The joint Chūnin Exams between Sunagakure and Iwagakure officially commenced in the summer of Konoha Year 45.
After more than a month of preparation and coordination, a force composed of over ninety genin, led by Hoshino Mai's three-man squad, departed in an orderly formation toward the Revelation Mountain Range, located along the Sunagakure–Iwagakure border.
The expedition was personally overseen by Kazekage Rasa.
During Rasa's absence from the village, all routine governance was temporarily handled by the Elder Council, including preparations for the upcoming Sand Memorial Festival.
At the ninja academy, remaining matters had entered a stable, routine phase.
Thanks to the tree-fruit collaboration project and the sale of secret techniques, the funds Shiraishi had accumulated were sufficient to keep the school operating smoothly. Beyond that, a surplus remained.
Shiraishi decided to invest that surplus into large-scale equipment procurement for research and development.
Several unused areas within the academy were repurposed into a dedicated research laboratory. Equipment borrowed from Chiyo and Ebizō, along with newly purchased advanced instruments, was steadily moved in until the lab was fully operational.
"Would you like to work as my assistant?"
Among the students who had not graduated, many possessed strong theoretical foundations. Though they lacked the combat ability to qualify as genin, letting them fade back into civilian life felt like a waste.
Shiraishi's offer was accepted almost unanimously.
They understood better than anyone the gap between themselves and the newly graduated genin. Returning home as ordinary civilians held little appeal—remaining under Shiraishi's guidance offered purpose and opportunity.
After over a month of intensive training, these students already possessed solid fundamentals. Several of Shiraishi's ongoing projects—tree-fruit cultivation, biological development, and basic research courses—were now handed over to them for assistance.
The core focus revolved around reproductive and propagation technologies.
These were foundational biological techniques that had never been formally developed within the shinobi world. Shiraishi himself was reconstructing them based on fragmented memories and incomplete conceptual knowledge.
Regarding equipment procurement, the Kitajima family played a significant role.
Ever since Shiraishi had submitted the human-body techniques to the Wind Country Daimyō, the Daimyō had praised them repeatedly. As a result, the Kitajima family's standing rose sharply, and their relationship with the Daimyō became increasingly close.
Taking advantage of this momentum, Kitajima Jūrin visited Sunagakure frequently, persistently asking whether Shiraishi planned to develop additional human-body techniques.
"For now, no," Shiraishi replied. "My focus has shifted entirely to tree-fruit modification."
The tree-fruit project had already undergone field testing by the Kitajima family using Shiraishi's seed samples. The results were startling—these plants demonstrated extraordinary vitality, thriving in harsh environments while producing fruits with excellent flavor.
This discovery convinced the Kitajima family to deepen their cooperation with Shiraishi.
"So you're really planning to focus on commerce now?" Shiraishi asked curiously, observing Kitajima Jūrin's polished, merchant-like demeanor.
Kitajima's raw strength was impressive. With proper training, he could easily have become a fearsome taijutsu specialist.
"I just want to survive," Kitajima said calmly. "This world is too dangerous."
The mysterious annihilation of Konoha's sensory unit had left a deep impression on him. The shinobi world was treacherous—death could arrive without warning.
Choosing the path of commerce felt safer.
And with Shiraishi as a former battlefield comrade, the Kitajima family possessed a natural foundation for investment trust.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated across the shinobi world.
Skirmishes intensified around Revelation Mountain Range, while Kirigakure launched attacks along the eastern coastline of the Land of Fire. After internal deliberations, the Fire Country leadership resolved to strengthen its offensive toward Kikyo Pass.
Judging from Konoha's troop mobilization and supply movements, a decisive battle at Kikyo Pass was likely to occur within six months.
Both Sunagakure and Konohagakure understood one truth:
The war could not continue indefinitely.
They both wished to end the conflict swiftly—then form an alliance to suppress Iwagakure and Kirigakure.
But each side also wanted control over that future alliance.
If Konoha failed to defeat Sunagakure outright, its leverage would be significantly reduced.
"Does the Kitajima family have any involvement in military supplies?" Shiraishi asked suddenly.
"That sector is monopolized by the Three Sandline Clans," Kitajima replied. "It's not convenient for us to interfere."
He paused, then looked at Shiraishi suspiciously.
"Don't tell me—you've come up with something new to sell again?"
"Just an idea," Shiraishi said.
The military industry was firmly in the hands of the Sandline Clans—unsurprising, given their status as Rasa's core power base.
In truth, the Wind Country's military industry remained primitive. Aside from soldier pills, explosive tags, and basic ninja tools, there was little of note. Foreign proxy operations had also dwindled as Sunagakure weakened.
Domestic supply alone was already insufficient.
"I want to establish a Sunagakure Ninja Academy Foundation," Shiraishi said.
Kitajima was momentarily confused, but after a brief explanation, realization dawned.
"Banking and auction businesses are our specialty," he said thoughtfully. "The elders will definitely be interested in this 'foundation' concept."
Shiraishi understood the Wind Country well. Compared to the impoverished Sunagakure, the Daimyō's capital region was economically vibrant, with a wealthy civilian population.
Most people stored money in banks—but returns were minimal.
Shiraishi's idea was simple:
Use the foundation as a financial vehicle—absorbing capital through high-yield investment products, then lending it out at premium interest rates. The funds would then be dispersed across Kitajima family industries for diversified investment.
"As long as the cash flow holds and the Daimyō provides endorsement," Shiraishi said calmly, "the system sustains itself. It could even allow the Kitajima family to swallow competing businesses."
With the Daimyō's backing, public confidence would follow. High returns would attract capital rapidly.
Shiraishi needed money—fast.
And if he intended to compete for the next Kazekage position, reputation alone would never be enough. Wealth was equally indispensable.
Still, his own training could not be neglected. He needed Kitajima's cooperation to manage the operational burden.
With arrangements finalized, Shiraishi returned to cultivation.
Under Ebizō's guidance, he successfully awakened his fourth chakra nature—Fire Release.
Time passed quietly… until the arrival of the Sand Memorial Festival in the new year.
Maki, who was promoted to Chunin due to her outstanding performance on the battlefield,
Yet Maki's mood was unusually low.
The rumors—
Human-body techniques.
Tsunade.
Milk.
Shiraishi is creating secret techniques for her.
Those words pierced deeply into the heart of a girl far more sensitive than she let on.
If you want to read more, join my Patreon/kazama677
I will drop 1 bonus chapter for every 50 Power Stones