The Jōnin exam wasn't just about combat.
When Kitagawa Minamoto was forced by Kakashi to read countless books and memorize endless information, it wasn't just for show.
Theoretical assessments were an indispensable part of the exam. However, these were hardly a challenge for him—after all, he was a top-tier student in academics.
That said, the exam didn't focus too heavily on theory. After all, he was the one who had once defeated the Fourth Raikage. Many steps were naturally simplified for someone of his caliber.
"Kid, are you ready?"
Jiraiya rolled up his sleeves as he and Kitagawa Minamoto walked toward the stage. He couldn't help but chuckle and ask in a low voice.
"Honestly, it's all the same to me. I can't use Sage Mode anyway, so it doesn't make much difference."
Minamoto blinked and deliberately rubbed his chin, feigning thoughtfulness.
"Or... are you planning to use it? Should I wait for you to prepare?"
"You little brat, why are you so annoying?"
Jiraiya's smile froze. His Sage Mode was nowhere near as seamless as Minamoto's.
"Tch, don't worry, I won't use it either."
"Or is it that you can't use it?"
"You brat, you're really asking for it!"
The two exchanged playful banter as they made their way to the stage, the atmosphere light and relaxed.
Meanwhile, in the stands, Tsunade stood beside Hiruzen Sarutobi, grumbling in dissatisfaction.
"Old man, you're not even trying to hide your favoritism anymore, are you?"
"Hmm?"
Hiruzen blinked, looking puzzled as he turned to Tsunade.
"Isn't this just a standard exam?"
"Tch, his previous assessments were way too easy!"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, but Hiruzen simply smiled.
"Aside from some theoretical calculations, everything else has been excellent. Any shortcomings can be addressed later. Kakashi's Jōnin promotion was even easier than this."
"Tch, that was during wartime."
Tsunade shook her head, though she didn't press the issue. After all, she had witnessed Minamoto's strength firsthand.
Not to mention, during their recent training sessions together, she had been thoroughly impressed by his extraordinary talent—though his personality left her somewhat conflicted.
"Alright, let's not dwell on this."
Hiruzen wasn't interested in debating further. By now, Minamoto and Jiraiya had already stepped onto the stage.
"Barrier team, prepare."
"Yes, sir."
The nearby barrier team immediately began setting up. The battle needed to be contained to prevent any damage from spilling beyond the designated area.
"Now then..."
As the invisible barrier rose, Hiruzen gave the signal at just the right moment.
"Begin the exam!"
At his command, Minamoto and Jiraiya, having already exchanged the "Seal of Opposition," sprang into action.
"Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique!"
Wasting no time, Minamoto seamlessly transitioned his hand seals. In an instant, a roaring fire dragon surged toward Jiraiya!
"I knew you'd do that. Fire Release: Flame Bullet!"
Jiraiya muttered under his breath. Minamoto never missed an opportunity to strike, but Jiraiya was quick to counter.
The two streams of flames collided, filling the barrier with roaring fire and rising heat.
"Impressive Fire Release..."
"This kid is something else. No wonder he's taking the Jōnin exam so young."
"I heard he has other powerful techniques, but they're classified."
"Truly remarkable..."
Even this initial exchange of Fire Release techniques left the surrounding Jōnin astonished, especially since Minamoto had executed his seals with just one hand.
Such a feat required exceptional Chakra control, mastery of the technique, and precise timing.
"Kakashi, aren't you worried?"
Asuma couldn't help but ask quietly from the spectator area.
"Sure, he's strong and has plenty of tricks up his sleeve, but you're way too calm about this."
His remark drew the attention of Ebisu and Genma Shiranui, who were also present. This exam had attracted not only Jōnin but also many Tokubetsu Jōnin.
"Don't worry. Minamoto's got this."
Kakashi remained silent, but Guy chuckled in response. Kakashi eventually nodded in agreement.
"He has more than enough techniques to handle this."
As they spoke, a kunai suddenly gleamed within the barrier. In the next moment, it split into countless identical kunai.
"Ninja Art: Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique."
"Flying Thunder God Technique, huh?"
Jiraiya immediately recognized Minamoto's strategy. Without hesitation, he formed hand seals.
"Fire Release: Great Flame Bullet!"
A massive wave of flames surged forth, engulfing all the kunai. Jiraiya was well aware of how dangerous the Flying Thunder God Technique could be and wasn't about to let those kunai get near him.
"They should've banned him from using the Flying Thunder God Technique. It's practically cheating."
Jiraiya grumbled inwardly as he prepared another jutsu.
"Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld."
The ground beneath them turned into a swamp, designed to hinder Minamoto's movements and set the stage for Jiraiya's next move.
"Barrier: Heavenly Cover Formation!"
Expanding his Chakra, Jiraiya silently activated a sensory barrier.
The Flying Thunder God Technique was too unpredictable. Without a way to sense Minamoto's movements and the kunai's locations, Jiraiya wouldn't stand a chance.
"Hmm, he's coming?"
Suddenly, Jiraiya sensed Minamoto entering the barrier, rapidly closing the distance.
"This kid is fast!"
In the blink of an eye, Minamoto was right in front of him, the White Fang short blade unsheathed.
"Huh? No Lightning Release?"
Jiraiya was momentarily surprised, but his eyes widened in shock a second later.
"Water Release: Water Blade Slash."
The White Fang short blade was enveloped in high-pressure Water Release Chakra, slashing toward Jiraiya with incredible force.
"Water Release?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow from the stands, a strange sense of déjà vu washing over her.
Jiraiya was equally puzzled but reacted quickly, leaping into the air to avoid the attack.
"Hair Needle Senbon!"
Sharp hair needles shot toward Minamoto like steel spikes, but he swiftly countered.
"Water Release: Water Formation Wall."
A swirling wall of water rose around Minamoto, blocking the incoming attack.
The ground beneath them suddenly shifted, causing Jiraiya to leap once more.
"Water Release: Water Shockwave."
A torrent of water surged upward, spinning like a cyclone before cascading down like a waterfall, rushing toward Jiraiya.
"This kid..."
Jiraiya wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, beginning to understand Minamoto's strategy.
In the stands, Hiruzen and Tsunade exchanged knowing looks, realizing Minamoto's intentions.
"Water Release: Water Severing Wave."
Minamoto didn't let up. As Jiraiya landed, a high-pressure jet of water shot toward him with deadly precision.
"Are you trying to kill me?!"
Jiraiya cursed under his breath but didn't hesitate to counter.
"Earth Release: Earth Style Wall!"
A massive earthen wall rose from the ground, thick and sturdy. Jiraiya wasn't taking any chances, reinforcing it multiple times.
Sure enough, when the Water Severing Wave struck, it tore through the walls, though Jiraiya had already leapt away.
"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"
Without missing a beat, Jiraiya launched a ferocious counterattack. A fiery dragon roared toward Minamoto, its flames scorching everything in its path.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bite Explosion!"
Minamoto retaliated just as quickly, summoning a massive water dragon to clash with the fiery beast.
Boom!
The collision of water and fire created a deafening explosion, shaking the barrier to its limits.
"Incredible..."
"How does Minamoto have so much Chakra? He's evenly matched with Jiraiya-sama in a ninjutsu duel!"
"Unbelievable. It seems Konoha has gained another genius."
The Jōnin spectators were awestruck, while Asuma stared in disbelief.
"Isn't he supposed to specialize in Lightning Release? And he knows the Lightning Chakra Mode and the Flying Thunder God Technique. But now..."
"He knows too much. His fighting style depends entirely on his mood. Besides..."
Kakashi trailed off, unwilling to admit that his student had a penchant for flashy, unconventional tactics.
"They're moving!"
Guy's shout refocused everyone's attention on the barrier.
Through the lingering smoke, Minamoto suddenly leapt forward, appearing right beside Jiraiya.
In his hand was a spiraling, layered, high-speed water drill shaped like a spear.
"Is that... Water Release: Hard Whirlpool Water Blade? What's he planning?"
Before anyone could react, Minamoto struck, his attack landing squarely on Jiraiya.
Boom!
Another explosion echoed, but Jiraiya's body dissolved into a puddle of water—it was a water clone!
"Gotcha, kid."
The real Jiraiya emerged from the water below, grabbing Minamoto's arm with a triumphant grin.
But then he noticed the smirk on Minamoto's face.
"This is a water-based battlefield, Jiraiya-sama. And you've forgotten what I'm best at."
"Uh-oh!"
Jiraiya's expression shifted as Minamoto transformed into a bolt of purple lightning, electrocuting the entire water surface.
"Lightning Clone! This brat!"
Jiraiya's body turned into water once more, revealing it to be another clone. The real Jiraiya emerged again, grumbling under his breath.
Just then, a kunai flew toward him. Paralyzed mid-air, Jiraiya could only watch as Minamoto appeared beside him, catching him and landing gracefully on the water's surface.
"Thank you for the lesson, Pervy Sage."
Minamoto smiled, forming the "Seal of Reconciliation."
"You little punk, you're as troublesome as ever."
Jiraiya sighed but returned the gesture with a smile.
"Still, that's what being a ninja is all about. Congratulations, you've passed the exam."
[Main Quest Phase Two Completed: Become a Jōnin]
[Rewards Calculating...]
As Jiraiya finished speaking, Minamoto noticed his System interface flashing, filling him with excitement.
He couldn't wait to see what rewards awaited him this time.
"Old man..."
Meanwhile, in the stands, Tsunade clenched her fists, glaring at Hiruzen.
"What exactly did you teach him?"
"I didn't expect this either..."
Hiruzen looked awkward but also nostalgic.
Minamoto's Water Release was as smooth and precise as his teacher's, evoking memories of the Second Hokage.
Even his final use of Lightning Release felt perfectly in line with his teacher's style.
How could Hiruzen not feel a mix of pride and embarrassment?
After all, he couldn't shake the feeling that...
"I've been outplayed?"
(End of Chapter)
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