade's eyes squinted, as if she knew he knew why he was called, but he was playing the stupid card.

"Ah yes, Seijuro," the Third began. "You are one of the greatest prodigies that Konoha has produced—"

Seijuro mentally cut him off there.

Instead of listening to the old man drone on, he decided to translate the statement.

You're a prodigy. The Chūnin Exams are coming. You must participate. No ifs, no buts—just do it.

Though, of course, it was framed elegantly with:

"With Tsunade's recommendation, you have been nominated for the Chūnin Exams."

"Hokage-sama, if I may."

"Go on."

"You said I was nominated. I did not hear mention of my team. Am I to presume I will be doing this alone?"

The Hokage inhaled some of that good shit. That pristine shit.

"Yes. You are more than qualified enough to take the test."

"What about my teammates?" Seijuro asked politely.

"Unfortunately, Tsunade has only recommended you."

Ie, Nawaki was too weak to participate in the Chūnin Exams, and they couldn't exclude him while sending Seijuro and Mikoto alone—that would send the wrong message. So instead, they sent the only person whose reputation was strong enough that no one would bat an eye if he entered solo.

Fucking politics. Of course, politics had to be involved in this.

Well, no bother. He could manage.

"We have full trust that you can achieve this," the Third said.

Seijuro's eyes darted around.

Yeah, there were plenty of seals present.

Hm.

"Hokage-sama, am I to believe that this is all you wish to tell me? If so, using so many seals is a waste of resources."

He was quite polite about it.

Hiruzen looked at him. So he noticed.

Though the boy seemed unaware of the extra layers—only the first three. There were roughly twenty. The fact he could see three meant he was a decent seal user, though not yet at the level of the Uzumaki.

Still... he was sharp.

Good.

'Twenty layers, huh?' Seijuro thought to himself. His senses told him there were twenty, though he could only see ten. That meant he was close, but not there yet.

Sad. Here he thought he was good.

Hiruzen's expression turned serious.

"As you've noticed, the Second Shinobi War is raging on. Some smaller villages will be participating in our Chūnin Exams this year."

"So you wish for me to hold nothing back and show them that Konoha is not to be messed with."

Yeah. That request was so easy to identify, it wasn't even funny. Wouldn't be his first time getting a request like this.

The Hokage took a big puff of his cigarette.

"I've heard from Tsunade that you are already Chūnin-worthy. Your medical ninjutsu is better than some senior-nin."

Ie, he could promote Seijuro right now, but needed to do a big PP move to the small villages to remind them Konoha was still the top dog.

"I assume you know why I'm requesting this of you?" the Hokage asked, locking eyes with him.

"Small villages are getting bolder. They assume that since Konoha is fighting on three fronts and has lost its Uzumaki allies, we wouldn't have the time or manpower to deal with them."

Another long puff.

Why couldn't Jiraiya be like this boy?

If only the Third knew what this child had planned...

Just as Seijuro was about to excuse himself, the Third raised a hand.

"Before you go... I know we're asking a great deal of you. So I'm willing to offer you a reward—anything within reason. Name it."

Seijuro paused. He didn't even need to think too hard.

"I wish to learn the Strength of a Hundred Seal."

Tsunade's head turned so fast it could've cracked. Yet as she ponder on it longer, it made sense, Seijuro always spoke about his lack of chakra in some shape or form, so him wanting this wasn't a big jump in logic

The room went silent.

The Third studied him, the corners of his lips curving upward slightly. That calm, calculating look in Seijuro's eyes... he knew what it meant.

"You understand what you're asking for, yes?"

"Yes. And I know the consequences."

Another puff. Hiruzen leaned back.

"If you complete this mission—and I mean without holding back, with Konoha's reputation left untouchable in your wake—then the technique will be yours. Tsunade will teach you."

"...Understood."

He bowed again, already turning to leave. But in his mind?

This is good. Very good.

Soon, his preparations would finally take form.