Even though Shukaku no longer tormented Gaara in his sleep, he still couldn't rest well.
He liked to sit on the rooftop every night, staring blankly at the round moon.
"Of course I walked back. How else? But you—next time if you can't keep up, don't come along. I don't want to carry you back again, you're heavy as a rock," Gaara muttered.
"Hah, that's impossible!"
Naruto laughed, brushing it off.
"You…" Gaara started, but before he could finish, he saw Kaede approaching. He immediately stood and bowed.
"Ah, Kaede-sama!" Naruto also straightened and saluted.
"No need for formality," Kaede said casually. "Naruto, your father will be back soon. He'll bring Kakashi, Might Guy, and Sarutobi Asuma with him. I intend to have Kakashi and Guy continue teaching you all. What do you think?"
"Kakashi-sensei and Bushy Brows-sensei? I don't have a problem at all. Even back in the village, those two treated me well," Naruto answered with a nod.
Even now, without Ashura's soul influencing him, Naruto was still that same bright, sunny boy. He didn't dwell on grudges, and with Kakashi and Guy—who had genuinely cared for him—he felt no resentment. They were among the few in Konoha who had shown him kindness, so of course Naruto wouldn't object.
"Good. You're already familiar with them, so it'll be easier to look out for each other," Kaede replied.
"Yeah, I can't wait. I wonder what kind of present father will bring me back," Naruto said eagerly.
Gaara, watching Naruto's excitement, stayed silent. His own father, Rasa, had been nothing but a monster. He had never given Gaara love—only cruelty. He allowed the villagers to abuse him, and in the end even sent assassins to kill his own son.
Kaede found it incomprehensible. How could a father's mind twist so far as to order the death of his own child? It was laughable and pathetic.
"Of course you'll get yours too," Naruto suddenly said, slinging an arm around Gaara's neck.
Gaara didn't resist. He only smiled faintly and nodded at Naruto's words.
After talking with them a while longer, Kaede left for the grand hall.
To separate his new nation from the old Five Great Villages, Kaede had built a great temple near the God Tree. It wasn't for worship but served as a council chamber—his forces were too vast now to fit in any ordinary meeting room.
Today, everyone knew he had an important announcement, and the hall was full. Terumi Mei, Onoki, Tsunade, Orochimaru, Konan, three Uchiha elders, and many who had chosen to follow Kaede were all present.
When he entered, they all stood and saluted.
"Kaede-sama."
"Since everyone is here, let's begin," Kaede said, scanning the crowd.
The leaders sat down, their gazes burning with admiration. Onoki, in particular, was already plotting how to offer his granddaughter, Kurotsuchi, as Kaede's disciple, though for now he held his tongue.
"During my absence, you've managed this land well. Everything is in order, and I am satisfied. Though the entirety of the ninja world is not yet under the Nation of Gods, only Kumogakure remains defiant. They'll be dealt with soon."
He paused, then continued.
"While our enemies linger in their last moments, I intend to hold a grand event. Over these days, many new shinobi have gathered under us. I've tested their strength—they are impressive, thanks to your efforts. For that, you deserve reward. So, I will hold a Chunin Exam. From the genin, we will select the talented to rise, without bias. All who are shinobi may participate."
The room went quiet. Then Tsunade spoke first:
"Kaede-sama, I think it's an excellent idea. The Nation of Gods now spans vast territory. By my latest count, we have over three thousand shinobi. Among them are many gifted talents, both from clans and from commoners. I was troubled about how best to assign them, but with an exam, we can both test them and place them where they fit best. It's the perfect solution."
Onoki and Mei both nodded in agreement. Their villages had run Chunin Exams too, though each in their own style. But the goal was always the same: to identify the strongest and raise the next generation.
"Kaede-sama, with so many participants, the exams should be divided into stages," Onoki added respectfully. "In the end, perhaps the top one hundred could be chosen to stand before you. Anyone who rises from three thousand to the top hundred has proven themselves worthy."
He had originally thought to say fifty, but reconsidered—surviving as one of the hundred was already extraordinary.
Kaede nodded slightly.
Orochimaru leaned back with folded arms, half-listening, a faint look of boredom on his face. But even he understood the weight of Kaede's words.
The Chunin Exams would be the stage to shape the future of Kaede's world.
(End of Chapter)
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