The Chunin Exam represented a crucial milestone in any ninja's career. Genin couldn't take solo missions—they were restricted to team assignments with their Teacher, which meant limited pay and even more limited opportunities. Promotion to Chunin or Jonin wasn't just about prestige; it was about survival and income.
"Then I'll be waiting for you!" Might Guy's enthusiasm practically vibrated off him. He didn't overthink things—to him, the Chunin Exam meant one thing: a chance to test his youth against other young ninjas. The very thought made him want to fast-forward time itself.
"About four months," Hanekawa said, then added, "This exam is limited to Leaf Village Genin only."
Kakashi's expression grew thoughtful. The exam itself wouldn't be difficult for him, but securing first place? That was another matter entirely. Both Hanekawa and Guy were formidable opponents. He'd need to perfect his Chidori if he wanted any real chance.
"Will Rin participate?" Obito glanced at the girl in question.
"Yes," Rin replied, though worry flickered across her features. "But I'm not confident about my chances. I'm better with medical ninjutsu than combat."
"Don't worry about it," Hanekawa said with a shake of his head. "Lord Hokage will factor in your role as a medical ninja. You'll pass."
Based on the original timeline, Rin made it through just fine. The standards must be getting looser with the war approaching.
"I'm entering too!" Obito declared, his Sharingan gleaming with determination. "And I'm winning first place!"
Rin smiled encouragingly without pointing out his overconfidence.
"Hey-hey!" Obito grinned at her approval.
Hanekawa stepped closer to Kakashi. "How's that ninjutsu you've been developing?"
"Chidori?" Kakashi shook his head slightly. "There are still significant problems with it."
So it's already named Chidori. Hanekawa knew exactly what those problems were. The technique required explosive speed to close distance, but that same speed made it impossible to see clearly—leaving the user vulnerable to counterattacks. Ideally, only Uchiha with their Sharingan could use it effectively.
"I have a suggestion," Hanekawa said. "What if you changed its form entirely?"
Kakashi's eye narrowed with interest. "How?"
"Turn it into a projectile weapon. Instead of running at your opponent, throw it from a distance." Hanekawa paused. "Beyond that, you could integrate Chidori into your tanto blade. Or even better—expand it across your entire body."
"Expand it across my body?" Kakashi repeated slowly. "What would that accomplish?"
"Right now it only covers your hand. Imagine if it covered everything." Hanekawa smiled. "It becomes both defense and a large-scale group attack."
Kakashi's eye widened. That's... brilliant. "That would solve the fundamental problem without needing a Sharingan."
"Exactly."
"Hanekawa, thank you." Kakashi's gratitude was genuine. "But I have to ask—when you figure out how to expand it, could you teach me? I want to learn that technique too."
Perfect. "No problem. We're friends, after all."
His real goal was using Chidori Flow to mask his Lightning Body—the technique he'd learned in the Hidden Cloud. When activated, lightning covered his entire body, making it impossible to hide. But if he used Chidori Flow, the lightning would blend in perfectly. Two jutsu with the same visual effect meant no one would suspect anything.
"I'll teach you everything I develop," Kakashi promised immediately. "Without your insight, I'd still be stuck."
Tsunade's voice cut through their conversation. "You're quite the strategist, aren't you?"
Hanekawa turned to find her watching with an amused expression. "That's called being intelligent, Teacher."
Tsunade snorted and flicked his forehead. Not hard—more playful than painful.
She's gotten better at this whole 'not actually hurting me' thing.
"We're here!" Obito announced, perking up as a familiar figure appeared at the courtyard entrance.
Uchiha Fugaku himself stood there, which made everyone pause. The clan leader didn't usually greet guests at the door.
"Lady Tsunade," Fugaku said warmly. "Welcome."
"Congratulations, Fugaku," Tsunade replied. Hanekawa immediately produced the gift they'd brought.
"Please, follow me." Fugaku accepted it graciously.
The courtyard was already filling with Uchiha clan members, though a few representatives from other clans had arrived as well—Hyuga, Ino-Shika-Cho, Inuzuka. Hanekawa spotted Hyuga Hizashi among them, recognizing him from descriptions he'd heard.
Hina's uncle. The one who dies in that ridiculous hostage exchange later.
"Lady Tsunade," the gathered Uchiha greeted respectfully as she was shown to the main seat.
"Isn't the old man coming?" Tsunade asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Lord Hokage had urgent matters," Fugaku explained smoothly. "He felt having you represent him would be sufficient."
Tsunade pouted but said nothing more.
Obito led their group to the children's table, where Asuma, Shizune, and Uchiha Shisui were already seated.
"Hanekawa!" Asuma called out cheerfully. "Rare to have everyone together like this!"
"When Itachi grows up, I'll teach him the Way of Youth!" Guy announced, making a fist.
"Don't even think about it," Obito muttered. "The clan leader would never allow it."
If Guy actually trained Itachi, there'd be no Uchiha massacre. The timeline would collapse.
"Kakashi," Asuma said suddenly, "you missed Hanekawa's birthday last month. Where's your gift?"
Kakashi produced a wrapped box without hesitation.
Guy pulled out his nunchaku. "Mine!"
Obito froze, his expression shifting to panic. Nobody told me about this!
"I... forgot to bring it," he stammered. "Tomorrow, I promise."
"It's fine," Hanekawa said, accepting the nunchaku with genuine appreciation. These will be useful. "The thought is what matters."
As they ate and chatted about recent missions, Hanekawa opened his Ability System mentally. Three months of training had yielded something significant.
[B-Rank Talent Entry: Lightning Style Special Jonin]
[Trigger Condition: Master nine Lightning Style jutsu]
[Effect: All Lightning Style jutsu effectiveness increases by 100%]
[Note: Learning additional Lightning Style jutsu may advance this to A-Rank]
His third Special Jonin entry. The Yin Seal's progress bar had also grown considerably, though completion was still months away.
A commotion nearby drew his attention. Three pairs of white eyes—Hyuga clan members. Hanekawa recognized Hizashi leading them.
"The clan leader invited them," Shisui explained.
Shortly after, Minato Namikaze arrived, greeted the younger generation briefly, then excused himself to join the adults. Probably checking on Kushina. She can't attend because of the Nine-Tails.
As the banquet officially began, Hanekawa observed the dynamics. Fugaku looked genuinely pleased—the Uchiha clan was finally being treated with respect by other clans. But in a distant corner, several Uchiha hardliners watched with barely concealed displeasure. Hawks who wanted rebellion, not cooperation.
"How long are you staying?" Hanekawa asked Kakashi between bites of beef.
"Uncertain. Depends on my teacher's plans. But the AB team from the Hidden Cloud returned to their village, so I might have more time." Kakashi paused. "I'll need your help with Chidori development."
"Just let me know when you're ready."
Lightning Style specialists were rare in the Leaf Village. Between the two of them, they could push the technique to new heights.