Along this journey, Chiba had not only obtained every form of senjutsu from Ryūchi Cave, but had also subdued the entire brood of snakes that dwelled there. On his way toward Iwagakure, he had further recruited individuals such as Jūgo and Uzumaki Karin, greatly strengthening Kirigakure's overall power. It was no exaggeration to call this expedition a tremendous harvest in every sense.
After passing through Kusagakure, Chiba and Terumī Mei's group continued westward toward Iwagakure. As one of the long-established great powers among the Five Nations, Iwagakure had always maintained strength above the middle tier. While it might not rival Konohagakure or Kumogakure at their peak, it had consistently suppressed Sunagakure and Kirigakure in the past. Of course, it could still dominate Sunagakure,but Kirigakure was no longer among those it could easily overshadow.
Iwagakure was surrounded on all sides by mountains, barren peaks riddled with exposed rock. From a defensive standpoint, this terrain made the village exceptionally easy to defend and difficult to invade, ensuring long-term stability and security. However, those same features severely limited economic development and trade. Even communication and exchange with other nations were cumbersome due to geography alone.
Because of this environment, Iwagakure had always placed great emphasis on Earth Release ninjutsu. Yet its greatest pride lay elsewhere,in the Bloodline Selection developed by the Second Tsuchikage, Mu.
Dust Release (Jinton).
This technique was widely regarded as the most destructive and powerful offensive ninjutsu beneath the Six Paths, with almost no equal. The only ability that could be mentioned in the same breath was perhaps the space–time ninjutsu Kamui. One tore space itself apart, shredding both defense and enemy alike; the other reduced everything within its domain to particles, erasing all existence into nothingness. Either technique alone was enough to inspire terror in any shinobi.
As the Mizukage, Chiba's visit to Iwagakure was naturally met with warm hospitality. After all, Kirigakure and Iwagakure were already allied. The Sandaime, Ōnoki, was an experienced statesman who understood propriety well. From the moment Chiba entered the borders of the Land of Earth, shinobi had already been dispatched to escort him. Along the way, every courtesy was extended, giving Chiba ample face befitting his status.
Chiba accepted this treatment with ease, traveling leisurely with Terumī Mei and the others, enjoying the scenery as they made their way toward Iwagakure. Passing through a mountain road carved between towering peaks, they finally arrived at the village itself.
Ōnoki stood at the village gates to welcome them, accompanied by his son Kitsuchi, the Explosion Release user Gari, and several elders and elite shinobi of Iwagakure. Among them were also members of the younger generation,Akatsuchi, and Ōnoki's granddaughter, Kurotsuchi, the future Fourth Tsuchikage… or, as some jokingly called her, the "Leg Kage."
At this time, Kurotsuchi was still quite young, her eyes filled with curiosity as she openly studied Chiba.
"Welcome, Mizukage-sama," Ōnoki said with a smile.
Chiba stepped forward, and the old man and the young Kage clasped hands briefly.
"You're too kind, Tsuchikage-sama."
Soon after, the group entered Iwagakure. Following a lavish reception, Ōnoki began proposing a series of new cooperative measures, covering politics, economics, culture, military affairs, and education. It was clear he had given these matters considerable thought. The goal was simple: deepen cooperation, strengthen the alliance, and achieve mutual benefit.
However, when the topic turned to education, Ōnoki's expression darkened slightly.
"Ah… Iwagakure may look prosperous on the surface," he sighed, "but the cultivation of the next generation is a real problem. To be honest, the one I once placed the highest hopes in was my disciple, Deidara. I never imagined that bastard would defect and join Akatsuki."
"It's truly disappointing…"
Chiba nodded in understanding. Ōnoki's personal strength was beyond question,among the Five Kage, he was unquestionably one of the strongest. Unfortunately, he lacked suitable successors.
Kitsuchi's strength was formidable, capable of contending with the Nine-Tails–empowered Kinkaku, and his Earth Release Mountain Crusher Technique had even been able to briefly suppress the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path and the revived Ten-Tails (Jyubi). Yet beyond him, there had only been Deidara,who had since defected.
Of course, Iwagakure still possessed powerful pillars such as Gari, the Four-Tails Jinchūriki Rōshi, and the Five-Tails Jinchūriki Han. However, Rōshi was estranged from Ōnoki and had left the village to wander as a monk. While not a defection, it still rendered him unable to contribute to the village. Han, though immensely strong, was taciturn and ill-suited to leadership,an outstanding weapon, but not a rallying figure.
This generation was already strained. The next one was even worse.
Aside from Akatsuchi and Kurotsuchi, there were almost no shinobi of note.
Ōnoki sighed again. "Under your leadership, Mizukage-sama, Kirigakure reopened its Ninja Academy and encouraged the descendants of all clans to study and train together. I've heard that Kirigakure's new generation is brimming with talent."
"Suigetsu Hōzuki of the Hōzuki clan, Kimimaro of the Kaguya clan, Haku of the Yuki clan, Hotaru of the Tsuchigumo clan, Chōjūrō… and more."
"And then there's the Uchiha clan that came from Konoha. Aside from Fugaku's son, Uchiha Sasuke, there are already thirty or forty young Uchiha who have awakened the Sharingan."
"Honestly… it makes me quite envious."
"May I ask, Mizukage-sama,how did you manage it?"
Chiba smiled faintly. On one hand, it was indeed the result of his policies after becoming Mizukage. On the other, it was because he already knew the future,where these exceptional shinobi were, and how to find them.
Suigetsu and Chōjūrō were originally talents of Kirigakure, naturally discovered. As for Haku, Hotaru, and Kimimaro, Chiba had recruited them in advance after learning of their circumstances. The Uchiha clan,and Sasuke in particular,hardly needed explanation. And now, with the addition of Jūgo and Uzumaki Karin, the pool of outstanding young talent continued to grow.
"It's nothing complicated," Chiba said calmly. "Cast a wider net, expand your scope, and refine your selection."
"Iwagakure is also a great village. Talented descendants won't be lacking,it only depends on whether the Tsuchikage-sama can find them."
Ōnoki chuckled. "That's true."
"These past years, thanks to the resolutions made at the last Five Kage Summit, the great nations have enjoyed temporary peace and stability. All villages are developing rapidly,economically, militarily, and especially in discovering and cultivating outstanding shinobi."
"Without a doubt, this will be the core of future competition among the Five Great Nations."
"I have an idea," Ōnoki continued. "In two or three years, why not unite all Five Nations and hold a Chunin Exam that covers the entire ninja world?"
"This way, we wouldn't need to start a war,yet we could still test the strength of every nation."
Chiba's heart stirred. It was, indeed, a good idea.
"I agree," he said. "An excellent proposal."
Ōnoki smiled. "Then in two or three years, we'll discuss it with the other three great nations."
"Agreed."
At the side, Kurotsuchi's eyes lit up instantly.
"A Chunin Exam hosted by the entire ninja world?!"
"That means we'd get to show our strength in front of all Five Kage, right?!"
"That's amazing!"
Ōnoki laughed. "Indeed,but Kurotsuchi, do you really think you're that impressive? The Five Nations are full of outstanding talents. Don't embarrass Iwagakure when the time comes."
"Hmph! I won't!" Kurotsuchi retorted.
"Grandpa, Mizukage-sama," she said eagerly, "then let's make a promise,three years from now, we'll meet at the Chunin Exams!"
Ōnoki and Chiba exchanged a smile.
"Alright."
…
After finalizing their cooperation and the proposal for a world-spanning Chunin Exam, Chiba remained in Iwagakure for a time before bidding farewell once more to Terumī Mei and the others. Upon returning to Kirigakure, he continued to vigorously strengthen the village's overall power.
At the same time, he placed even greater emphasis on nurturing the younger generation, preparing for the Chunin Exams three years in the future.
During these three years, Chiba reinstated the team-leader mentor system in Kirigakure,a standard method across the ninja world for training genin, which had long been abandoned due to the era of the Bloody Mist. After its revival, elite jōnin led the new generation in training, resulting in astonishing progress.
Team One was led by Ringo Ameyuri. Its members were Haku, Hotaru, and Sagiri. Haku possessed the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai; Hotaru wielded the Tsuchigumo clan's secret techniques alongside puppet ninjutsu; and Sagiri was a newly discovered talent uncovered during Chiba's earlier promotion of Sunagakure's secret arts,a young kunoichi skilled in controlling sand. This team was a rare all-female lineup.
Team Two was led by Mangetsu Hōzuki. Its members were Suigetsu Hōzuki, Jūgo, and Uzumaki Karin,none other than the original members of the future Taka team once formed by Uchiha Sasuke. Suigetsu was Mangetsu's younger brother, both prodigies of the Hōzuki clan. Jūgo, the sole survivor of the Jūgo clan, gradually gained control over his berserk power through Chiba's Ryūchi Cave senjutsu training. Karin, a survivor of the Uzumaki clan, possessed exceptional sensory abilities and medical ninjutsu.
Team Three was led by Kisame Hoshigaki. Its members were Uchiha Sasuke, Chōjūrō, and Kiba Shigure.
As for Uchiha Sasuke, there was no need to elaborate.
Interestingly enough, in the original storyline, Kisame Hoshigaki would often mention his partner Uchiha Itachi's younger brother in passing. Most of the time, it was nothing more than casual teasing, spoken with a shark-like grin and a tone that never quite revealed how much he truly cared. Yet in this world, fate had taken a completely different turn,Kisame had become the squad leader personally responsible for guiding Uchiha Sasuke.
As for Chōjūrō, who in another future would have risen to become the Rokudaime Mizukage , things were clearly different here as well. With his current level of strength, reaching the position of Mizukage in this timeline would be far from enough,he would have to grow far stronger to even be considered. Meanwhile, Hōzuki Shigure was another promising talent discovered during Chiba's large-scale promotion of Sunagakure-style secret techniques. As a member of the Hōzuki clan, Shigure possessed a rare aptitude for mastering Jiton (Magnet Release), a talent that set him apart even among gifted shinobi.
The Fourth Team, on the other hand, was led by Pakura. Its members included Kaguya Kimimaro, Uchiha Kei, and a young boy named Jizō. Kimimaro, a descendant of the Kaguya clan, naturally wielded the terrifying Shikotsumyaku kekkei genkai, a bloodline ability renowned for both its brutality and its elegance. Uchiha Kei was among the surviving children of the Uchiha clan,a kunoichi of exceptional talent, second only to Uchiha Sasuke among her peers. As for Jizō, he was a prodigy Chiba had personally uncovered during the promotion of diluted Hashirama Cell treatments.
Remarkably, Jizō was the only individual in all of Kirigakure who, after successfully receiving a Hashirama Cell transplant, underwent a mutation that awakened Wood Release. It was an intriguing coincidence,Konoha's sole successful example, Yamato, had once gone by the name Tenzo during his time in Root. Now, Kirigakure's only Wood Release user was named Jizō. Whether fate or chance, the parallel was hard to ignore.
Of course, beyond these four squads, there were many other newly formed teams of young shinobi. Under Chiba's leadership, Kirigakure was developing at an astonishing pace, advancing almost by the day.
Time passed swiftly.
Under the policies established during Chiba's Five Kage Summit, the entire shinobi world experienced what could be considered its most stable and peaceful three-year period in recent history. And now, at last, the moment everyone had been waiting for had arrived. The five great nations, after joint deliberation, officially agreed to host a Chunin Exam that would span the entire shinobi world.
At long last, it was about to begin.
The chosen location was once again the Land of Fire, with Konohagakure,situated at the very heart of the continent,serving as the host. On the surface, it appeared to be nothing more than a standard examination for genin seeking promotion to chunin. In reality, however, it was the perfect stage for every major power in the shinobi world to display its strength.
This was a war without gunpowder or marching armies.
No,perhaps not entirely without smoke.
The battlefield had simply shifted, from massive shinobi forces to the clashes between the next generation. Kirigakure, Sunagakure, Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Konohagakure all stood poised and ready. Beyond the Five Great Villages, Amegakure, Takigakure, Kusagakure, and even the Otogakure founded by Orochimaru during these past three years had all chosen to participate.
It was no exaggeration to say that this Chunin Exam was unprecedented in the history of the shinobi world. In terms of participating nations, factions, scale, number of competitors, and overall quality, it was truly without equal,neither before nor after.
In an instant, the exam became the most closely watched event among all shinobi across the world. Even the Five Kage themselves would be present to observe.
Chiba, of course, was no exception.
As Mizukage, he had led Kirigakure from the brink of collapse during the era of the Bloody Mist to its current state,strong enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with even Konohagakure and Kumogakure. His achievements were plain for all in the shinobi world to see.
Under Mizukage Chiba's command, every genin from Kirigakure qualified to participate in the Chunin Exam assembled under their respective squad leaders, fully prepared and eager for battle.
They crossed the seas by ship, traversed the waters, and finally set foot upon the land of the Land of Fire. After another stretch of travel, they arrived at Konohagakure at last.
The younger generation of Kirigakure was packed with experts and brimming with talent. Their arrival immediately drew the attention,and unease,of both major and minor villages alike.
In that moment, the other four great nations could already sense the immense gap between themselves and Kirigakure, simply by observing the caliber of its next generation.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, Ōnoki, the Yondaime Raikage, and Rasa had all arrived. And when Chiba, the Mizukage himself, finally appeared…
The Chunin Exam that was destined to be recorded in the annals of shinobi history,
Officially began.
________________________________________________________________________________________
If you like transmigration stories in the Naruto universe but you're tired of protagonists who instantly become overpowered, "King of Useless Arts" is a genuinely refreshing surprise.
The setup is tense right away: the main character transmigrates into the Hidden Leaf and becomes an Uchiha, with the Third Shinobi World War only a year or two away - meaning every day matters, and mistakes are fatal. But the real twist isn't the clan name. It's the system: the protagonist can "draw" a character and receive a random ability… and luck is not on their side.
Instead of legendary ninjutsu, the early pulls look ridiculous: Mayweather's shoulder defense, a flying cross, and later even stranger techniques like Lightning Five Whip - supposedly created by a "martial arts master surnamed Ma" - and Gong Shou Dao.
On paper, these sound like the kind of "trash skills" that shouldn't matter in a world where people throw fireballs and summon lightning.
And that's exactly why this story works so well.
The author stays consistent and fully commits to the premise: rather than "fixing" the bad pulls with sudden cheats, the narrative explores how seemingly useless techniques can become deadly when applied with intelligence, timing, and real combat logic. Even a skill mocked as nonsense - like Lightning Five Whip - is reframed into something valuable because it improves key ninja fundamentals like speed, flexibility, and hand-seal execution.
It's the kind of story that changes how you see power systems: the abilities aren't impressive because they're flashy - they're impressive because the writing makes them work. If you want a Naruto-world fic that feels different, clever, and surprisingly grounded in progression, this one is absolutely worth your time.
https://www.webnovel.com/book/34915969000303605