The scene ahead was exactly what I expected. Kankuro held Konohamaru by his collar while Naruto and Sakura tried to look threatening. Temari stood nearby, watching with mild amusement rather than concern. Above them, Sasuke observed from a tree branch, and Gaara hung upside down behind him.
Perfect timing. This encounter could solve my food problem.*
"Put the kid down," I said, walking into the action.
Kankuro's painted face twisted with irritation. "Great, another one. Don't you have anything better to do?"
"Than stop you from bullying children? Not particularly."
I moved forward and pressed a nerve point on his wrist. His fingers spasmed open, dropping Konohamaru safely to the ground.
"What the hell—" Kankuro started, flexing his hand with confusion.
"Maybe try picking on someone your own size next time."
Temari stepped forward, her interest clearly piqued by how easily I'd handled her brother "Nice technique. Most genin wouldn't know something like that."
Before I could answer, I glanced up at the trees. "Your friend up there might want to join the conversation instead of just hanging around."
Everyone followed my gaze upward. Naruto's jaw dropped as he spotted the upside-down figure. "What the—there's someone else up there!"
"How did you—" Sakura started, squinting at the shadowy form behind Sasuke's branch.
Even Sasuke spun around in surprise, clearly not having sensed the presence directly behind him.
Temari and Kankuro exchanged startled glances. "You can sense Gaara from that distance?" Temari asked, a genuine surprise replacing her earlier playfulness.
Impressive sensory ability should establish credibility without revealing too much.*
Gaara descended from his branch, landing silently in front of his siblings. Sand began swirling around his feet in lazy spirals, and his pale green eyes fixed on my face with disturbing intensity.
"You" he said, his voice carrying Shukaku's subtle influence, while looking straight into my eyes "You're not afraid."
"Should I be?"
The question seemed to genuinely intrigue him. His head tilted slightly, studying me like I was some fascinating new specimen, while Temari showed a concerned look staring back and forth between him and me.
"Most people fear me, but you don't" he said simply, folding his arms "What's your name?"
"Kenji. From Takigakure."
"Gaara of the Desert." He paused, as sand continued its restless motion around his feet, which left the duo beside him unsettled for the obvious reason.
Sasuke stepped forward, his dark eyes studying me with calculating intensity "You detected him when I couldn't. How?"
The Uchiha prodigy's pride is clearly stung. Good—competitive rivals make the best allies.*
"Don't worry yourself over that" I replied "You're far too behind to catch on to that"
Something flickered in Sasuke's expression—not quite anger, but definitely challenge accepted.
Temari grabbed Gaara's shoulder before the tension could escalate further. "Come on, we don't have to get into trouble before the exams." She shot a look at Sakura, who blinked at her response "We're here for the Chunin Exams, obviously" Her eyes found mine with obvious interest. "Isn't that right?"
I matched her flirtatious tone easily. "Though I have to wonder if someone as delicate as you should be participating in something so dangerous. These exams can get pretty brutal."
Her expression shifted instantly from playful to indignant, hands moving to her hips "Delicate? Don't underestimate me, pretty boy. I'm way stronger than you think."
"We'll see about that," I replied with a slight smile, matching her earlier smile "Should be interesting to find out during the exams."
The Sand siblings departed, though Gaara glanced back once with that same unsettling stare.
"Wow, you are so cool!" Konohamaru declared, bouncing excitedly around me. "Way cooler than Naruto!"
"Hey!" Naruto protested, his face scrunching up. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"He actually did something! You were just standing there making weird faces!"
Naruto's expression crumpled. "Aw man, not another Sasuke-type who makes me look like an idiot..."
Poor kid's confidence took a hit. Better fix that.*
"You were pretty cool too," I said, causing Naruto to look up hopefully. "Standing up for someone smaller than you when you were clearly outmatched? That takes guts."
Naruto's entire demeanor brightened instantly. "Really? You think so?"
"Definitely. Takes real courage to face down three unknown ninja for a kid you barely know"
Sasuke made a soft 'hn' sound—probably annoyed that someone else was getting credit for bravery.
"So can anyone guide me to some good food in this village?"
"Since you saved me, want some ramen?" Konohamaru asked excitedly "It's the best in the village!"
Naruto's eyes lit up like someone had announced free ramen for life. "Ichiraku's? Can we come too?"
"Sure! The more the better! I got lots of money!"
Food problem solved*
Ichiraku Ramen was a testament to the power of simple excellence. The tiny stand could seat maybe eight people, but every surface gleamed with cleanliness. Teuchi worked behind the counter with the confident movements of someone who'd perfected his craft over decades, while his daughter Ayame assisted with practiced efficiency.
The rich aroma of simmering broth filled the air, complex layers of flavor that spoke of hours of careful preparation. This wasn't just food—it was art disguised as a simple meal.
"Welcome! What can I get you?" Teuchi called out cheerfully.
"Miso ramen," I said, settling onto a stool.
"Six bowls of miso!" Naruto announced with characteristic enthusiasm, forgetting to hold back as the bills was little kid's tab.
"Just one," Sakura said.
"Same," Sasuke added quietly.
Konohamaru ordered two while his friends—Moegi and Udon—each requested one.
The first bowl arrived steaming hot, and I understood immediately why this place held legendary status. The broth was perfectly balanced—rich without being heavy, complex without being overwhelming. The noodles had ideal texture, and the toppings enhanced rather than masked the base flavors.
Soma's culinary knowledge lets me appreciate the technical mastery here. This is restaurant-quality work in a street stand. This man was cooking for real. This is Peak*
I finished the bowl in under two minutes.
"Another?" Teuchi grinned.
"Absolutely."
By the fourth bowl, other customers were staring. By the seventh, a small crowd had gathered. When I reached my tenth, even Teuchi looked impressed.
"Holy cow," Moegi whispered. "Where does it all go?"
"Here" I said, patting my belly "It takes intensive training for such space"
Naruto slammed his hands on the counter, eyes blazing with competitive fire "No way you can out-eat me! Old man, keep them coming!"
What followed was pure competitive chaos. Bowl after bowl vanished as Naruto and I tried to outpace each other, while our audience provided increasingly amazed commentary.
"They're both insane," Sakura muttered, though she was smiling despite herself.
"This is the most awesome thing ever!" Konohamaru cheered.
Sasuke watched silently, probably calculating whether eating capacity correlated with combat ability. His analytical nature wouldn't let him dismiss any potential advantage. Sadly, his emo phase was restraining him to jump into this madness.
We finally stopped at sixteen bowls each, calling it a mutual draw.
"Incredible!" Teuchi laughed, his face beaming with the joy of a craftsman whose work was truly appreciated. "You boys are welcome here anytime!"
"Kenji!"
The moment was interrupted as Miki and Hiro appeared at the stand entrance, looking relieved to have tracked me down.
"Yoru-sensei wants to see us," Hiro said urgently.
Time to rejoin my temporary team.*
I stood, stretching muscles that were pleasantly satisfied for the first time since arriving in this world. "Thanks for the meal," I told the Konoha group. "See you at the exams."
"Wait," Naruto jumped up, his earlier jealousy forgotten in the face of shared ramen appreciation "What's your name? I forgot" asked Naruto as he smiled sheepishly.
"Kenji"
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and I'm gonna be Hokage someday!" He said, pumping his fist in front of him.
"Sakura Haruno," the pink-haired girl added with a polite smile.
Sasuke's introduction was characteristically brief "Sasuke Uchiha"
The last loyal Uchiha, though he doesn't know it yet. And Naruto—future savior of the ninja world, currently just an enthusiastic ramen enthusiast.*
I nodded to each in turn. "Should be interesting tomorrow. Don't go easy on me."
Naruto's eyes blazed with renewed competitive spirit. "We'll show you what Konoha ninja can really do, believe it!"
"Looking forward to it."
The meeting point was outside a weathered administrative building that had seen better decades. Yoru waited with folders tucked under his arm, his expression carrying the weight of recent loss mixed with professional determination.
He's handling his student's death better than most jonin would. Takigakure produces tough teachers, not sure about students though*
"Registration's complete," he announced as we gathered around him. "Exams begin tomorrow at 4 PM sharp, room 301 in this building."
He distributed folders containing official documentation and exam guidelines. The papers felt heavier than they should—not physically, but with the weight of what they represented.
"Listen carefully," Yoru continued, his voice taking on the authoritative tone that marked experienced jonin. "You'll be facing the elite genin from every major village. Leaf, Rain, Sand, etc—all sending their absolute best. Some of these candidates have been training since they could walk specifically for this opportunity."
Miki grinned with the confidence of youth. "Good thing we have Kenji on our team!"
Yoru's expression hardened instantly, and I could see why he'd survived long enough to become a jonin. "That attitude will get you eliminated before the first exam ends. This is a team evaluation, which means success requires all three of you working in perfect coordination. Start relying too heavily on any single member—no matter how skilled—and you'll fail the moment that person can't cover your weaknesses."
Both students straightened, the harsh reality of their situation finally sinking in. The Chunin Exams weren't just tests—they were meat grinders that separated the truly capable from the merely hopeful.
Of course, what they don't know is that for me, these exams will be little more than a walk in the park. My abilities far exceed anything they could imagine a genin possessing. But maintaining the facade is crucial—too much power displayed too early would draw unwanted attention and complicate my long-term plans.*
"Lodging is six blocks north of here," Yoru said, pointing down a side street lined with traditional Konoha architecture. "Two rooms—you boys share one, Miki gets her own. Rest well, study those materials, and be ready for anything tomorrow."
After he departed with final warnings about punctuality and preparedness, Miki and Hiro headed toward their accommodation, their earlier excitement tempered by their sensei's sobering words, while I excused myself to take stroll around as I didn't have the habit of sleeping too early.
I followed at a distance, mind already working through the upcoming challenges. Early series timeline meant Orochimaru's invasion during the finals, the Sound Four's interference, and the Third Hokage's eventual sacrifice. Each event represented opportunities for significant battles and gacha rewards.
But first, I need to get through the exams themselves. Forest of Death, preliminary rounds, and whatever else they throw at me. Though 'survive' is perhaps too strong a word—more like 'participate without revealing my true capabilities.' But it's too hard to not show your true potential when others claim to be some top stuff*
The collision with the elderly man seemed coincidental until I got a clear look at his face.
Danzo Shimura
Root founder, war hawk, and the man who would orchestrate some of the most devastating political moves in Konoha's history.
His walking stick clattered to the pavement with what I now realized was deliberate timing.
The man before me cut an imposing figure despite his advanced age. Danzo Shimura stood slightly hunched, his gnarled hands gripping a polished wooden walking cane that he clearly didn't need for mobility—it was more prop than necessity. His face was a study in controlled menace: the left side wrapped in stark white bandages that concealed the stolen Sharingan eye beneath, while his visible right eye held the calculating coldness of someone who viewed people as either tools to be used or obstacles to be eliminated.
His remaining visible features were weathered and stern—thin lips that rarely showed genuine emotion, deep-set wrinkles carved by decades of political maneuvering, and silver-gray hair that spoke of his advanced years but none of his diminished ambition. He wore the standard dark clothing of a Konoha elder, but something in his posture suggested coiled danger beneath the veneer of frail old age.
"Forgive me," he said with practiced politeness, though his visible eye was already cataloging every detail of my appearance.
I picked up the cane, meeting his gaze directly as I handed it back. The bandaged side of his face remained perfectly still, but I knew beneath those wrappings lay Shisui's stolen Sharingan—a weapon he'd use to try to control the Five Kage Summit in the future.
The probability of this encounter being planned is over 90%*
His attention lingered deliberately on my right eye and its distinctive red iris.
"Interesting," Danzo murmured, accepting his walking stick with fingers that showed no tremor despite his apparent frailty. "Such unusual eyes for a young shinobi from a minor village."
"Just genetics," I replied evenly, keeping my expression neutral.
"Of course." His smile carried all the warmth of a snake sizing up its next meal, the visible corner of his mouth curving upward while the bandaged side remained motionless. "Enjoy your stay in Konoha. I do hope the exams prove challenging to you"
"I'm sure, they will."
I watched the old war criminal disappear into the crowd, his walking stick tapping against the cobblestones with measured precision. Danzo moved with the careful gait of someone deliberately projecting weakness while concealing lethal capability beneath. Every step was calculated, every gesture a piece of theater designed to lower others' guard.
Great. As if the exams weren't complicated enough, now I have to worry about Root operatives watching my every move. Though in truth, even Danzo and his entire organization would pose little real threat to my current abilities. The challenge will be dealing with them without revealing just how far beyond their reach I truly am.*
Tomorrow's Chunin Exams had just become significantly more dangerous than even the canon timeline suggested—not because I couldn't handle whatever was thrown at me, but because managing expectations while being vastly overpowered would require a delicate balancing act that only my teammates truly understood the scope of.
. . .
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