In an alley in Konoha.
While Yukigetsu was silently evaluating the opponent’s strength, Gaara was also sizing him up.
He knew that Kankuro’s strength was comparable to a Chunin’s, not someone who could be easily subdued by an average Genin, let alone a mere novice.
Thud!
Gaara gracefully flipped down, landing between Temari and Kankuro. He slowly stood up, his eyes reflecting a pale green light. “It looks like we came too early… but we’re not here to play this time.”
“I… I understand…” Kankuro stammered, wiping cold sweat from his brow.
Gaara ignored him and the others, turning away and saying calmly, “Let’s go…”
“Wait…” A soft voice suddenly interrupted.
Yukigetsu looked at Hinata in surprise. Although she was nervously clutching his sleeve, she still spoke up softly, “Judging by the symbol on your headbands, you must be ninjas from the Hidden Sand Village…”
“So what?” Gaara turned back, looking at her coldly.
Yukigetsu felt Hinata’s hands tremble as she held his sleeve, but after glancing at him, she mustered the courage to continue, “Even though we are allied nations, according to the treaty, ninjas from our countries aren’t allowed to cross borders freely… Why are you here? If you don’t explain, we… we can’t let you go…”
“Hmph! You don’t even know?” Temari took out a pass with her right hand and placed her left hand on her hip. “See this? It’s our permit… As Genin from the Hidden Sand, we’re here to participate in the Chunin Exams.”
Kiba looked confused, “Chunin Exams… why take them together?”
Yukigetsu’s eyes opened with understanding. He comfortingly patted Hinata’s head and explained, “The Chunin selection exam is held for Genin from Konoha, the Hidden Sand, and nearby smaller nations who aspire to become Chunin.”
“It’s meant to foster goodwill between allied nations and improve the level of ninjas… Actually, it’s also to ease the tension among allied nations by maintaining a balance of power.”
Kiba’s eyes lit up with excitement. He lifted Akamaru and said, “Akamaru, let’s give it a try too!”
“Woof woof!”
…
“Your aura intrigues me…” Gaara’s pale blue eyes stared at Yukigetsu. “What’s your name?”
Kiba eagerly stepped forward, “Are you asking me?”
He was thrilled to be noticed, thinking this guy had good taste. His admiration for Gaara surged.
However, Gaara frowned and pointed at Yukigetsu, “I’m asking the one with the mask. You’re too weak to interest me.”
Bang!
Kiba stumbled and fell to the ground.
The masked boy brushed back his hair, his gaze deep, “I’m Yukigetsu. And you?”
The gourd-bearing boy nodded seriously, “I am Gaara of the Sand.”
With that, he turned and left with Temari and Kankuro.
Yukigetsu watched them walk away, holding Hinata’s hand as they turned to leave. “This Chunin Exam… just got interesting…”
Following behind, Kiba looked troubled as he glanced at Akamaru atop his head, “Am I really that weak?”
“Arf arf (Compared to Yukigetsu) … Woof woof (Yes).”
…
Swoosh, swoosh swoosh!
Not long after they left, three figures in strange patterned clothes appeared on the treetops.
The one with the word “Death” embroidered on his clothes asked, “What do you think?”
“To us Sound ninjas, they’re nothing special…” The bandaged man with one eye showing replied, “The only ones to watch out for are that masked one from Konoha… and the gourd-carrying one from the Sand.”
…
In a clearing deep within the forest, targets pierced with kunai were everywhere.
“Hey… did you all hear?”
Rock Lee, dressed in his green jumpsuit and sporting his bowl-cut hair, said while stretching against a tree, “I heard that after five years, there will be new participants in the Chunin Exams this year…”
“No way…” Tenten, playing with a kunai, laughed, “Maybe it’s just the Jonin competing again.”
Lee raised his thick eyebrows, “The important thing is… Yukigetsu is among them! He has a duel with Neji!”
Thud thud thud!
Three kunai hit the bullseye precisely. Tenten flipped down and looked at Neji meditating by the tree roots, “What do you think?”
“Interesting!” The white-robed boy opened his pure white eyes slowly, “But… it’s unfortunate for him! Because…”
“He’s going to lose!”
…
Soon, Kurenai appeared before the three wandering around and handed them three recommendation forms. “Although it’s sudden… I hope you all sign up.”
Kiba’s eyes lit up as he took the form, “Wow! Kurenai-sensei, I love you!”
Yukigetsu and Hinata exchanged glances and took the forms as well.
Seeing Kiba’s excitement, Kurenai shook her head and reminded, “This exam is not ordinary. I have one request for Kiba and Hinata…”
Hearing their teacher’s serious tone, Hinata and Kiba focused their attention.
“You two must not hold Yukigetsu back!”
…
In just three days, news about the Chunin Exams spread like a storm, enveloping all of Konoha with unstoppable momentum.
As more Genin from outside villages arrived, the bustling atmosphere gradually intensified, especially when it was confirmed that Yukigetsu and Neji Hyuga had both signed up. The storm reached its peak.
Amidst the anticipation, the day of the Chunin Exams finally arrived.
The weather was clear.
As usual, Yukigetsu, wearing his windbreaker, walked with Hinata and Kiba through familiar streets to the Ninja Academy, the location of the first exam.
The three followed the crowded throng into the building. As they reached the second floor, a commotion drew their attention.
Yukigetsu peered through the crowd. When he saw the situation, he sighed in exasperation. What was that guy up to now?
Two ninjas were blocking the classroom door, while Lee sat on the ground, covered in bruises, looking terrified.
“Seriously… coming to the Chunin Exam in this state?”
“Friends, I advise you to give up.”
…
The crowd murmured, and the two blocking ninjas sneered, “You all are still too green!”
Tenten pleaded, “Please, let us in!”
Bang!
The next moment, she was kicked in the face, flying away with a scream!
“That’s harsh!” someone exclaimed.
The attacking ninja sneered, “It’s for your own good… The Chunin Exam is tough. We failed three times… Many give up on being ninjas or get beaten so badly they can’t stand up…”
“A Chunin is like a team leader, responsible for mission failures or the deaths of subordinates… Most of you won’t pass, so why not leave?”
The crowd exchanged glances. Despite the harsh words, they knew he was right. Most here had already taken the exam more than once and understood its difficulty. Many nodded in agreement.
“That’s true, but… can you drop the illusion already?”
Amid the tense atmosphere, Yukigetsu stepped forward with his hands in his pockets, shaking his head. “We need to get to the third floor!”
“What’s he saying?”
“No idea…”
…
The other examinees whispered while the two blocking ninjas smirked, “Looks like… you saw through it…”
Yukigetsu shrugged, “Not only that… next time you try to scare us, don’t forget to hide your green vests! And those two on the ground, if you’re going to pretend, at least do a better job!”
—
They even have tests like this… The Chunin Exams are getting more interesting! —Yukigetsu—
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