Two months later, Konoha Grand Arena.
It was the opening ceremony of the Chunin Exams, and the entire arena was buzzing with excitement. A rough estimate put the number of people seated in the circular stands at at least forty thousand.
At the very top of the stands sat the Third Hokage, the Third Tsuchikage, the Fourth Kazekage, and the Fourth Mizukage, all in a row. Even the "esteemed" Konoha elders like Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane could only secure seats in the second row.
"What a pity the Raikage couldn't make it," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, his mouth stretched into a grin that resembled a weathered chrysanthemum in full bloom. "Otherwise, this Chunin Exam would undoubtedly be etched into the annals of shinobi history."
"Even without the Raikage, it can still be a historic event, Lord Hokage," Orochimaru, disguised as the Fourth Kazekage, remarked coolly.
"Lord Kazekage is right," Ōnoki added, gently fanning himself with a small fan, a smile on his face. "Even without that fool A, this is still quite the spectacle."
"If we could collaborate sincerely, spectacles like this could be held every year," Hiruzen ventured, testing the waters.
"I'm afraid that would be a decision for our next Mizukage to make," Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage, chimed in.
He already had thoughts of retirement. He felt responsible of the fact that Kirigakure had fallen into such a state of desolation.
But Hiruzen seemed to have misinterpreted his meaning, his expression stiffening a little. "No rush. We can discuss it after the exams conclude."
"I heard Konoha has produced a rather remarkable genius this time," Orochimaru shifted the topic. "So remarkable that you even recalled the long-retired Tsunade to mentor him?"
This guy, Rasa (Orochimaru impersonating him), his words are a bit pointed... The other Kage turned their gaze towards him, brows furrowed.
On a minor level, this could be seen as mere curiosity, but on a larger scale, it could be considered probing for another village's vital intelligence. If Konoha chose to make an issue of it now, the others wouldn't have much grounds to object.
However, contrary to their expectations. Hiruzen didn't get angry. Instead, he chuckled genially. "I believe aside from Lord Kazekage, the rest of you are already aware of this news. That boy, Hayashi Yuto, does have some talent, but more importantly, he's interested in medical ninjutsu."
'Interested in medical ninjutsu?' Orochimaru's eyes couldn't help but twitch violently. You old fool, who are you trying to fool?!
'Wait! Maybe in this old fool's eyes, that damned brat really did appear interested in medical ninjutsu?'
"For you, the 'Professor Of The Shinobi World' to praise someone as having 'some talent' is quite rare," Ōnoki said, grinning. "It just so happens my granddaughter and my disciple are also considered somewhat talented. If they were to meet, it would surely be quite a spectacle!"
"I'm already looking forward to it," Orochimaru said, the corners of his mouth curling into a meaningful smile.
Meanwhile, in the waiting room. Yūgao Uzuki was helping Yuto sift through his speech.
That's right. Soon, Yuto would have to stand before the entire crowd and give a speech—an arrangement made by Konoha's higher-ups.
It was clear that Yuto was now being groomed by Konoha's F4... no, the F3, as their poster boy. Not only had they directly appointed him as an Anbu captain, but they also intended for him to give the opening speech on such an occasion.
This was no longer just a ninja exam; it was a political signal!
But Yuto couldn't have cared less. He even found time to banter with his online friend.
[Dumb snack]: Time flies, Madara. We've known each other for two months now, right?
[Magical Girl]: What nonsense are you spouting? It's only been two days!
[Dumb snack]: Is that so? So the flow of time is slower in the Pure Land...
He could now confirm that the Uchiha Madara on the other end was from their world. Yuto just hadn't anticipated the time difference between the Pure Land and the real shinobi world.
No wonder this Madara had only been online twice so far; turns out only two days had passed for him.
[Magical Girl]: Akira, was what you said before true? (Akira was Yuto's name from before his transmigration; telling Madara it's his name wasn't really a lie.)
[Dumb snack]: Which part?
[Magical Girl]: My Moon's Eye Plan... it truly failed in the end?
[Dumb snack]: At least, that's how it was in the anime I watched.
[Magical Girl]: You said Black Zetsu wasn't my will. I find that hard to believe!
[Dumb snack]: "Image" And how would you respond if I presented this image of Black Zetsu performing a heart extraction?
The mysterious communication device could send images. And it didn't even need the image file; it could directly pull from his consciousness and memories. Damn system, though annoying, its features were pretty advanced!
[Magical Girl]: ...
Uchiha Madara fell silent. Yuto could sense he shattered his worldview with that image.
[Dumb snack]: Actually, I admire you. You're like a famous hero from my world! He was my idol, the beacon of my life!
[Magical Girl]: What did he do?
[Dumb snack]: He devoted his entire life to peace! And though he ultimately failed, just like you, he at least helped a weak and helpless old mother regain a new life! I believe if you started over, you wouldn't do worse than my idol!
"Bwahahaha, you bastard!" Kushina, inside the Spirit Pearl, laughed so hard she was doubled over. "If Madara ever actually gets out, he'll probably strangle you!"
"He'll have to thank me first," Yuto said with a deadpan expression.
[Magical Girl]: Thank you for the encouragement. I will remember this favor.
"This guy... he's really something else!" Kushina held her forehead.
"It's time, Yuto," Mikoto gently reminded him. "The people are waiting for you outside."
"A speech, huh!" Kushina let out a sigh and whispered, "That curse of yours isn't going to act up right now, is it?"
[Choose.]
[1. Show the plum blossom tattoo on your butt to the entire audience!]
[2. During your self-introduction, admit you have a thing for mothers with children!]
[3. Immediately broadcast a hentai anime starring you and Danzō as the lead couple, giving everyone an eye-opener!]
'Goddammit…' Yuto's face turned pale, and he trembled with barely suppressed rage.
"What's wrong?" Kushina asked curiously.
"Big sis, why did you have to jinx me!"
Yuto took a deep breath and stepped out of the waiting room.
Under the expectant gaze of the audience, he stepped onto the speaker's platform. One particular gaze was locked onto him intensely, filled with shock and disbelief.
It was Mei Terumi! She never imagined that the "Seduction Demon" she had been searching for high and low was actually hiding in Konoha?
"Hello everyone, I am Hayashi Yuto," Yuto began, feigning composure, his tone flat and devoid of emotion. "Gender: male. Age: just turned eleven. My hobbies ... I like mothers with children."
As his words fell, the entire arena went a pin drop silent.
[Congratulations on obtaining one hundred years' worth of chakra.]
_____
_______
Show your support with Power Stones guys!
For every 30 Power Stones I'll drop 1 Bonus Chapter as Thank-You
Every 30 Power Stones =1 Bonus Chapter
[email protected]/Raven_scroll (30+ Advance Chapters)