The Third Hokage nodded his head in solemn affirmation.
"That is indeed correct. This time, not only will Sunagakure participate, but also the Hidden Cloud, Hidden Stone, and Hidden Mist Villages, the three other great nations, will be sending their genin to compete!"
Upon receiving the Hokage's confirmation, the ninjas present were completely stunned, their faces etched with a mixture of shock and bewilderment.
"But... why? They are not our allies. Our Chūnin Exams would be completely meaningless to them, wouldn't they?"
Yamanaka Inoichi, Ino's father, spoke up, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"Perhaps their true aim is to scout out the strength of the new generation of ninjas from other nations? No, more likely, they're here to scout us."
Nara Shikaku said, his expression thoughtful. "Participating in the Chūnin Exams is merely a convenient way to gather information."
With his keen intellect, Shikaku had already grasped the underlying truth. This time, the other nations' motives were not as straightforward as they seemed.
Observing the new generation of ninjas from other countries was secondary to their true objective, which was to assess the current state of Konoha.
The Uchiha Clan Massacre had occurred not long ago, and the news had undoubtedly reached the ears of the Kage of the other great nations.
By sending their genin to participate in the Chūnin Exams, they intended to ascertain whether Konoha, having lost the Uchiha Clan, was still worthy of its reputation as the strongest village.
The balance of power between the Five Great Nations was constantly shifting. If one village's strength were to decline, the others would seize the opportunity to further suppress it.
"That is correct." The Third Hokage nodded, his expression grave.
Not long ago, the Raikage, Mizukage, and Tsuchikage jointly issued a request to me, expressing their desire to send their genin to participate in our Chūnin Exams.
After careful consideration, I agreed. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for our village.
The ninjas present remained silent, listening intently to the Hokage's words.
"First, we can gain valuable insights into the new generation of ninjas from other nations. Second, we can prove something!"
The Third Hokage paused, setting down his pipe and raising his voice.
Rather than allow them to speculate about our village's strength, we shall prove it ourselves.
Even without the Uchiha Clan, we are still the strongest village among the Five Great Nations!
As soon as the Third Hokage finished speaking, a roar of approval erupted from the assembled ninjas!
"The Hokage-sama is right!" Nara Shikaku said, a smile playing on his lips.
"If the other villages want to test our strength, then let us show them what we're made of!"
"This sounds even more exciting!" Might Guy exclaimed, his face flushed with enthusiasm.
"Troublesome... This time, we'll have to take things seriously," Asuma said, his brow furrowed in concern.
"I wonder if those three brats will be able to handle it..." Yūhi Kurenai said, her expression worried.
This Chūnin Exam would be a grand spectacle, but beneath the surface, currents of intrigue and danger swirled.
The next morning, at the usual meeting spot, the relationship between the three members of Team 8 had undergone a subtle shift.
"You're late again, you little rascal!" Hina said, pretending to be angry as she saw Kaoru arriving.
"Sorry, sorry. I got lost on the road of life," Kaoru said, smiling at Hina.
Shin simply smiled, remaining silent.
"Alright, kids, a new day, a new beginning!" Yūhi Kurenai's voice rang out. She jumped down from a tall tree, landing gracefully on the ground.
Five Great Nations Chūnin Exam Arc.
"Tch, always trying to make a dramatic entrance," Shin muttered, annoyed.
"Yeah, Kurenai-sensei always does that!" Hina agreed.
Kaoru nodded in agreement. Although he and Shin were still friendly on the surface, he was wary of him.
"So, what's the mission for today, Kurenai-sensei?" Hina asked.
"Today's mission is simple. No, rather, all of our missions from now on will be simple," Yūhi Kurenai said, her smile fading as her expression turned serious.
"Training. We're going to engage in intense, practical training!"
"Practical training?" The members of Team 8 were taken aback. Only Shin knew the reason for this change.
He had overheard Danzō's plan, and he knew that this training was in preparation for the upcoming Chūnin Exams.
"That's right. I'm about to announce something that is of great importance to your lives," Yūhi Kurenai said, her voice measured.
"In one week, the Chūnin Exams will be held in our village!"
"The Chūnin Exams..." Upon hearing those words, the members of Team 8 were stunned, their eyes gleaming with excitement.
Although they had only recently become official ninjas, they all yearned to become stronger. The rank of Chūnin was not only a title, but also a testament to their abilities.
"That's right, the Chūnin Exams. Only by passing these exams will you cease to be genin, and no longer have to take on trivial, mundane missions," Yūhi Kurenai said.
"Last night, the Third Hokage-sama gathered all the ninjas of Chūnin rank and above and informed us of this news. As your instructor, I have the authority to recommend my students to participate."
Yūhi Kurenai straightened her posture, looking at the members of Team 8 with a confident air. I have been watching your efforts closely.
Your determination in practicing ninjutsu, your unwavering spirit in the face of the enemy... I believe in your strength.
Therefore, I am recommending all three of you to participate in the Chūnin Exams!
Upon hearing this, the members of Team 8 reacted in different ways.
Hina looked worried. She knew that her skills were lacking, and this exam would be extremely challenging for her.
Shin was excited. He wanted to test his skills in battle.
Unlike Hina, whose talent was average, Shin was exceptional for his age, even if he wasn't as gifted as Kaoru.
However, Shin was also uneasy. He hadn't decided whether to tell Kaoru about Danzō's plan. If he did, he'd have to reveal his membership in Root, and he wasn't sure if Kaoru could accept that.
Furthermore, the most important thing was that Shin had to find the right opportunity to tell Kaoru.
He knew that he was being watched by Danzō's men. The Root ninja codenamed "Ren" was likely somewhere nearby, observing his every move...
"The Chūnin Exams..."
Kaoru had read the original story, of course, and knew that the Chūnin Exams were held to select ninjas who were capable of being promoted to Chūnin, and also to assess the strength of allied nations and smaller villages.
Kaoru was indifferent to the Chūnin Exams. His strength was already far beyond that of a genin.
Of all the Chūnin Exams that had been held, only the one attended by the Konoha 12 was truly exciting.
If he were participating in that exam, he might be looking forward to it. But now... Kaoru didn't think that this exam would be very difficult.
However, what Kurenai said next surprised the three students.
"This Chūnin Exam will be different from those in the past. This time, not only will Sunagakure and the surrounding villages send genin to participate, but all Five Great Nations will send genin!"
"All Five Great Nations will participate?" The members of Team 8 exclaimed in disbelief.
"That's right!" Yūhi Kurenai nodded.
"Therefore, this Chūnin Exam will be the most difficult one ever held. That's why I'm having you, who have only recently become genin, participate. Only by fighting strong enemies can you truly see your weaknesses!"
"Ah... This sounds difficult..." Hina said, pouting. She could see the seriousness of the situation in Kurenai's expression, and she was even more worried.
"This is even more challenging!" Shin said, smiling.
"All Five Great Nations are participating... So that's it. They're taking advantage of the Uchiha Massacre to assess Konoha's strength..."
Kaoru realized. "Well, this should be interesting."
"Because these exams are so extraordinary, I'm going to give you a week of devil training to increase your strength as much as possible," Yūhi Kurenai said, her expression serious.
Then, she smiled. "So, for the next week, be prepared."
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