It was time for Sunagakure's annual ninja review, and the pressure was palpable. The young genin, Daimaru, couldn't help but feel a pang of envy for the well-structured Konoha Village, where their ninja school nurtured new talent annually. Sunagakure's so-called "ninja school" was more akin to a survival camp for boys rather than a proper institution.
The education was bare-bones and its evaluation process almost whimsical. Top students would be selected by luck or circumstance, while the rest would inevitably fall through the cracks, left behind with no guidance, no future prospects.
In this system, where even Jonin operated more like gang leaders choosing "right-hand men," students with niche talents or eccentric styles were often dismissed. Daimaru reflected on this bitter reality, recalling Shira, a genius in taijutsu who wasn't even considered a ninja yet. His self-taught "seven-day breathing technique" was too far outside the mainstream.
It wouldn't be until Gaara's reign as the Fifth Kazekage that overlooked talents like him would receive recognition. Daimaru knew all too well how the system played out. Would he, paired with two auxiliary ninjas like Sen and Yome, be any different? Could they prove themselves in time for the Chuunin Exams?
Early the next morning, the squad Daimaru, Sen, Yome, and their leader, Jonin Otokaze set off on a mission to eliminate a group of bandits near the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Grass.
Bandit extermination missions weren't uncommon for genin, as it was rare to encounter enemy shinobi, and Sunagakure's teams, despite their flaws, excelled in strategic combat. However, the bandits often harboured dangerous renegade ninjas or wandering samurai, making these missions anything but straightforward.
The Sunagakure ninja system had its problems, yet Daimaru also saw its strengths. Sand shinobi, despite their disjointed training, could be formidable, especially in their youth. However, their lack of stamina and lower overall talent density compared to the major villages always posed a challenge.
After half a day's journey, the team rested in a Gobi desert cave, taking the time to refuel. The conversation drifted to Daimaru's reputation. A reckless young man with an audacious goal: to win the affections of Temari, the princess of Sunagakure. It was a story that spread like wildfire through the village, mostly as a joke.
"Today's youth are so spirited," Otokaze remarked, amused. "Temari's mother was also a beauty, and she had many suitors before the Yondaime won her over."
Daimaru had long since grown used to the teasing. His ambitions, personal or professional, were constantly dismissed. It was the reality of Sunagakure, a village where your background dictated your destiny. "If your father had lived a few more years, things would have been different for you," Otokaze said, patting Daimaru on the shoulder. The Jonin understood the unspoken reality: without connections or power, advancement in Sunagakure was near impossible.
Daimaru, however, wasn't one to accept his fate so easily. He had a heart full of defiance, and his determination led him to a decision.
"I've something to tell you both," he began, turning toward his teammates. "I'm taking the Chuunin Exam this year."
Sen and Yome were stunned. Their first instinct was to scoff, disbelief colouring their faces.
"Really? You think you're ready?" Sen quipped, her tone mocking. Yome chimed in, echoing her doubt.
But Daimaru was not joking. "I'm serious," he continued, his voice steady. "I need you two to step up as well. Otherwise, we'll be in a tough spot."
The atmosphere shifted. While Sen and Yome had laughed initially, Daimaru's unwavering resolve brought seriousness to the table. Even Otokaze, who had been somewhat dismissive of the group's potential, took notice.
"You're dead set on this, huh?" Otokaze asked, studying Daimaru with new eyes.
"I am," Daimaru affirmed.
Otokaze grinned. "Well, it seems I'll have to get involved, then. If you're going to pull this off, I'll need to recommend you."
"And if you don't?" Daimaru challenged.
Otokaze considered for a moment, then shrugged. "We'll see, kid. If I can't endorse you after these next few months, who could?"
They packed up, ready to resume their journey. Otokaze stood up, brushing dust from his clothes. "Let's see what you're really made of, Daimaru. There haven't been many interesting young people since the Third Kazekage disappeared. Maybe you'll surprise me."