The Chunin Exams had three stages.
First was the written test.
It covered ninja-related knowledge.
Natsume, Kabuto, and Inuzuka Hana weren't one-sided; the written test was no problem.
No need for cheating like in the original with Sasuke and others.
"Exam time is over. All candidates, submit your papers."
Jiraiya's voice came from the broadcast.
Natsume thought there'd be a final question like the original, but no.
Papers were collected.
Candidates left.
Second stage in the Forest of Death, scroll battle.
Time: tomorrow at 8 AM.
To give graders time.
"Natsume."
Tsunade waved from under a nearby tree.
Sunlight dappled her, making her smile brighter.
"Sis, you've been waiting for me?"
Natsume was surprised and touched.
"Not really."
Tsunade rolled her eyes, saying, "I'm waiting for my three disciples."
Then, she waved to Kabuto and Inuzuka Hana.
Tch, stubborn woman.
Natsume didn't expose her.
Kabuto and Hana's ways home were different.
Why would Tsunade wait for them?
At the gate, they parted.
Natsume took Tsunade's hand, feeling warm and soft.
He inwardly sighed: Yin Seal is amazing.
It keeps one eternally young, not just appearance, but body too.
Tsunade wanted to shake him off, but seeing his cute handsome face, she couldn't, so let him hold it.
"Move! Uchiha Police Force business!"
As they strolled, a team of anxious Uchiha ninjas passed.
Villagers on both sides scattered.
Similar to avoiding Naruto.
The Uchiha's poor reputation stemmed partly from the Police Force.
Their methods were too rough.
They didn't understand Hokage isn't just fighting, but human relations.
This led to villagers disliking them.
The Second Hokage giving them the Police Force was a scheme.
If Uchiha could integrate, fine.
If not, it was a fuse.
"Did something happen?"
Natsume couldn't help asking.
That behavior was reckless.
Without a Hokage dad, only Uchiha dared.
Relying on strength, no fear of offending.
"Don't know."
Tsunade frowned.
She'd been in Konoha and knew the Uchiha were growing restless.
Even Uchiha Fugaku couldn't restrain them.
Konoha's higher-ups' strategy wasn't clever.
Just pulling Shisui and Itachi to the Hokage side, trying to use them as bridges to ease tensions.
But impossible.
Treating symptoms, not the cause.
"Let's go to the Hokage Building."
Tsunade thought, deciding to check.
If Uchiha had issues, it'd affect Konoha and disrupt her peaceful life with Natsume.
Natsume nodded.
He wondered if Orochimaru or Danzo was plotting.
…
At the Hokage Building, the atmosphere was tense.
Tsunade grabbed a staff member and asked.
"Sasuke missing?"
Natsume thought: Good grief.
Likely Orochimaru, using him to threaten Itachi, ultimately Shisui.
They were like bosom friends; if one was in trouble, the other would act.
But when and where?
Would others be involved?
Orochimaru was stronger than three years ago, but Shisui progressed too; all unknown.
Hokage's Office.
"The Police Force is Konoha's institution, not Uchiha's private army. For a kid, causing panic—what are they doing?!"
"I agree with Danzo."
Advisor Mitokado Homura chimed in, "Uchiha went too far; they should have informed us first."
"It's understandable."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice rose, "I'm more worried how Sasuke disappeared. Kidnapping the clan leader's son from Uchiha means terrifying strength."
"Maybe self-staged to express dissatisfaction."
Shimura Danzo revealed his intent.
"Uchiha Fugaku wouldn't do that."
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head, "Especially with his son."
"Hiruzen's words make sense."
Homura mediated again.
"Let Anbu and Root search."
Sarutobi Hiruzen puffed smoke, saying slowly, "True or false, finding Sasuke will reveal."
Shimura Danzo was ecstatic inside but calm outside.
This was the authority he wanted.
Many things could unfold.
Hiruzen, this time I win.
…
Tsunade and Natsume didn't see Sarutobi Hiruzen but went home.
Searching was for professionals.
But Tsunade didn't idle.
She invited Mikoto to ease her worries.
The madam was far from her usual gentle calm, looking haggard.
Shizune kept updating.
But news was bad.
Uchiha, in searching, escalated old conflicts.
Even wanting to check Hyuga grounds.
Luckily, Sarutobi Hiruzen arrived in time.
But soon he couldn't hold; they wanted to search Sarutobi clan.
Natsume marveled: If you don't die, who does?
He guessed Uchiha Fugaku couldn't control the clan anymore.
Otherwise, with his personality, not so reckless.
Even if searching, he'd discuss with Hiruzen for help.
This way, likely radicals acting.
Due to Fugaku's inaction, radicals grew too big.
In two years, they'd stage the clan leader coercion rebellion.
A clan leader trying to play both sides—ridiculous.
Natsume wondered if this would advance the extermination?
Possible, but not certain.
Depends on Hiruzen's thoughts.
Konoha just rested months; another rebellion, he'd 100% oppose.
Original extermination was Itachi and Obito together.
But now Itachi has no Mangekyo, Shisui alive.
Extermination chance low.
At this point, Natsume knew what to do.
Itachi, Shisui, Orochimaru, or Danzo.
Track any one's movements.
Natsume didn't track personally but spent 10 fate points.
Can't skimp now.
Natsume also wanted to use this chance to scheme against Shisui.